The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-04-05
THE RAILROAD ACCIDENT.

4dE hAlLhOAD L.
The first serious accident that has ever occurred
on the Richmond and Petersburg Reed, happened
Sunday evening, as announced, in the Telegraph
Dispatch to this paper, published yesterday morn
ing. The Petersburg ExpreGs thus explains the
manner of the accident:
The engineer, Mr.. Martin Alsy, informs US, that
when near the Glover Hill Junction, and about one
mile North of the Port Walthall Junction, he dis
covered several hogs on the track, and falling to
trighten them off with the whistle, he commenced
shutting OF steam, and was, consequently, only
running about twelve miles to the hour at the time
OF the accident The accident was caused by a
piece of the rail having become loose from the track
aad is generally styled "snake head"
The engine, tender, crate, baggage, and one pas.
senger car passed over the "snake head without
leaving the track but the last passenger coach
suddenly thrown from the rail, which caused the
centre pin which secures the front truck to the
coach 10 break, and the truck was Immediately
thrown up into the coach, which completely tore
ont the bottom of the coach, seats, and everything
else.
The name of the lady who was injured, is Mrs
Purnell, (not Purnett as in our dispatch) she had
both ankles badly lacerated. Her little son, as
stated, had severe blow on the back of the head
Her maid servant, likely mustto girl about Is
years of age, had her right leg cut in two between
tae ankle and knee. She was conveyed to Peters.
burg, where the leg was amputated, upon con.
su!tation between Drs. Rives, Claiborn and Dudley
Her injuries were too great however, and che died
soon after the operation. Mrs. Purnell's brother
tn-law, M. T. C. Mcllhenny, had one of his knees
badly bruised, but was not otherwise much injured
These parties were all from Wilmington, and Mrs
Purcell is a daughter of Governor Dudly, of North
Carolina, as stated in the Dispatch
Five or six other persons received slight injuries
Mr. WM. CAMPBELL, a gentleman connected with
the Express Office, narrowly escaped His porte
monaie protected him from what, no doubt would
have produced severe confusion The iron
frame Of il was broken by the blow.
It's a wonder that all la the car were not killed
The Express thinks this result must have been in.
e7itabe il the speed OF the train had not been
sackened. The road has been in operation eigh
teen gears and bad this accident s tseatire free
dom from any fatal occurrence before, speaks well
fer its management.
Mr. DoDANEAD of the Petersburg Road, returned
from Petersburg yesterday. He states that the &C.
count given by the Express of the accident is cor.
fed' Mrs. Purnell and Mr.. Mcrhenny were doing
"nen ne left but the little boy was in very crit.
Cal condition.
THE ERIcssoN.-The New York Fxnyess
Ia not YET prepared to acknowledge the perfect
success OF the new motor of Capt. Ericsson.
IL declares that ii has not been made TO have
tAe effectiveness of steam, and until i, has that
effectiveness, such is the eagerness of the |
world Tor rapidity of motion, that steam will |
continue It's predominance in the rivers, in the |
seas and in the workshops. That is yerv |
clear.
Ks The vote the people Of Danville is to |
aoaa .aaen on the question Of subscribing $4,000
ot soooo to Plank Road from that place IN