Wheeling compiler. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [i.e. W. Va.]) 1829-1831, 1829-10-28

esa0micAI MEANS Of coaveganss.9 Ere
quently in contact with the distinguished
Civil Engineers of Great Britain, and uni
formly treated with unreserved politeness,
they had free access TO all the information
on the subject possessed IN England, both
with regard TO the construction of Rail
Roads, and application Of motive power
upon them.
The information they derived has been
actively and usefully employed in aid Of
our work, as far as it has proceeded, and
the unremitted duties Of the Beard of En-
gineers, in furtherance Of the construction
Of the road, have alone prevented the dep
utation from submitting, before this time,
in minute detail the results of their obser-
vations in Great Britain. During occa-
sional intermissions of duty, however,
their Report, with the drawings illustrative
Of it, has been advancing, and will, it is
expected be completed at an early period
Of the ensuing winter. Meantime, as has
been remarked, the main object of the mis-
sion will have been attained, in bringing
within reach of the Directors, and at their
control, knowledge of the means best
recommended by previous experience in
the execution Of similar works.
go
From the .Nistg York Commercial .4drertiser
PAVILION, NIAGARA FALLS, Oct. 8.
You viii have seen by the frontier news
papers on both sides of the border, if not
by the numerous handbills scattered in all
directions, 'that several gentlemen" not
the least Interested, and in the most liberal
manner possible, "lately associated for the
purpose Of giving a treat to the ladies pod
gentlemen of the United States, and Of the
provinces of Upper and Lower Canada"
The treat vas to be the descent of a
schooner, at 3 O'Clock. Punctually to the
hour, she was towed to the foot of Grand
Island, and leit to her own guidance. This
was truly a beautiful spectacle. At first
the Superior looked ike a little dark spot
upon the water, increasing in size as it was
borne down by the current. The waters
above the rapids, were as smooth as a sea
Of glass; and the sun shone upon them as
upon the surface Of a polished mirror.
How deceitful the calml And here might
moralize, if had time. II was intended
that the schooner should be swept down
the main channel near the Canadian shore.
Her velocity became quicker as she glided
gracefully onward, running like a youth in
the smooth sea Of pleasure, TO swift and
certain destruction. BY and bye, her
masts were discernable: g. then the streaks
upon her sides. And now she approached
the rapids. It was a moment ofbreathless
interest Now she plunged into the brea-
kers, and with loud crash away went both
masts in an instant. Now she was lost in
the surf; and now again she rose proudly
upon the surge, and though dismasted,
plunged CALAMITY among tho successive
breakers, like the noble war steed in bat
tie. But her struggle was short. She had
entered the rapids at too great a distance
from the shore; and wheeling round in an
eddy, broadsde to the current, she struck
upon a fat rock, about middle way between
Goat Island and the shore, where she now
lies the hull entire, bidding defiance to the
impetuous torrent which comes dashing a
gainst and rushing by her. Thus closed
the memorable 9th Of October, 1929, on
the Niagara frontier-with promise which
nobody believed would be performed, that
Mr.. Samuel Patch, Gent. should leap the
cataract on the day following at 10 O'Clock
precisely.
It was arranged that he should leap from
a ladder erected at the foot Of the preci-
pice below Goat Island midway between
the British and American Falls. Sam
came out from a cleft in the rock, dressed
in white, and quickly assembled the ladder,
amidst cheers so loud, that they would have
been heard far abroad, had it not been for
the roaring Of the turbulent Niagara. At
length he reached the pinnacle, where he
set for u moment like a sea-gull upon the
corner of a cloud. Now he stretched him.
self to his full length--bowed as graceful
ly as he could to the gentlemen-kissed
his hand to the softer sex, and made his
fearful leap. 7'What a fall was that, my
countrymen." Tie sank down and disap-
peared in the whirling cauldron, which clos
ed upon and boiled over him. ''Hs has
made his everlasting leap" said an old
man, wiping away tear. 1t was now
time to look about for the new messenger
to the deep, and the boat piled briskly a.
round the eddy, to seize him by the crown
az soon as he should rise TO the surface.
But Sam didn't choose to favor them with