Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1851-09-13
The great Swimmer.

AN UNExAMPLED FEAT OF STRENGTH AND
ENDrRANcE.-We do not know that we have
ever either heard or read of a more singular
incident Of strength and endurance in horse,
than is evidenced in the following incident fur
nished by our friend Capt w. A. Stephenson
Of this county: 4,s
In January last Caps Stephenson started
south with drove of mules and horses. and
proceeded with them as far as the junction of
the Big Warrior and Little Warrior rivers
where they form the Black Warrior in Blount
county Alabama. Here he found the bridgeon
Big Warrior-the usual crossing place-had
been swept away by high waters, and the fer
| ry boat entirely too small and frail to carry
his stock over in safety. He at once deter
mined to swim them across as the only means
lef: of enabling him to proceed with them
promptly to his destination, and they were ac-
cordingly driven into the current and started
across the river. With great difficulty they
landed safe, with the exception of large
chestnut sorrel, who probably entering the
stream too low, was swept gradually down by
the force of the current till its depth and. ra-
pidity, and the steepness Of the river bank,
rendered it impossible to get him out. Capt
Stephenson followed along the bank for seve-
raj miles. from half past two o'clock Monday
afternoon until late at night. when it became
too dark to see him, the horse still swimming
against the current, and breastng its whole
force with the most determined resolution.--
On Tuesday, Capt Stephenson offered re-
ward to any one who should get him out alive
number of the neighbors watched the gal
liant swimmer. but without being able TO make
any successful attempt towards his rescue
Several times he mado toward the bank, but
its rocky steepness prevented his getting foot
hold and sent him bach to buffet vainly against
the sweeping current.
AT one time heavy piece Of floating drift
wood struck his back, and even with this
heavy burden pressing on him. he struggled
upwards as bravely but as Intellectually as be-
fore.
The darkness of the night again hid him
from their view, and none believed that he
could survive the long and chilling struggle.
On Wednesday morning, however the watch-
ers on the bank again found the noble animal,
some miles lower down. still with his head up
stream. and bravely contending with the cold
and powerful current Through all that day
he maintained his position against the stream
though still carried further down every hour
until toward night, he neared temporary is
land formed by a slue running over the lower
grounds adjoining il. At this point a worthy
old farmer Of the neighborhood, Mr. John Por.
ter. succeeded in turning him towards the is
land which with great difficulty he succeeded
in reaching So soon as he saw him safely
landed, Mr. Porter procured halter, and al
great personal hazard about eight O'Clock
Wednesday night, waded through the slue,
supporting himself by the brush and under
growth until he reached the island, distance
of some seventy TO eighty yards. from whence
he soon returned with the gallant swimmer
safely and successfully. Chilled, wearied, and
worn down with the long struggle from Mon
day afternoon at half past two O'Clock till
Wednesday night at eight O'Clock. he was
hardly able to walk, but the kind care and at.
tention Of Mr.. Porter in the course of a few
weeks has perfectly restored him to his wont.
ed energy and life. Fifty-three hours con-
stant struggling, night and day. against the
swelling current Of such stream as Black
Warrior, without food or rest, is an exhibition
of strength and endurance which we have
never before known, and which Williamson
horse. like swimmer We presume could alone
perform. Tne fact that it was done is incon
testible. Tar Alabama Paper.