238 x 187 mm. A view showing the white water of the Whirlpool Rapids, situated below the falls in the Niagara Gorge. The Suspension Bridge below the falls can be seen in the background. Captain Matthew Webb (1848-1883), having been the first man to swim the channel (and, among other displays of endurance, backing himself to remain in the sea longer than a Newfoundland dog) determined to swim the rapids and whirlpool in a desperate attempt to keep the public’s interest. Having negotiated part of the rapids, he was sucked into the whirlpool and his body never recovered.