Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1848-10-21
A Man over the Falls.


Cured last evening at the Falls, and is de-
tailed below by our correspondent. There
is something terribly appalling, almost sub
lime, in the struggles for life of strong,
self-possessed man, when drawn into the
torrent that, with the speed of race horse,
sweeps him onward TO CERTAIN destruction.
A moment scarcely elapses between entire
safety and most fearful death, yet in that
moment what wealth Of life mny be COM
pressed How like lightning must flash
through the mind, all the pleasant recoliec-
tons of childhood, the firm resolves of Wig
orous manhood, the hopes of the future, the
endearments of home and friends, repent
ances for past errors, and prayers for for
giveness in that dread presence to which he
is so awfuly summoned! Buff. Com.
NIAGARA FALLS, Oct. ., 1913.
Atabout SHUTDOWN last evening man was
carried over the Falls. Who he was is not
known. From his management Of the sail
boat in which he came down the river, | think
he was not well acquainted with the current
or the rapids. His dress, and appearance
Indicated responsibility, and after he got into
the rapids his self-possession was most eX-
traordinary. His boat was n very good Que
-decked over OH the how, and should think
would carry three or four tons. From what
1 learn of a sail boat having been seen below
Black Rock, coming down, think il is from
there or Buffalo. No other than person
unacquainted with the current above the
rapids. would venture so near them.
was on the head of Goat Island when
first discovered the boat--then near half a
mile below the foot OF Navy Island, and
nearly two niles above The Falls. There
seemed to be two in the boat. II was direc-
ted towards the American Shore--the wind
blowing from this shore, and still the sail was
standing. Being well acquainted with the
river, regarded the position of the boat as
extraordinary and hazardous, and watched
it with intense anxiety. Soon discovered
the motion of an oar, and from the changing
direction of the boat, concluded it had but
one. While constantly approaching nearer
the rapids, | could discover it was gaining
the American shore, and by the time il had
rot near the first fall in the rapids, about
half a mile above Goat Island, il was directly
above the Island. There it was turned up
the river, and for some time the wind kept
il nearly stationary. The only hope seemed
to be ID come directly to Goat Island, and
whether should run half a mile to give
alarm or remain to assist, in the event the
boat attempted 10 make the Island, was a
question Of painful doubt. But soon the
boat was again turned towards the American
shore. Then il was certain it must 20 down
the American rapids. ran for the bridge
saw aud Informed gentleman and lady just
leaving the Island, but they seemed unable
TO rcnly or move. rallied a man AT the toll
eate--we ran to the main bridge in time 10
see the boat Just before it got 10 the first
large fall in the rapids. Then saw but
one man--he standing at the stern with his
oar. changing the course Of the boat down
the current, and as it plunged over, he sat
down. | was aStonshed to see the boat
rise with the mast aud sail standing, and the
man. again erect, directing the boat towards
shore. As he came to the next and to each
succeeding fall he sat DOWN, and then would
rise and apply his oar in the intermediate
current.
Still there was hope that he would got
near enough TO the pier TO jump, but IN
moment ii was gone. Another, that he
might lump upon the rock near the bridge,
but the current dashed him from 1t under
the bridge, breaking the mast. Again he
rose, on The opposite side. Taking his oar
and pointing his boat towards The main
shore. he cried, " had ! better jump from
the boat;" We could not answer, TOR eth
or seemed certain destruction. Within a
few rods Of the Falls, the boat struck a
rock-tnrned over aud lodged. He APP
peared 10 crawl from under II, and swan
with the oar IN his hand till he went over
thu precipice.
Without the power to render any assist
ance-for half an hour watching a strong
man struggling with every nerve for life, vel
doomed with almost the certainty Of destiny
TO an Immediate and awful death, still hoping
with every effort his deliveranee, caused an
intensity Of excitement ] pray God never
again to experience.
write too hurriedly for publication, but
have stated All we have seen or know re-
spcctfng the man or boat, and from winch
hope You viii be able 70 CLEAN 50 much for
publication rs will lead 70 the discovery OF
the man.