Somnambulism

SOMNAMBULISM. - About three o'clock in the morning, a young man, about twenty years of age, was observed running at an extremely rapid pace along Dean Street, Westminster, and through the various other streets, in almost a state of nudity, till he arrived near the Thames at Milbank, where he halted, exclaiming in an agonizing tone, “Oh, save them, save them! my wife, my child, my love!” and after the pause of an instant, “Oh, they are not there! they are gone! I must follow!" at the same time running towards the Thames. The person, who had observed him in Dean Street, had (although himself a swift runner), with great difficulty kept up with him: however, perceiving his intention, he caught hold of the somnambulist when in the act of rushing into the water. Upon being stopped, the latter burst into tears, but on recovering himself in some degree, he appeared conscious of his dangerous situation; and, after thanking his protector for his kind offices, and assuring him he had never been known to walk in his sleep before, he hastily retreated homewards.