Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-07-11

SAD Fate Of a worthy Young Nan.

We are deeply panied to chronicle the
drowning at TJ bee, last evening, at twenty
minutes past o'clock, Of Mr.. Robert
Beauregard Nieolson, an estimable young
man, son of our well known citizen, Jonn
Nicolson, Esq. The particulars OF the sAu
calamity are as follows:
There was fine surf Oh, and large
number of persons we're in oathing' young
Nicolson being cut a considerable distance
froro the others. The tide was running out
At tbe time. and, having unwittingly ven
tured beyond the life line, he was rapidly car
r,ad off. Realizing his danger, he struggled
msnfulIv to regain the life post, but was
unsuccessful in consequence of the strong
undertOw, and was compelled to cry for help.
a Young man named Mr. Patrick Gearon,
who was nearer to young NicOlsOn than the
others, heard his cry for assistance and gal
lantly responded. He managed to reach
him, and battled earnestly against the heavy
pillows In his effort to force young NieOlson
inward TO the life post. a big wave swept
over them, however, partially separating
them, but Mr.. GearOn renewed his efforts
and again managed to get hold OF
him, and had succeeded in forcing
him forward to within about three
yards Of the life post, when heavier wave
struck them, and they were carried lar
apart, and before Mr.. GearOn could reach
him he had disappeared, and was not seen
again. The struggle against the tide, In
the endeavOr to save the young man, had
nearly exhausted Mr.. Gearon's strength,
and it was only with the greatest difficulty
that he was enabled to reach the nearest life
post, his imminent peril, however, compell-
ing him to call several times for aid. He
had succeeded in getting In near enough TO
touch bottom, when Mr.. Frank Winter came
to his aid by way of the safety rope and
caught hold Of him, but Mr.. Gearon In
formed him that he was not in furGher
danger.
We learn from Mr.. Gearon that young
NicOlsOn, while conscious of his danger,
maintained his self possession and displayed
great GOODNESS under the circumstances.
He obeYed promptly Mr.. Gearon's instruc-
tions, and when near the life line he was
told to see If he could touch bottom, in or
der to obtain a little rest. He replied that he
had tried, but was beyond his
depth. Mr.. Gearon again caught hold
OF him and was dragging him inward when
the heavy wave separated them forever, and
young NicOlsOn sank Immediately, his
strength evidently having been entirely ex-
hausted.
The heroism displayed by Mr.. Gearon in
his effort 10 rescue, which unfortunately
proved fruitless, at the risk of his own life,
is deserving Of commentator and had
the appreciation of all who witnessed the
sad accident.
The deceased young man was nearing his
majority, and gave promise OF bright fu-
ture. He was highly esteemed by all who
knew him for his many excellent traits.
The sympathies Of the entire community
will be extended the bereaved family IN the
sad loss OF so worthy q son and brother.
The body of the unfortunate young man
was found on TYbee beach last night at
halfpast nine O'Clock, near the old wreck,
about g quarter of a mile from where he
was last seen. The remains were taken to
the Ocean House and properly attended to,
and will be brought up to the city to day.