Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1849-06-21
sTRoUDsBURG COUNTY, Pa THURSDAY JUNE al 1s4e

duty. ship is struggling amidst the terrible con-
vulsion of waters no human aid seems to be al
hand; all on board give themselves up for lost,
when something is at length seen to leave the
shore, and to be making an effort to reach the
vessel. Can it be possible A man on horse
back! Yes, it is Richard Hoodless coming to
the rescue, seated on his old nag, an animal
accustomed to these salt water excursions On
ward the faithful beast swims and plunges, only
turning for an instant when a wave threatens to
engulf him in its bosom. There is something
grand in the struggle of both horse and mantle
spirit of unsefshness eagerly trying to do its work.
Success usually crowns the exertons the horse
and his rider. The ship is reached Hoodless
mounts two or three mariners en- croupe, and TAX
ing them to dry land, returns for another install
ment.
That horse could be trained to these unpeas-
ant and hazardous enterprises may seem some
what surprising. But it appears that in reality no
training is necessary; all depends on the skill and
frmness of the rider. Hoodless declares he could
manage the most unruly horse in the water for
as soon as the animal finds that he. has lost his
footing, and is obliged to swim, he becomes as
obedient to the bride as boat to its helm. The
same thing is observed in this sagacious animal
when being hoisted to the deck of ship. He
struggles vehementy at first against his impend-
ing fate but the moment his feet fairly leave the
pier, he is calm and motionless as if knowing that
resistance would compromise safety in the aerial
passage. The only plan which our hero adopts
is, when meeting particularly angry surf or
swell, to turn his horses head bend forward, and
allow the wave to roll over them. Were the horse
to face the larger pillows, and attempt to pierce
them, the water would enter his nostfils and rem
der him breathless, by which he would be soon
exhausted.
In the year 1888 Hoodless signalized himself
by swimming his horse through stormy sea to
the wreck of the Hermione and saving her crew,
for which gallant service he afterwards received
testimonial from the Royal Humane Society The
words of the resolution passed by the society on
this occasion may be transcribed, for they narrate
a circumstance worthy of being widely known:
g 1t was resolved unanimously that the noble
courage and humanity displayed by Richard Hood
less for the preservation of the crew of the Her.
mione' from drowning, when that vessel was
wrecked near the Donna Nook, on the coast of
Lincolnshire, the 3lst of August, 1888, and the
manner in which he risked his life
on that occasion, by swimming his horse through
a heavy sea to the wreck, when it was found i'm
possible to launch the life-boa, has called forth
the lively admiration of the institution, which is
hereby unanimously adjudged to be presented to
him at the ensuing anniversary festival"
As it may not be generally understood that a
horse can be made to perform the office of life
safety be launched, the fact of Hoodless perform
ing so many feats in the manner described cannot
be too widely disseminated.
On some occasions, we are informed, he swims
by himself to the wreck but more usually he goes
on horseback, and is seldom unsuccessful in his
efforts. About two years ago he saved the cap
tain of vessel and his wife, and ten seamen-
some on the back of the horse, and others hanging
on by the strrups. Should vessel be lying on
her beam ends Hoodless requires to exercise great
caution in making his approach, in consequence
of the ropes and rigging concealed in the water.
On one occasion he experienced much inconve-
nence on this account lie had secured two sea-
men, and was attempting to leave the vessel for
the shore, but the horse could not move from the
spot. After various Intellectual plunges, Hood
less discovered that the animal was entangled in
rope under water What was to be done -
The sea was in tumult, and to dismount was
scarcely possible. Fortunately he a. length picked
up the rope with his foot, then instantly pulling
4 knife from his pocket, leaned forward into the
water, cut the rope-no easy task in stormy sea
md so got off with safety.
All honor to Farmer Richard Hoodless, who
'till in his own ostentatious way, performs acts
If humanity as singular as they are meritorious
Only by accident have we become acquainted |
With his name and deeds ofheroism, and we could
lot deny ourselves the pleasure of giving them all
he publicity in our power.
~" Dad who is this Sam Francisco that's
ettn all the gold out there in Californy he
must be the richest fellow in all them diggins."
"Why, Johnny, rather think he's some related
0 the Sam Jacinto who was killed in the Texan
var by Gen. Sam Houston. #sNs
NONE take Teproof so well as hose who mos.