Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1871-03-24
a GIlassIy Discovery.

The Dubuque Times of the 11th says:
\ discovery fully as wonderful as any
vet reported in the Northwest, was
made by the workmen on the Dubuque
and Minnesota Railroad, near the
base of one of the tall, frOwning bluffs
overlooking the river, short distance
above Eagle Point. AT the foot of this
bluff squad of workmen were engag-
ed in eXcavating in the loose stratified
limestone rock for the railroad ira k,
and while digging away with pick,
spade and crOwbar in the side of the
bank, they suddenly found their fur
ther progress arrested by large,
square, smooth stone, on the outer
surface of which were inscribed NUM-
Der of strange characters and devices,
which none of the unlettered work
men. of course, could make out. Un-
der the instruction of the foreman,
and by the united eXertiOn of a num-
ber of men, the stone was removed,
when to their great astOnishment,
there succeeded violent rush of cold
air, from a large square opening, which
extended into the bluffs in horizon
tai direction. the air rushing out with
such force that lighted taper held in
the mouth of the opening was eXtin-
guished in an instant. Inspired by
the thoughts of hidden treasure, and
thinking that perhaps a cache of some
of early explores had been unearthed,
it was resolved TO explore the mystery
at once, and bringing out the strong
chests and precious gems repOsjng
somewhere within.
Lights were at once procured, and,
holding a candle in each hand, tive
men, headed by the forman, set out to
explore the subterranean passage,
which was about four feet wide, and
high enough to permit Il man to walk
bv bending over a little. Cropping
their way along cautiously, and cast
ing many fearful glances around them,
as though they eXpt cted every moment
to encounter some dreadful spectre,
the party proceeded along the tunnel,
which extended directly into the
heart of the bluff about fifty feet,
when they found their way impeded
by another large stone. Removing
this. they found flight of stone steps
leading downwards a distance of ten
feet and descendiI z these the party
found themselves in what appeared to
be huge chamber, cut out OF the sol
id rock, about twenty-five feet square
and twenty feet high. For moment
the men stood lost i'm admiration at
this wonderful work. The floor be-
meath was hard and perfectly smooth,
while bv the dim light Of the candles
they could see that the walls were en-
beliished with a multitude Of uncOuth
characters. intended to represent How
ers. birds. trees and other natural OBJ
iects. all carved in solid limestone. On
the South wall appeared IA representa-
tion of the sun, and immediately be-
low was q man clad in loose, flowing
robe. in tn act OF stciping out of a
boat. and holding in bis halid a dove.
The roof of the chamber was embel-
lishcd with starr, serpenls and charri-
OTIS. the outlines all being revaled
plainly and distinctly. In the centre
of the apartment was large flat slab
and upon removing this, large vault
vas revealed below. which was filled
with the skeletons OF some unknown
race, all Of them being in a sitting or
standing posture, and almost perfectly
preserved. even to the smaller bones.
II was noticed that all had originally
been inferred with their faces 10 the
southwest BY the side of each skel =
ION stood a small vase Of the most per-
feet form and finish, each being filed
with a species Of yellOw-cOlOred earth.
One Of the vases was examined. and