Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-10-18
From the Buffalo Commercial Advocate of AJond,,
A MAN OVER THE FALLS,

Neither fiction fact furnish an incident Of
more thrlilng interest than one which occurred last
evening at the Falls, and is detailed below by our
correspondent. There is something terribly appa}
ing, almost sublime III the struggles for life Of
strong, eli-possessed man, when drawn into the
torrent that with the speed of race horse, sweeps
hin onward TO certain destruction rnonlen,
scarcely eIapses between entire safety and most
fearful death, yet in that moment what n wealth Of
life may be compressed. How like lightning mus,
flash ihro' the mind, all the pleasant recoections
of childhood, the firm resolves of vioorous man
hood, the hopes of the future the endearrnents of
nome and friends, repentance for past errors and
prayers for forgiveness in that dread presence to
which he is so awfuly summoned
NhGRA Falls Oct. Q, 1SAS.
Al about shutdown last evening man was CARR
cd over the Falls. Who he was is no, known
From his management Of the sail boat i'm which no
came down the river, | think lie was not well ac
quaInted with the current of the rapids His dress
ana appearance indicated responsibility and after
he got into the rapids his self possession was most
extraordinary. His boat was a very good one dec];
ed over on the bow, and should think would car-v
three OF four tons. From what learn of e.ii
boat having been seen below Black Rock. COMING
down, think it is from there or Buffalo. Nonther
than person unacquainted with the current above
the rapids, would venture 50 near them.
was on the head OF Goat Island when frs, dis
oN'SNu tl'N oOdl-lHSU NEAR nan mile below the
foot Of Navy Island, and nearly two miles above
the Falls. There seemed 10 be two in the boat
1t was directed towards the American shorc--lhe
wind blowing from this shore. and still the sail was
standing. Being we'll acquainted with the river. |
regarded the position of tie boat as extraordinary
and hazardous, and watched it with intense anxie-
ty. Soon discovered the motion Of an car. and
from the changing direction Of the boat, concluded
IL had but one. While constantly approaching
nearer and nearer the rapids. could discover /,
was gaining the American shore and l,v tI,e time
1t had got near the first fall in the rapids. about
| half mile above Goat Island il was directly a
bove the Island. There il wasturned ND the river
and Tor some time the wind kept il nearly siationa-
ry. The only hope seemed to be 10 come directly
to Goat Island, and whether should run half a
mile to give alarm, remain TO assist in the o.
vent The boat attempted 70 make the Island. was a
question of painful doubt. But soon fine boat was
! again turned towards the American shore. Then
II was certain it must 90 down the American "a
/ pids ran for the bridge-saw and informed .
/ gentleman and lady just leaving the Island. but
/ they seemed unable TO reply or move. ] rallied a
man at the toll gate--we ran TO the main BRIDGE in
time TO see the boat just before il had rot 70 the
first fall in he rapids Then saw but one man
he standing at the stern with his oar, CHANGING
the course o! the boat down she current. and as 4
/ plunged over, he sat down.
+ ! was astonIshed 10 see the boat rise with tho
/ mast and sail standing, and fhe man, again erect
directing the boat towards shore. rs he came Il