Alexandria Gazette

FATAL PEEP INTO VESUVIUS.

Some Germans of good family, on a recent occasion, had toiled to the summit of Mount Vesuvius, and, after resting themselves on that sulphurous bed, they descended the steep incline to the mouth of the crater. There was a little smoke that day, and the scientific gentlemen began to get into danger without being aware of it. The guides, having had quite enough of soft ashes and hard work in the ascent, sat down on the upper rim of the crater, not feeling inclined for more exertion. So many people had gone to peep into the chimney of the infernal regions day after day without any accident, that these lazy guides preferred some sour wine, and a slice or so of lemon sprinkled over with salt—a very comestible among the lower order of Neapolitans, and a little siesta, to looking after the souls and bodies of those entrusted to them. One of the most adventurous of the Germans, finding that he could bear the little sulphur which seemed emitted from the crater, resolved to penetrate further; but scarcely had he placed his foot upon an apparently solid projection, than the whole crumbled beneath him, and he was precipitated at least one hundred feet. The interior of the crater seemed as soft as the exterior, but the first words heard from the unfortunate man were that he was not hurt. In vain he tried to extricate himself; whatever he grasped mouldered in his grasp. He seemed to have become more stupified than his companions above were informed. They seemed could not regain his feet—of this his companions above were informed. They seemed unfortunate victim, for, instead of dispatching the guides to the Observatory of the Hermitage for ropes or assistance of some kind, they stood listening to their friend below, who gave them the idea of going elsewhere than where they remained useless and spell bound. There is everything in Naples but what is required; and at the Observatory although ropes must always be in request, and at least, precautionary utility, yet none could be obtained either there or at the Hermitage; and the guides were obliged to go to Resina for that which ought to be at hand. In the meantime the sulphur began to operate on the poor fellow in the crater, and he felt himself gradually sinking, not only in strength but in position. With wonderful self command he took leave of his friends, being perfectly certain that he could not survive the natural dilatory delay of the Neapolitans. For two long hours he did survive, when his voice got feebler and feebler. Perhaps as he by slow degrees slid deeper into the crater, hope vanished; until the voices were entirely lost. An occasional groan was heard, until after the expiration of the above time, when all was silent. The body was many hours after rescued by a guide, who descended two hundred feet before he found it. Of course it was perfectly lifeless—the sulphur had suffocated the poor fellow.