| 333 those surrounding it in any direction. This we selected as the hill Cumorah. A deep snow covered the ground, but the roads being good, with horses and sleigh, we were soon at its base. Inquiring of a German family residing at the foot of the hill to the northwest, we found that our selection was correct; it was indeed the hill Cumorah; or, as they termed it, "Mormon" or "Bible Hill."
In company with two German men and a boy, we ascended the hill on foot, and soon stood upon the highest point. The mind-picture I had formed of it and surrounding country, made from the descriptions written by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, was almost perfect.
At the north end it rises abruptly, narrowing as it rises until the top is reached, which is extended in length north and south, and is not more than two or three rods wide for some distance towards the south, when a gentle declination sets in, which continues seemingly, to the southern extremity, when it returns to the common level of the valley below; widening all the way, so as to occupy a number of acres of land.
Viewed at a distance, from the north, it has a pyramidal appearance, by reason of the sudden rise from the east and west, and narrow, bald top.
Doubtless the entire hill was once covered with trees and brush, as is shown from the remains of a few stumps, here and there, and two or three trees now lying on the top lately felled. The northern part is entirely bald, save the grass covering; but some distance back, the trees and brush, in places, are still standing.
Surrounding the hill to the north, east, and west, are small valleys, now covered with farms and dotted with houses. Far to the south the same features are presented. Altogether the scene is at once striking, beautiful, and imposing.
We could not determine to a certainty the exact locality from which the records were taken, on account of the snow; and then our guides disagreed as to the identical place.
As I stood and viewed the scene presented, I thought of the "great and tremendous battle" that is recorded as having been fought here between two powerful nations, and the scenes of blood and carnage that ensued-the weaker being utterly exterminated, with but one left to record the event and lament over the fallen.
Whatever may be thought of the truth or falsity of the narrative by men, it is certain that the face of the country sustains the record in a wonderful manner. It would be an excellent place from which to make a defense, in this day of great improvements in war implements, and especially so in an age when the bow and sling, battle-ax and war-club, were used as the instruments of death.
Another reason which led me to visit this place was, it is near where Joseph Smith, Sr., lived, and of the boyhood of Joseph Smith, the Seer, the neighborhood of Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and others, whose names are enshrined in the early history of the church, as defenders of the faith, and intimate associates of the Seer. A thousand rumors have
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