The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-03-07
BY THE SOUTHERN MAIL
Washington.
Correspondence Of the Hsrald

Washan8ton.
Correspondence Of the Hsr.ld.l
WASHINGTON, 9Th March, 1874.
Very little has been done to-day in the Senate.
Some incidental remarks sprang up relative to the
expediency of establishing national foundry, and
procuring no more cannon by contract. The re-
marks, however, did not grow out of any matters
pertaining to the late accident
In the House, they killed, by large vote, the
Pennsylvania Avenue Repair Bill, lately passed by
the Senate. This will be a sad disappointment to
the people Of Washington and the numerous visit
crs to the Capitol But suppose the House goes
for stern retrenchment, and we must submit to mud
and dirt anotheryea
Court of Enquiry into the causes Of the late
unfortunate accident has been ordered by the Pre-
sident Ii is composed of Captain Bolton, Captain
Ramsay, and Captain Aulick@men in whose OPT
MON the public may have all confidence The
President was himself opposed to calling the Court
Of Enquiry, deeming 1t unnecessary, but the cap
tam insisted on 1t, and the President complied.
The court will commence its session tomorrow.
Captain Stockton. was very severely injured
shockingly burned in the face-his left leg very
badly wounded-and what is worse his feelings
terribly lacerated-although can hear of no one
him.
Some of the wings, being hard pushed for politi-
Cal capital, and not over scrupulous delicate in
the choice OF materials whereof to manufacture it,
nave published some most absurd and ridiculous
stories about Mr.. Benton which have been hearth
ly laughed at although totally false. But / will
state the facts upon the authority of Senators
Phelps, Atchlson and flanagan, and Gen. Jessup,
Mr.. Benton, at the time of the explosion, was
standing near the butt of the gun. He was thrown
James, was killed Immediately behind him. Mr..
flanagan (from whose lips have the facts) came
up to. Mr. Benton Just as he was rising-he was
then in the act of raising up wounded sailor.
M Rod hi Is ha htrrf Mr.
replied, "No, Hannegan-but look at this poor
sailor see how he suffers-bring a doctor"-
Mr.. II. started for doctor, and Gen. Atchison
interchanged. Mr. b. refused to leave the sailor at
all, though urged to do so-nor did he leave until
DR.: Thomas (the Presidents physician) came to his
relief. AS to his calling out "Oh, Lordy, Pm hurt !
give me little brandy" 1t may be all very well
for a joke, although excessively untimely, indeli
cate and dishonorable even in an enemy-but it is
nevertheless, totally false. "Me call for brandy
and watern' says Mr.. Benton, when asked about
i by Mr., Hannegan, Il have not drank glass of
brandy for 30years." He asked for no brandy, nor
coiogne-nor did he get either, nor any thing ese
unless 1t was little water, or vinegar. His coat
was cut mpletely through behind, and the buttons
torn Oft. He was carried back, and compelled
to lie down. His only concern seemed to be about
the wounded man, for he did not know, nor indeed
until after leaving the Princeton-that any persons
We're killed Before leaving the Princeton he in
sisted upon seeing Captain Stockton, for the pur-
pose OF consoling his wounded feelings, and assur-
lng him OF his undmnlshed confidence in his ex-
Per1ments and mprovements-continually exclaim-
ing, "POor Stockton, how he must suffer in his
feelings. Tell Stockton he must not be dis
heartened-this is an accident likely to occur
to any one " He wanted much to see Capt. Stock
ton, but was not allowed to do 80, as it was not
deemed prudent. Mr. Bentons injury was done
from the conclusion which struck him upon the
chest. He received no external wound. Judge
Phelps was knocked down about four feet from
Mr. Benton, Senator Jarnagin also was knocked
down little further off. Mr.. Benton has not yet
been out of his room, nor is he allowed even to
read. He sits up little, and is considered out of
danger
have seen DR.. Hunter, of the Princeton, and he
tells me that all the wounded sailors are doing WE'LL
and likely to recover. Dunn and Fraiso were hurt
the worst, but are now doing well. None of them
who recovered will be manned, or materially disfi-
cured.
There is vast deal of speculation here about
the SUCCESSORS TO the deceased Cabinet officers
For the State Department, Messrs. Stevenson,
Green, Mallory, Walker, Calhoun, Webster, and
the devil, are all spoken of. And for the Navy,
multitude which man can number The ru-
mors are so idle and silly, ! think it ridiculous to
name them. hope for mere definite information
tomorrow. have much better reason to think
Spencer will not only be re-appointed to the Judi
ciary, but that he will also be confirmed By the
Senate.
The negotiation with Mr.. Pakenham has been
commenced, as you are already informed, and
think very important information that the Presi-
dent is regarded by the Western members and Sc
majors as right upon the Oregon Question. 1t is
said that the answer TO Mr.. Pakenham's commu-
nicaton, prepared by Judge Upshur, was highly
satisfactory to the West. More of this anon s. B.