Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1874-06-23

LEBANON, RUSSELL Co, Va.
June 10Th, 1874
MIR. EDITOR:-Perhaps, it may not
be Objectionable to give Ineagre ac-
count, OF flying trip to the Coun' V of
Buchanan. Leaving the verdant fields
Of blue grass i'll Russell, | crossed the
noted big { Al Mountain, thence up the
stream, known as Nancy's Fork, to its
junction with one of its main streams
of Sandy River, which took NE over
one of the most tirpsome up and down
hill roads, that an equestrian ever
dared to go. About dark, | reached
the hOspitable mansion of friend +.
who with that open-heartedness pc
cuiiar to these noble people of the hills,
did all that was necessary for the res
toratiOn of both man and horse after
long ride.
Here Mr.. Editor, I saw what might
be termed a contradiction Cf fact. 1t
was tame 1UjLd cQt. FrienI F., some
time during the early part of last
spring, while hunting in the noun
talns near his home. was attracted to
10y by peculiar noise, in the hollow
OF which, he discovered d two kittens of
the wild breed, known as the species,
called the CattamOunt, He secured
them readily, as they, like the tame
cat, do not open their eyes until nine
days old, i'll few days, one died, the
other with a litter of tame kittens, |
which pussy, at ODce recognized as one |
OF her own family, and has reared it to |
quite ferocious looking animal, and !
up to this time it has shown no signs !
OF lll-breeding, and is quite a pet |
among the children of my friend, f.
The next morning bright and early, |
recommended my journey over hill |
ana dale, passing over what is kEown |
as the High Knob. where hunters in |
former days were wont to go when lost,
and right their bewildered heads. Here |
you can have view of several coun-
ties. Russell McDOwel, and Wise, and |
full view for perhaps hundred miles
Of the range Of the great Cumberland
dividing Virginia, Ken
lucky and Tennessee. At II NJ, /
reached the house of my old FREUD,
Joe Looney, who never fOrgets to at
tend to the inner wants of man, espec-
iaily after a long days travel. He
give NE an Interesting account of the
1rst settlers of this section of coun-
-Ty, he being among the first who
pitched his camp upon the waters of
-he Sandy, then the cabins were their
'ortresses, and the hunting rifle. the
'nly safeguard of life. He himself
1ad been quite hunter, and as he
old me, had with the rifle alone, killed
several hundred deer, and with rifle
md knife, had been at the death of
me HUNDRED AND TEN BEARS
While describing the hair breadth es-
apes, he showed several large and ug-
y scars that he had received. while in
hand to hand tisht, with old Bruin
lie is now 20 years of age, the father OF {
s children, ranging in age from IS {
ears to ~ months. the old man is hale {
earty and active, a goo land Surveyor.
nd is at present the County Surveyor
f his County, and ! would suggest
Ir. Editor, that should you ever a
hance to come this way. do not for {
ct to give my old friend ice call. r
II being a special term of the Cir :
uit Court, continue my journey on
! Grundy the Comfy seat. which is .
tuated at the Junction OF Slate Greek /
'ilh Sandy Ri, e.. The Village con- I
sts of half dozen dwelling houses, q
eat and substantial Count House.
)me thee stores, a grocery &c. all of :
'hich show signs OF vitality, and 1