The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-09-11

(Trorr shs .achmond Republican,
Messsrs oatsIrs sn article of profound interest on
this subject, from the pen OF Lieut. NJ. y. Msury.
Lieut. Manry gives history Of this expedition brief
public to the report of Lieut. Lynch who has made
successful survey, and Who glad to learn, is
expected TO return TO this country.
welearn on Lieut.. Maury's article that this exps-
dtion was plan ned BY Lieut.. Lynch, and authorized
by Secretary Mason. In the spring Of lSa7, Lieut.
Lynch first addressed the Secretary the subject
commenting o decentralization and exploration Of
tbs Dead and it's entire coast stating that tina
at Acre in Syria forty miles from Lake Therias or Sea
Of Gaee, from which the river Jordan runs and de-
pouches into the first named sea- that the frame of
cams's from Acre to Tiberss and there put toge-
Their again. Only one traveller, Mr. Cortigan, had
ever the Dead Sea- and ne mad died at
journal notes behind. II contended also that
Independent Of the eager curiosity of all
in regard to this mysterious lake this expedition Of
value to the interests Of navigation.
The Secretary Of the Navy received favorably the
occurred by which 1t could be conveniently carried
rto effect. 1t necessary to send store ship to
the Mediterranean squadron and after her arrival
tary determined to send Lieut.. Lynch and his party
in her. that after meeting the wants Of the squad
ron she could proceed up the Levant and land Lieut.
Lynch and his companions. a, I"
This was DONE The storeship Supply was pro-
vided with two metallic boats Of copper, the other
Of ironi the former named Fanny Mason, and the
latter Fanny Skinner.
On their arrival at their destination their troubles
began and in their march Lake Tberias their boats
tain gorges and heights and to be lowered down pre-
cipicss with ropes. But these difficulties sur
on tho Sth of April the two Fannies, each with the
American ensign flying were upon the beautiful blue
ter it alone Of all things around them, remained the
same Just as the Apostles saw 1t when our Saviour
said toit Peace be STILL this little band of rovers
The navigation of the Jordan was found to be most
difficult and dangerous from its frequent and fearful
me ss o. s sss
tortuous Of the Jordan which, In distance Of
sixty miles, winds through course Of two hundred
party plunged down less than threat
ening rapids besides many others Of less descent The
difference Of level between the two seas Ii over thou
The water of the Jordan was sweet to within few
hundred yards of its mouth. The waters of the ses
devoid Of smell, but bitter salt, and nauseous
Upon entering it, the boats encountered by gale
and 1t seemed as If the bows dense the water
were 60 INT the ssdss hammers Of the Tsan
The party proceeded daily with their explorations
making Typographical sketches as they went until
they reached the southern extremity Of the where
the most wonderful sight that they had yet seen
awaited them.
"In passing the mountain Of Uzdom (Sodom) We un.
expeotedly, and much to our astonshment." says
Lieut.. Lynch, "saw large rounded, turret- shaped
column, facing which proved to be Of solid
capitalization. MIR Dale took sketch Of it. and Dr.
Anderson and landed with much difficulty, and pro.
cured specimens from it,
their place Of parture and brought back their boats
In a. complete order as they received them at New
of the Skill system and discipline of the Ameri-
navy. No nation in the world has such a service
The time !: coming whsn # win give proofs of that
Thanks to the good management of Lieutenan
Lynch the whole cost of this scientific exploration
and maintenance Of the crew Of tho shipl VAS but
seven hundred dollars. r
From the letters Of Lieutenant Lynch, quoted by
Lieutenant Maury, transcribe the following in
resting facts elected BY the exploration
"The bottom of the northern half of this is
distance from the shore scarce vary in depth The
deepest soundngs thus far, 1873 fathoms, 12S feet
Of salt but tho one soft mud with
angular crystals-mostly cubes-of pure salt At
time Stellwsger's lead brought up nothing but
hThe southern half of the sea is as shallow as the
northern one Is deep and for about fourth Of its
us feet1 Its southern bed has presented no CRYSTALS
bat the shores lined with ncrustations salt and
when We landed ct U.dom. in the space Of an hour,
THE opposite shores Of the peninsula and the west
cost present evident marks Of disruption.
s'There uestonably birds and insects upon
the Shores and ducks sometimes upon the Sea- for
we have seen them-but cannot detect any living
thing within 4 although the salt streams flowing into
survey will fully sustain the scriptura account OF the
eities ofthe plain"
He thus speaks of Jordan: The Jordan, although
rapid and npstuous is graceful in its windings and
fringed with luxuriance, while its waters sweet
clear, cool, and refreshing g.
determine the height Of mountains on ts shores and
to run level thence ria Jerusalem to the Medter-
rsnean. They found the summit of the west bank Of
the Dead Sea than 1000 feet above its surface
and very nearly a level with the Mediterranean.
ut is curious fact" says Lieut.. Maury, that the
sh"ul measure the height Of its banks the el.uston
Of the Me terranean and the difference Of level be-
tween the bottom Of the two seas and that the depth
Of the Dead Sea should be also an exact multiple Of
the height Of Jerusalem above IT,
Another not less singular fast In the opinion OF
forms two submsrred plains, an elevated ana rs ~
pressed one. The first, its southern psrt, Of Shiny
mud covered by shallow bay the last, It's northern
and largest portion Of mud and incrustations and
rectangular crystals Of salt-at great depth, with
narrow ravine running through it. corresponding with
the bed of the river Jordan at one extremity and the
Wady Ell Jeb,' or: wady within wsdy,' at the
other.r
"The smy oeze," says Lieut.. Maury, upon that
remind the sacred historian Of the slime Pits in the
vale, where were Joined in battle four kings with
We have given this condensed view of Lieut.
Msurys instructive article, with its extracts from
Lieut.. Lynch letters, believing that the interest Of
the subject will us In the eyes Of readers
abstractins 50 much space from politics Lieut..
Lynchs report viii b. eagerly awaited by the public
SPORT1NG LAW SUrTS.-A Snort time ago, we
mentioned that trot was to take place between
two celebrated Brooklyn horses. owned by anna
teur sportsmen of this city, for $3.50 side, and
that the affair terminated In an angry alteration
between the opposing parties. The stakes were
placed in the hands of tavern keeper of this CITY,
who has been sued by one OF the individuals who
was party TO the wager, for the recovery of the
amount which he deposited. At the instance of
the person who claims to have won the money,
the stakeholder will defend the action; and on its
trial some very interesting Developments NAV be
expected.-Brooklym Advertiser, Sept. Hh.