Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1846-01-31

man after him, through crevices which were
soon after closed by the settling of the hill. In
two hours more the whole had shut down, SO
that if he had been left his death would have
been inevitable. Thanks to Mr.. Dryden for his
coolness. intrepdity and humanity.
The greatest possible efforts are now made
by working night and day 10 reach the place
where the fourteen were at work but faint
hopes, however, are cherished respecting them.
The places cannot probably be reached before
the middle of next week. if then. The proba-
billty is that they have been crushed to death
Most Of them we're men with families One boy
only is known with certainty to be dead.
Except for the loss of life, this unforeseen oc-
currencc is not much to be regretted, nor will
it greatly impede the companys operations since
it has occurred at about the time when it is usu-
al to suspend labor for a couple of months, to re.
pair for the Spring, and every thing will be
rectifed before them. The immense strength
of the rock above prevented the hill from set
Ting in the usual way; but now it is down, it
10 W dN, as IL lItto lItUl Iulult udH-
ger, and the roads when reopened will be per.
| fectly secure. It was an innovation for it to
come down suddenly in mass, instead of the
quiet decent way it has adopted IN former ins,an.
ces, and no human foresight could have predic.
ted the manner of its descent, nor could human
| prudence, in the present state of knowledge,
have provided against it.
The quantity Of the mountain fallen is vari-
ousy estimated. Mr. Dryden said that it was
about three quarters of mile long, by half a
mile in width. Mr.. Clarkson said that it was
about half mile long and an eighth wide. In
the former case it would be about 2i0 acres,
and in the latter 40 acres. Mr.. Archibald, the
chief superintendent OF the mines and rail road
whose science and practical skill are not ex.
ceeded, estimates the amount fallen at far less
! than either of the assistants. Since the first
avaanch, it must be borne in mind however
many other portions have gone down. Wha,
the extent OF the whole is no one can conjec.
ture with any approximation TO certainty and
it is exceedingly difficult at present TO get any
accurate information respecting it.
do not know that the company have any
interest either to magnify or conceal the mat
ter, inasmuch as it is more likely to prove a be
neft than a damage TO their future operations
The only expense attending it will be TO re.
| pair the roads and remove the obstructions but
these will then be safer; and the know ledge
acquired by this experience may prove of the
greatest utility hereafter.
The occurrence seemed 10 me so unlike any.
thing ever heard OF, that | commenced wr
ting the account of it to my friends but i, has
proved SO long, that to save the multiplication o
! letters, | concluded to send it to your paper
which most of them are accustomed to read
and they may, il they choose, consider it as per
sonalIy addressed to each Of them There may
be others OF your readers also to whom it may
| not be unnteresting. With sentiments o
respect, am yours,
H. A. ROWLAND