Year: 1878

Il La


Topsham, July 13, 1878. I
Mr.. Edetor,-Permlt me through the columns
of your paper to make a little more detailed &C.
count than has appeared in the PRESS of the
drowning Of Master Fred Briggs, son of Lyman
G Briggs, Esq, recently Of Portland.


Two weeks ago today the members of our
school were looking forward with joyous and
anxious hearts to the next Tuesday evening,
when the last term of the year was to close
with little exhibition, in which Master Briggs
was to take part He rehearsed his part just
permission to go with one of the
young lady members of the school rowing on
the river, from which he returned about half.
past O'Clock. 1t is supposed he went to the
river again about O'Clock, merely for hand
bath; and, not being acquainted with the
shelving bank, stepping beyond his depth, and
being alone and unable to swim, was drowned
He was not missed at the school until tea
time, at the close of which it was announced
that some clothes, supposed to be Briggs were
f0uLd on the bank of the river Immediate
search was made for the body, which was found
about half-past eight in the evening.


L would here state that much credit is due
the citizens of Topsham for their persevering
and determined efforts in the search for the
body, and especially to Mr.. Edward Berry, who
appeared on the ground just as the search was
being given up Tor the night on account of
darkness, and persisted in making further eff
forts; and to Mr.. Dunham Berry, who dove in
to the water and took out the body


The remains, followed by every member of
the school to the Brunswick depot, were taken
to Portland Monday morning by the grandfa-
tber, Mr.. Frederick G. Messer.


The funeral services and burial, attended by
his late teachers and few of his fellow stu
dents, took place in Portland, Monday, at six
o'clock p. m., as the body could not be kept
longer.


This sad affair cast such gloom over every
member of our school, that the contemplated
closing exercises were abandoned. and the term
closed in quiet and sadness. Young Briggs
was sixteen and half years old, of cheerful
nature, respectful, Obedent and polite, so much
so that those out side of the school, who came
in contact with him spoke of him as being
very gentemanly and polite. AS a student
ana pupil he was diligent, obedieut and
respectful; always seeming to do what he
could to please his teachers, and appearing to
feel sorry for anything that happened to mar
their pleasure He thus won their love and
affection, aud will always be remembered by
them. AS a companion and fellow student he
was good-uatured, cheerful, kind, uuselfsh and
obligicg. He thus SO won the respect and
affection of his fellow students, that to them,
his death was a sore affliction. The respect
which be always appeared to show all
devotional and religious exercises was very
gratifying His general conduct was not un-
becoming to pr0fessed Christian, and We
UCllcNO bunv Jul lOso 10 MS Sdln auu budG liz
has gone to his happy home, to dwell with
Him who gave his Life that we sinful mortals
might be saved.


Although it was against rules of the school
for any member to go to the river to bathe
alone, We do not believe he premeditated or
intended any violation of the school REGULATIONS.
1t was very hot day, ,and presume he thought
it would be no harm, just to go to the bank of
the river and wash


While we most deeply sympathizs with the
afflicted families (parents and grand parents) of
the deceased we cannot keep shedding tears of
sorrow on our own account. That this sad
accident should happen while the young man
was under our Scare, adds TO our sorrow; but
the confidence which these families seem to
place in us, aud the efforts which they have
made to eXonerate us from all blame in the
eyes of the public are consoing. For all these
acts of kindness. and especially for the
cordialty with which we were received By
them on the funeral occasion we extend our
heartfelt thanks. For comfort aud consolation
in all these earthly sorrows, may we all look
to Him who alone is able and willing to give
true comfort and consolation.


d. l.. SMITH,


PriDcipal