Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1857-10-10

by hedge of sycamore trees hanging
over into the water on the other II Is
barricaded by the sides Of the mountain
whose huge rocks hang over threatening
iv upon the traveller. This road is on the
and the river here is very
wide. retaining the width of the two rivers
when united, while the Potomac is much
smaller, though a great deal deeper so 1t
would seem more proper for the whole
river 10 bear the name Of the Shenando-
alb, and the Potomac might be called
branch of the other. The water at this
time was quite low and calm, so that II
did not appear so terrific as | had expec-
led-at leas: it looked as if it had spent
its fury and was now gliding peacefully
on through the passage it had made :or
itself That i, did force itself through the
mountain seems very probable, for the
position Of the rocks, and the shape of the
mountain on both sides have very much
the appearance of being once united.
When we arrived al the bridge we left
our vehicles and walked over TO the town;
and the first sound which met Our ears
was most unearhly one, and the effects
of which | shall never forget. 1t was the
shrek from the '.iron horse" as he came
laundering over the Potomac bridge
(Oh what will melt that iron heart TO
pity !-cannot something be substituted
that would be more pleasant to the ear J
Well, when the sensation OF this un-
natural sound was over, We fastened our
steps down into the village, and after res
ting short time at the hotel, we procee-
ded 10 visit The United States Armory, and
other places of interest in the place and
then we started for Jellerson's rock, which
is on the West side of the Shenandoah.
1t was a tedious, tiresome walk 10 take
through the dusty streets, and then over
number of loose stone steps which lea up
the hill, and it being very warm the exer-
else was by no means agreeable. On the
top of the nil stood then, an old vault
surrounded by graves, which looked like
they might have been made during the
revolution. A Little further on we came
to The rock, which is large grey one,
projecting out Of the earth over very
deep and fearful looking precl pice, and on
the top of this was a smaller one shaped
something like top standing on lis ver-
tex. Both rocks were covered with names
which persons had from time 10 time en-
graved there. Around this rock the coun-
try is very barren, with but one solitary
pine Tree which stands by 1t.
At the foot of the precipice, which must
be more than a hundred feet deep, the
Winchester railway passes, and along It's
side is the Shenandoah.
There is fine view here, embracing
The town, the mountain, the junction OF
the rivers, and then the broad Potomac as
far as it can be seen. An incident occur
red at this rock which | shall never lor-
get. There was present little girl ac-
companed by gentleman who led her
up on the tOp-most rock, which is stuck
on TO the other but very slightly, and he
there held her out at arms length, on that
nlting foo,hold, and on the verge Of the
awful chasm yawning beneath, while far
below, and almost directly under her,
long train of cars was swiftly passing. 1t
was indeed fearful sight, and could
not help turning away from it. Fortu-
nately the child did not 60 over, but re-
garded it as hair-breadth escape from
eternity-and hope never again to wit
ness like scene, even if | was assured
that all was secure.
We spent but short time there, il was
so excessively warm, and then retraced
our steps 10 the hotel, stopping at an old
Catholic church, which is large, old
fashioned brick building, and stands alone
on an eminence, with small yard enclo-
sed by an iron railing (if / recollect weIl)
attached TO ii. On the doors were two
or three passages of scripture, written in
large letters. but much de(aced by the
hand of time. We found the house lock-
ed, but sent for the sexton, who soon
came and admitted US; and on entering, the
large paintings, the huge wax.candles, the
images, and The marble representation OF
Christ lying in the sepulchre together
with the silence that reigned around, filled
me with awe, while shuddered 10 be-
hold such profanity, and know that was
gazing upon that which the Almighty had
forbidden 10 be done. But curiosity must
be gratifed. We passed along the aisles
and entered the priests ROOM, in which
was a small bed with cross at the head,
and several "Calholic fixtures" around
the room. AT one end was press, con-
tanning the priests pOntifcaL robes. !
opened it. and on examining them, came
10 splendid embroidered gown, which,
from lis appearance, had served lis pur-
pose many years. After inspecting bis
wardrobe, folded every article and care
- Ls.L = l..-lsL:. E..Ia