The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-08-16
For the Hestern Democrat.
/ TRIP TO MOUNT MITCHELL.

Mr. EDIroR.-In this progressive age, when an
editor is favored with contributors from all sources
and uponall subjects, he is not so much at loss
to know at to put in his paper as ne IS to kno"
what to Keep out But as it is so fashionable now
for the travelling community to contribute sketches
1 will submit to your disposal few notes, penned
after returning from trip to Mt. Mitchell.
This mountain, which is in Yancy county, N. g.,
is the highest mountain in the United States east
of the Mississippi river. In company with three
others [ visited it in June. On the Southeast
side of the mountain there is road made TOR the
accommodation of visitors, up which they can ride
the greater portion of the way; but we came to 1t
on the North side where there were no such &C
commodations, and our only means OF getting to
the top was to climb the rugged mountain, not
having even a path to follow. We procured two
guides and prepared to camp out one night on the
top Of the mountain. About sunrise, six in num-
Der counting our guides, We commenced climbing,
and after day of excessive toll we reached the
top about hour before sunset. The highest
peak up to a round point with all the trees
around the sides of the top cut down, that there
is nothing to obstruct the view in any direction.
No pen can convey to the mind just idea OF
the grand scenery here spread out to the beholder
Here we can gaze on the beautiful scenery, until
the landscape, rising gradually, terminates in a
blue line connecting earth and heaven At this
season of the year when the green mantle of ma
ture covers the hills and vaes and the soft breezes
are scented with the perfumes of the blossoms,
we are filled with ecstacy at the sublimity of the
scene. A few floating clouds were scattered here
and there in the horizon. From our high obser-
vatory viewed the setting sun, casting the huge
shadows of the mountains far to the east | think
[ never shall forget the appearance of the distant
peaks lighted up by the parting rays the setting
sum- and the floating clouds as | viewed them far
bolo lv tho Of
the mountain. AS the shades of night come on
all nature seems to repose in silent slumber.
Directed by card which we noticed posted on
a tree, We found commodious camping place
about 100 yards down the cast side of the noun
tain, under large projecting rock, large enough
to shelter several wagons, with spring of excel
lent water close by. We soon had campfire
raised, and after hearty supper, while resting
our grassy couch, our guides entertained us by
brought with them. Listening to the rural rongs
of these rustic performers around the campfire,
reminded Of the ancient shepherds, as they
lay at ease minding their docks, practising their
woodland lays on their CdlamO dgresti. Shortly
after night the moon rose, and we left our camp
and repaired to the mountain top to take a look at
the fair ruler of the night she forth she'd
ding her silvery rays over hill and dale and dis
persing the gloomness Of the night. Early the
next morning we were again on the mountain top
to behold the rising as he steps forth eniven-
ing all things with his presence, and making as
huge shadows of the mountains to the west as he
had done to the east in his setting.
After a stanch breakfast we commenced de-
scending the mountain, which we found as toll
some as climbing it had been the day before. We
reached the foot of it while before night, and
after good nights rest commenced our jour
ney homeward; and long after we had crossed the
Blue Ridge could see Mt. Mitchell towering
high above the neighboring peaks. HI. D. S.