The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1893-02-24
ATRIP TO ROBERTS ISLAND
Over Masses of slippery Ice and Across
Raging Current.


/ Mr.. William W. Roberts, the sole occupant
of a narrow strip Of land in the Susquehanna
river, nearly opposite Rock Run, Hartford
| county, has been the cause of much anxiety
for the past two weeks, because of his perilous
situation in the midst of immense ice gorges
and the danger that everything on the island
might be swept away when the ice moves.
Mr. Roberts has farm of about 60 acres,
which he cultivates. His family includes
his wife, two sons and one daughter. They
have braved the terrors of ice gorges since
1873, but their situation on the island has
never been 40 exciting or dangerous as during
the past two weeks. The wife and daughter
are in Columbia, Pa.
On Wednesday party, consisting of Joseph
w. Archer, Frank Bateman, Harold Scarboro,
Z. Howard Hall, Herbert s. Flowers and a
representative OF The 1Egis determined to
visit the island and il possible induce its oc-
cupants to leave. Arriving at Port Deposit,
the services of guide being necessary Mr..
John p. st. Clair volun teered to take the
party across to Roberts Island.
The scene presented by the ice-gorged river,
which is a mile and a-quarter wide, is indie
scribably beautiful and picturesque. For
miles above and below Port Deposit the Ice is
piled up block upon block, in an irregular
mass, glittering In the rays Of the winter sun
the whole apparently as firm and solid rs
the Rocks of Deer Creek.
The Journey over these rough and rugged
masses of ice was accomplished with severe
toll and spice of danger withal sufficient to
make it interesting and memorable. 1t recall
ed the surprised exclamation OF Mr.. Wrinkle,
the friend of Mr. Pickwick, who on venturing
to skate for the first time remarked, "How
slippery 1t is, Samv "Not an uncommon
thing upon ice, sir" was the reply.
Within a few feet Of the island an air
hole was encountered, but lower down the
party succeeded in landing safely on the Is
land, about 40 yards from the house. Here
another difficulty was encountered The
river, debarred from its accustomed channels,
was rushing in furious currents on both sides
of Roberts house. No one was visible but
after several loud calls Roberts appeared.
Deeming the party newspaper reporters or
mere curiosity seekers his response was not
very cordial After some parleying, finding
they were his fellow-citiZens he crossed the
current in boat rowed by himself and his
two sons, Artie and Victor, the former OF
whom had that morning crossed to the Island
from the main land The writer and another
member of the party were taken in boat to
Roberts house, where a sad scene presented
itself The ruined condition of the furniture
and wall paper showed how high the water
had been in the house, while the notices on
the wall 'sGod Bless Our Home" and "Wel-
come to ALL" still hang in their places, evil
dences of 4 once pleasant home. Untouched
in corner was an excellent picture of Grover
Cleveland
Artie volunteered to row the boat to the
barn. Before two-thrds of the distance was
accomplished the boat grounded and he kind
ly carried the correspondent over on his back.
In the stable were two cows, horse and
hog, four hogs having been drowned last Sun
day night.
Every effort was made to induce Mr.. Roberts
to leave the island, but he positively declined,
saving he could not afford to let his stock
perish The gentlemen in the party promised
that he should suffer no loss by going over to
the main land with his sons. Finally, after
much persuasion he consented to leave the
island on Thursday. provided the ice remain
ed firm. After many good byes the party left
and reached Port Deposit in safety.