The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-02-05
A Periious Adventure In Columbia Ice.

Eoftidni OregOnIan. REQ
Running ice IN q river rs broad and cceo a
the Columbia 10 not q :rifing matter for navi.
gators T. W. Patterson, a bank cashier OF
Goicendaie, Wash, can testify TO this fact
after having had a very trying experience Mr.
Patterson left Goidend2le on Monday afternoon
and after drive of twelve rniles by stage coach
to point on the river opposite Grants station
on the Union Pacific, found that the ice In the
river was running in such quantities that the
regular ferry boat did not dare to venture
across. II was about o'clock In the afternoon;
the wind was blowing gale, and the STOW fiy.
ing in binding clouds. Mr. Patterson was In
hurry 70 reach this city, so he secured an open
boat and TWO strong boatmen 10 take him across
The stage driver also took q seat in the boat and
the four men. after waiting some time for an
open space through the ice, started across
All went we'll until q point about fifty fee,
from the south bank was reached,
when suddenly they found their further pro-
gress retarded by al impassibIe barrier o. shore
ice. After trying n vain 90 break through this
mass, which was not strong enough to bear the
weight OF a man. they sttem pied to retreat but.
to their arnazsment, found that q field of ice
lad surrounded the boat TO the rear and was
gradually carrying them down stream. The
roar OF the rapids about q mile below was
plainly heard By the imprisoned men. Night
was coming on, the snow was failing more heay-
i!y. they were becoming chilled through and
sHfOug1s anu tHslr SHOUTS Tor nei met with
response. Gradually the boat moved down
stream and the men were beginning 70 lose hope
OF rescue. Suddenly they hear1 an answering
shout Looking Cd they were SURPRISED TO see
coming toward them down the river bank an
Indian astride a cayuse. The little horse was
without saddle or bride and was running ct
breakueck speed. As they neared the water the
Indian, unable TO check the onward course of
his steed, suddenly swerved 10 one side and
throwing himself from To. back OF the
cayuse, rolled over land over like a rubber
bali TO the very waters edge: then picking him.
seif up, he inquired calmly what the troub a
was. The men in the boa, were no. long in ac-
quainting him with the danger OF their posi-.
ton. The Indian. who was By that time Joined
by some OF his Companions, camped near BIZ.
stalked majes,icai.y away, returning in few
moments with some planks and piece Of rope
The plsnks be laid end 10 end upon the ice until
he was within thirty feet Of the boat, then
from the boat, tied TO it the piece he hs brought
and, with the help OF his companions, pulled
the boat containing the four half frozen men
over the ice barrier and clear out upon the
shore. Meantime one OF the indians had run
TO the town with the story tina. the boat had
been urse. and all four men drowned, a report
which brought the whole town to the scene
some on horseback, some in wagons and largo
number atoot- The rescued received warm re-
ception. which was more than enough TO repay
them for the hour and half OF suffering they
had undergone. Mr.. Patterson says Il will be
some time before hs will again attempt TO cross
the Columbia when the Ice is running.