ASCENT OF MONT BLANC. 87 



which falls without cessation. The guides are very un- 

 easy. 



September 7, evening. My dear Hessie, we have been 

 two days upon Mont Blanc, in the midst of a terrible 

 tempest of snow. We have lost our way [they were 

 only a few steps from the usual line of descent], and we 

 are in a hole dug in the snow, at a height of 15,000 

 feet. I have no hope of descending. Perhaps this note- 

 book will be found and sent to you. We have nothing 

 to eat. My feet are already frozen, and I am exhausted. 

 I have only the power to write a few words. [All this 

 was written in characters larger and larger, and almost 

 illegible]. Tell C. that I have left the means for her 

 education. I know that you will employ them properly. 

 I die in the faith of God, and in thoughts of love for 

 yfiu. Adieu to all. I hope we shall meet again in 

 heaven. Yours forever." 



A catastrophe still different from any which I have 

 related transpired in nearly the same situation upon the 

 North Calotte of the mountain dome. Three young Scot- 

 tish noblemen, brothers, by the name of Young, resolved, 

 against all remonstrances, to ascend Mont Blanc without 

 the assistance of guides. Following the tracks of a pre- 

 ceding caravan, they made the ascent with complete suc- 

 cess, on the 23d of August, 1866. The weather was fine, 

 and they were watched with telescopes from Chamonix. 

 On commencing their descent, it was observed that they 

 were pursuing a course a little too far to the north. The 

 slope was very steep and very smooth. The hindermost 

 brother was seen to slip and commence a glissade. His 

 connection with the two others by means of a cord was 

 the cause of their fall. Within a few seconds the three 



