Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1897-11-06
ANECD0TAL LITERATURE.
Gathered ind Compiled for the In
dependent by W, @.

Gathered ind Compiled for the In
dependent by W. 9.
CLIMBING Up TIE NATURAL BRIDGE-A
THRILLING SCENE.
Mr.. Editor lit is probably
known to very few persons, at this
day, that the daring feat of ascend
ing the abatement OF the Natural
Bridge in Rockbridge county, Va,
from base to top. was accomplished
by young Virginian. 1t seems al
most incredible that such thing
could be done, and perhaps some
persons may regard it as a myth.
But it is true nevertheless. / have
it from good authority that it was
actually done nearly century ago.
When | was student at Pennsyl-
vania College, Gettysburg, Pa, /
had conversation in reference
to the matter with a student who
lived in the vicinity of this bridge.
He told me that he knew the man
who was then alive though advanced
in years but that his nervous sys-
tenn was SO shocked by this feat,
that he felt the effects all his life
and was loath to speak of it.
CLEAN and condense the follow.
ing from my fifty year old scrap
book. 1t is from the pen of e. Bur
rift, the learned blacksmith. 1t is
at your disposal for publication in
the INDEPENDENT.
| VIM. GERHARDT.
The scene opens with view of
the Natural Bridge in Virginia.
There are several lads standing be-
low looking up at the wonder Of ma
ture, and gazing at the unknown
| rocks, composing the abutements and
arch and standing as such from time
| immemorial. They are struck with
wonder and amazement at the
sight of these perpendicular bull
warks of limestone. Scanning these
rocks more closely, they observe a
number of names cut in these abute.
ments. A new feeling comes over
them, an ambitious desire TO follow
the example Of other visitors Of this
natural wonder, and also carve their
names on this rocky tablet. Forth
with their knives are in their hands,
ready to carry out their ambitious
intentions. They draw themselves
up and indent the find, and, as they
supposed, above the names already
there.
They were all satisfied except one.
Though his name was high up, he
noticed, by closer inspection, that
there still was one higher. 1t was
the name OF man that will be
fresh in the memory, not only Of
| his own country, but of the whole
world, when those of Alexander,
Caesar, Bonapart and other heroes
! shall be lost and forgotten. Their
appearap and career nave been
like the flashing, but vanishing me-
teor, but that of Washington is like
fixed star, brilliant and everlasting
in its own unborrowed light. Be-
fore Washington marched with
Braddock to that fatal field, be had
been a visitor TO the Natural Bridge,
and left his name carved a foot
higher than the rest. 1t was a glor.
ious thought of the daring boy, to
write his name beside, if not above
that of the great Father OF his coun-
try.
Fired by this ambitious resolu-
ton, the boy grasped his knife with
a firm hand and proceeded to ascend
by cutting inches in the soft lime.
stone for his hands and feet. His
companions regarded him with adj
miration for his pluck, but deep
concern for his safety, as it was an
unsafe position to cling to the per-
pendicular rock with no support
but the inches. But undaunted, he
attempted the perilous ascent, and
succeeded in carving his name above
that OF Washington. Not satisfied
with this, he assembled still higher
in his ardor, and carved his name
once more in hugh capital letters.
At this point he cast look beneath
to ascertain his elevation. Had he
| glanced moment longer, that mo-
ment would have been his last, as
his head began to swim. This in.
duced him to descend. But to bis
astonishment and CONSERVATION he
found il impossible to do so. While
the inches enabled him TO ascend,
they proved useless for retracing
his steps. He became faint and
trembled as he realized his helpless
ness in this awful position.
What moment What q mcager
chance to escape destruction His
companions were awe.struck by bis
| perilous position, and awaited his
fall and death with narrowing emo
tions. His only chance now was to
make his way up to the top. But
what a herculean task for one al
ready greatly exhausted And how
slight the prospect of accomplish
ment But desperation lent strength
| fo hfa hand ond ofutnh;u. L. f.-.r.