Kate’s notes: This news item, which I transcribed from the paper of Columbus, Georgia, had originally appeared in the Savannah Georgian. I assume Mr. Gilliland did survive this accident, as I believe he is the same John Gilliland later listed as having served in the Confederate Navy.
   The condition of the original material I examined was in rather poor condition, so I have placed any portions in doubt within brackets.

The Columbus Enquirer
Columbus, Georgia
20 January, 1857

SAD ACCIDENT. – On Saturday night last John Gilliland, Robert Faulkner and Sylvester [Miscally], with two ladies, left this city in an open boat to visit the plantation of Mr. Gilliland on Little Tybee Island, about twenty-four miles from the city. After reaching the Island and putting the ladies ashore, and before the gentlemen could land, the boat was driven on the breakers by a heavy wind and swamped. Their cries for help attracted the attention of Mr. Law, the overseer of Mr. Gilliland, who put off in a large canoe and succeeded in rescuing the unfortunate men, who had been in the water for two hours. When rescued, Messrs. Faulkner and [Miscally] were insensible, and notwithstanding every exertion was made to save them, Mr. Miscally died in about thirty minutes. Mr. Faulkner recovered, and is now out of danger. Mr. Gilliland lies dangerously ill at his residence in this city. – Sav. Georgian

-transcription by Kate Maynard, 2012