The New Orleans Democrat. (New Orleans, La.) 1875-1876, 1876-03-03
THE CRUISE OF THE MICHIGAN.
An Old sailors Recollection Of the ship
that went Over Niagara Falls.
Detroit Post.l

| iDSlIDlh A V~t.i
Captain Gilbert Pratt, veteran ma
riner now living in BelIeville, Ontario
whose period Of service on the lakes
dates back nearly half a century, recalls
an incident which, though it has been
almost forgotten, attracted considerable
attention in its day Vessel owners were
then more conscientious than now. They
were not inclined to risk the lives OF
passengers and crew In urseaworthy
crafts. The owner Of the old schooner
Michigan, then the largest vessel on the
lakes, hit upon novel expedicnt for
disposing Of her. The vessel had become
old and rotten, and was no longer ser
viceable. Instead Of loading her and
sending her out late in the season
heavily insured to be wrecked, he
chose q more harmless plan, but one
not less profitable to himself He
induced the proprietors or the hotel
at Niagara Falls to buy the vessel
and send her over the falls. This was
about the year 1880. The proposition
was eagerly accepted by the hotel pro-
prietors, who saw in 1t u capital adver-
Using scheme, and one which would be
certain to pay them we'll. The affair
was widely published In the newspa-
pers, and was the talk OF tho sur
rounding country for weeks and
weeks. For several days previous to
the great event the stages and canal
thither from all parts OF the country to
witness the novel spectacle OF the largest
vessel on the lakes going over the falls.
On the appointed day the Michigan was
towed out into therapids In the presence
Of q vast number. Of people, lining the
banks or visited the scene upon the
numerous excursion boats which were
called into requisition. The task of tow
ing the vessel into the current was en-
trusted to Capt. Rough, with crew of half
a dozen selected Oarsmen selected by
himself. This was a rather hazardous
enterprise, and Captain Pratt, who was
himself one OF the crew, says his heart
almost failed him when they set out,
the service. There had been placed on
the schooner several animals, in accord
ance with the programme, which had
been widely advertised. These con-
sisted of buffalo, three bears,
two foxes, a raccoon, cat
and some geese At her bowsprit was
the American ensign. and at her stern
the English jack, the Canadian hotel
keepers having joined in the enterprise.
There were also some effigies displayed
on board, to give the appearance of
crew, ana TO make more real the |
scene Of vessel with all on board |
making the terrific plunge. just be-
lore the tow-line was cut the animals |
On board were turned loose. just as
The vessel entered the rapids two OF the
bears plunged overheard and actually |
succeeded In swimming ashore. The
bird one climbed the mast, as if to get
! better view Of the scene. All the ami
mails seemed greatly frightened, and
an from one end OF the deck to the
,ther, much the same as a human crew
night have done under similar circum-
tances, in an agony Of despair. The
'essel swept grandly down the rapids,
over the first fall, shipping a
title water, righting herself and moving
II in fine style. In going over the Sec
md rapid the mast went by the board,
nd the bear with 1t, and neither was
gain seen. She swung around and pre-
ented her broadside to the foaming
7aters. She had evidently struck
rock and was stationary. Here
, was thought her career was ended
nd the affair was over. But
he stopped only moment. The force
the waters swung her around and she
loyed on stern foremost. On the third