Imagens da página
PDF
ePub

PASSAGE OF THE SACO.

169

vehicle with no horse. They were back shortly. How to give me assistance in my perilous situation, they were in no small doubt. The driver saw no other way but to brave the stream, seize the horse by the bridle and help him to rights. The thought was the deed. The horse after a few femih ef

forts stood upon his feet, and with skilful urging and guidance drew me safe to land.

PLEASANT MODE OF JOURNEYING.

A sublime scenc. A trial.

Rutland.

ONE of the most agreeable journies I ever took was with a horse and chaise, in company with a class-mate, through the State of New Hampshire. We filled our chaise-box with volumes of travel and romance — and, though last not least, a singingbook. Our horse was an able-bodied animal, sagacious, and altogether gentle, and had had much experience in travelling — for he had seen many days. He was named 'Honesty.' I never think of him but with a sentiment of gratitude, not to say a slight touch of affection. You were safe with, or without reins. If we were passing through an uninteresting portion of country whenever conversation flagged, which was not often- one of us took a volume

[ocr errors]

-

170

A SUBLIME SCENE.

[ocr errors]

and read to the other, or we tied the reins to the safes and each took a volume read to himself. -When the spiritprompted, if our way was through an uninhabited region, we broke the surroun ding silence and regaled ourselves with an air of solemn music in harmony with the scene. Some of the points of our route were Concord, the Capital of the State, Newport, Claremont, Charlestown No. 4, and the thriving towns along the banks of the blue Connecticut towards our native State. I shall never forget that time

When the heavy night hung dark

The wood and waters o'er

and we wound our unknown and perilous way up and down the steep hills of Newport-when the black thunder-clouds were dispersed in masses over all the heavens, and the lightning darted from one to the other with dazzling brilliancy, leaving us in a moment in ten-fold gloom, and the far-distant burnings in the forest, on either side reminded us of those days, not long since gone, when the Indian gathered about his council-fires on these same valleys and hill-sides. We reached the place at last, much to our joy, but were near being obliged to proceed further, as every room and bed in the public house were taken up by persons from the neighboring towns, who had congregated to attend a revival meeting. We however prevailed on the landlord to put us up a bed in the passage-way leading down the back stairs. It was a warm night and we left the window open at the head of our bed. So that what with the noise of the

[blocks in formation]

late nightly meeting in the church, which was within hearing distance, and domestics, in attendance upon some sick person in an adjoining room, going up and down stairs, we slept but poorly, and were glad to be off again the next morning. Though the weather had changed and the wind blew very cold we saw many females on their way, before the sun had risen to attend the morning prayer meeting.

On the elevated land of Rutland. - A bleak and dismal spot. The night dark and cold, and winds careering high. In bed turning over the 'Mysteries of Udolpho.' What wonder that imagination was wrought up and sleep was not easily courted! I might say something of each the places we passed through not forgetting some incidents that occurred -- but it is best to reserve space for other matters. Let me recommend such a tour to every one who loves pleasure and would make the most of his travels.

WHITE HILLS.

White Hills-Mt. Clinton.

.

Tornado. Winni

piseogee Lake. Red Mountain. Not so easy to meetdeath asone thinks for.

LEFT Castine in the packet at 7 o'clock in the evening,-arrived in Belfast at 1 1-2 after a rainy and disagreeable passage.

Cabin extremely wet

extremely hot and un

On our arrival when

and cold part of the time comfortable the remainder. we came from below, the moon shone with unclouded majesty. Repaired immediately to the public house, found no one, and could find no one, though the house was open. threw myself on a sofa-bedstead, without covering, was chilled through and suffered intolerably. Sleep uneasy and unrefreshing. Left in stage at 5A.M. for Augusta - sick most of the way. A route of no interest. Arrived in Augusta between one and 2P.M. forgot to pay passage and was pursued by driver half way to Hallowel. Not a very pleasant occurrence. Paid for myself and little brother $5 --- the usual fare. How exorbitant! Preached in H. on Sunday and left on Monday at 4 o'clock, A. M. Reached Paris that day distant forty miles was overset while descending the banks of the Androscoggin and a

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

little bruised; spec tacles buried in the sand. -Regaledby delightful music at Paris. Left at 7 o'clock in the morning for Fryburg, distant thirty five miles, Took horse and chaise at this place

WHITE HILLS.

[ocr errors]

173

for White Hills through North Conway and Bartlett. Visited Mts. Washington and Clinton. The weather unfavorable on Mt. Washington. Obtained a magnificent prospect from Mt. Clinton. It is more than two miles to the summit of Mt. C*. ascended in two hours accompanied by a guide. Mts. Washington, Pleasant, Franklin, Munroe,Jefferson, Deception, Kearsarge and Chocorua' Peak, or Peaked Mountain, indeed a grand sierra of mountain peaks' rose around us. The Saco and Ammonoosuc have their rise among these 'crystal hills.' The height of Mt. Washington is variously estimated. Dr. Williams says 7,800 feet above the level of the ocean. Dr. Cutter, 10,000 feet. It is said to be visible 30 leagues at sea --- wihich would be a distance of 165 miles. Therefore, according to Dr. Dwight, its height must be 12,000 feet. Every body has read, or ought to read his interesting sketch of all that is remarkable at the White Hills, so that the patience of the reader will be spared any effort of mine.

Crawford's house. --- The highest inhabited spot in the United States.-3,000 feet above the level of the sea. He is not much at his ease in his situation of innkeeper. To be scolded at every day,' said he, for not having every variety of every thing Pox on't I had rather hoe potatoes from sun-rise to sun-set.' Followed up the silver cascade,' near to its source. Penetrated the wild and awfully sol. itary ravines near the Notch. The sides of the

« AnteriorContinuar »