Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1839-08-02

the great precipice or perpendicular fall
a carpenter by the name of Chap,n was
engaged with others in COVERING he bridge.
and while at work upon a staging abou,
one hundred feet from Iris island, accidcp.
tally lost his footing ard was ptecp,ta,ed
into the rapids, and in the twinklipr of an
eye swept away toward the great cataract.
Speedy and inevitable destruction seemed
to await him but fortunately he was unn
jured by the fall. and even IN this most
hopeless condition retained perfect self
possession Turning his eye to the only
point Of hope above the fearful precipice
he succeeded by great dex'erlty in swim
ming, in efiec'Ing landing upon n little
island some twenty feet in width and
length. the ou,ermost Of The group of lillle
cedar islands situated some thirty or forty
yards above the ias, and about equal dis
lance from Goat island and the American
shore.
There he stood for an hour. looking
calmly and beseechingly back upon the
numerous spectators who lined the bridge
and shores, but with whom he could hold
no conversation on account of the distance,
and The roar of he rapids.
There is a man in the village Of the Falls
by The name of Robinson, OF extraordinary
muscular power, greet lntrepldlv, and
wlhal an admirable boatman--and he was
probably the only one that could have been
found within so miles-who generously
volunteered his services. TO attempt reach.
ing the island in boat and BRING Chaprn
OFF. A light boat OF two oars. similar in
construction to the White Hall race boats,
was soon procured. and he embarked.
He proceeded with great dellberajion
and consummole skill, darting hls little
boat across the rapid channels, and a, The
intervening eddes holding up TO survey his
situation and recruit his strength for the
next trial. In a few minutes he neared
the island, but rapid channel sIli inter,
vened, sweeping close to the island. and
skSnGerlnG he attempt to land very difficult.
He paused for moment, and then with all
his strength darled across and spraOg from
his boa,--hs foot slipped and he fol back
ward into the rapid current. With the
spectators it was moment of thrilling
interest and breathless silence; his boat
seemed inevitably lost, and himself IN fear.
lul lt'pdIuN htlulHluD, HuWtNtT, MS
grasp on the boat he sprang in, and again
SEEING his oars brought under he lee Of
the island All again felt a momen'ary
relief, but still the great labor and hazard
of the enterprise remained TO be overcome.
A cool head and strong arm could only
effect il Robinson proved equal to the
task. Taking his companion on board, in
the same careful and deliberate manner.
though at infinitely greater hazard and
labor, they effected safe landing on Goat
island.
There the spectators assembled to give
tbem.a cordial greeting. A scene of great
excitement ensued-the boat was drawn uE
the bank, and it was moved and carried by
reclamation that collection be taken up
on the spot for Chaplin and his noble hearted
dellverer Robinson 1t was generous
one, and was thankfully received but the
reflection TO Robinson that he has rescued
fellow being under such circumstances
will be 10 his generous heart a much richer
one. After the collection, Robinson and
Chaplin took their seats in the boat and
were carried in triumph on the shoulders
Of their neighbors 10 he village
The intense interest Of the whole scene
was heightened by the presence Of Chaplin 9
wife and children who stood on the shore
watching with unavailing horror and agony
what seemed his inevitable and fearful fate.
With what devcut and heartfelt gratitude
must they have thanked God, when the
husband and parent once more stood by
their side safe and sound.