The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-09-26
The HEAD SPRING OF JAcKsoN's RIVER, I

Tuy HEAD SPRING OF JACKsON's RIVER, !
HIGHLAND COUNTY, September -. }
oh. rheumatism! Oh, T0om-atism For
ve be twin prosecutors and combine for
mans afiliction. Together ye fill mans cup
~ misery and priyation, and ever make
new Jobs to whom Satan also comes, another
rnmnanion OF the champion agony and
,nyiliarv to its work. All! who appreciates
rho suferines OF the victim OF severe rhell-
motism. None but those who have expert
oncrd them. Well knowing them myself, I
have vet seen others suffer so as to make me
feel that had known pain in but q mode
rate degree. have known n family where
TWO brothers were stiffened in their bodies
hv archylosis and rendered helpless for
wears. till death came 10 their relief. One
ri them. fearing his fate, declared that he
would not permit his body to he drawn up,
while his Joints became fixed and immova-
bic. and he maintained n straight position in
bed. while his body, rs it were, became
urlid and infexlble; and so he went out OF
the world and out of torture. And now 4
worthy descendant OF this excellent gentle
man is rendered helpless by immova-
bic Joints, stiffened by the dreaded
malady. with its agonies. But thanks
to the discoveries Of medical science,
his pains. through modern treatment,
are ended, and his health is good. He
has, however, the certainty of ending his
DAYS in his disabled condition; and he is
one that can bear it with rs much iortitude
and resignation as any man, for he has pass
cd An ordeal that schooled him in the yir-
tues that alone can smooth the way that is
before him.
This afflicted gentleman in his home in
Franklin Is an example Of resignation, and
even cheeriulness. And allow me to say
that in the house where this terrible malady
has fastened upon its victim may often be
found the most admirable examples OF the
sweetest virtues the affections, the gentle
attentions. the patient watchfulness, and
cndcariDg solicitude, and careful nursing
which fatigue cannot wear out, nor time eX-
haust. In view OF such proofs Of the no.
bcnc>S of human nature, one must feel a
higher opinion of it, and find the convic-
ton that such traits bring mankind nearer
TO the angels, stealing into his soul.
could not avoid these reflections. that
seem 10 have so little to do with narrative
OF travel. to which will now return.
VALUABLE KNIFE.
After week in Franklin, Pendleton
county one fine morning, as the sun gilded
the moantain heights that smiled :not
trowned. as people too often say upon
the haupy valley OF the South Branch,
| ludt adisu to friends and took
my way upon my faithful steed. With
Inv rod and hook, and Barlow knife, and tin
cup. ielt fortified against any eXigency.
The knife is precious property. 1t is the
best one l have had since the adoption OF
the Federal Constitution. look upon 1t as
the type OF other days, and reminder OF
the better times OF the land. When went
10 Washington Immediately after the last
war was there introduced to the editor OF
the Elk Run Gazette (my friend Norris),
who showed me a venerable Barlow that he
said was Mr.. Jetferson's, and was amongst
the household gods Of the immortal states
man that were distributed rs memorials OF
friendship to his favorites. Knowing that
he had no inclination to waggery, and was
entirely reliable about such interesting mat
ter>, ! felt what q qualification he had af-
forded an immense number OF our northern
fellow citizens, who in their laudable cu-
riosity had sought a sight Of this adorable
knife. knowing the value OF Barlow, L
was not surprised to learn that Mr.. Jeher-
son wore one persistently. va.sreL
In youth I fell upon my face and ducked
my head in the pure, cold waters that
flowed from the springs to slake my thirst,
and deemed it luxury; but now ! cannot
get down SO low without some trouble In
getting up. So have employed my tin
cup as q "mejum" between old age and
the fountains which youth drank from with
his glowing lips. Rather proud OF my
equipment, took my route upon the Soutn
Branch, along the road to Monterey-the
name for Highland Courthouse, in selecting
Which Tor once o stupid taste did not con-
troll.
THE DEVILS BACKBONE.
Along the South Branch, for miles above
FRANKLIN, the fine meadows belong to Will
liam Mccoy, Esq, son Of the late General
Mccoy, who represented the Pendleton dis
sfict in Congress for more than quarter OF a
century. AIR. Mccoy is himself far advanced
II lie. He once represented Pendleton
IN the Virginia Legislature years ago. He
IS devoted to his pursuit as raiser OF
cattle, and has done a great deal to improve
stock IN his region Of country. His fat
cattle wading in the luxuriant meadows are
Tue PICTURES OF bovine thrift and happiness.
turning to the left from the Monterey
toad, soon entered what may be regarded
the gate to the Valley OF "Crab- Bottom"
AS1eS' w WAC sotAsu ltANaSh AoS
Very head waters. The gorge through
which the road passes is narrow. The
Devils Backbone" on the right guards
the pass. The mountain, so named on its
east side, is covered with rock that In an in
chhed stratum forms the face OF the lofty
elefatlon and iuts from up the top In q way
mat presents to the eye from the west side
an cYerhanging line resembling the over
tapping roof on the comb Of d house. It is
really a curiosity to the traveller. For
many miles this Backbone stands out boldly
nin III view OF the traveller. Why it should be
called the DEVILS Backbone I know not,
aaa this difficulty in imagining q
Geasen Gen is met with, in regard to the
hh;ahSareds h;a Of wonders that bear the name of.
,hs us satanic Majesty. can only say that IL
.Ie Immense ridge OF, roek that towers
sge Sgove Crab Bottom is fair sample OF Old
LIZ hNIL''ys" real backbone itisnet at all fiexi-