Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-09-11
FrighrfuI Aeeiden, TO the FenaIe BIOudr,

From the London Star August 14.l
Yesterday morning at eight o'clock. Mr.
ClsremOnt, Mr Saul, aud Mr.. King, met in con
sultatiOn at Highbury Barn, and it was discov-
cred that the chief injury TO the " Female Blon-
din" is fracture of the neck of the femur (thigh
bone), but there are others. She was insensible,
and. at her own request, has since been removed
to S. BsrtholomeW's hospital, whers size now
remains an inmate.
Shortly after 10 o'clock The Female Blon-
din ascended one of the stages connected with
the rope, which is about one bundled feet in
hight, aud by The aid Of blue fires, and sttired
in a suit OF armoT, proceeded on her perilous
voyage in mid-air. She reached the eastern
stage in safety, and again returned performing
the feat OF wheeling the barrow third time.
She crossed the rope covered with a sack and
then commenced her final tour to the starting
point in the midst Of fireworks discharged from
each end OF the balancing pole size carried in her
hands
She arrived within about twenty feet of the
western stage, when the CatbaTine wheels at
each end OF the pole had reached their greatest
velocity, and at which moment reports were
heard and stars Of various hUes emitted. At
this instant is was plainly observable that there
was fearful oscillation of the pole as well as of
the unfortunate performer. A general cry was
raised that she was falling, the pole fell from her
grasp, and the performer toppled over. For
moment she appeared to cling to the rope either
by her legs or hands, but, whether from fright
or otherwise in another second she was seen
descending head foremost into the midst sf the
lofty trees beneath her. The scene of hsrrOr
and CONSERVATION, coupled with the screams of
the females present at this moment may well be
imagined, and hundreds rushed to the spot where
the poor creature lay at the foot Of the tree COM
pletely doubled up and apparently lifeless. Cries
LTD !
and it fortunately happened that there were a
number OF surgeons, who, as parochial officers
of st. PaDcraS, had been attending the dinner
given at Highbury Barn at the close Of the days
proceedings, viz Doctors Hitler, Claremont,
Southern and Saul.
Two Of these gentlemen, Mr.. Claremont and
Mr. Saul, were Immediately on the spot and the
unfortunate woman was CARED in az iusensible
and apparently hfeless condition 10 an appart-
ment adjoining the theater, where, upon exsmi-
nation by tie medical men, shs was found still
alive, but her countenanee, pulse, and respiTa-
tion were at once prediction Of very serious in
jury being sustained.
In a short time she was restored % conscious
ness, and by the direction and under the super
intendence Of the medical gentlemen was con-
veyed to a sleeping apartment Of the tavern,
where more complete examination was al
tempted to be made, but upon manipulation her
buueJluBB were 50 acute IuEtg u consultation
with her own medical attendant, Mr. King. of
Highbury, who had by this time arrived, it
was considered ADMISSIBLE 70 allow her to repose
for some hours, carefully watched and an ar
rsngement was made for an early morning con-
sultation at this time it was the opinion of
the medical gentlemen that although the inju-
ries were not defined they were significant OF
very serious if not fatal result.
In the meantime the greatest excitement as to
the fate of the unfortunate bat intrepid woman
prevailed. So much so that, although Leotard's s
performance had commenced in the great hall,
hundreds still remained in the gardens, making
earnest inquiries Of every one who came out of
the building into which she had been conveyed.
A second catastrophe was also feared with re-
gard to Lsotard himself. He had gone through
portion of his performance, when some one in
disereetly informed him of what had happened.
In an instant be became hvidly pale, and be-
came so unnerved that the next bound he made
he missed his grasp Of the handles of the middle
iTapeze, but came bounding on to the padded
platform on to his feet, amidst the applause OF
the audience.
/ 1t is stated that tie propTietors had forebod-
/ ing that it would be dangerous to ascend the
! rope in consequence of its wet and slippery con-
ditioni but, without success, endeavored to pre-
vail upon the female Blondin to relinquish her
performance that evening.