The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1848-10-14
| DAILY CRESCENT.
A Man over the Falls.
from. the Buffalo Commercial Advocate. ]

Neither fiction nor fact furnish an incident of
more thrilling interest than one which, occurred
last evening at the Falls, and is detailed below by
our correspondent. There is something terribly
appalling almost sublime, in the struggles for life of
a strong, selfpOssessed man, when drawn into the
torrent that, with the speed of horse sweeps
him onward to certain destruction. A moment
scarcely elapses between entire safety and most
fearful death, yet in that moment what a wealth of
life may be compressed. How like lightning must
flash through the mind, all the pleasant recoec-
tons Of childhood, the firm resolves of vigorous
manhood, the hopes of the future, the endearments
OF home and friends, repentance for past errors and
prayers for forgiveness in that dread presence to
which he is so awlully summoned
NIAGARA FALLS, Oct. I'd, 1S48-At about sun
down last evening man was carried over the
Falls. Who he was is not known. From his man
agement Of thesail-boa in which he came down
the river, think he was not we'll acquainted with
the current or the rapids. His dress and appear
indicated responsibility, and after he got into
the rapids his selfpossession was most extraordi-
nary. His boat was a very good One-decked over
on the bOw, and should think would carry three
Or four tons. From what learn of a sailboat hav-
ing been seen below Black Rock, coming down.
think it is from there or Buffalo No other than
person unacquained 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 mile below
the foot of Navy Island, and nearly two miles
above the Falls. There seemed to be two in the
boat. 1t was directed 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 exraor-
binary and hazardous, and watched it with intense
anxiety. Soon / discovered the motion of an oar,
and from the changing direction Of the boat, con-
Guided it had but one. While constantly approach
ing nearerS nearer the rapids, | could discover
it was gaining the American shore, and by the
time it had got near the first fall in the rapids,
about half mile above Goat Island, twas directly
above the Island There it was turned up the
river, and for some time the wind kept it nearly
stationary. The only hope seemed to be TO come
directly to Goat Island, and whether should run
half mile to give ALARM or remain TO assist, in
the event the boat attempted to make the Island,
was a question of painful doubt. But soon the
boat was again turned towards the American shore.
Then it was certain it must go down the American
rapids. | ran for the bridge-saw and informed
gentleman and lady just leaving the Island, but
they seemed unable toreply or move. rallied
man at the tOll-gate-Se ran to the main bridge in
time to see the boat just before it had got tothe
first large fall in the rapids. Then saw but one
mamie standing at the stern with his oar, chang
ing the course of the boat down the current and as
it plunged over he sat down.
was astonished to see the boat rise with the
mast and sail standiBgy and the man again erect,
directing the boat towards shore. As he came to
the next and each succeeding fall he sat down,
NOtu IlSC Apply val III tLAC
termediate current.
Still there was hope that he would come near
enough to the pier 10 jump, but IN mafneAt Z was
gone Another that ne might jump upon the rock
near Isbridge, but the current dashed him from it
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 boatl" We could not
answer for either seemed certain destruction.
Within few rods of the falls, the boat struck on
rock-turned over and lodged He appeared to
crawl from under it, and swan with the oar in his
hand till he went over the precipice.
Without the power to render any assistance-for
half an hour watching strongman struggling with
every nerve for life, yet doomed with almost the
certainty of destiny to an immediate and awful
death, still hoping with every effort for his deliver
ance-eaused intensity of excitement | pray
God never again to experience.
write too hurrdly for publication, but have
stated all we have seen or know respecting the man
or boat, and from which hope you will be able TO
CLEAN so much for publication as will lead to the
discovery Of the man.