Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1865-08-29


anxious, however, to see the top, and so had kept
on, in hopes Of reaching it, but long half mile
yet lay between us and it still we thought a
little more rest aud little more time would re-
cuperat our wasted energies, and enable US to
complete the ascent and get a view OF the coun-
try to the eastward Of the mountain, which we had
whenever We eat down to rest, Immediately felt
a strong inclination TO sleep, and frequently did
get asleep while sitting upright, with my head
resting on my hands, my hand being supported
by two sticks, which had picked up by the way
and used for canes, for the purpose OF dividing
the labor between my arms and my legs, which
last had got to pa6blIng about so much in getting
from one rock to another as 10 require, like Max
imlIian or the Southern ConfederaCy, a little out
side support | would sometimes start up when
we had not been seated more than minute, aud
relate to South something | had been dreaming.
SO much though that was not altogether new
10 me, as have sometimes had such very brisi
naps, accompanied with dreams, when was well.
So felt no particular anxiety in regard to it now.
| had also several times felt, after sitting min.
uts or two, the sensation Of pumbness in nay
hands, especially when raised for the support OF
my head, accom- panied by feeling Of depression
about the lungs, as i was shut 10 a close room
and at last it did me no good to rest, as grew
worse while sitting, and was only relieved by re-
Suming the effort which had 70 exhausted me
So We struggled on till We had gained point, |
should Judge, rot more than forty rods from the
top. Here we sat down, aud ia few seconds the
pricky sensation returned to my hands,-and not
only so, but fel' it gradually creeping all over
me. became dizzy and it grew dark, when |
stretched myself upon the rock, remarking 0 my
friend as did so, that 4" / was played out.
felt chilly, my hands were cold, my pulse scarce
y percsptible, but still had sufficient consc Gus
mesa to know that | must not remain there, and
ralijug all the strength had leit resumed my
perpendicular, when South, somewhat alarmed,
though only little less exhausted than | was.
came to my assistance, and asked il thought |
could get down. | was wiling to make my next
effort 10 that direction, FOR we we're both more
.nXiols TO see the 100. Of the mountain than the
top.
We should have turned back sooner, but small
party bad preceded us on horseback, and It was
likely they would have some refreshments along,
Of which We could obtain sufficient for our needs
i We could reach them or, at east, We codd
charter some horses with which to get down q
little ways-,he romance having pretty much got
out Of the dea Of doing the whole thing on foot
The party might, however DO mile to the south
Sard when we reached the top aud as could
not rest to gain new strength, but must keep in
motion, il occurred to me that BY going dowo,
down, which would require bu. little effort, and
at the same time call into action a new set OF
musclet might recover from the prostration
caused BY the exertio1 made 10 tho ascent And
~ ~ FtuftAf - ~ NtA1 ot9N4l uuNA tt4V
side Of the mountain gradually gained strength,
until soon felt as il was quite competent for
the remainder Of the journey have since fallen
in with sojournef here from Philadelphia, Mr..
Langtoo, who relates an experience be had in as
cending Nj. Washington last summer, which was
almost exactly ike what have narrated shove.
lie says be felt the same sensation Of drowsiness,
and lelt the inclination to sleep so strongly that
be had no desire to proceed, but begged Of his
friend, who still urged him on, the privilege Of
lying down to sleep ga little while" when he
would be ready to resume the journey But
"Joe insisted that lie must 90, aud by ooa1ing
and pulling him along, succeeded at last in reach.
INK the house at the summit
My ideas Of the prospect from the top Of Mt
Lahyette--or as near the top as We got-are not
very clear, but when get them collected little,
| may rccur to the subject ogain in my next.
n, W. G.