The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-07-08
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.
Peter Jaeger, Of Albany, Killed While Driving
in the Central Park.
John =. Develin, of This City, Dan
gerously Wounded.
SKETCH OF THE PUBLIC LIFE OF MR.. CAGGER,

SKETCH OF THE PUBLIC LIFE OF MIR. CAGGER,
On Monday night last, about halfpast twelve
O'Clock, Peter Cagger of Albany, the distinguished
lawyer ana democratic politician, was accidentally
killed while driving in the Central Park accompanied
by John L. Develin, prominent politician and
lawyer OF this city, the latter gentleman being also
seriously II not fatally injured. The deceased arrived
in this city few days since to attend the National
Convention now in session, and was staying temper
arily at the Worth House. On Monday evening about
halfpast six O'Clock. he drove out in o barouche
with friend-Mr George Evans, OF Albany
and proceeded up Fifth avenue and by way OF
Bloomngdale road to the residence OF Mr.. Devein.
at 134th street. After remaining short time Mr.
Evans returned alone to the city, leaving Mr.. Gag
ger, who had made previous appointment to meet
gentleman at the Manhattan Club ut hafpast
eleven O'Clock. 1t was understood at parting
that Mr.. Cagger would drive into town with Mr.
Develin shortly afterwards. About fifteen minute
later both gentlemen started for the city in carriage
though it is also reported that the understanding
was that Mr.. Develin would leave Mr. Cagger at the
street cars, and that he should by that means come
TO the city alone On the way down, however they
appear to have passed down Harlem lane and enter.
ed the Central Park at the Reservoir gate from Fifth
avenue, short distance north or Eighty fourth
street Shortly after entering the Park they reached
sharp curve In the road and they drove briskly
around 1t the spOkes OF one OF the wheels gave away
upsettng the vehicle and throwing it's occupants to
the ground. Mr.. Develin first fell from the carriage
and Mr.. Cagger was thrown him, striking
heavily on his head in the roadway Oficer
Leonard OF the Park police was on duty
at the point where the carriage entered the
Park and shortly afterwards, hearing a crash and a
whistle in the direction in which the carriage had
proceeded, he followed and met gentleman who
Informed him that there were two men killed short
distance further on. Arrived at the place indicated
the officer found two persons lying near the centre
of the road, both of them insensble Several per-
sons who passed in carriages requested by the
olhcers to render assistance, but they all made
cuseS and passed on
MI. william Runnett, Of this city, along just
afterwards, ana with his assistance carriage was
procured when 1t was ascertained that one of the
PROSTATE persons was already dead. This proved TO
be Peter Cagger, and his remains were taken to st.
Luke's Hospital Mr. Develin was taken TO his home,
still unconscious, but exhibiting symptoms Of re-
vival. Mr. Develin's injuries, 80 far as asceraned,
consist OF severe laceration ana confusion of the
scalp and broken hand. Mr.. Caggers skull was
fractured, IN fact crushed In, and his face slightly
cut.
day by a large number OF prominent gentlemen, and
his untmely death cast feeling OF sorrow over q
Large proportion OF the members OF the Convention
body was conveyed to Albany at four O'Clock yester-
day afternoon
IS not yet ascertained whether he has sustained any
internal injury.
X.
Coroner Keenan, he'd an inquest yesterday at
three O'Clock, at st. Lukes Hospital, on the body of
Peter Cagger.
ceased was an acquaintance OF mine: he resided at
Albany and was on visit to this city attending the
National Democratic Convention; saw him at the
Worth House last evening at halrpast six O'Clock;
he then started out In One-horse buggy to take a
ride in the Park with gentlemlA; heard oil his
being injured ct half-past nine this morning.
William +. leonard sworn, depOsed as fol-
lows:I belong to the Park police; at about halipast
eleven last night heard an alarm whistle; went TO
the place from which 1t came Eghty-fourth street.
on the west drive near the spring; when got there
road Mr. peyelin Was near 5y in an nsenspe state
officer vannier was at the place before me; judged
from the position in which deceased was found ana
other circumstances that the horses had run away
and thrown him from the wagon.
Doctor Beach, who made osmortem examine
tion testified that deceased died from fracture Of
the SKULL The jury returned q verdict in accordance
with the evidence.
sketch Of the Public Life Of the late Peter
Cagger.
Peter Cagger, the circumstances OF whose death
are recorded above, was native OF the
city OF Albany, New York State, and
at the time OF his decease was about
lrtysix years of age. lie adopted the profession OF
law, rapidly to position of great eminence at
the bar and accumulated q large fortune having
also achieved the reputation OF being one OF the
abest special pleaders in the State. As a lawyer he
was associated In business with Nicholas Hill, John
X. Porter and Samuel Stevens, gentlemen who have
themselves become eminent at the bar and on the
bench OF the highest tribunals In the State.
During nearly thirty years past Mr.. Cagger was
intimately identified with the democratic party In
this State and for fifteen twenty years had been
recognized leader in the organization. He had rep
resented the city OF Albany at nearly every demo-
cratic convention assembled In this state Tor the past
quarter OF a century, and his person had become
familiar to all who have attended those assembeG.
His position leading representative OF the albany
Regency" has long been acknowledged, ana IN
conjunction with the late Dean Richmond he had
virtually controlled the democratic party OF this
state for many years. But, In addition To MS
marked talent as an accomplished pontcal leader,
he possessed the confidence OF all classes oil men In
degree rely equallcd by men prominent In political
life and service. His integrity was beyond question,
and his honesty, foresight. prudence and zeal
success which had manifested Itself in connection
with his public abors. II Is remarkable TACT and
somewhat significant reflection on his retiring dispo-
sition that with the exception OF probably some COM
had never occupied public official position, though
II Is beyond doubt that with his popularity and
hts great influence had he been In any
degree ambitious he might have attained To
Mr.. Cagger was esteemed and respected by all who
enjoyed his acquaintance while the warm benevo-
lence and Rcniality OF his disposition endeared him
In an unusual degree TO all who enjoyed his friend
on whom this calamity will TALL most heavily.
In every walk OF life the deceased was
most estimable man. and the news OF his sudden
death will cast gloom over the community where
he resided and Will be received with deep regret
throughout the country
Manifestations Of sorrow in Saratoga.
SARATOGA STRINGS, July 7, 1868.