The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-04-08
contractor, Mr.. Snyder, informed us that

the ground, and it was used only under his
immediate supervision. His method of
exploding was to produce a concussion.-
This is attained by touching off, small
! quantity of gun powder in the drilled cham
Der containing the Nitro Glycerine. An
ordinary fuse answers the purpose.
In a few weeks all the work at these
places will be finished excepting the lecel-
ing up, and the great impression prevails
that we will have railroad communication
from Ccnowingo to Port, and localities
further southwark ere long.
The rocks at Wild Cat, and in fact any
where between the Bald Friar and Frazer's,
are worthy Of visit by any one having
a taste for geology and mineralogy. Here
fine opportunity of studying some of the
laws of nature, as manifested in different
geologic periods, is afforded.
In our hurried visit we could not devote
enough time to critically examine the diff
ferent formations here presented. We
noticed however that the Wild Cat, which
has been recently cut away, presented
remarkable illustration of what is termed in
our text books as contorted lamnation of
stratitied rocks. Here it is found pursuing
a regular serpentine course, evidently the
result of powerful lateral and verticle
pressure.
Scattered through the main rock are
veins of quartz, which we supposed to be
veines of segregation. In many of the
fragments of rock that had been blown off
the pain body, square prismatc crystals of
the bi-sulphuret of iron are met WITH
These have bright golden color and attract
the attention of many of the workmen
who have an idea that these little cubes
are of precious nature.
Two months ago James Lee was out
hunting on the Cecil county shore and
while walking over the Bald Friar hill
noticed stone that struck him to be of
singular shape, turning it over he did not
observe anything peculiar at that time
He however laid it in place where he
could readily secure it.
His mind was impressed with the fact of
there being something written on this stone.
Some six weeks ago he travelled out on the
hill, resolved to bring it to his dwelling and
give it careful examination. Your cor
strange initials through a neighbor, made
it convenient to call on Mr.. Lee, and for a
consideration secured it to place among his
little cabinet of relics and curiosities.
1t is piece of stealite, twelve by four
and a half inches of a triangular shape,
with level face, on which is engraved the
following:
NJ. D. L. 1880.
The student in American history will
recollect that soon after the execution of
Major Andre, the traitor Arnold was dis
patched by Sir Henry Clinton, to Virginia.
Arnold assembled the James river, burned,
pillaged and laid waste every thing before
him. Washington sent Lafayette with 1900
American troops to intercept Arnold, and,
if possible to capture him. On his route
to Virginia, Lafayette crossed the Susquc-
hanna at Bald Friar, sometime. late in the
year 1880. When he arrived at this place
all the boats were put under requisition.-
Orders were sent up to the proprietor of
the Peach Bottom ferry to send down his
boats.
An old negro named Abe Kirk who lived
to an advanced age and died not many years
ago, being well remembered by our old cit
izens was at this time, lad of about six
teen. He lived about Peach Bottom, and
when the order from Lafayette arrived, he
with others assisted in taking the boats
down and rowed the French officers across
the river.
1t is altogether likely that the troops
were detained at this fording and ferry for
a day and night, and while resting on the
hills, in all probability, some soldier carved
his initials or those of his commander on
this stone found by Lee.
We have no doubt from its general ap-
pearance, that it is veritable relic of the
Revolutionary War, another index, as it
were of the foot paths of our forefathers
in that long struggle to separate themselves
from the Mother Country.
Yours truly, c. IL. S.