The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1844-03-07


ING OF ONE OF THE LARGE GUNS ON
BOARD ruE UNITED STATES SHIP PRINCE
TON, OF SECRETARY UPSHUR, SECRETA-
GILAiER, CoEiveODORE KENNON, VIRGIL
MAXCY, Esq, and Col. GARDINER, Of n. York
In the whole course Of our lives has fallen TO
lot to announce to readers more shocking ca
lamiy shocking in all its circumstances and concomi
Rnts-than that which occurred on board the United
States Ship Princeton yesterday afternoon whilst un-
der way, in the river Potomac fourteen fifteen miles
Below this city.
Yesterday was day appointed, by the courtesy ane
hospitality Of Capt Stockton, Commander Of the Prince
toa for receiving as visitors to his fine ship Cying off
Alexandria, great number Of guests with their fami
lies literally numerousFy inviiedso spend the day on
board The day was most favorable, and the company
wasaage and brilliant, Of both sexes; not less probably
ianumber than four hundred, among whom were the
President ofhe United States the Heads ofhe several
Departments, and their families. Al proper hour af
str the arrival of the expected guests the vessel got
der way and proceeded down the river to distance
lbeloS Fort Washington. During the passage down,
ione ofhe large guns on board carrying ball Of 225
pounasl was fired more than once exhibiting the great
power and capacity ofthat formidable weapon Of war
The Ladies Eal paraken Of a sumptuous repast the
gentlemen had succeeded them al the table, and Of
them had left it te vessel her return up the ri
yer, opposite to the fort where Captain Stockton con-
sented to FIRE another shot from the gun, and q
Teund aad near which, to observe its effects many per
sons had gathered, though by means many as on
in ladiea than
thronged the deck being this fatal occasion almost all
hctween decks and out ofTeach of harm.
The gun was fired. The explosion was followed, be
fore the smoke cleared away TO obshrve its effect
by shticks Of wo, which announced dire calamity.
The guA had burst at point three four feet from the
breech and scattered death and desolation around MI
upsher Secretary Of State Mr. Gilmer recently pa-
asl d the head of The Navy, Commodore Kennon, one
offs gallant officers Virgil Maxcy lateyretumed from
diplomatic residence at the Hague, Mr.. Gardiner Of
New York, (formerly memberof the Senate of thai
Slate were among the slain. Besides these, seventeen
seamen were wounded several Of them badly and PRO,
baby MORALLY. Among those stunned by the concus
sion, we learn not all seriously injured were Capt
Stockton hisnselG Col Benton, Of the Senate; Lieut.
Hunt, ofthe Princeton; w. D. Robson, of Georgetown
Other persons also were perhaps or less injured
81 whom in the horror and confusion of themoment, nc
cerain account could beobtained The above are be
lhved however to coNprse tho whole Of the persons
kAown to the public who were killed or dangerously
seriously hirt.
Thesc upon the deck may more easily be imagn-
"a than described Noi can the imagination picture il
sclf the half Of ts horrors Wives, Widowed in an in
tby the murderous BLAST Daughters smiaen with
the heart rendng sight of their fathers lelsss eorpse
The waings Of agonized females! The piteons griei
ofthe unhur but heart stricken spectators. The woun.
de2 seamen borne down below! TIE silent tears and
quivePng lips OF their brave and honest comrades who
tried in vain tosubdue or TO conceal their feelings
Whatirords can adequately depict scene like thsl
The Washington ete writer for the Lsdsaradds th,
fsiiowing details
The lower part Of the gun from the trunnions to thu
the breach was blown off, and one-halfs section Of il wa
found lying on Mr.. Upshurs breast 1t took two sal
or to remove H. MIR. Upshur was badly cut also owe
his eye in his ksciohes were literally torn from
his bOdy;she expired in abou,S minutes Governor Gil
ner Of Virginia was found equally badly injured H
had evidently been struck by the section Of the gun BE-
fore Il had reached Mr. UPshur. nj. Sykes the mem
her from New jersey endeayored to raise him fromth
ground, but was unable A maurass was, procured
and hewas placed K; before anv mcdical assisaDC
could Be procured he he longer among the liz
ing
Mr. Marcy had his aims and his legs cat of, II
pieces Of feshhanging 70 the mnated limbs cold an
blpOdess in manner truly rightful. He died instan
B
Mr, Gardiner Of New York. and Commodore Kel
npnlipgered about half an hour but they did not seel
FOR single moneni to be conscious of their fate an
expired almost wihoaa goan. The flags of the I
BpH were placed oEcr the dead bodies as their wndn
sheet. rf
Behind The gun the scene ythoughai first equally di
trrssipg was less alarming Capt Stockton, who wa
knocked dosu almost Instantly JOse to his, feet an
jumped ont the,yOoden carriagelO surveythe whole e
iectofthe calamiys AIltbe hair Of, hshead and fac
was burnt Of and he stood cdlmsand undismayed b.
silrntoser the wreck Taaddilionio tadeaths ahead
mentioned about dozen sailors wera badly wounded
ope was dead, and behind him. Cox BsAton Judg
Phelps, and Mr. Strickland, as ifdead exRuded on III
deck onthatsidc, BY singular cDBeatsnali6no of eli
eifmstancess Mr. Tyson, Of Philadelphia waslheonl
E1pn;;whesiood hissrpupd, hogsha psce -CftltS gar