Sun, November 30, 1892
STORMY ON HOG ISLAND.
Tourists and sportsmen -- Field sports - LodgesWeather -- Northeast stormsTourists and sportsmen -- Field sports - GuidesTourists and sportsmen -- Field sports - Hunting : Waterfowl and shorebirdInfrastructure -- Public - Government : Life-saving serviceTourists and sportsmen -- Field sportsfield sports - Hunting : Personal injury
Mr. Cleveland's Gun Brings Down Numerous Snipe.
BAD WEATHER FOR DUCK-SHOOTING.
The Afternoon Passed Quietly in the Comfortable Club-House -- A Thrilling Rescue Witnessed by the President-Elect -- His Wounded Thumb.
EXMORE, VA., Nov. 29. -- The strong north to northwest gale which began sweeping over Broadwater bay during the night has continued throughout the day, and still shows no sign of abating. The sky is obscured by heavy, lowering clouds, but no rain has fallen since 10 o'clock this morning. Had the wind been less cold and severe the day would have been an ideal one for shooting water fowl.
Having been forced to abandon the pre-arranged plan to spend the entire day in gunning for ducks, the President elect, accompanied by Cut Hargis, who served in the double capacity of guide and assistant, went out upon the beach shortly before noon for the purpose of shooting snipe. The long billed little birds were found in great numbers, and Mr. Cleveland succeeded in bagging 126 snipe in a little over an hour's time. Four black ducks which left the water and flew over the beach also fell victims to the fowling-piece of the President elect.
Mr. Cleveland then returned to the cottage for lunch, and remained indoors throughout the entire afternoon.
The luck which attended Mr. Cleveland today is considered as all that could be desired. Mr. Cleveland did not go out during the evening, and was not in the least disturbed by the high wind which is sweeping over the island. Mr. Ferrell's cottage, which is the present home of Mr. Cleveland, is so embowered in forest trees and the evergreen myrtle that the wildest storms which prevail in this vicinity are scarcely noticeable. Inside, the cheery blazing fires in the great hall, the floors of which are covered deep with fur rugs, give a feeling of perfect comfort, and combine to disincline a weary man from venturing into the darkness.
During the afternoon Samuel Kelly, a venerable old man of over seventy years, who was born on Broadwater Island and has never traveled further than Norfolk called upon Mr. Cleveland and was pleasantly received. When Mr. Kelly asked the President elect how he liked the island, Mr. Cleveland replied that he was so highly pleased with his residence there that he would be glad to exchange places with Mr. Kelly if he could serve the people as well as by going to Washington.
While out gunning on the beach Mr. Cleveland was an eye-witness of a thrilling spectacle. Five residents of Cobb's Island were on their way in a two-sailed boat to Broadwater for the purpose of paying their respects to the President elect. While in the Great Machipongo Inlet, between White Point and Coe Point, opposite the United States life-saving station, the boat capsized, throwing the occupants into the water. All of the party would certainly have been drowned had it not been for the prompt action of the life-saving crew, who immediately went to their assistance and succeeded in bringing them safely to land. Throughout this exciting scene Mr. Cleveland watched the capsizing and rescue with great interest.
In conversation this afternoon regarding the reception of visitors who land upon Broadwater Island Mr. Cleveland stated that he was glad at any time to receive representatives in the State Legislature, members of Congress from Virginia, men of prominence in their respective localities and natives of the archipelago, but not office-seekers, reporters or those who are non-residents of the State.
Mr. Cleveland's thumb, which was painfully but not seriously injured yesterday in attempting to lock his gun, has given him but little trouble today.
According to the programme arranged to-night, tomorrow will be devoted to gunning on the water.