Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 February 1878 — A Fearful Sleigh-Ride. [ARTICLE]

A Fearful Sleigh-Ride.

Readers of weather bullet’ns in the daily papers seldom stop to realize toe hardships to which agente of toe Signal Service Bureau are exposed at some of the posts occupied during the year. The most dangerous for permanent habitation is probably Mount Washington. Yesterday morning Sergt Cone and Private Murphy, of the Signal Service Corps, started from toe si ation to go to the foot of toe mountain, the Sergeant having orders to report at Washington for medical treatment. They took a sled on which they proposed to descend, on the railroad track. After sliding for nearly a mile -without any apparent danger, at a speed of fifteen miles 'an hour over a smooth surface, and in the face of a stiff breeze, they came to toe flat just above what is known as “Jacob’s ladder,” one of the sharpest slopes of toe range. Here they rested, it being deemed advisable to lighten toe load by giving up the sled to Sergt. Cone. He strapped on a light trunk, and, adjusting the cogs, started on his downward slide. On going over the summit of toe peak, he was going at toe rate of twenty-five miles an hour, but this increased to forty as he got down the side, and he was absolutely flying down the mountain-side, when he lost his balance and was precipitated into a snowbank, a distance of 100 feet from toe trestlework. He struck upon his head and shoulders, and when found by Private Murphy, who followed him, he was apparently dead. After restoratives had been administered he recovered, and was removed to this town, where his wounds were properly dressed He is badly bruised about the shoulders, head and face, but no internal injuries are thought to exist.— Littleton (N. H.) Cor. New York Herald.