The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-08-03
From fhe BuDaio Ceo,msreiai Adv1iistr.
PERILOUS ADVENTURE ATifHE FALLS.

An occurrence OF mos, thrilling interest took place
Niagara Falls Yesterday afternoon, attended win i'm
nEeh PERL 10 the lives o two Individuals but result
ING IN most happy aud prnsidenai deliseranee,
The new bridge 10 Iris island 10 planted m fright
lu rapid where the current is from 20 10 80 ues an
hour, aud is only about 100 Or 100 yaids above tho
brow OF The great precpice or perpendicular fall.
carpenter BY The name Of Chspin was engaged with
others in covering the bridge, and while wurk upon
staging about one hundred feet from Iris island. ac-
edentaly lost his footing. and precipitaied into
the rapids and in the ,winkling Of eye swept away
toward the great cataract Speedy and inevitable de-
struclion seemed 10 await him but fortunately he was
unioiured by the fall, and in this most hopeless
condition retained perfect selfpossession, Turning his
eye toward the only point Of hope above The fearful pre-
cipice he succeeded by great dexterty in swimming
in effec,ng landing upon little island some twenty
feet in width and length, the group OF e
cedar islands situated thirty forty ysids above
the falls and about eqaidstsnt from Goat island aud
the American shore. =
There he stood for an hour looking calmly aud be-
seechiogy back upon the numerous spectators who
lined The bridge and shores, but wi.h whom he could
hold conversation account Of tho distance, and
the roar of the rapids.
There is man in the village OF the Falls by abe
name Of Robinson Of extraordinary muscular power,
great intrepdlty. aud witha an admirable boa,man--
aud he probably the only that could have been
found within fifty mes--who generously volunteered
his service, attempt reaching island IN boat and
construction to the Whitehall boats, soon pro-
cured and he embarked.
He proceeded with great elaboration and consurn-
skill darling his little boat across the rapid chan
nes and at the intervening eddes holding up 10 survey
his situation and recruit his strength for the next trial
In few minutes he neared the island but a rapid
channel si interviewed, sweeping close the island
and rendering the attempt 10 land very difficult He
paused for momeut and then with oil his strength
dared across and sprang from his boat--hs foot
slipped, and he fell backward into the rapid current
Win the spectators II was a moment Of thrilling
interest and GREATNESS silence his boat seemed inev-
taby lost. and himself in fearful jeopardy Retaining,
however his grasp the boat he sprang in and again
seized his brought up under the lee OF the little
island All again felt momentary relief but still tho
great labor and hazard Of the enterprise remained to be
overcome cool head and a strong arm could only
effect Hutchinson proved equal to the task TAX
ing his companion on board in the same careful and
deliberate manner though Mt infinitely greater hazard
and labor, they effected safe landing on Goat
Island
There the spectators assembled to give them a cor
dial greeting. scene Of great excitement ensuei-
the boat was drawn upon the bank, and il was moved
and carried by accamation that collection be taken
up on the spot for Chaplin and his noble hearted de-
lIverer Robinson Il was generous one, and was
thankfully received but the reflection to Robinson that
he has rescued fellow being under such circumstances
Will he TO his generous heart much richer one After
the collection, Robinson and Chapn took their seats in
tho boat and carried in triumph on the shoulders
OF their neighbors to the village.
The intense interest Of the whole scene was height
ened by the presence Of Chapn's wife and children
who stood on the shore watching with unavaillug hor-
and agony what seemed his inevitable and fearful
fate With what derout aud heartfelt gratitude must
they have thanked God, when the husband and paren,
once more stood by their side safe and sound