Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-06-26
NO. XXVII.
For the spectator.
EIliOt's Knob and a trip thither.


The picturesque and grand prospect from this
now fsmous point has been so often commemo-
rated in your columns that it seems almost
work of supererrogation to again call public at
tentlon to it. But brief notice is due, if not
to eElliott," at least to the late visit and its
gallant projectors. Ss1 81 ~aa-
The ancient fable of the Phonix rising with
renewed life from her own ashes, is a fitting
symbol of the elastic spirit, buoyant enthusiasm
and uuabated energy with which Capt. Polmer
emerged from his late overwhelming defeat
And that all the world might know that he was
neither Respondent nor cast down, he at once
announced his design of leading to the highest
ground in the State party of the fair daughters
and gallant sons of "Old Augusta"
The s'shrill whistle" of Roderick Dhu was not
more potent in
s'garrisoning the glen - .fs
With full five hundred men"
than is q call of Capt. Polmer's through the col
umns of the Spectotor in garnishing the bosky
sides of old "Ellet" with crinoline and chiyalry.
bonnets and beaux.
Notwithstanding the unfavourable appearance
of the morning-dark clouds threateningly low
eriDg upon every mountain brow-more than
one hundred persons responded to Capt P's call
To fail in this connection to chronicle daring
feat of workmanship, performed by the gallant
leader of the company, would be as inexcusable
as to omit from history of the Revolution an
account of the declaration of independence, or
the surrender of Yorktown.
l need scarcely cay that refer to the fact
that Capt. Polmer, with heroic indifference 10
danger, drove up the rugged end precipitous side
of the mountain to the "Spring," pair of noble
horses, attached to handsome double buggy
containing Mrs. P. -.
The difficulty and peril attending this under
taking can only be properly understood and ap-
preciated by those who have visited the .Knob."
But some conception of the magnitude of the
feat may be formed by those who have not en-
joyed that pleasure when it is remembered that
the s'Spring" is but few hundred feet below
the summit, which rises to an elevation of 5000
feet.
But the bold courage and unfinching hardi-
hood which led to the enterprise was fully e.
qualed by the skill, success and safety with,
which it was executed.
Shortly after reaching the summit, a strong
breeze from the north carried the dark masses
of cloud which had been hanging around the
horizon and spread them over mountain side and
valley in dense, dark and murky fog through
which it was impossible to distinguish objects
at distance of twenty yards. This was ac-
by gentle shower, which lasted a.
bout thirty minutes. When the rain ceased, the
fog rolled away along the mountain tops in fam
+astic shapes, revealing the landscape in all its
beauty, variety and extent
During the continuance of the fog and when
objects at even short distance could not be
seen, train of cars passed along the O. R. R.
with rumbliDg noise, which as it reverberated
through the deep mountain gorges, enabled one
to realize the emotions with which Rip Van
Winkle and bis neighbors listened, on calm
and quiet evening, to those mysterious sounds
proceeding from the darkly wooded sides of the
distant Catskill
AS a faithful chronicler of the incidents of the
day, must mention that Capt. Polmer. in ac-
cordance with the promise contained in his card,
prepared and brought with him beautiful tri-
colored flag. By the exercise of some skill and
ingenuity in splicing two dry chestnut poles,
flagstaff some thirty five or forty feet long was
obtained, the foot of which being firmly planted
in cairn, the flag foated gracefully upon the
mountain breeze, hailed by the loud and affec-
tionate cheers Of the male portion of the crowd.
Three cheers were then given with hearty good
will in honor of Capt. P. A bountiful lunch at
the spring, and slow but pleasant ride down
the mountain, closed the 10Th of June. L. L.