Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-09-25
A CHM ?.
Thrilling Episode In the Life of
Rx-COIleetOr Merritt, Of New
York.

In the month before General Gar
field became President, General Mer-
rift, then Collector of New York, came
within an ace Of stepping out Of Rob-
ertson's way and out Of the world at
the same time. General Merritt was
visiting Colorado Springs with bis
wife. 1t was in February, but the
weather vas so fine that he resolved
to ascend Pixies Peak. The govern
ment trail had not been completed
and the accent was difficult, ' in
good weather. However, he wanted
TO 90, and finally persuaded Engineer
Il. S. Nettleton to guide him up the
peak. A clear day was selected, and
fortunately very little snow appeared
on the mountains. Mr.. Nettleton,
being familiar with Colorado weather.
was not over enthusiastic in beginning
the trip 10 guard against accidents,
a strong man was engaged TO sccom
pany the party. Late in the alter
noon the party reached a little park
about two miles below timber line. Al
night vas rapidly approaching, it was
suggested that the journey be contin.
ued in the morning.
"Oh, no" said the General, Tets
push on. I'm us1d TO roughine it,"
1t was nearly duck when they got to
timber line, where there is a small
lake with a cabin on It's shore. Pru-
dence counselled a halt for the night,
and Engineer Nettleton was in favor
OF It But the General was again i'm
patient, and the travellers scaled the
steep trail that led from the lake to
the last scattering cedars. There the
desolate summit Of Pixies Peak be.
gins. When out Of the timbers, the
party saw a storm rising 10 the west
IL came SO rapidly hal 10 ten minute.
the wind was blowing a hurricane and
the air was filed with snow. A Col
orado blizzard swept the peak, and il
was with with the utmost difficulty
that the ascent was continued. The
mules had been abandoned in the deer
snow Of the woods. Human exertion
was nearly impossible in the storm.
General Merritt fell into the OPENING
between the rocks, and sometimes the
travellers found themselves ten feet
under the snow. The situation be.
came perilous The General grew
drowsy, and then sunk down in a
stupor. When aroused he begged his
companions 10 save their lives. For
bis part he was ready 10 die. Hesaw
10 escape. His limbs were then
rubbed, and, after much eoaxing. he
was persuaded TO push on. Ii was
still two miles to the top Of the noun,
tains, and the fury Of the gale was in.
creasiDg. Mr.. Nettleton and his man
now went to work 10 earnest. They
repeatedly dragged the Gens
ersl to his feet and forced
hin to proceed. At times the
wind lifted them into space and hurled
them on the rocks. Often they were
buried in the drifts. The telegraph
wires we're blown down, aud the pross
poets became horrible. When near
the summit they accidentally discoy.
cred that they we're on the very brink
Of theprecipioe which overhangs the
Manitou springs. II was toward Il
o'clock when the signal station wa,
reached. The barred door was opened
aud three men covered with ice and
iestoons Of long, white frost, appeared
before the astonished signal seryio,
men. They failed to recognize Mr.
Nettleton, who. like his companions
vas entirely hidden in the boar frost
The signal men were amazed that tht
travellers had escaped with their lives
General Merritt, who is a strong
brave man, Of rugged physique, was Sc
exhausted that he sank on the fool
and was put to bed. He did moi
recover his strength until the mex
evening. According 10 the govern.
ment instruments the temperature M
there was A. below zero, and the wind
blowing forty miles an hour. Ii
speaking Of the adventure a week
~afterw4rd, General Merritt said II wa,
the narrowest escape OF bis life, and
had il not been for Engineer Nettle.
ton, he would have died when hal.
way up the peak.