The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1855-12-12

has been received from the Hon. Mr.. Cling
man, relative to the mountain region Of n.
Carolina, which you will oblge the Smith
sonian Institution by publishing in your val
liable paper. II contains information Of an
interesting character relative TO the topog
raphy Of portion OF our country but little
known. The highest point Of the Black
Mountain, now known by the name Of "Cling
mans Peak" is probably the most elevated
point east Of the Rocky Mountains.
JOSEPH HENRY,
See. Smithsonian Inst.
To the Editor Of the Spectator.
Asheyilc, NJ c., Oct. 90, 1855.
| My DEAR SR The interest you mani
Tested a year or two since, with reference
10 one oi the mountains in our region, in
duccsm me to address this letter to you. From
| time to time there have been discussions as
TO where the highest point Of land is to be
found, east Of the Mississippi river. You
doubtless recollcct a controversy as TO the
relative height Of the White Mountain of N.
Hampshire, aud the Black Mountain Of N.
Carolina. Prof. Mitchell succeeded, think,
in making il appear, that that portion Of the
Black Mountain, since called "MitchePs
Peak" or "Mount Mitchell" was higher
Than "Mouut Washington" the most eleya-
ted point Of the White Mountain range.
But even at the time OF this measurement.
| was of the opiniun that he had not sue
cecded in getting upon the highest point Of
the Black Mountain. In our frequent con
versations, both before and since that time,
he did not appear TO feel at all confident on
the subject. Itis with reference to the fact
that another peak Of the mountain Is higher
than any ascended, or measured BY him, that
| now propose TO speak. 1t may appear
strange to some persons, at a distance, that
at this time, there should be any doubt as TO
fact, capable seemingly Of so easy demons
stration. Those Who'll have been on the noun
tain, and who therefore know the difficulty,
heretofore, OF getting TO the top, do not share
in this feeling. When, some twenty years
ago, Mr.. Mitchell beganhis observations with
reference to the height Of the mountain, it
was much more inaccessible, tlan il has
since become, by reason Of The progress Of
the settlements around its base SO that he
was liable TO be misled and thwarted by I'M
loreseen obstacles in his efforts to reach par
tild attain some part ot the top oi the ridge,
nature was too much exhausted to allow
more than an observation as TO the immedi-
ate locality. II has ashappened that in his sew
cral attempts, both from the north and the
; south, he never succeeded in reaching the
highest portion Of the range.
The Black Mountain lies wholly on the
western side Of the Blue Ridge. The name
given in tlis State to the mountain which
divides the waters Of the Atlantic from those
the Mississippi. Its nearly twenty miles
: in length, and in form almost makes semi
D circle, with one Of its ends projected in the
:; direction Of its tangent. In a part OF its
! course it approaches within three miles OF
L tic Blue Ridge. and is connected with that
! mountain BIZ lower ridge than itself. At
i the junction, there arises pyramidsl peak,
known a. the "Iligh Pinnacle" Of the Blue
I Ridge, aud which is probably the yery high
:, est point Of the great divide" surprising,
:, | think, both The "Grand father and tie
E.'ll0g-back." About one mile north of where
this connecting ridge unitcs with Tie Black
! stands mt. Mitchell" Something more than
d one.tlird Of The entire chain &c the noun.
! tain runs from this peak, fist IN westerly,
aud at length 10 a north westerly direction.
:, Rather more than half Of the ridge of the
- Black, therefore, lies 10 tile north Of .'Mt
Mitchell" The chain in is entire length i
covered, not only ON its top, but down ii,
ID sides, for one or two miles, with dense for.
rs csts Of the balsam Iir.trce. IL dark greer
s foiage gives the mountain, whether seen il
et summer or winter, from all points of III,
- compass, and all distances, the anpcarane,
is, II ground recently burnt over, an irrcsitibl'
ed suggested the name by which il has beer
u. Known since the earliest settlement of th
y, country. That point which am satisfied j
Us the highest u the range, IS situated abou
he three miles to the north-ca Of Mt. Mitchell
Ell Having lately visited, with ayicw Of deter
d. mining, as nearly as possible under the cir
Us cums,ances, It's altitude. now propose /
ed give you tue results Of nv observations.
tc shall, ia the first place, assume that III
il- height ol Mitchell Peak has been correetl
Ith asccrtained. though, in common with sever
~ al Subsequent Observers. am inclined 4
u. think that Dr.. Mitchell rather uudrrstates II
:" real altitude aboye the sea. During his Oh
Of seryations lie had barometer Stationed 4
'eF sshcyiIlc, lur the purpose Uf comparison wit
: flat which lie carried with him. AsheyilI,
IT. he estimated to be 200 feet above the lev,
Sc. of Tie ocean. lie gave Cor the height of III
'c, peak bearing his name, 6,61s feet. Betwce
d this aud another point my comparison ia
on been 30 made as to leave no doubt whateyr
"a ol lhc superiority or Tie latter. During Ii
NC period Of my observations, one baromrie
/. vas observed by Mr. W. Mcdowell, the cler
IN the Bank Of Cape Fear at Ashesile. au
Irh another by Dr. 4. VI. Foster. who lives
ust mile from the village, and who vas Kim
CT. enough 10 assist me IN this manner. ffoi
NIL this place 10 the top Of Mt. Mitchell. The di.
ON lance j. not more than twenty miles, IN Il
the rect line. The barometer which carrie
.ed with me. has been III NY possession sou
l.. months; and repeated trials al various q
- ,atuns ~ well known heights, have giy,