Winchester gazette. [volume] (Winchester, Va.) 18??-1826, 1821-06-02
MOST DISTRESSING OCCURRENCE!

MUST DIS INESSING OCCUKRENCE!
1t again devoives upon as TO record one of
the most distressing accidents which ever
came under our notice. GA Tbur.day last,
wiltshire OF the isbourers a, the hill pre-.
pairing for the erection of the New Market
House, were employed in boring charge
out OF two inch hole, which had been
loaded the evening previous, but from some
cause or other could not be discharged,
sudden and tremendous explosion took place
which MANNED the poor fellows in the most
dreadful manner. The pamss of the unfor.
tunste sufferers are Caleb Mercer, an indus
trious, orderly and well disposed man,
and David and George. men of color, also
remarkable for their industry, and orderly and
correct department the sight was such an
one as was calculated to harrow up the feel.
ings of the most callous and issensible both
the hands of the unfortunate Mercer were
blown off, and he was otherwise most shock
ingly mangled, his companions in misfortune
escaped without the loss of limb, but it is
believed the poor fellows have lost their
eyes Amputstion Upon MERGERS arms be-
came necessary Immediately after the dread
tul disaster,-sn operation which we have
been told he submitted TO with heroic forti-
tude. BY what means the explosion was
was taken by Mercer, who directed the augcr.
TO keep the hole well supplied with water &
1t was MOI halt a minute previou, TO the acci.
dent that the writer OF this witnessed his at
tentiOn IN this particular. At the writing of
this, poor Mercer Is yet alive but il would
seem miracle were he TO recover. An OPP.
Portunity Is now presented to the inhabitant .
of our place to evince their humanity by re-
lieviog the afflicted and distressed, at
home, The unfortunate Mercer has family
who had to rely solely tor their support up.
on the proceeds OF his daily labour > If lie
live, he will ever be an object oi pity anG
charity, unable TO provide Tor his family =
1t he die, he will leave a helpless, distressed
family incapable OF supporting themselves =
Need more be said to the inhabitants oi
Winchesterp The two blacks, however, also
merit our notice. George is free man with
family The is sober, orderly and indus
trious AS he will, for some tine at least
il not altogether, be unable to labour, the at
ten ion of portion OF our citizens is respect
fully directed to him he lives upon the hill
near Mr.. Charles Grim's. Devid is a slave,
but nevertheless dependent upon himself for
his support. He belongs TO the estate OF the
late - Washington of Westmoreiand.
His wife belonging 10 Mr.. w. Washington
OF this place, David has bees permitted TO
hire himself; and, we learn, accounts honest
jy with the estate tor his hire "a more de.
serving man of his colour is not to be fount;-
but every one who has visited the Market
House hill since the work has been in ope.
ration, knows Davy his unceasing indus
try his never iiug esrnestness and zeal in
applying his s!sdge to the auser, from morn
iii! night, for two months past. has been the
admiration of every one who has seen him.
These are the persons in whose behalf we
appeal to the iibeIaIisy of our citizens. Do
nations for the unfortunate individuals will
be received by Beatty Carson, Esq. and
faithfully applied to the object contemp plated.