Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-08-26


A Tennessee correspondent of the Al
bany Journal writes: For a moderate
fee my companion and were padded
across Chattanooga creek, which is or
dinarily a narrow stream, but which
had now stretched 10 width of two
miles Landing at the foot Of Lookout
Mountain, we tramped up its steep sides
to the summit BY the grade Of the new
incline railway which is being con-
strueted. IL was a tiresome walk to ono
unused to it. but was well worth the
trouble. Passing around the base of
the perpendicular cliff on the north side
of the mountain, known rs Point Look
out, we hailed u man who was peering
down upon us. and by the use of the
ladder which he lowered and the ex-
penditure of % cents each we were soon
standing on the breezy eminence, gaz-
ing in raptures at the magnificent view
which spread itself out like panorama
before us.
There is no grander outlook in the
world than that presented from the
summit of these cliffs. either for the
lover of nature or the student of Ameri-
can history. At this time, however, the
whole aspect of the surrounding coun-
try was changed by the prevailing
floods. Chattanooga was undergoing
another siege, communication being cut
off on every hand, not by armed men,
but by the angry waters. The tremen-
dous flood. extending far up the Chatta-
nooga valley. between Lookout and
Missionary ridge. with the hundreds of
submerged buildings, presented wild
scene. Farther to the east, looking
over Missionary ridge, Chickamauga
creek could be- seen widened into an
immense river. and by the aid of
tield-glass many pretty residences could
be seen nearly covered with water.
Looking towards the northeast rs far us
the eye could reach, we could see the
swelled current of the Tennessee come
rushing out from among the noun
tains, bearing on its bosom an immense
mass of driftwood, among which was
occasionally mingled 81 frame building
that had been torn from its foundation,
the remnants of Il demoralized timber
raft, the body of some unfortunate horse
or COW, and various other property of
the northern limit of Missionary ridge.
making sharp turn southward around
Cameron hill. and after furious on
slaught at the base of Lookout again
abruptly turned to the west and north,
around Moccasin bend. and plunged
out of sight between the hills. The
proper channel of the river coul,l be
DISTINGUISHED by the tons of the trees
along its margin. which were just put
ting on their green mantles. The an
cry flood laved the foot of the Raccoon
mouRtains, and the backwaters flooded
the valley to the west over which Gen.
Joe Hooker's gallant army marched on
that memorable day (Nov. 25, 1869,
and clambering up the steep western
side of old Lookout, under cover of the
morning mist, fought the great battle
among the clouds. Far below us to the
left could be seen square green patch
on which a farmhouse is located, now
an island. being entirely surrounded by
water. This is the eminence which was
occupied rs the headquarters of Gen.
Hooker during the noted battle. I'M
mediately back of where we stand is
Pulpit rock, from the summit of which
the signal waved announcing the great
victory. In fancy we can. hear the an-
swering shouts from the thousands of
exultant heroes who were resting their
tired bodies along the mountain slope,
and far below, over the valley to-
ward Missionary ridge.