A Daring Rescue

 Oswego Daily Commercial Times

Tuesday, December 29, 1851


                        The Disaster on Saturday

   During one of the most tremendous storms of winds and snow on Saturday afternoon ever known here, Capt. Samuel Freeman, keeper of the Light House at this port, procured aid and proceeded to the Light House at the east end of the west pier, in a small boat. There being a number of vessels due here, it was deemed important that the Light House should be lighted on that night, and Capt. Freeman succeeded in his hazardous undertaking in making the end of the pier and lighting the Light House. The boat was manned by Capt. Freeman and two others.

   In attempting to return, when the wind was blowing a perfect gale and the atmosphere filled with snow, they were unable to manage the boat, which drifted into the surf amid floating ice, and a tremendous sea running at the time, the boat was upset. All those on board succeeded in getting hold of the bottom of the boat. At this moment Capt. Malcolm Bronson, who witnessed the catastrophe from the lower dock on the west side, immediately procured a boat, and three resolute men to man her, and proceeded to the rescue of those in the water.

   After a desperate struggle with the sea and ice, they reached Capt. Freeman’s boat, which had drifted into the jaws of the piers, and succeeded with much difficulty and at a great hazard of their own lives, in saving Capt. Freeman and his men at the moment they were exhausted and giving up. Their rescue under the circumstances, and the escape of all was a most remarkable achievement, for which Capt. Bronson and his associates are entitled to the highest credit.

   We understand some manifestation of public gratitude to Capt. Bronson and his men is contemplated. Certainly such achievements as theirs are worthy of the highest encouragement. Capt. Freeman and his men were more or less frozen when they reached the shore, as were also Capt. Bronson and is men. Capt. Freeman, who is an aged and most worthy man, was speechless and senseless, and for some time his life was despaired of. It is now thought they will all recover.

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