Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1845-06-06
COURAGE OF A PARENT--lt is stated

COURAGE OF A PARENT is stated
I'm French paper, that Simon Etchverry, a
mariner who residedat Biarrits, near Bayonne,
and was distinguished for his intrcpi,tity ,asosc
early one morning to follow his business of
fishing. He saw that the sea was agtated by
a violent gale, which would prevent him from
launching his boat-~but he thought that he
should be able To take some fish from the rock
which hung over the sea shore. Accordingly
accompanied by his son, Jules, sturdy lad oi
fourteen years of age, he proceeded towards
st. Martins Point, ON the north side of the
light house. Here the rock was some twenty
five or thirty feet above the level of the sea,
but rough end extferaely narrow and dan
gerous path led around and beneath the rock.
to remote place known by the name of the
Fishing Bank-which, owing to tile difficulty
of approaching il, was seldom visited by fish.
ermien. Here Sirhon and his son posted them
selves and fishcd for half AN hour when taking
no fish, and the wind and waves increasing,
the two fishermen Were about to quit the spot,
when huge wave dashed against the rock,
and overwhelmed them in a moment. Simon
clinging firmly to the cragged rock, resisted
the force OF the retiring waye---but his son,
the unfortunate Jules, was washed awsy--and
when the fisherman recovering from the shock
looked around him he saw his son at distance
struggling manfully for life, and casting an
imploring look to the shore for succor. Simon
did not hesitate for a moment-but without
waiting to disembarrass himself of his garment.
plunged into the roaring flood, and swan to
wards his son. He caught him as he wa.
sinking. supported him in the water, babe hin
be OF good cheer, and in the mean time, gradu
ally threw off some of his outer garments
He then attempted to relieve Jules from tn,
weight OF his thick shaggy jacket, which h,
found much difficulty in doing-and unfortu
nately he had left his knife behind him. III
despaired not, however, and redoubled hi
efforts to disengage his boy from his heav
clothing, for he knew that much depended OF
this-and in the meantime, he used almos
superhuman exertions to sustain his son, an,
: keep him above the waves, which appeared t,
, increase in size and violence, and hardly al
lowed the youth time to take breath
, Simon struggled desperately with the elc
ments, and his courage and presence of mine
seemed likely to triumph. He now drew
towards the shore, and was about to rcceiv
the reward OF his heroism One effort NOR
only was required to reach the beach, when IN
perceived to his horror that his son was m
longer living-that he bore i'm his arms TIN
dead body of his darling boy! This discover
robbed him of his little remaining strength
The next moment he fell exhausted upon tin
sand, while the sea bore off into its depths hi
| precious burthen.
, 1t was with much effort that the brave an,
, unfortunate fisherman, half dead with fatigi
and grief, was at length able to drag himsel
towards his cottage, not far of, where he Ina,
been seen by a lad, who fled Immediately 70
assistance. The inhabitants of the neighbor
ing hamlet soon gathered around him-the
furnished him with clothing-gave him resto
ratives, and deeply sympathized with him 70
the loss of his son. He was soon able t
return to his humble dwelling, where tn
unhappy father mingled his tears with thos
OF the despairing mother. This melanchol
event, this sublime and affecting instance O
parental love and courage, caused quite
sensation in the community at Biarrits, whcr
the unfortunate fisherman had for years previ
ously been greatly esteemed as brave and al
honest man.