History of Saginaw county, Michigan; together with ... portraits ... and biographies ... History of Michigan ...

HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

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with boulders one mile from shore over which the white caps
dashed, of the far-famed city of White Rock.
"Leaving this capricious harbor, so well stocked with defensive
boulders, we soon arrived at, and successfully doubled that rough,
rocky, small-caverned cape, Pointe aux Barques. Leaving the
broad expanse of Lake Huron, and entering the extensive Bay of
Saginaw, whose dangerously rough seas were brought vividly to
mind on reading the accounts of the perilous voyage of the fisherman, floating upon its bosom, on cakes of ice, the sacrifice of six
brave and noble-hearted men from Alabaster, in an attempt to
rescue them, during the last winter-my memory reverted with
singular clearness to one of the most perilous scenes of my life.
On the arrival of the party at Pigeon river, we crossed over to,
and made a survey of Charity island, but unfortunately left a
small cur dog running in the woods, belonging to Lieut. Poole;
the next day I was detailed, and four others, in a yawl, with two
days' provisions, to rescue the dog; we sailed about fifteen miles,
propelled by our muscles applied to oars, under a calm, still sky,
and smooth, placid waters.
" On approaching the cove-sided island, we were forcibly
reminded of the errand of mercy upon which we had been sent, by
the dog's leaping in the air, running and capering up and down
the beach, making loud and joyous yelpings; on nearing the
shore, the dog leaped aboard; just at this moment, a light,
vaporing shadow flitted away from the spot the dog left, and it
has been a matter of much serious speculation whether it was the
shadow of Lieut. Poole's soul flitting off. We immediately set
out on the return, with the brightest of prospects and full spread
canvas; when about eight rods from shore, we encountered, suddenly and unexpectedly, a southwesterly gale, and twice
attempted and failed to come in stays, with a view to regain the
island; on the third endeavor, our mast cracked about half off
near the foot, and the sail dipped water, bringing us in stays
double quick, with an ominous and fearful sheet of water pouring
over the side, shipping about a barrel of water; by great and
despairing effort, with our weight upon the upper edge, the sail
lifted from the water, and the craft righted; hats and shoes were
vigorously applied in bailing, and as soon as possible our oars
were put in motion, and the boat headed for the island, then about
a quarter of a mile distant, and we into a direct line into Lake
Huron. After an hour of the hardest struggle for life we found
ourselves nearing the island, and on arriving, joyously camped
for the night. he following day the wind veered northwesterly,
and blew directly for Pigeon river; at 4 P. M., the sail was reefed
to the size of a farm-house window, our staunch and crank little
craft was placed before the gale, and one hour and ten minutes
sped us safely into camp. Your relator will here add his testimonial to the many others related of the crank and turbulent
waves of Saginaw Bay in rough weather; and state, that while on
this speedy passage, he stood upon the thwart holding fast to the
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