Danbury Times

Taking It Coolly.

On Sunday morning last, much anxiety was manifested among our citizens for the safety of the inmates of a small dwelling house situated near the bank of the river, about a mile below the city, and which was in great danger of being swept away by the freshet. The swiftness of the current and the large quantity of the floating ice, rendered any attempt to visit them, for the purpose of affording relief, somewhat hazardous. The length of time they had remained in that situation excited fears that if the flood did not destroy them, they might perish from the want of the means of subsistence. However, there is no risk so great that men cannot be found to incur it, for a good share of the filthy lucre. His honor, the Mayor, in the fulness of his benevolence and humanity, offered a reward of $20 to any one who would visit the distressed family, and learn their true condition. The experiment was soon successfully tried, and the report of the "expedition" was such as happily to disappoint the most indifferent spectator. The family was found to consist of a man, his wife, and twelve children. The water had driven them into the garret, where they had been for about twenty-four hours, and at the time of this visit, they were toasting themselves before a good fire, with plenty of fuel, nearly a barrel of flour, and a good store of other provisions at hand. They thanked the gentlemen very politely for their "call," but assured them they were very comfortable, and felt no uneasiness whatever. On enquiring for the husband and father, they were informed that he was out in a boat, catching "flood wood!"—

Hartford Eagle.