Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1837-03-31
THE LATE STAGE ACCIDENT.

THE LATE STAGE ACCIDENT.
Mr.. EprroR AS there are various sto.
res aAoat in regard to the distressing
stage accident which happened on the NOR
ming Of the 18th inst. while crossing
"Cold River" and many of them are very
wide from the truth, take the liberty to
give below a simple statement of facts,
which you are at liberty to publish if you
deem proper.
left Walpole, N. II. on the morning
aforesaid in company with four passengers,
three ladies' and one gentleman. The la.
dies, with myself, were seated in he in
side of the stage the gentleman took his
seat on the outside with the driver The
names of the ladies' were, Mrs Dinhnm,
Mrs Che,ley and Miss Tasket. TIE Rut-
land stage and an extra followed in our
rear. When we ca,re to Cold River, the
driver drew up, and proceeded on to the
bridge at a slow walks At this time the
ice in Cold River appeared broken, and
was moving down stream very gently, or
without any apparent communion. The
stream, however, appeared much swollen
When we were part of the way across
the bridge, it fell about ten feet, and so
nearly all together that the stage kept its
cree, position until we began to move
downward; but Immediately the stage rol.
led up stream upon its side. AS the stage
rolled, Mrs Chesly and Miss Taskel fell
partly through the lower side, and were
nearly uuder water. With great exer-
tons drew them up, and all Of us stood
with our heads out at the upper side OF the
stage. In this situation we were borne
rapidly down the stream. ] saw the dr.
yer and the outside passenger on the oppo.
site shore having escaped by way OF the
horses and floating bridge. The water in
the Connecticut had not risen; in conse.
queuce of which, the accumulated water in
Cold River caused quite fall, as it enter
ed the Connecticut. When we arrived at
! this fall, the stage rolled, and it was with
great exertions that we could keep above
the water and ice. succeeded in getting
on top Of the stage and caught hold Of Mrs
Durham. she being nearest TO me. At
this instant, the stage, being driven with
tremendous force, struck the ice in the
Connecticut, at the same time the ice from
Cold River stove it to atoms. Mrs D. and
myself were thrown upon the loose ice,
she being enclosed to her middle, and also
one of my feet, was fast in the ice. The
other two ladies' had disappeared. and
never saw them more! The only words
spoken by Mrs D. were "Do pull me out -
with an earnes,ness and manner | never
shall forget. made many attempts to
extrcale her from her horrible situation
but all in vain. At every movement Of the
ice, she was drawn still lower down, Ill
nothing remained above but her head ant
one arm. | think she must have beer
crushed instantly by the ice, as she dice
apparently without struggle. | remain
ed by her iii life had become extinct. -
We were at this time about three fourth.
Of the wav across Connecticut River. -
Knowing | could render her no further as
si>tance, then sought my own safety b,
making my way, as best ! could, to The
Vermont shore, which was accomplished
with no small difficulty, as the broken ice
tumbed and rolled, while the water sur
ged most fearfuly.
would here remark that report says q
kept my trunk under my arm during The
whole of this fearful scene;' and that 'hal
| thrown away my trunk, might have sa
we'd some of the lives of my unfortunate
companions! = This report is ungenerou
as it is false. did not have my trunk, mel
Their did | think of it, TIL alter lett Mr.
d. however found it on my way to thu
Vermont shore. walked to Bellows Fall
in very exhausted state, where received
from Mr. Hall that kindness and attention
which will ever be remembered with graft
lude. CHAPMAN SWAIN.
Putney, March 81, 1887.
Report says that Just before we cam
upon the bridge, the driver was warned Il
stop; and that he did stop his team abou
one minute This is not true as to hi
, s,opping.-the stage most assu-cdly did no
stop. Whether the driver was "warned
, or not, is beyond my knowledge. Icer,ain