The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1871-07-20
The EXPLORATION Of Jerusalem.

Inc E3pIorallon OF JtTusuloiu'
The first operations we're commenced on
the western wall, at point near what is
known as Wilson's Arch. Itreceives this
name from the fact that it was FIRST discoy-
cred by Captain Wilson, who had not the
means, however, toprosecatc any mining
operations. Captain Warren's cxplOra'
/, ton proved this arch to be one Off series
forming a viaduct which led from the
Temple toward the palace of Herodon the
western hill, and constituting perhaps the
very bridge across which Jesus was con.
Quoted from Plate to Herod on the day Of
bis trial. Tho remains Of q winding az
ueduct, cut in the solid rock beneath this
singular bridge, we're also discovered. =
Part ofthis bridge has fallen, and broken
aud buried the aqucduct in its fall; and the
original pavement Of the ancient road in
the valley itself is now forty-fve feet be-
low the present surface formed by the ru-
ins Of the ancient walls and houses. Nor
is this all. A perfect network Of subtcr-
rancaa chambers was also disclosed some
of which we're probably used for the stor-
age of food, and others as aqueduc's and
cisterns. And the whole result more than
confirms the ideas of architectural gran
deur which the books of the Bible and the
pages of Josephus combined to give, but
which have hitherto been regarded by ma
ny skeptical minds as apocryphal.
Along the southern wall bis discoveries
were scarcely less interesting. Here he
found double pavement, one twonty-thrce
and the other iorty.threa feet below the
present surface Of the ground. Here also
he found some curious remains bothof He
brew and of Christian origin. Tho fol.
lowing description Of his explorations at
this point, taken from one Of his letters
written at the time, will afford the reader
more graphic picture Of the difficulties
and danger which attended bis investiga-
tious than can be given by any general
description:
"Ou Friday, have arrived at depth Of
sevcuty-nine feet, the men we're breaking
up a stone at the bottom Of the shaft
Suddenly the ground gave way, down
went the stone and the hammer, the men
barely saving themselves. They at once
ffoiMd up aud dtofd tS6T sergeant they had
found the bottomless pit. went down to
the spot and examined it; and, in order
that you may have an idea Of the extent Of
our work, | will give you description Of
our descent.
"The shaft mouth is on The south.sidc
of the Sanctuary wall, near the southwest
angle, among the prickly-pears; beside it,
to the east, lying against the Sanctuary
wall, is large mass Of rubbish that has
been brought up; while over the mouth it.
self is triangular gin, with ircn.wheclat-
tached, with guy, for running up the cS'
cavated soil. Looking down the shaft, one
sees that it is lined for the first twenty
feet with frames four feet six inches in The
clear; further down the Sanctuary wall and
soil cut through arc seen, and a man stand.
ing at tue bottom. An order is given to
this man, who repeats 1t, and then family,
is heard a sepulchral voice answering, as
it were from another world. Reaching
down to the man who is visible is thirty
four feet rope ladder; and on descending
by it, one fuds be is standing on ledge
which the ladder does not touch by four
feet This ledge is the top Of wall run.
ming north and south, and abutting on the
Sanctuary wall; its east face just cuts the
centre of the shaft which has to be cantel
Off about two feet toward the east, Just
where some large loose stones jnt out in
the most disagreeable manner. Here five
more frames have been fixed to keep these
stones steady. On peering down from this
ledge one sees the Sanctuary wall, with its
projecting courses, until they are lost in
the darkness below; observing also, at the
same time, that two sides of the shaft are
cut through the soil, and arc sclf.support.
ing. Now to descend this second drop
the ladder is again required; accordingly