The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-01

HOxTf0 Ue0th q 0UD-m0x1n0 U1V0r.
From the Buffalo Republic, Nay 2o.l
We learn that Mr.. John Tope, one Of che divers
employed by Messrs Wells, Gowan Green In their
operations on the lake, lost his he while expert
menting with submarine armor, . few days since.
The circumstances attending this Iamentable casu-
atty, as related to us by Mr. Green, are substantially
as follows:-It appears that Mr.. Tope was DESTROYS
OF testing submarine armor, preparatory to COM
mencng operations on the wrecks which the COM
pany design raising this summer, and on Friday
afternoon last in company with three Others started
from Cattaraugus Creek in q small vessel of about
twenty tons burthen, and proceeded some distance
from the Shore where the water about forty feet
deep. Mr.. Tope descended into the water three
times. The first and second time he went down
some fifteen or twenty feet, each time signalling to
those above to raise him. In both instances he re-
marked that the foul air did not escape fast enough
to allow him to breathe freely. Previous to going
down the third time he detached the spring from
the valve which allows the impure air to escape
from the helmet, and desired the man who held the
signal line to observe carefully when he should
reach the bottom, (some forty feet,) and be pre-
pared to answer his signals. He then entered the
water, and had descended about thirty feet, when
those above thought the armor felt unusually heavy
The signal line was Immediately jerked to ascertain
whether anything was wrong, but receiving no
answering signal the diver was Immediately raised
from the water.
On opening the helmet, the unfortunate occupant
of the armor was found to be quite dead, presenting
horrid spectacle, blood oozing from his eyes, ears
cape-valye prevented the air from initiating the ar
NOR below the neck of the diver and when it is re-
collected that at the depth of thirty feet the pressure
Of the water is equal to fifteen pounds to the square
inch, and hence there must have been pressure of
at least ten tons upon the lower extremites of the
diver; and this tremendous pressure forced the
vital fluid to the head, bursting the blood vessels,
and thus causing immediate death. No. more than
minute and half elapsed from the time he entered
the water to the time he was hosted upon the deck
oil the vessel. The pressure of the water upon the
lower part Of the armor on his two previous trials,
caused slight rush of blood to the divers head,
causing dizziness which he imagined was produced
by foul air, and he insisted upon descending again
with the spring detached from the es;ape-valve,
which he said would allow free current Of air to
pass In and out of the armor; but moments refec-
cause of the melancholy casualty The apparatus he
used on this occasion, was in complete working
order, and one of the most perfect ever manu-
featured.
ence on the Atlantic sea-board, and recently came
here from Boston, where he leaves wife and four
children to mourn his death. Those who were with
him during the day say that he appeared to have q
premoniti0n that some catastrophe would happen to
him. but could not be dssuaded from trying the ex-
pertinent, in which he acted on his own response
bilty Mr. Green being at this city at the time The
accident at the wreck Of the Erie last year, when
Macdonald lost his life, was similar to this though
the victim in that case had but little experience as
q diver. Too much care cannot be observed by
those who follow this hazardous business. It re-
quires cool judgment and great presence Of mind on
the part of the diver. Mr.. Green informs us that
he has often experienced the same sensations while
in the water, but always rose promptly to the sur
face until the dizziness had vanished and the armor
thoroughly inflated As long as the air circulates
throughout the armor there is no danger to be ap-
pretended. The body Of the deceased below the
neck appeared as if the blood had been entirely
forced out of it, presenting appearance as white
and clear as piece Of marble sculpture.
Since writing the above, we learn that Mr.. Tope
had connected length Of gutta percha hose to the
helmet at the place occupied by the escape valve.
end Of the hose remaining above the surface Of
the water. This was an improvement of his own
which he desired to test and before going down the
last time had taken the valve out entirely, though
would prove fatal to him, and was warned by Mr..
Green not to attempt it. On learning of the acct
dent Mr.. Green had the body brought to this city,
and Messrs. Wells & Gowan deposited it in metal
lie burial case, and Mr. Wells proceeded with it to
Boston last evening. The unfortunate man was held
in high estimation by his employers, and his loss is
deeply regretted.