It was necessary to cross a ford, which was rendered difficult by the swelling of the stream.

Mr.B.'s horse was unwilling to plunge into the water, so his son offered to go first, and he followed.

Bradford's horse had just gained footing on the opposite shore, when he looked back and perceived his father was dismounted, struggling in the water, and carried down by the current.
"Mr.Birkbeck could not swim; Bradford could; so he dismounted, and plunged into the stream to save his father.

He got to him before he sunk, held him up above water, and told him to take hold of his collar, and he would swim ashore with him.

Mr.B.did so, and Bradford exerted all his strength to stem the current and reach the shore at a point where they could land; but, encumbered by his own clothing and his father's weight, he made no progress; when Mr.B.perceived this, he, with his characteristic calmness and resolution, gave up his hold of his son, and, motioning to him to save himself, resigned himself to his fate.