Public Ledger, November 26, 1892
CLEVELAND DUCK SHOOTING.
Transportation -- Water - WrecksTourists and sportsmen -- Field sports - Hunting : BirdTourists and sportsmen -- Field sports - GuidesTourists and sportsmen -- Field sports - Hunting : Waterfowl and shorebirdTourists and sportsmen -- Field sports - Lodges
IN SPITE OF HIGH WINDS AND COLD WEATHER,
THE PRESIDENT-ELECT BAGS SOME GAME
EXMORE, Va., Nov. 25. -- President-elect Cleveland to-day shot eight ducks as the result of his first gunning since arriving at Broadwater Island. Of this number four were red heads and four were brands. After waiting patiently for the waters to become less rough and the strong northwesterly wind to at least partially subside, Mr. Cleveland, accompanied by Charles B. Jefferson, who came with him from New York, entered the sailboat S. B. Robbins, and was taken to the shooting blinds about half mile out in the bay.
George Doughty, a well known local craftsman, was in charge of the sailboat, and Cut Hargis, an attache of the club house, occupied a small boat, in tow, which carried the decoys. This comprised the party. Upon arriving at their location, the decoys were placed, and Hargis sailed around the blinds some distance in order to frighten the ducks and bring them within reach of the waiting sportsmen. Doughty remained with the small boat, brought in the water fowl when shot, and loaded the guns.
As the sun grew warmer and the wind became a trifle less strong, the ducks, which have during the two preceding days hovered over the water in enormous flocks, began to settle, and the prospects for sport had become rather poor before the President-elect arrived at the blinds. As a consequence Mr. Cleveland had but little opportunity to test his ability as a marksman, but was successful in the few shots which he was able to secure.
A heavy tide also conspired to make shooting difficult, and this fact, coupled with the still severe cold weather, caused Mr. Cleveland to return after but two hours spent in the blinds. Upon landing he expressed himself as feeling excellent, having suffered but little inconvenience from the cold. He was in good spirits and declared that he had greatly enjoyed the sport. The roughness of the water thoroughly drenched the party with spray. While Mr. Cleveland and Mr. Jefferson were after ducks, Mr. Davis shot a few meadow larks in the prairie adjoining the club house.
The programme for to-morrow has not been determined this evening, and will depend largely upon the weather. Should the wind subside and the water become less rough, Mr. Cleveland will be taken to the blinds shortly after daylight and spend several hours in duck shooting. But if the northwest gale continues it is probable that the day will be devoted to partridge shooting on 'Squire Upshur's farm. Mr. Upshur's plantation, which embraces about 1000 acres, is located across the channel, almost directly opposite the southern end of Broadwater Island.
It is four miles from Nassawadox, a station on the Cape Charles Railroad three miles south of Exmore Station. The farm is rather marshy along the coast, but slopes upward to a level, dry prairie. Some 800 acres are covered with a good growth of bean brush, which is a favorite refuge for partridge. The game is said to be quite abundant, and good sport is anticipated. The party will be taken from the Island to Upshur's farm on the yacht Sunshine. The distance is about 22 miles. Mr. Cleveland will use his own bird dog, which is said to be a very valuable animal, having cost $500.
While no definite time has as yet been fixed for Mr. Cleveland's departure, it is known that he will remain at least until the first of next week, as he to-night announced his intention of attending Divine service at the Broadwater Island Church next Sunday. The Pastor of this church is Rev. John R. Sturgis, a Methodist Episcopal minister, who permanently resides upon the island with his wife.
Mr. Cleveland manifested much interest in the fate of a large three-masted schooner which went ashore on Cobb's Island this afternoon. This island is situated immediately south of Broadwater, being the nearest adjacent land. Particulars of the disaster have not yet been received, but it is believed that no lives were lost. Up to this time mail for Broadwater has been very light, only one letter being received to-day for the President-elect on the train from the North. It was addressed to "Hon. Grover Cleveland, Hog Island, Va.