Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-09-11

John Baxter of Tennessee and q. II. Hill
of Georgia, to attend and Speak-Hfoun
MttchelI-Prof. MitcheIrs Grave-Scenery
&C., Sc, &c.
AsHEvILLE, Aug 31st, 1868.
Wessrs. Editors: In my former commu
nications [ have endeavored to give de-
,cription of my surroundings, viz 4: the
climate, products, manufactures, &c, Of
this section, and to relieve the monotony,
q word about the political issues of the
day. variety is the spice of life that
gives it all its flavor" The caravan travel.
ing over the burning sands of Sahara is
gladdened by the GASES that meet its view.
and so think your readers will welcome
any green spot in the fields of thought, Oh
information in the varied current events OF
the day. I cannot contribute original
ideas, clothed in fascinating verbiage, OF
enlivened by "bon mots," to please the
fastidious, yet l trust my contributions
may prove of interest to the general reader,
and relieve the tedium of passing hour
therefore I ask your types to print my
words.
Politics seem to be first, last, and upper
most, indeed, of paramount consideration,
and the patriot cannot but be interested,
and chronicle the events that are con-
stantly transporting.
A Convention was held here last week to
nominate representative for the Seventh
Congressional District in the next Con.
gress of the United States. Our
streets were full, and activity ruled
the day. In the Convention it was
moved that each county, when called,
should express it's preference. BuncOmbe
was first on the list, and announced the
name of the talented and gallant gentle
man from Cleaveland. First and last, to
the end of the list, the only response made
was PLATO DURHAM, and he was unani-
mously nominated by rising vote. Three
cheers were then given with hearty good
will for the Pride of the State, PLATO DUR
HAM. Col. McAfee was then nominated
for Presidential Elector, who, with the
| sub Electors were all unanimously chosen,
and tell you. Messrs. Editors, from ap-
pearances, they will be elected with as
great unanimity as they were chosen. It
has been remarked that the people East of
the ridge are jealous of those West, and to
show that no such feeling exists, the Con-
gresham and Electors VI ere chosen from
the same county. The organization in
Buncombe and Haywood is complete
Seymour and Blair Clubs are numerous,
and Barbecuea are frequent. So also in
other counties. On the first of October a
tremendous ingathering and outpouring of
the Clans is to be held in this place. The
Western delegation, over ytire huad1ed
strong on horseback, will be here, with
Stars and Stripes at the head of the
column, prepared to stay several
days. Thos. 4. Nelson and John Baxter,
of Tennessee, and Hon. 3. III. Hill, of
Georgia, and other noble sons of the South
have been invited, and are expected to adj
dress the assemblage. It will be great
SOUL" I hope our beloved Cape Fear will
be represt nted, that many will be present,
and that the voice of some of her gifted
sons, Davis, Person, Cowan, Strange, Hall,
Meares, Devane and others) may be heard,
commingling their voices with their West
ern brethren in advocacy of the ConStitu-
ton, the Union and the South.
find that the number of visitors here
have Increased. 1t is no wonder-Ashe-
vile is the place of resort for health, plea
sure and refined society. So soon as the
Anticipated stage gives way to the comfort
able coach, and the quadruped to the steam
horse, making transit easy, these mountains
and valleys will be crowded with our sea-
shore people, and [ should not wonder If,
vice re7su, our fashionable sea-bathing re-
sorts were crowded with mountaineers.
The pleasures here consist in part in fish
ing, hunting and walking mountain par
ties; fishing not so good, but hunting ex-
cellent-a party of ladies and gentlemen,
including myself, last week visited Mount
Mitchell. We were late in our departure,
and spent the night at the residence of
Judge Bailey, ten miles from the summit
of Mount Mitchell. Here we obtained
guides and commenced tho ascent. The
way was steep and rocky, and our progress
slow. Around and around we circled, till
we reached the top of the first peak, 6,5S7
feet above the level of the sea. Here is a
rude observatory constructed of logs, and
we took survey of the beauties of nature,
and were lost in amaZcment Mountains
and valleys, farms and meadows rivers and
brooks, greeted the vision in every direc-
ton.
Mounting again our trusty and faithful
steeds, we travelled three miles more and
again dismounted, leaving the animals to
Craze while we, like true mountaineers,
each with pack on back, should complete
the journey. The soil is very productive
on this mountain-grass grows five or six
feet high. Fine grazing-vast herds of
cattle are to be seen. Dense forests of
balsam trees cover the mountain, from
which exudes a substance resembling
IHyi~ zwpentine, and said to be valu-
able as a cure for cuts, burns, &C. At five
o'clock we reached the highest peak and
had magnificent landscape view.
The sunset was transcendently charm.
ing. We visited the grave of Prof. Mitch
ell-gathered few flowers and cut canes
as mementoes Of the illustrious dead, and
then took shelter in rude cabin to while
away the night. After supper, a bag pipe
and other instruments, in the hands of
skillful performers. aided by vocalists, rem
dered such sweet music that the night was
gone before we had dreamed of Sleep
The air was uncomfortably cool-thermo-
meter fifty. A spring of water, cool as ice,
furnished our beverage. One air, emusic
on the Mountain" rendered as it was, was
worth the fatigue of the journey, and I
reckon will long be remembered by those
participating. Wild animals are IN abun-
dance-we heard the howl of wolf. but