Page:Wonderful magazine of strange adventures, singular occurrences, and remarkable incidents.pdf/16

This page has been validated.

16

intrepidity and inflexible courage, than the most daring and resolute attack of an enemy; for, in the one case, the more daring the attempt, the more, it is to be presumed, an enemy will be confounded and panic-struck; but in the other, the event must, if at all unfortunate, operate unavoidable destruction. We would not detract from the merit of a valiant and glorious exploit; but we may aver, that the three brave men who saved the magazine at St. Heliere were capable of facing death in his most dreadful and appalling shapes.

——
DESCENT OF NIAGARA BY THE SCHOONER MICHIGAN.
(Extract of a letter dated Buffalo, Sep. 9th, 1827.)

For several days previous to the 8th, stages came crouded, as well as the canal boats, so much so that it was difficult to find a conveyance to the falls; and such was the interest that the descent was the only topic of conversation among all classes. On Friday night the 7th, waggons filled with country people rattled through the town all night; and on Saturday morning, Buffalo itself seemed to be moving in mass towards the grand point of attraction. To accommodate those who could not find a passage in carriages, five steam boats had advertised to leave here on Saturday morning, and great numbers chose this conveyance; they were the Henry Clay, William Penn, Pioneer, Niagara,