Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-11-19
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THREE YEARS A CAPTIVE.


On Friday, the 9th of November, 1884, a
stiff breeze was blowing off the shore Of
Lake Superior when the steamer arrived ~
Eagle River, but the wind blowing too strong
she did not dare to come into the dock, but.
anchored on the outer reef and sent her pas
sengers, mails and light ireights in yaWl.
After distributing the mail, Mr. Seibold,
postmaster and eNnress gent ut Eagle rirer,
hearing that there was some express matter
for him on the boat, procured a small boat,
and with single oar proposed to scull out
toward the lronsides.
The wind hal been rapidly gaining strength
in the meanwhile, and some friends endeav-
ored to dissuade him from going, but he
persisted and started off. Not being very
good bOatman, the wind drilted him IN y di-
rectiOn that took him past the boat out into
the lake, Notwithstanding his utmost endeav.
0rs to return, but not much attention was
paid to his shouts, none of them thinking
he was in actual danger. Shortly it became
rumored around in the village that Siebold
lad drifted out into the lake. Another boat
was manned with skilled boatmen, and sent
out by the citizens, which cruised around
until some time after dark, without discover
ing anything OF Seihold or his boat, though
they rowed lar and hailed him long and
loudly. From that time until last Thursday
nothing was heard or seen of Siebold or his
| boat.
| After waiting a considerable length Of time
for any possible intelligence of him, his
friends in Germany were informed OF his
| death, and his estate was administered upon
and settled up. Three years have rolled by,
| and letter is received at Eagle River, di-
rected in a plain, strong hand, '.To the
Postmaster, Eagle River, Michigan" It is
| postmarked Detroit, September 81, but has
the following written in the same hand across
the left end; "Fort Washington, by kind
ness of Capt Murray" 1t is given Uerbat5pa
that the reader may judge OF its genuineness
by the construction:
| FoRT ABERooMBrE,
Near Montreal, 1857. s
To the Postmaster az Eagle Ri0eT.
SIR-I have at last succeeded to escape
from iailoTs which kept me prisoner in Great
Wood Lake three years. l am too much
exhausted to give you any particulars.
arrived at the North Shore in an almost dead
condition, and was picked up by the Sagi-
naw Indians, whose fires had seen the
night before at great distance was
unable 70 walk for two weeks. | made sew
eral efforts toreach Fort Williams, and twelve
weeks for tLls place, until at last succeeded,
hope though through the help of the priest
of this places to he at Eagle River in two
! weeks. Your people will hardly know me,
but am in good health, and hope to resume
0 my business. Thousand greetings 10 all my
] friends. | will give you all the particulars
s when / reach you feel too weak TO write
any more. Since have not handled per
! In three years, you will excuse my bad writ
q ing WIN. SIEBoLD.
Fort AberCombie is IL United States military
:. post in Minnesota, situated at the head water
!. OF the Red River of The North, two or thre,
I hundred miles northwest of 81. Paul. In
tow days other letters are expected, whel
:, they will determine whether or not this on
y is forgery To every one who has rea,
y the letter the impression is.conveyed that
= = is genuine, and the hope is revived that hi
y friends will soon see hun alive and well.-
u y, 0hicGgO Journal.