The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1868-07-17

HhN AVbhSlO bCSuAlN ANNEAul VI. AchNluKI kuSik
little ones alone, lest they SHOULD be swal.
lowed BY the terrible animal Mr, Allen de-
scribed him to be as thick IS large mans
thigh, and said his head was about the, size
of frying pan, and nearly fat.
Nothing more was seen or heard Of the
snake before or during the war; People
hoped be had died in his den from old age
But II remained for Messrs, W. s. Robinson
and j. W. Lisle, Of this place, TO- catch the
next glimpse Of him, and It occurred In this
wise Last Friday Messrs. Robinson and
L;sle we're riding toward Nashville on the
pike, aud as they neAred the gap Of the
Burke Knobs, they saw what they supposed
to be a large pole stretching across the pike,
not thinking Of the improbabiity of pole
being in such locality, as the pike has a
large field on either side. To their surprise
they saw the supposed pole, when they get
within sixty or seventy PAGES Of It, it sud
denly raised its head above the top of the
| fence on the west side Of the pike, and com,
mehced moving slowly over il. Although the
two gentlemen were badly frightened, they
determined to see more of his snskeship
and as soon MS he had gotabout one hundred
yards into the field, they passed beyond him
on the pike and quickly got to the top Of the
khill, some two hundred yards above him. The
serpent did not seem to care for their prox.
Unity, but quietly pursued his way, which
! lay about half way down the hillside
through the field, until he came to the bush
es in the woods. Here lie stopped awhile,
and lay very still and quiet until the gentle
men began to think he had put up for the
day Bnt they waited patiently above, ready
for quick retreat should be start toward
them. He remained here nearlyA two hours,
until midday, when he raised bis head full
| fifteen feet, looked around slowly, and re-
sumed the same course through the woods
With head erect. This position be did not
cchange for nearly half mile, when they saw
| him dart suddenly forward with great veloci-
! ty, and strike toward the ground. When he
again raised bis head he had hare in his
moath. ( He halted here while, and, lower
| ing his head they supposed he swallowed it,
for after remaining down for fifteen or twen-
ty minutes he raised hls head and moved
slowly forward.
The woods here becoming open and free
| from bushes, they had Ane view ofthls size
and length, and becoming cooler and more
self.possessed, they were able to come to
| some conclusion as TO their course. Being
both Of Venturous spirit, they determined to
| watch him TO his den, and if possible effect
his capture. Their determination being made,
they, without a great deal Of difficulty, kept
in sight a. safe distance, until they passed
what ia known as the Morton Graveyard
Hill, when the serpent passed through the
gap beyond that, and directed his course in
1 westerly direction, along the north face of the
/ hills. He WAS often hidden from their view
| bv intervening thickets, but knowing Of bis
previous appearance, they supposed be was
going to kis den in that direction, and thus,
| by getting a clear view beyond the place
where be was hidden, they soon would be
able to see him emerge.
When the ground was clear Of obstruc-
| tions, he travelled with his head near the
earth, raising It as he approached fence or
bushes. Thus they followed him up near
two and one-half miles, until he came to a
large hill that overhangs the residence Of Mr..
| Burke. This bill Is very rocky, and precip-
itous, and has numerous fox holes in its sides.
| When about half way up this bill, the snake
stopped in a perfectly open place, and after
| looking all around he gave forth low bell
lowing sound like the suppressed lowing Of
q COW, aud then thrusting his head into
hole that was invisible to them, he slowly
drew hinielf into it..
/ Mr., Robinson now remained on guard
while Mr.. Lisle With the assistance of Mr..
| Thomas Burke, quickly aroused the neigh
borhood, aud coming to the place each with
q large rock in his arms, they quickly
stopped up the bole II was about two feet
In diameter and seemed from the place being
worn smooth around to have been occupied
for some time. Mr. Burke had noticed the
hole frequently and supposed it to havs been
occupied by ground hogs.
| All yesterday was occupied by the neigh
bOrs In constructing long box, OF heavy
! two inch planks, oGe end OF which was
thrust into the hole and rocks piled around,
the other end crossed with iron bars so rs
not to obstruct the light A sliding door
next TO the hole and q piece Of mutton at the
far end attached to the door by triggers,
i gives them hope the monster may be Gagged.
The box Is fifty feet long and about eighteen
inches square, heavily bOlted together. The
gentleman think the serpent is fully thirty
Ave or forty feet long and about eight or ten,
inches in diameter. r..
Where be came from or to what species be
belongs, can only be left TO conjecture he
/ was Of uniform dirty black color, A close
watch will be kept on the box, and II their
expectations are realized, you yourself may
yet have a glimpse of this extraordinary
creature. will report TO you what success
they may meet with, and only hope i may be
captured and carried to your city for the in
spection Of your savsns.
/ Respectfully, J. L. SCALES.
D n