Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-30
a sEyEN-ssrLE SWIM.
How Odiun Crossed tho Hampton
N0ads In - storm.

How Oaiun CrOs.-d tho Hampton
Koads In storm.
WASHINGTON, May ga weil-known
journalist here says he spent the season
OF 1882 with his family NJ Ocean view,
Va, seven miles across Hampton Roads
from Fortress Monroe, when Odlum, the
noted swimmer, was engaged in the Life
Saving Service at the latter place. "One
day / telegraphed Odlum to come over
and spend the day and give our party
some lessons i'm swimming. Odium I'M
mediately telegraphed back:
''Will swim over, starting al CLOCK
this evening"
"a few weeks before the Professor had
performed the feat of swimming over the
same course and back again on the same
day. On the same evening in question.
shortly after O'Clock, storm came up
suddenly. Nothing had been heard further
from Odium, and we were naturally un-
easy, and the writer telegrapbed to For
tress Monroe: is Odlum thereg
"Back came the answer 'Odlum started
at 40 10 swim to Ocean View
@'The storm ny this time bad risen to a
perfect gale. The rain came down in tor
rents, accompanied by peals OF thunder
and flashes Of ligh thing. The sea was
running high and dashing upon the beach
ia the widest manner. Darkness had set
night. Anxiety grew among the little
group of friends who had innOcently been
the cause of his making the hazardous
journey. They assembled on the little
wharf at Ocean View with umbrellas and
lanterns. The lady Of the party especially
had her nerves strained 10 the utmost ten
SION. All kinds OF signals were devised
to attract the attention Of the brave swim
mer.
CRY OF DISTRESS.
t'In an hour, which seemed to the anx-
ious watchers days, sound was heard
that seemed to be a cry of distress. This
increased the excitement. There was no
boat on the beach, and no possible way of
extending any help. The cry was re-
peated several times, growing each time
nearer and more distinct, and finally "A
head covered with a bright red cap came
within the radius of the lights from the
wharf and the gallant Professor waded
ashore. He was almost covered with
blood. which was flowing from a cash in
his right forearm. After going to the
hotel Bob gave his experience Of his trip.
He had left the fortress late on account Of
the tide. which was running very high. He
had hardly gOtunder way before the squall
struck him. In passing the Rip Raps, the
waters around which he knew abOunded in
sharks, something struck HIM which he
ltdfGu WAS OUt VI iUNNt tutlultH VI iht
bather. He hurredly drew his long sti-
letro, which he always carried in his belt
TO defend himself. In so doing he cut his
arm. He had no trouble, however, and
had made the swim, IN spite OF the high
waves and beating rain, without fatigue,
in proof OF which he dressed, ate his sup
per, and went into the pavilion and en-
gagged in a dance for an hour OF two. The
cry we heard and thought was a cry of
distress was made by placing the mouth
just on level with the water. The water
gave il a sort of trill, which, in our state
of mind, we had construed to mean dis
tress.
BOATS CREW ALARMED.
can amusing incident Of the journey
happened whep, about two miles from
shore, he attract the attention of the
people on large vessel just coming into
port. The sight Of a man In the sea so far
away from shore naturally created alarm,
and boat was hastily manned and hur-
ried to the rescue. When they came near
they hailed the swimmer, and asked what
was the matter. Bob replied, ''Oh, moth
ing at all. l am only taking a little eX-
ercise." The boat followed MIN for quite
little distance, evidently doubling the
ability OF the Professor to keep afi0at. But
they finally became convinced that he was
no common swimmer and returned to
their ship.
1.-The next day, after spending an hour
or so instructng the ladies in the art Of
swimming, enough of itself TO tire out an
ordinary man, he gave some wonderful
exhibitions of his skill. He took young
lad weighing IS pounds, put him astride
his back in a sitting position, and swan
fully half mile out to sea and back with
apparent ease. He would dive and re-
main under water for so long that the
spectators on the shore would begin IN
doubt his ever coming up again.. He
would outswim the most expert with both
his hands out of water, and do many
other most wonderful things. He
was like duck. Water
seemed to be his element. He was GER
tainly the most graceful as we'll as the
fastest swimmer we ever saw. With il
all he was so much Of a gentleman that
he won the hearts of all with whom he
came in contact. His skill inspired con-
fidence in the most timid, and ladies who
previously would not venture in the
water beyond their knees, allowed him TO
take them beyond their depth without
fear or trepidation. His visit was the
Inost pleasant episode Of the season, and
was the talk OF guests at the View tor