The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1859-02-04
rERILoUs ADvENTURE-TERRIBLE SUFFER
ING FROM COLD

letter from Fort Dodge, Iowa, gives sn &C.
count of the terrible sutferings experienced by
8. II. Packard, lawyer OF Rochester, N. Y, whe
attempted to go from Sioux rapids to Dubuque
on the 2i of December. 1t says:
About three hours after he started heavy snow
storm burst upon him, accompanied by high wind
from northwest. Knowing the danger Of attempt.
ing to cross those large prairies In such storm
he turned back and attempted TO resrace his
steps, but soon found that it was impossible for
man or beast TO face the storm; be therefore pros
ceeded on his journey, confident that he could
ride to the next house 40 miles) by nghtisil. But
his horse having broken through the ice several
times, became ailaid TO so upon the ice. aud be
was delayed mrDy times at sloughs until night
overlook him at a slough half way across the
prairie; here he found 10 impossible to aduce the
horse to go upon the ica, and while searching for
| better crossing, the ice broke with him and let
him into the water above his knees He endeavor.
ed to get to the shore bnt the ice broke at every
ssep, aad he struggle led on through the iae snow
and water, distance of twenty or thirty feet be.
fore he cane to firm ice.
He at once attempted to remove his shoes and
stockings, but they were encased in ice that il
was impossible. Convinced that be must remain
where he was until morning, and that his only
safety was In keeping in motion, be commenced
running upon the ice aud continued to do 20 un ii!
daylight the next morning, when. having suc j..
efeded in getting bis horse across ihs slough. he
started on foot. be supposed towards Fort
Dodge. After walking about two miles and n
half, he found he had turned around aud Was go,
ing back. lie Immediately retraced his steps.
and walked all cay, dragging his frozen eet
through snow ankle deep, and at times knee deep,
his horse following him. and was again ofertaken
by nigh. about three miles from "a house. Here
he left his horse, started on, hoping reach the
house in an hour or two, but he was 80 faint and
weary that he fell frequently, and was nine
hours in walking the last three miles.
His sensations during this time, as described BY
him, were peculiar and strange; the road appeared
to be embroidered in most beautiful coIors, aud he
stCpl ed and reached to pick up specimen sever
al times. Satisfied that his mind was wandering,
be endeayored to divert his mind from the copsid.
Grafton of this subject, but in vain; If he looked
the side OF the road it appeared to lie walled up,
and to be covered with hogs lying on their backs.
Raising himself, he preceded and at length
reached the house of Mr.. Welch about o'clock
In the morning. He was taken ia and cared for
until the arrival of friends from Fort Dodge,
when be was removed to that place, and has re-
ceiyed at the hands Of the people OF Fort Dodge
every Kindness that friendship could dictate. Hi.
injuries were such that 1t became necessary to am
putate the right foot about midway between the
ankle and the knee, and half of the left foot The
ampntation was performed, while under the influ-
cnce OF chlorot0rm, by DR.. S. B. 0lney, of Fort
Dodge, very skillful surgeon.
Mr.. Packard was formerly connected with q
press at Cedar Falls. He is a lawyer by profession
and intends to practice in Dubuque.