Dennis F. Butler To Swim East River Hands Tied Behind his Back - The National Police Gazette 1 Aug 1885

At the "Police Gazette" office, July 16, a novel match was arranged for $500, $250 a side, between Thomas Dobbins, of Brooklyn, and Wm. K. Harding. The following articles were drawn up: 

Articles of Agreement entered into this sixteenth day of July, 1885, at the Police Gazette office between Thomas Dobbins, of Brooklyn, and Wm. K. Harding. The said Thomas Dobbins wagers $250 with William K. Harding that Prof. Dennis. F. Butler, the champion diver and swimmer, can swim across the East river, from Dover street, New York, to any part of the City of Brooklyn, the said Butler to have his hands tied behind and his feet bound. It is further agreed that Prof. Dennis F. Butler is to accomplish the feat on Monday July 20, rain or shine, or his backer shall forfeit the stakes, $250 a side. It is further agreed that the said Thomas Dobbins shall provide a boat and that Mr. E. F. Mallahan shall be referee. In pursuance of this agreement the sum of $100 is low posted with Richard K. Fox, who shall be final stakeholder. The second or final deposit of $150 a side must be posted at the Police Gazette office on Saturday, July 18, 1885, or the party falling to put up the final deposit to forfeit the money now held by Richard K. Fox. 
Witnesses : 
Thomas Dobbins. Dennis F. Butler. W. E. Harding. Mike Donovan. 



(The Brooklyn Union - 28 July 1885)

A QUEER SWIMMIMG FEAT. 

Dennis Butler Wriggles Across the East 

River with His Feet and Hands Tied. 

At a quarter to seven o'clock last evening Dennis F. Butler, his trainer, Mike Donovan, and a number of New York and Brooklyn sports steamed down the East River in a tug. When they had got as far as Wall street, a white rowboat was loosened from the stern of the tug and Mike Donovan climbed in, hoisted a red flag, and,with the help of two oarsmen received what appeared to be a huge bundle. The bundle was the swimmer Butler, and he was about to undertake the swimming of the East River with his hands and feet
tied.

It was 13 minutes before 7 o'clock when the swimmer twisted his bound form around and got comfortably settled on his back ready to wriggle across the river. Aiming his head towards this city, Butler drew his knees toward his chest and then straightened out his legs with great force. It did no seem much, but it carried him along. At no time during the swim did Butler show more than his nose and mouth above the water and most of the time he was entirely submerged, but he squirmed steadily along and reached this side of the river safely. He accomplished his difficult feat in just nineteen minutes. A large crowd of people watched Butler making his swim.

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