some supporting joist. A faint rustling (of discarded garments,

The work was both tedious and laborious, but in time perseverance

surmounted all obstacles and the road was finished, though its grades

were very steep. As soon as it was completed, I wished to

demonstrate its value practically, so I started a Government wagon

over it loaded with about fifteen hundred pounds of freight drawn by

six yoke of oxen, and escorted by a small detachment of soldiers.

When it had gone about seven miles the sergeant in charge came back

to the post and reported his inability to get any further. Going out