MEMORIAL TABLETS.
[TO TILE EDITOR OT THE SPECTATOTt."3
SIR,—Some time ago the subject of memorial tablets, recording deeds of heroism or great self-sacrifice, was dwelt upon in the Spectator, and the desire was expressed that a custom of placing such memorials in churches or in public places might grow and increase. The following story and inscription may, therefore, be of interest to your readers, and may do a little to lead a good tendency on. Mere than thirty years ago, on the East Coast of Lincolnshire, and in the winter time, a man went down to the sea-bank to break up the ice at a sluice where a fresh-water drain ran into the sea. It was cold and difficult work, but necessary, if the fields were not to be flooded. And this is the story of what happened, told in the words of Joseph Michael, who had a band in it :—" On January 24th, 1867, I was on the North Coates sea-bank, shooting; saw Joseph Osborne breaking ice, and putting it through the sluice; bad a little conversation with him, then walked on for about sixty yards, when I heard him call for help. I went back, and found he had fallen out of the boat, and was in the water with his legs under the sluice. I got another boat, which was close at hand, and pulled it to him with an old scraper, as there were no oars to be found. As soon as I got near enough to him he clutched the boat, which capsized. I then pulled myself up to the sluice-door with the scraper, and holding there, called for help. Meanwhile Osborne, who was trying to get on to the boat, went under the sluice, and the boat jammed and held him, until William Capes came to our assistance. Osborne called out 'Save Joe first,' and Capes took me down in a boat, and then we set the other boat at liberty, and Osborne went through the sluice. Other help came then, and we pulled him out, and found he was dead." It may not seem a remarkable story, or a deed of self-sacrifice more striking than many others which that coast could tell; and, indeed, in the neighbourhood the remembrance of it has almost passed away. But this year, when the will of my uncle was read, it was found to have made a deep impression on one heart and mind. For the will directed that the interest of a sum of money should be used, aftcr necessary repairs bad been executed an windows already erected, to place a window, or other memorial, in North Coates Parish Church to the memory of Joseph Osborne. The rector and churchwardens hope to place on the wall of the church a stone tablet with this inscription
To Jesus, Our Saviour and Pattern, and to the memory of Joseph Osborne, who In Peril of Death Chose the Safety of his Friend Before his Own, and was drowned Jan. 24, 1867."
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