HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE EAST POINT BAPTIST CHURCH

APPENDIX

An act-mini of many local incidents prepared for this history had In l1"

omitted. Thesi- Iwu are inserted here because of their lm'éll and historic

inn-rest and value.

AN EXCITING SEAL HUNT

In the early spring of 1864 an exciting and almost tragic seal hunt took place on the drift ice that had been carried in from the open sea by a long period of east wind. A large field of ice had stranded betweer. East Point and Red Point and the seals were easily heard bawling in the calm of an April morning. Very speedily the younger male populatior of the community was aroused and headed for the ice field, armed witl. guns, axes and clubs. Reaching the herd of seals the work of slaughte: began. 50 intent were the hunters on the work of killing and skinning their prey that they did not notice that the wind had shifted and was driving the ice-field off to sea. This meant danger and even death to the hunters, as they had taken no provisions, and the boats on shore were hauled up and housed for the winter. To add to the peril of the situa- tion the tide had turned and was carrying the ice-field, with its imper- iled hunters toward the open sea. Besides, night was approaching and that meant added danger, as their position could not be located by their friends on shore. But fortunately the people on shore early becamc aware of the danger and hastened to the r3scue. They found some flat- bottomed boats available, and with all speed hurried to the rescue. For- tunately they arrived in time to save the imperiled hunters and bring them all ashore in safety. This writer recalls. the incident distinctly and the excitement it caused in the quiet community.

Although many pclts were secured the seal—huntcrs noticed next da\ that a Dutch sealing schooner had liound the seals. they “tr: compellec to abandon, and was increasing her cargo at their expense. but they were too grateful for their escape to mourn over the loss of a few sealskins.

——J. A. F.

82