The Daily Dispatch: October 29, 1861., [Electronic resource]

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Narrow Escapes at Niagara Falls:

--On Sunday evening last, while a party of gentlemen were making a four of Goat Island, by moon light, one of the party, Mr. Percy Clarke, indiscreetly ventured too near the edge of the rock forming a portion of the Central Fall. At this point the earth above the rock is insecure, and Mr. Clarke, while pressing forward to catch a closer view of the torrent, the earth gave way under his feet, and he was precipitated upon the rock below. In the partial darkness the moon being at that moment obscured by passing clouds, it was almost impossible to distinguish Mr. Clarke's position, and for a moment it was thought he had been swept over the fall. All was confusion, and in the wild roar of the cataract it was difficult to hear his cries for help.

At this moment, Mr. Howard Paul, of London, who was one of the party, sprang forward and instantly removing his coat prostrated himself upon the bank, and clinging to the roots of a tree, threw an end of the garment to the unfortunate gentleman and succeeded, at the risk of his own life, in rescuing Mr. C. from his perilous and fearful position. When discovered he was hanging to an abutting crag or fragment of rock which forms the precipice of the Central Fall, within a single foot of the immense sheet of falling water which roars and tumbles a distance of one hundred and fifty feet below. Had it not been for Mr. Howard Paul's courage and presence of mind, there would most likely have been added another victim to the list of those who have lost their lives by venturing too near the terrific dangers of Niagara Falls.