The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-08-13
For the anderson MteHigencer.
Trim 10 the MOuntains--NO. 4.

Mr., EDITOR: We last bid you adieu at Tai
lulah We must now resume our journey for
other scenes. After bidding farewell to our new
and very pleasant acquaintance, we renewed
our Journey for scenes beyond. But soon
comes something rather sad. S., our very
pleasant companion, having accompanied us
as far as he purrosed, three miles above where
we made connection with the Clayton road,
with hearty shake of the hand, and with dry
eyes, he pronounced that quaint old word,
"goodbye" Of course for time L. and my
self felt lonely. For the next or miles,
however, over rough and dangerous road we
became so absorbed in selfpreseryation, that
we had little time to think of friends left be-
hind. At one time while descending very
long hill, over perfect mass of rolling rocks,
our faithful horse scrambling from one side of
the road to the other, and with great difficulty
keeping his feet, became very indignant and
reared up almost perpendicular, shaking his
head and had he not been better raised, indi-
Gated that he would willingly have cursed the
managers of the so-called Turnpike.
After spending the night with an old &C
quaintance, Major Cannon, for a number of
wears representative of Rabun Co., we reached
Clayton early Sunday morning, hoping to at
tend church. but all being closed, we devoted
ourselves for little while to what we consid-
cred benevolent work-in addressing short
article to the North Georgia Herald 1t is
true we returned thanks for our safe arrival,
but none to the managers of the road. The
closing sentences of the article above referred
to, which was published, being reproduced are
as follows: "We do not exactly understand
the meaning of "pike'' as USED in connection
with this road, but are inclined to regard it
misnomer. Instead of Turnpike, it might
more properly be called the Turnover road
We advise all lady travellers, especially, before
proposing to pass this way to have their lives
insured, aud by all means leave the children
at home"
We spent quite pleasant day at Clayton !;
formed some acquaintances that We hardly ex-
pected. The village appears somewhat dilapi-
dated, but the grand scenery around seems to
amend for ALL If that Blue Ridge Railroad
could be completed, it would certainly become
delightful summer resort They seem quite
hopeful that ere long, if South Carolina would
not help them, Georgia would. There are two
Railroads in contemplation, one from Elberton
and the other from Athens, Ga, each verging
to that point, thence to Rabun Gap, both in
process of construction. All seemed, however,
to prefer the Blue Ridge Railroad, if possible.
But more of this subject again.
Late in the afternoon we passed on to Rabun
Gap, and spent the night very pleasantly with
Mr.. Scruggs. We were now at the head of
Tennessee Valley, which we entered early
next morning We could hardly realize at
this point, either evening or morning, that we
were in the midst of summer. How soundly
you may sleep, and how much to enjoy during
the day. In passing down this valley there
we're many things that arrested our attention.
First, the wonderfully rapid growth of the
stream rising at the Gap from mere springs,
and FIVE miles below it is justly termed river
Then the extent of the valley, both in length
and breadth-we suppose one-half to three
fourths of mile, seemingly quite fertile. The
mountain scenery on each side being imposing
and picturesque On reaching Franklin, We
asked why so much of that rich valley should be
out of cultivation We were informed it was for
the want of labor. We will stop at Franklin
awhile and if you don't get out of patience,
may hear from us again.
HILLOCK.