The Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser. — 1876-08-19 (Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England)

THE ATTEMPT TO SWIM ACROSS TFIE  CHANNEL.  ing, Mr. Cavil', amid the cheers of a crowd of people, jumper' from the steps at the end of the Admiralty Pier, at arrer, into the water, with a view to swim across the channel. He instantly drifted in a westerly direction towards Folkestone. His strokes, which averaged 29 to the minute, propelled him at a rapid pace. Before starting, the swimmer was detained over half an hour while his friends anointed him with porpoise oil. His medical man, Mr. Roberts, of Dover, examined Cavill on Monday evening, and states that ho is a strong man generally. Before Cavill started the Ostend boat came in and reported smooth water in the Channel. Cavill's only article of apparel was a guernsey saturated with porpoise oil. This he wore to prevent the chafing of his stout arms against his sides. He was complaining of rheumatism, and that generally he did not leave as well as he could desire.  Cravil failed, being taken out of the water, much exhausted, after ten and a half-hours' immersion. He was 121 miles from Myer' five from the nearest land, and five and a half from Calais. He was taken back to Dover in the lugger. .  When Cavill was lifted into the boat it was evident that he had suffered greatly from his prolonged iminerson. Indeed he was in a condition not far removed from collapse. His jersey having been cut off, and the porpoise oil removed, he was rubbed with brandy; some brandy and champagne were also given him to drink, and he lay down. His temperature when he came out was 24, and lie had scarcely any pulse. Mr. Clement Walter, the Dover surgeon who accompanied Cavill, stated that the swimmer maintained a fair and good temperature till noon. Shortly before one he became perfectly white, and began to roll about the water like a struggling dog. The doctor said he would not hold himself responsible for the swimmer's life, and preparations were at once made to get him out. A sheet was cast under his body and he was lifted into the boat, a matter of some difficulty with so heavy a man. lie was perfectly unconscious, and remained so for nearly twenty minutes, notwithstanding that every effort was made to resuseiate him. fie was for some time almost entirely pulseless, and his temperature, as far as could be ascertained, had sunk to the low level of 28.2. Tomes, the pilot, asserts positively that when taken not of the water Cavill was within four miles of the French coast, off Blackness. Cavil' has landed at Dover, and looks very weak and chilled.  Cavil! is 39 years of age, and measures 42i inches round the chest. He has been in the royal navy, and has seen service. He is a well-known professional swimmer of considerable tried powers of endurance.  WM. DEWRMICE, of 4 and 5, Paxton Terrace, has the best stock of Ties, and Linen and Paper Collars in Town. Linen Collars every shape. Agent for Johnson Brothers Kirkdale Dye Works.—[Anvi..l The adjourned inquest upon the body of John Bridger, who was murdered at Marsh Green, Kent, was concluded at Tunbridge Wells on Thursday, the jury finding a verdict of wilful murder against John Shee, who had been seen to strike the deceased. NEW WoRK OF