Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-08-08
THE MYSTERY OF TOM COLLINS
San Francisco Merchant Abandons
Friends for a Savage Existence.

fTlSuuS lOE d savage EAlSle1Cp.
III October, 1859, Thomas G.. Collins
disappeared from San Francisco. He
was engaged in mercantile business in
that city, was we'll known as of good
habits, large intelligence and indOm-
liable energy. His age was 30. Little
of his previous history had come to
light beyond the fact that he had held
the office of secretary to the governor
of Nebraska. No breath Of scandal
had assaulted him in his adopted city
and no foul suspicion pursued his dis
appearance. He was a single man,
fond of society and athletic sports, of
a large muscular figure and good pres
ence and a decided faVOrite with the
ladies. Not the slightest trace could
be found Of him. He went out of
sight in a twinkling. His bookkeeper
communicated the fact to Mr.. Collins,
ST., of Kentucky, who came to Cali
fOrnia, took out letters of adminiStra-
ton upon the estate Of the supposed
deceased and settled his affairs. The
showed that the intestate left property
worth more than $4,000.
Five years had elapsed when whal-
ing vessel, threading her way through
the dangerous straits of Magellan from
Cape Pillar TO Cape Virgins, ran
ashore on Desola1ion island. This
was in July, in the depth of an Ant
arctic winter. The FuegianS immedi-
ately learned of this catastrophe,
which meant rich plumber for them,
and early next morning the blood
thirsty savages put off ir their canoes
for the stranded ship. The crew was
armed with guns and cutlaSSeS to re-
sist any attack that might be made
upon the brig by The constantly in
creasing Fuegian fleet, when a voice
came loudly over the waters, express
ing itself in good English, in words to
this effect:
SIS that you, jim Haynes? Don't
fire. III come aboard"
The name Of the master of the whal-
ing vessel saw that which was thus
Familiarity called, and who would not
have been more surprised had the
clouds. Unable to detect the speaker
among the hundreds in the canoes, at
venture he shouted:
''All right, come aboard. But who
in heavens name, are you?"
mo matter; you wait. Only don't
fire, for Gods sake! If you do, every
mothers son of you will be murdered .
A long canoe gaudily decorated with
! paint and carvings shot out from the
mass Of boats and made it's way to the
ship. The chief Sprang on board
leaving the men at their oars. This
dignitary, clad in beautiful furs, with
! twisted hair and pain5ed face, in every
way locking like an Indian, walked VI
! to Captain Haynes and, extending his
! hand, said:
''What! Don't you know me, jim,
/ Is it possible you've forgotten your Ole
| partner in the Homestretch GuIcl
! way back in '55?"
tom Collins, as I'm a SinnerI' eX
! claimed the astonished shipmaster
! How did you come here, and what
are you doing?"
Better ask said the other. chow
you are to get out of this scrape The
Fuegians look upon your vessel as
| their lawful prize. Although [ have
been their chief about four years,
have not the power to alter their ia
/ lures. But l can probably gain thei1
j consent to let you provision YOU
boats, and they will take you safely
! back to Londonderry island, where
| you will find whalers homewart
!; bound" As the vessel Was likely Il