Volcano Weekly Ledger

Sandusky City Saved from Starvation!

Our neighbors of Sandusky who have been so fond of lampooning Toledo, appear to have had a somewhat remarkable history, and have, no doubt been preserved from the dangers of the past, for some wise purpose which has not, as yet, appeared. The Buffalo Republic has been directing its researches in that direction, and discovered the following veritable piece of history, showing that Sandusky has had some narrow escapes and remarkable preservations, for which, we trust, its people feel a proper sense of gratitude. It seems that, in the early settlement of that now thriving and enterprising city, there came a time when the water on the bar was so low as to prevent the entrance of vessels, and there being no land transportation, and an exceedingly dry season, a famine was the consequence. But at that time the woods of the Western Reserve were full of wild hogs, which, in the drought, naturally sought the shoal waters of Sandusky Bay as a place in which to wallow, slake their thirst and enjoy themselves after the most approved hog fashion. With these preliminaries we allow our Buffalo neighbor to tell the story in his own words:—Toledo Blade.

"Those who are acquainted with that locality will remember the annoyance to which the early settlers were exposed in the shape of a fine, red sand, which covered the beach, and which, in times of high wind, was not only exceedingly troublesome, but dangerous. Thousands of hogs, in consequence of frequenting this spot became totally blind; but still, with all the cunning which belongs to this perverse race in their natural state, they continued to elude the hunters.

One day when the famine in the city was at its height, and when it was apparent that even the strongest must soon succumb, Joe B— took down his gun and resolved to make a last effort to rescue his wife and little ones from a fate the most horrible of which the mind has any conception. All day long had their sunken eyes and shriveled hands implored him in vain for bread—and alas! he knew too well that not within the whole city was there a mouthful to be had, though he were to offer in exchange thrice its weight in gold Nerved to desperation by this reflection, but still with feeble steps, he took his way to the forest, resolved not to return without relief in some shape.

For a long time he hunted in vain, traversing miles of weary pathway, without so much as seeing a single evidence of animated nature, until he was on the point of yielding to despair. At this moment a noise, as of approaching footsteps, attracted his attention, and he paused, with every faculty rendered keen by hunger, to listen. Nearer and nearer came the tramping, and just as Joe, to screen himself from observation, took shelter behind a tree, a wild hog emerged from the thicket, advanced directly toward him, followed immediately by another and another still. The hunter, trembling with anxiety and excitement, raised his gun, but suddenly paused with astonishment at the singular phenomenon before him. The drove (for drove there was) was approaching him in indian-file, and headed directly for the bay. The second hog held in his mouth the tail of the first, the third that of the second, and so on, to the number of sixty and upward, each was holding fast to the caudal appendage of his predecessor, and all were being led by the foremost of the drove, which being the only one that could see, was thus convoying his afflicted companions, The hunter comprehended the scene in a moment and instantly decided upon his course. Raising his gun deliberately, he fired, severing the tail of the leader close to the roots. His affrighted leadership, with a long squeal, bounded into the thicket and disappeared, while his blind companions came to a dead halt. Joe quickly divested himself of his boots and crept stealthily to the first of the band, which stood quietly holding in his mouth the amputated tail of his former conductor. This the hunter seized and commenced gently pulling upon it. First one hog started, then another, until soon, like a train of cars, all were in motion, and, without pausing to rest for a single instant, Joe led them quietly into a huge pen near his residence, where they were soon slaughtered, and the city was saved!"