Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-05-19
Singular Anecdotes.

One OF the most singular features in Psy-
choogy, is the fact which is perfectly noto-
rious, that tie faculty of memory acquires an
activity and tenacty, in The case OF persons
about being drowned, which it never exhib-
its under ordinary circum stances. Anacci-
dent occurred some weeks since, at New
York which threw number Of persons into
the North River. Among others were Mr..
-, and his sister, the first named, editor
Of a weekly paper IN Philadelphia. They
were both finally saved. Mr.. -.descrbes
the sensation while under water, and in a
drowning condition, 10 be pleasant but pecu-
liar 1t seemed TO him that every event in
his life crowded in his mind at once. He
was sensible of what was occurring, and ex-
pected TO drown, but seemed only 10 regret
that such an interesting 'item' as his sensa-
tions would make should be lost.
| In noticing this statement in an exchange
| am reminded ofan incident which dissiIn-
liar as it is to the narrated, in its general
/ features, had the same remarkable awaken
ing Of the memory, which cases often exhib.
il. | can vouch for the truth ofwhat follows
as well as testify TO vivid recollections in my
own case, when exposed 10 the hazards Of
browning, reproducing i'll a few moments
/ AAS S'Sh'S VI IL OiIlllC Pdob
Some years since, A. held bond Of B. foI
several hundred dollars, having some lime
10 run. Al its maturity he found that he had
put il away so carefully that he was unable
TO find it. Every serach was fruitless. He
only knew that il had not been paid or traded
away. In this dilemma be called on b. re-
lated the circumstances Of its disappearance
and proposed giving him receipt as an off
set 10 the bond, or rather ap indemnifying
bond against its collection. if ever found.
| To his great surprise, B. not only refused
10 accept the terms of meeting the difficulty
but positively denied owing him anything,
and strongly intimated the presence of a
fraudulent design on the part of A. Without
| legal proof and therefore without redress, be
had TO endure the loss Of his money, and the
suspicion of fashionable intention IN urging
the claim. Several years past away withOu
any change in the nature of the case, or III
facts as above given, when one afternoon
while bathing in the James River. A. either
| from inability TO swim, or cramp, or some
other cause, was discovered TO be drowning
lie had sunk and risen several times, anC
was floating away under The water, when he
was seized and drawn to the shore. The US
ual remedies were applied 10 resuscitate him
and although there were signs OF life, there
was no appearance of consciousness. lie
was taken home in state OF complete eX
haustion, and remained so for some days.
On the first return Of strength TO walk, be
left his bed, went TO his book case, took {
book, opened il, and handed his long los
bond 10 friend who was present. He iher
Informed him that when drowning, and sink
ing, as he supposed, TO rise no more, in
moment, there stood out distinctly before hi:
mind, as picture, every act Of his life, from
the hour o.! childhood TO the hour Of sinking
benealh the water, aud among them the cir
cumslance of his putting the bond in book
the book itself, and the place in which h
had put il in the book case. Ii is needles
10 say that he recovered his own with usury
! - CiSt'S Advertiser.