Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1896-11-07
Two Nights on tho Beach With The
Life Savers.

VI w dCii6tpl Ca6uO III OIL OPOh oeIAA
boat in charge Of Capt. George Bell
onsene of October's chilly evenings,
we started for the life saving station
on Parramore's beach, distance Of
seven miles. The wind blew fiercely
from the northwest, and swept US
rapidly down the winding stream to
the place of landing, one mile dis
lance from the station. Here met
Capt. J. w. Richardson, keeper of
the station, and from which point we
walked through q marshy district,
though over a good road, battling
with the mosquitoes all the way,
until emerging into the broad open
ing, we were suddenly relieved by
the incoming breeze sweeping them
back into their hiding places. l was
kindly entertained by this gallant
little crew of six men, who are ever
on the lookout, and ready to give the
needed aid to those who may be cast
away along the shores of the vast
ocean. This very day tested their
skill and bravery in the rescuing Of
six men who were at the mercy Of
the wind and tide, and would have
soon met watery grave.
The knowledge displayed by these
soldiers of the beach in determining
one in distress, is remarkable. With
sweep of the eye over the waters
before them, they conclude at once
if help is needed from the shore. On
the following morning was per-
mitted to witness the drilling exer-
cises of the surfmen. From the mo-
ment the order was given for readi-
ness to rescue the seamen, it was
completely executed in the short time
of five minutes. So we can see at a
glance the vital Importance of this
public service. The night and day
having passed quickly and pleasantly
away, took my leave, with pleasing
recollections of my visit, for the next
station commanded by Captain j. A.
Savage and his good looking crew.
Here I met reception equally as
pleasant and cordial. Being chilled
by the piercing wind, l was fully
prepared to enjoy the comforts OF his
sitting room made so bright and
cheerful by warming wood fire.
For awhile we talked Of the eX-
posures and dangers of the surfman's
life. No one unacquainted with the
workings of this grand army of life
savers, can form any estimate Of the
trials they encounter, the risks they
run, and the sufferings they endure
in their nightly walks up ano
down the ocean beach amid the
violence of the severest weather
In addition to all this, and
generally in the worst of storms, yes
sells are stranded in the hours of dark
ness, and often too far to be reached
by an iron bullet shot from a small
cannon, fastened to the end Of rope
by which means the seamen may be
drawn ashore in a tiny life boat
Then comes an instant demand
upon the skill, and strength, and
bravery of these rest-broken surf
man. Still greater dangers to be
faced. But of they go into their life
boat, each man at his oar, over the
angry pillows in an effort to save
helpless crew from the sinking ship
And many a poor fellow has gone
down in the effort to save others, tc
rise no more until the resurrection
morn. Can it be possible then thai
these noble men are to be thrown
aside when unfit for active service
and left to battle with poverty and
infrmity, after giving their best
manhood to the lives of others
Surely this ought not to be, and vii
not be, if rightly brought before oul
law makers. No army of men ever
more truly merited lifelong pen
sion, when unfit for further duty
than these will tried, faithful, heroic
life savers.
Small pay it is, indeed, for mer
who live along our coast to warn the
mariners of approaching danger, and
save them from an untimely death
Declared, as they are, from home
associations, church privileges, and
society of friends, to spend life Of
tedious sameness for small salary Of
$50 per month and board themselves
They deserve our sympathies, anc
our influence to secure for them g
pension to meet the coming time
when ill health may drive them from
active work. Is was, to me, a de-
lightful sojourn upon the shores o.
the great waters. / conversed with
friends at Wallop's and Assateague
Station, distance of 30 miles, by
means of the telephone. What g
wonderful invention And so it is
one may enjoy it for short stay in
pleasant weather, and also relish a
quiet walk with companion along
the beach on starlight night, as
did 1 on one of the dog watches
But tarry awhile until the furious
winds, drifting SHOWS, and freezing
rains come upon US, then the SANE
beaten path along which you once
walked with pleasure, will now be
wrapt in icy GOODNESS, and loneliness
and danger. Let us look after the