, 1853-09-24


rations, together with such things as were
deemed necessary TO aid US in the ascent,
and left camp for the summit, distant about
four miles in an air line. We found the
route a continual steep ascent, with the ex
captiOn OF an occasional descent over pre-
cipitant ledge of rocks. About two miles
from our camp we descended high ledge
TO the bed Of a small stream, which we fol-
lowed until we struck the lava at the foot
OF the bare mountain - where vegetation
ceases TO make its appearance. The por-
ton of this stream which we travelled has
a fall of at least one thousand feet to the
mile, and a much greater one higher up.
The appearance Of the mountain upon a
nearer approach is sublimely grand, and
impossible 10 describe. The blackened piles
Of lava which were thrown into ridges hun
dreds Of feet high in every imaginary shape,
with an occasional high cliff of primitive
formation, seeming 10 lift its head above and
struggle 10 be released from IFS compressed
position, impress the mind of the beholder
with the power of Omnipotence, and the in
significance of human power when compared
with that OF natures Cod. Above all
stands tower Of eternal rock and snow, ap.
parently stretching its high head far above
the clouds and looking down with disdain
upon all beneath. The glaring sunbeams
upon the " SHOWS Of a thousand winters "
serve by contrast 10 make the immense
piles Of lava appear blacker than they 9TH
erwise would.
We commenced the ascent al once on the
south side by climbing up the cliffs of lava
towards small cluster of spruce trees which
stand short distance from the line Of per-
petual snow. After several hours hard
toll we reached this point, and finding few
sticks OF dry wood, kindled fire and made
our camp for the night. We here supplied
ourselves with water by melting snow.
We found the night cold and extremely
uncomfortable--our party did moi find much
rcpose, and as the eastern sky commenced
10 show the approach OF day, we len the
camp and pursued our way upward. The
higher we ascended, The more difficult our
progress. Suffice il to say, that BY con-
stant and2persevering effort, we were ena-
bled to reach the highest pinnacle of the
mountain soon after meridian. The atmos-
phere produced a singular effect upon all
the party, each face looked pale and sallow,
and all complained of a strange ringing in
the ears. 1t appeared as il there were
hundreds Of fine toned bells jingling all
around US. Blood started from our nose,
and all Of US found respiration difficult
With this exception, we all felt we'll. Il
would be futile 10 attempt 10 give our read
ers correct idea Of the appearance of the
vast extent Of country visible from the top
of this mountain. The ocean, distant over
one hundred miles, was plainly seen. The
whole Coast and Cascade ranges Of noun
ttinsTcould be plainly traced with the ma
ked eye. The snow covered peaks OF Mts.
Hood, Rainier and two others seemed close
by. These form a sort Of amphithealre on
large scale, diversified with hills and val
leys.
The crater has been represented 10 be on
the southwest side of the mountain, which
is not the case. We took the bearing from
the top with a compass, and found il 10 be
on the northeast side. The smoke was
continually issuing frsm lis mouth, giving
unmistaka5le evidence that the FIRE was moi
extingushed. There is much more snow
on the north than on the south side; on the
latter Iis bare in spots, while on the former
it is hundreds Of feet deep. We examined
hssures in tho snow several rods across,
which extended a great length along the
side Of the mountain and on throwing a
stone down heard il strike lOng distance
from US.
Aher spending sufficient time to see
what was 10 be seen, and building pyra-
mid Of loose stones on the highest spot Of
level earth and ashes, we commenced our
descent, and reached our camp at 4 O'Clock
in the afternoon, tired and worn ont in
body and boots. Al dark we reached the
timber, and camped for the night. The
next morning We left our encampment on
the mountain for home, which We reached
in four days.
We have only to add that we are fully
satisfied with our trip, and are willing here.
alter let others explore mountains while
we will devote our time TO matters requiring
less labor, and fraught with more Of the
comforts Of life than we have experienced
in this trip 10 the top of Mount ST. Helsns.
COMMODORE NEwToN.--Dispatches have
been received at the Navy Department, die
tated by Commodore Newton himself, and
dated % Pensacola Julv Q3O in which Tho