New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1873-01-26
ON THE PLAINS.
4 Terrible Journey of a Canadian in she
West in Search of Work.

On the fifteenth day of last December q
man named Andrew Peters left his home in
Canada, and came West in search of work
Upon arriving in Omaha, he proceeded to
Plum Creek, ON the line of the Union Pa
citic railroad, and upon reaching that place
he wished to go to the farm OF a nan living
eight miles from the village. Not being ac-
quainted with the country he inquired the
way, and was directed TO go across the
creek and follow certain line.
On the twenty-tourth day of December
he started on his short journey. but having
but little idea shat in so short distance
he would stare death in the face. After
proceeding about four miles lie made the
alarming discovery that he had suddenly
lost his way in the binding, drifting snow,
which had swept away al! traces Of the
road and all the landmarks upon which he
depended. the wind having arisen afteE he
had see out from Plum creek.
Then his wandeEings began. he hoping
all the time that he might accidentally os
serve some friendly habitati0n where he
could gain shelter and information. Three
days and three nights he thus wan
dered about, without food, without
rest, and with but poor protection
against the biting cold and the
piercing winds. He at length sank into in
sensibility, and remained in that state he
does not know how long; but it could not
have been any great length of time. for he
was aroused by something that seemed to
warm him up, and upon opening his eyes
he discovered a large Newfoundland dog
licking his face and hands. In an instant
hope returned to him, and gathering all his
energies; he made an effort to get upon his
hands and knees and succeeded. The dog
then commenced jumping around him in a
playful manner ard set up joyful barking,
and then made "a short run as if to indicate
to Peters that If he would follow him he
would lead him to place of safety. Peters
began following the dog, sometimes upon
his hands and knees, and at other times at
a hobbling gait. After proceeding about
half a mile he discovered a farmhouse in
the distance, which he finally reached.
He was taken in by the farmer and his
son, and, briefly telling his story, he re-
ceived their kindest attentions. He pulled
off his boots, and as they did so portions of
the flesh of his feet, which were frozen,
came off with them. The first and third
fingers on his left hand, and all the fingers,
thumb and palm of his right hand, and his
lett ear were also terribly frozen. The
farmer and his son gave him all the assist.
ance in their power. but there was no doc
tor az hand. and consequently they could
not do much.
The farmers son bought Peters boots. as
he had no further use for them, and then
brought him 20 Plum Greek, he havin: de-
termined Z. return home. He had but little
money. but with the amount realized from
the sale OF his boots, ana other little sums
collected 70. him. and with supply a! pro.
visions given him by she inhabitants of
Plum Greek and the pass-ng gers. he managed
to reach this city yesterday afternoon on
the Union Pacific train from the West. alter
having suffered untold agonies. 1t is not
likely that he can survive -Cm0fu Bee.