Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1858-05-21
For the Free Press.
ASCENT OF MANSFIELD MOUNTAIN,
MAY 10TH.

On the morning of tho 10th inst, (the annivcr-
sary of the taking of Ticondcroga by Ethan Allen)
party Of young men to the resolution to
gain possession of the highest peak of the Green
Mountains. They left Burlington on foot at
a. NJ, devoutly invoking the aid Of the hero
whose grave they passed near the commencement
of their journey. They travelled up the Eastern
bank of the Winooski River, enjoying much the
opportunity of observing the Green Mountain Boys
and their homes In passing through the small
villages and settlements, the appearance Of tho
party excited something of that curiosity for which
the New England character is noted.
Every hour brought out more clearly the fea-
lures of Mansfield, and by two o'clock, the dark
patches upon its sides showed themselves to be
evergreen forests and the lighter parts changed to
sharp angular rocks. More frequent inquiry now
became necessary to ascertain the precise point at
which it is advisable to leave the road and follow
an obscure path that winds up the mountain-side.
Green Mountaineers were met who were strong in
the opinion that Mansfield could not be taken until
the snow had melted from its top. Men who had
spent their lives in clearing away the forests and
subduing the soil under the very shadow of the
mountain, listened to the proposition to spend the
night of the 10th Of May upon its peak with
smile Of incredulous pity. In conversng with
these men, the party lost something of its respect
for the Men of the Mountains.
At p NJ. the path was found and the ascent
mmcnccd. After the first hour, snow began to
appear, and all things bore a wintry aspect The
drifts were passed with little difficulty however,
breaking through only in those places where a
running stream marshy spot had softoned the
snow. During the ascent Of the party was
continually comparing the difficulties encountered
with those met by Hannibal iu crossing the Alps.
In one respect the comparison had nearly failed
there were mountainecrs to oppose the progress Of
tie expedition, and only solitary hedgehog stood
threatening upon the heights. Near the top much
snow was met with, and the branches Of the dwarf
spruce coated with ice. The spirit of the
Hero of Ticonderoga was with the party, and at I
minutes past 6 o'clock the mountain peak was
| taken.
| As the bare rock at the summit was gained, the
rays of the setting sun were gliding the heights
around, and lighting up the scenery below. The
| broad valleys and the distant waters Of Lake
Champlain cleaning with the magical light Of a
glorious sunset, filled the party with delight and
surprise. For distance of ten miles from the
mountains base the silver lines of the water-courscs
could be traced distinctly as marks made upon
paper with pen. Shining steeples showed the
position of villages partially hidden among the
hills, and reminded the observers that they were
looking upon New England landscape.
The night of the 10th was passed by camp
fire built among the snow banks, and the morning
of the 18th hailed by the party still upon the
nit of Mansfield. Be irever remembered that the
mountain was thus glorously taken, May 10th
| A. D.. 1858.