SWIMMING ACROSS THE ENGLISH CHANNEL.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2114, 13 October 1875, Page 2

SWIMMING ACROSS THE ENGLISH CHANNEL.

CAPTAIN BOYTOJNT OUTDONJS...

Captain>Webb,s who started' on his second, attempt to. swim the English. Channel from Dover "to Calais ok *fue|day, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, arrived at the latter place to-day (Aug. 25) it noon, after being, in the water 22 hoars and 43 minutes, nearly 3jaolirs longer than the time in whickhe calculated to accomplish tbe journey. At 5.30 p.m. he was progressing at the rate of 20 strokes a minute* the Tea and weather being favorable.. He 4 was furnished with, ale and beef-tea',**and] again at 8 p.m. with" beeftea and beer. After that he rested ok his^ back for a While. At 9 o'clock he became troubled■■■with seaweed, and at 11 he took a draught, of.'. cod-liver 'oil. When.'.."the moon rdse, ' at one in ; the morning, some brandy and tea were administered tor^BiihtrWebp declaring at that time'that the swim across was a safe thing" At 3'a.m. he took some coffee. At this time the tide turned northward, and Webb appeared exhausted. His : trainer stripped and held himself in readiness to go to Webb's as-' sistance, but Webb laughingly declined the proffered aid. At this time he was stiil keeping up a pace of 20 strokes per minute. F.ars were entertained that the northern tide drift would throw Webb abreast of Calais sands, as the sequel proved. At 4 o'clock a.m., aid 4.miles further progress, daylight broke. Webb was drowsy, and coffee and brandy were given to.him. At 5.30 Riden's buoys were in sight and their position located. At 7 o'clock a westernly breeze sprung up and a chopping sea followed, making the prospect extremely discouraging; but the indomitable pluck of the swimmer never faltered. ■• small skiff kept on the weather side of Webb, who was now swimming slowly and had just partaken of a b/andy straight. Every twenty minuted soundings were taken at 8 and 10 fathoms. (Steamers came out from Calais aud steamed alongside the gallant shimmer on the weather side, the sea breaking all the while. Cheers upon cheers went up aad ! Webb seemed to feel their inspiring in- i fluence. He laid a direct course for Calais Sands, westward of the pier, and at 10.30 a.m. was in shallow water. At 10.40 a.m. the heroic Webb stood on French soil, tired, of course, but very shortly recovered. He was conveyed -<O' a hotel in a carriage, rubbed down, arid put to bed. The doctors had no fears of any serious consequences. Webb naked beats JBoyton armoured about two hours. The wildest excitement prevails in London, and the Press pronounces the: swim the greatest physical feat of the century. •