Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1851-01-11
Experience OF 1Ioyyn-up-Man.

Experience OF I1Gyvn-up-Man.
Mr. H. A. Kidd, one Of the editors of the n. o.
Crescent who was blown up the steamer Anglo
Norman, and was rescued in almost drowning
condition by the steamer Naniope, gives an exceed
ingly interesting account of his own feelings at the
time ofthe disaster. After lemarking that he uas
seated on deck, Immediately over the boiler, engag-
ed in conversation with MIR. Bigny, of the Delta, he
goes on to say -
''We had been but very few minutes engaged
in conversation when Il jet of hot water, accompan-
ed by steam, forced out of the main steam pipe
Jut aft the chimney, and fell n considerable show
er near to had not before noticed anything Of
the kind, and thought it very strange | was iusi
about remarl,ing this to Mr.. Bigny when was sud
denly lifted high into the airs know not TO what dis
lance. | have distinct recollection of passing
rather rreguIarly, through the air, enveloped, it
seemed 10 me, by an inpenenetrable cloud. There
was sufficient lapse Of time for me to have dis
tinct impression on my mind that | was inevitably
lost. In what position | entered the water and 10
what depth went, have not the slightest idea
When arose to the surface, wiped the water
from my face, and endeavored to get view of the
things about me, which was prevented from doing
| by the vapor of steam which enyeloped everything
as cloud. This, however, was, in a short time,
dlssipated, and then had clear conception of nv
condition. looked round as thought in every di
recton, and could only discover that | was not far
from the middle of the river, and in the neighbour
hood OF some twenty or thirty others, who seemed
to have been thrown into the riser somewhat in a
heap. They were sustaining themselves on the sur.
face as best they could, many of them endeayorinp
to get in possession officiating pieces of the wreck to
aid them.
could see nothing of the exploded boat, and was
fully satisfied in my mind that she was blown to
pieces, and every being board lost but those who
IKE myself, were still struggling in the water. !
VIII domyselfthe simple justice TO saw, that fiom the
time | arose TO the surface | had no apprehensons
OF drowning, notwithstanding the chances that seem
ed against me. never felt more buoyant, nor swan
with more ease. Still. thought it well enough ia
appropriate whatever aid was within mvreacb. so
Ike others began a race, which proved tedious
one, after piece of shattered plank. finally
reached 1t, and putting hand rather rudely upon
1t got sous:ng for my paIns-the piece was toe
small 10 render me any material service. | aban.
doned 1t, and turned in the direction of a steamboat
(Which i afterwards learned to be the Nanionel
which was making towards us. To keep NV face
towards the approaching steamer found tiat had
to oppose the strong current of the river This TO.
geher with the GOODNESS of the water SO exhausted
my physical energies, that for brief spacc I f.t
that might notSbe able to keep myself on the sur
lace until the boat should come within reach Of me
As the boat came near to US there was cry flou
a large number OF my unfortunate neighbors- STOP
the boat ~ ''Stop the boat - There was. indeed
great danger ofour being run over by it. |, how
ever had no fears on this point, and made no effort
- get out of the way. Fortunately for myselfI was
one otthe first approached A sailor threw out ia
me large cable, which succeeded in grasping at
the hrst effort was drawn TO the boats guards.
which were several feet above the water While
drawing me up, the kind hearted sailor cried out =
''Hold on, partner % But could not: NV ener.
gles were exhausted; the rope was slipping in M,
hands, and should certainly have fallen back into
the water and perhaps have been carried irrecoyaby
out OF reach, under the boats guard had not anoth
er sailor quickly reached down and got hold one Of
my arms. was drawn on board about as nearly
lileless,as folks get to be who are not dead T,yn
stout men kindly assisted me up into the cabin. and
blanket was wrapped round my shiserng and AL
most lnsensble body.