58 JOURNAL OF THE 



section was bolted to the one underneath by eight J in. copper bolts, 

 all of which fitted fairly well, except a few. All these bolts are 

 within the structure, none of them show from the outside. 

 Finally, the cap, weighing about 80 pounds, was hoisted up, and 

 screwed to the eighth section by four J in. copper screws with 

 ornamental zinc heads. These heads' being of the exact composi- 

 tion and color of the monument itself, are counter-sunk into the 

 cap, and are barely noticeable. 



The last screw was fastened at 4:45 P. M., August 18th, and 

 the monument stood complete. It is severely plain, and has 

 upon it no figure work or ornamental design of any kind. 

 Upon the western side appears, in raised letters, the word 

 " MITCHELL"; on the side towards the grave is the following 

 brief inscription : " Here lies, in hope of a blessed resurrection, 

 the body of the Rev. Elisha Mitchell, D. D., who, after being 

 for 39 years a Professor in the University of North Carolina, 

 lost his life in the scientific exploration of this mountain, in the 

 64th year of his age, June 27th, 1857." 



Below this are the words: " Erected in 1888." 



There were no ceremonies connected with the erection of this 

 monument, the family having so requested. Dr. Phillips's ad- 

 dress before the University is alone commemorative of the event. 



The material of which the monument is made is known as 

 white bronze. It is, in fact, almost pure zinc, which is treated 

 under the sand blast to impart a finely granular appearance, and 

 to cause it to resemble white granite. It does closely resemble 

 this stone. It is practically weather-proof and will not become 

 discolored. It crowns the summit of the highest Peak in the 

 United States east of the Mississippi River, and is probably the 

 " highest ' ; monument in this country which has been made 

 for the purpose and transported on men's shoulders so great a 

 distance. 



Some idea of the difficulties connected with this undertaking 

 may be had by bearing in mind that the nearest house to the 

 Peak on the southern side, from which is the best ascent, is 12 

 miles away. All the tools, provisions, cement, blankets, &c, 



