HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE EAST POINT BAPTIST CHURCH APPENDIX An accounl of many local incidents prepared for this history had to h- omitted. These two are inserted here hecause of their local and historic interest and value. AN EXCITING SEAL HUNT In the early spring of 1864 an exciting and almost tragic seal hun: took place on the drift ice that had been carried in from the open sea bv a long period of east wind. A large field of ice had stranded between 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 with guns, axes and clubs. Reaching the herd of seals the work of slaughter began. So 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 wen 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 anc that meant added danger, as their position could not be located by their friends en shore. But fortunately the people on shore early became aware of the danger and hastened to the rescue. 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 pelts were secured the seal-hunters noticed next da* that a Dutch sealing schooner had found the seals, they were compellec to abandon, and was increasing her cargo at their expense, bur they wen too grateful for their escape to mourn over the loss of a few sealskins. - J. A. F . 82