The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-07-27
Our Cape May Correspondence.

SarE DAAi cuty io'A'
Sad Accident-Loss of Mr.. Shedaker-Amother
Life Boat-Dangcr of Bathing-1he Breakers.
During short visit of day or two at the son
shore, it my misfortune to be the spectator of
very sad catastrophe Mr.. Edwin G. Shedaker,
merchant of Philadelphia, had been at New York
on business, and returning board OF the Kenne
bee TO his home. He was accompanied by a boy,
ten or twelve years old, who is said to be an
extremely interesting boy. He arrived at the island
about half past three o'clock, and took lodgings ut
the United States Hotel. About half past seven,
he left the hotel with his son, for the purpose of
taking bath. Very shortly after he left the shore,
the writer, who was standing close by the waters
edge, was startled by terrific scream Of "help!
help " from the midst of the breakers. 1t was soon
discovered by those the beach that the surf boats
were quarter of mile from the place where the
unfortunate man was struggling with the breakers.
In an incredibly short space of time the water near
the shore was alive with daring men, who had
rushed in to his rescue, regardless of danger. A
line was formed by joining hands, and going out
towards him; but all was of no avail by this time
the SUIT boat had been manned, and got into the
water There was probably a thousand persons
standing upon the beach, watching with intense
anxiety the drowning man as he loated further and
further from the shore. The scene was appalling
beyond the power of words to express. The sup
pressed sobs Of the women-the rushing to aud fro
Of men--the plash of tho MS the surf boat
bounded over the billows-the glow of the summer
sunset, making the waters waste sparkle with
rc0 golden hueabove ALL the cries ofthe sufferer,
borne aloft upon breaker, he seentOr moment,
and then plunged into the abyss beyoAd All this
passed before eyes, and stood riveted to the
spot with unspeakable horror. The boat had at last
reached him-those on the beach lost sight of him.
For single moment no one knew whether he was
IL L..A AL ~. L.ux L.
came painfully apparent that he not yet taken,
OF the boat would have put bask to shore. After
few minutes halt, the oars dropped into the water,
and slowly and sadly the boatmen returned to tell
us that they had reached him just in time to see his
Inst imploring look for aid as the water broke
him, and he sank from their sight. The boy who
was with him was saved, and brought in by the
boat and many tear sparled in the eye of beauty,
and many care worn cheek was wet when the poor
fatheress child was led up the beach to the hotel,
from which 20 short time before his father had
led him. The promenade was broken up, and little
knots soon gathered to hear the solemn tale told by
one who had witnessed 1t in the boat in the
water. Too much pains cannot be bestowed upon
those who madly threw themselves into the boiling
waves to aid in his rescue. The hop" at the CO.
winbia was dreary AFFAIR, and feeling OF mean-
choly spread over the place. such ms could only
occur when death comes in to stop the levity of
summers watering place.
As If this were not sufficient warning, the next
morning about five O'Clock, the report came up that
ard lost before the life boat could be brought to his
relief. A musician, belonging to the band of the
Columbia House, had gone out before five o'clock in
the morning. with friend to bathe, when both were
carried beyond the breakers, and one named Gess
was drowned. while the other was saved by the in
tIepidity Of young named Woodside, who
gave him orders how to conduct himself, took him
ty the hand, and by almost superhuman effort
dragged him ashore. The arrangements to prevent
such accidents are Of the most .erable character
Only two boats are used on beach over mile in
length and these have to be stationed about half
mile distant from some of the bathers. During the
hours WREN few bathing, they are kept in sheds,
shout fifty yards from the low water mark, and have
to be dragged that distance through the sand by
the hoatmen, before they can be propelled by the
oars. This ought to be remedied, and until the
boats are largely multiplied and kept constantly
manned ana in the water, accidents will be frequent,
and Cape Nay will remain as it is at present-the
most unsafe watering place ON this continent.
The hotels are crowded to suitocation, and COM
Portable lodgings are not to be obtained by any
means. SCHUYLKU.L.