New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-04-17
Thrilling Observation-Disclosures Escape OF
Parties from N Cave.

The Indianqpohs Herald Of the 10Th contains letter
written at Lcaycnworth on the Sth inst, in which an
account Of an exploration Of the celebrated Dead Mans
Cave" situated near Leavenworth is given II contains
several thrilling incidents. The exploring party consisted
of Major Throckmorton Of Louisville, Capt. Hocraft
Sheriff Swaync Dr. L. r. Hawn and Lyman +. Knapp Of
this place, NJ Jesse Brandon Of Nashville, and Ihe
HraFs correspondent The party proceeded TO the sub
terranean river which flows through the cave when says
the letter a consultation was had the bank 10 determine
whether attempt should be made to cross II Its present
Mr.. Knapp. myself and Sheriff swayne suggested an
abandonment of the expedition but were oyerrned by Dr
Hawu Major 1hrOc kmOrOn Capt HOlcraft and MI Bran
don who while admitting the dangerous character OF the
attempt declared they would rather perish than ABANDON
the expedition now and stand the rdcue which such
movement would entail upon their heads lhe boat was
accordingly launched and Capt. Iiocrat DR.. Hawn and
myself entered the doctor payiuy Remaining tat some
men who destined 10 die another DEAN could never
be drowned. We found the passage much easier than we
t,uiain Holcraf took the oars, while grasped the
ucr and the doctor held alof the fambeau few vgor
Gus stroke and with sensation ofreef we felt the Keel
grae upon the pebbles ola song bank on the other shore
IN s and quiet water. lusty cheer from the doctor
made the ring and informed the rest 81 tIe par!
that the passage lad been safely accomplished captain
Hocmi then returned and soon brought over the re-
mander ofthc party. -
where was discovered deep circular hole, apparently al
most bottomess. Stones dropped into rs gaping mouth
would be heard sueny pungng from SIDE to sde uhti
the noise OF their descent lost in the abyss far below
Mr. Knapp being the ghtes Of the party was let down
bv strong cord distance OF some thirty yards Wheh he
vigorously sguited that he had seen enough by lerkng
tho rome H. drawn mp, looking trife paler than
usual and declaring that bis curiosity had been amply
satisfied.
MI Knapp said that after descending distance of 10 or
~ feet winged things apparently pats hlted
constantly about his ears, vciOusv swapping tier nahd-
be ogciher with deysh SORT Of twitter One Of these
cold canmy and neypressihy nasty aglted on ms lace
t.Ff ffa Mr.
disgust AID declared that IL the IoIe had not been tied
under his arms be- would have fallen
The party having become quite satisfied with sight
seeing underground about ready TO leave for day
light when upon the earnest solicitation Of Dr. Hawn, the
PARTY was persuaded 10 continue the explorations hte
bevond when says the winter the most painful portion Of
the story commences The party entered new cavern,
which suddenly narrowed. Mr.. Knapp going first passed
through the opening his hands and knees, and entered
another large chamber. Dr. Hawn who is very heavy
man. attempted 10 follow, and became lnextrcaby hGSd
n the passage lie could neither get forward nor back
For three hours the party worked necessarily but all to
We sent back to The rver and got the iron stake, with
which the boat had been fastened. 20 use as crowbar
with this the doctor might have been excated but mere
a new calamity manifested itself One by one The
lamps had burned out, until barely enough OH was ei 70
li-ht us way back 10 the uycr Inc thought oi
being imprisoned IN that i'ng tomb was TOO terDe 10 pc
endured, knew that, without light We could never
find our way back.
panic seized upon the party and hastily leaving the
doctor and Mr Knapp 70 their te-or the doctors BODY
uav blocked M the way against Mr. Knapps return
rapidly rcacod our steps, crossed the river ana re-
turned to the town. supply Of OIL tools etc., were pro-
cured aud although gued almost TO the point OF dis
ability we returned 20 the cave, determined TO rescue orr
comrades or perish in the attempt The river crossed
and we proceeded to the grand chamber where we had
taken orr luuch accompanied by numerous citizens OF
Lcavenworth.
But search as closely as would could not find the
gallery Ia which the doctor and Mr. Knapp were entombed
In vain we explored and shouted, until worn out and
fainting. All 10 purpose. Nearly three days nave
passed since rst entered the cave ana durng all that
time IL has been full OF people uselesy hunting for the two
unfortunate men. one after another OF the various gal
cres leading from the grand chamber have been explored
and bazed with lknaks but still the missing men
cannot be found We are beginning to lose hoar but will
perseyere as long as there is the ialntest hope.
The guide of the Mammoth Cave, IN Kentucky has
been sent for TO assist IN the search. shall remain here
day or two longer TO do what little can and will IN
form you if the men or their bodies are found.
Mr. Knapp has since been found He wandered about
the cavern and was AZ last fortunate enough 10 find open
ing In an old sink-hoe where he found by hunter
So hours after he was LETT By the party the cavern. Dr.
Hawn had not been discovered at last accounts.