Washington telegraph., 1856-05-14
Ancient Ruins in Texas.

The Washington (Texas) American has
long article in relation to the discovery of
ancient ruins in the Big Thicket, on the San
Jacinto, about 20 miles from Montgomery.
The reporter of these antique wonders was
Mr. Smith. This same name of Smith is
an indefinite designation of individuality
Now Wash. may have been told all he hes
published, but would it not have sounded
to have given'Mr. Jones, or Mr. Brown, or
johnson. or some other name as authority
for SO big tale' The American is quo,
ted:
The only portion of this gigantic struc-
ture which remains whole is marble COL
umn, futed and surmounted by capital
upon which is carved on one side sheaf of
wheat, and on the other something which
vas supposed to be water fall but some
What defaced on the other two sides is a
plain engraving of evergreen. a por-
tion Of another column is also there, about
the same size. The column that remains
whole is about sixteen feet in length. The
foundation of the edifce covered am area of
ole by eco fcvu. ThvIu appo~red TO bo
four main entrances. and Mr.. Smith be-
neves though is not certain, that there were
en- each side of the building portico front
ing about one-third OF the distance There
are great many fragments of fine work
manship, but the gentlemen accompanying
Mr.. S. had not time TO place them together
to ascertain 10 what part of the building
they belonged.
There were several marble arches nearly
whole, which they supposed to have been
oxa.. Tho dOory ooJ u;r1ou-- rHloro ,ro
also in preservation two or three marble
slabs which are supposed to have belonged
to flight Of stairs.
The stone of which the edifice is built,
is gray lime-tone, presenting a beautiful
ly polished surface, the most of which are
buried, as also was the most of the columns
discovered Mr. Smith has no dou bt that
valuable and wonderful discoveries may be
made by excavation, and has promised to
return in four weeks to assist in making
further examinations into this mysterious
affair
The ruins are situated in the midst of
dense thicket. almost impenetrable. and in all
probability would not have been discovered
by these gentlemen, had it not been for
pack of dogs having overtaken a bear near
the spot in quest of whom these gentlemen
went
Mr. Smith is surprised that the surveyor
who surveyed the county. did not make
this discovery, as Mr.. Johnson's line passes
within two feet of the marble column de-
scribed, ard line tree is marked within so
feet of it.
There have been great many evidences
discovered proving the settlement of this
country anterior to the present race but
this is the surest testimony we have yet seen
proving the civilization of the race which
preceded US. The most mysterious part of
this affair is the marble employed in the
structure, as it is well known that no marble
is to be found in this country nearer than
Austin, and it would be an utter impossible
ity to transport so massive piece as this
is reported to be by land carriage The on
ly reasonable conclusion we can come to, is
that the heavy material was exported from
other countries and brought up the San Ja-
cinto BY water conveyance to within mile
and half of the structure. The fact is,
the whole affair is a profound, impenetrable
mystery, and we should be disposed to doubt
the existence of the structure did not our
personal knowledge of the author forbid
such conclusion. We shall await anxious
ly further developments which will be made
in a short time.
10 The Philadelphia News says. when
Gen. Scott was nominated in 1852 for the
Presidency, what oceans of tears the loco
foco leaders she'd over Mr.. Fillmore No