"PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE."

Westport Times, Volume 1, Issue 136, 7 January 1868, Page 3

"PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE."

(To the Editor of tlie Westport Times and Charleston Argus.) Sib, —My attention having been called to a letter emanating from two persons that I was instrumental in saving from a sea voyage in the dairyman's boat, I find that the statements in your paper are branded as false without much reason. A boatman's letter is produced, wherein they are made to say that I appealed to them to save my boat. Now, the facts are simply as follows : —I lent my boat to a young man from Packer's Point who could not get a boatman to take him over? but, unfortunately, on starting he came in contact with a rope from the Lucy and Adelaide fastened to the buoy, and lost one of his oars. He called out and told me what had happened, and the boatmen went out with me to take him back to town. The boat was made fast to the buoy and left. When returning, I heard a cry from the bar. I told the boatmen of it, and they said it was only some person who wanted a boat at the South Spit ? but I insisted that the cry came from the bar, and finally the young man from my boat was landed, and we proceeded on the search, the men pulling myself on the watch. The boat was found, and left on the south spit, and the Messrs Murtagh were landed, shortly after which they both disappeared. I remained, assisted the boatmen to pull up their boat, and was then told by one of them that the two passengers were to meet them at the Empire. I went there with them, but after waiting a little time both myself and the boatmen came to a conclusion not very flattering to the Messrs Murtagh. I took down the names of the two boatmen, paid for the refreshment, and left. Before doing so, I said that certainly I would pay the boatmen for their trouble. One of them replied that " when I shouted that was quite enough for me." I could name three gentlemen who were in the bar at the Empire when all this occurred; but I have not their leave so to do. I will simply refer to them any person who may choose to enquire further concerning the affair. But this I must say, that I am very glad to find that the boatmen" were paid ta-day, as they told me, at 11 o'clock this morning ; but up to that time they had received only a promise. Yours, &c, E. J, O'Conoe.

[We understand from Mr O'Conor that it •was at the request of the boatmen themselves, and for their gratification, that Mr O'Conor gave us the information, and that they tendered him their names for the purpose.- —En. TF.D.T.]