The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-03


WASHINGTON July 2, 1859.
l have just received from Richmond, Va, the fol-
lowing account Of an appalling disaster that occur
red about four O'Clock this afternoon, upon the
occasion Of a barbecue to be given to q Walker club
OF cOlored men on Vauxhall Island by the conser-
vatives. Early in the day the most extensive prepa-
rations had been made and with all the enthusiasm
and JOY incident to the TACT that over two hundred
negroes had had the independence TO shake of the
letters OF radicasm and had espoused the cause Of
the liberal republicans under the leadership Of
walker, a grand festivity, music and speaking was
anticipated. Colonel James r. Branch, q banker
and candidate of the whites for the Legislature,
superintended the affair, and under his man.
agement the most ample arrangements had
been made to make 1t an unprecedented
success Vauxha Island Is one OF the many
in the James river, which are beautifully shaded,
ana it lies Immediately to the right of Mayo's bridge
which connects this city with Manchester, and from
which another small bridge leads to the island in
the centre of the river. About midway down the
island is still another bridge about fifteen
feet wide and fifty yards in length, sus-
pended by chains-a most miserable sruc
ture-across which the crowd had to pass to
reach the scene Of the barbecue. Large numbers
were already assembled at the spot where the ex-
pected barbecue was to take place The band was
playing some popular air, ana the negroes, with
their usual hilariy, were preparing for dance,
when the terrible event occurred which turned an
instant the laughter and Ievelry OF the hour into
sadness, mourning and horror. AT the extremity
OF the bridge nearest the city policeman was
stationed to prevent any but those with tickets
CROSSING and several other policemen were on duty
at the barbecue About four O'Clock Colonel Branch
left the party, who were enjoying themselves, and
ba had
half way, accompanied by policeman Kirkman, and
called loudly to the policemen at the other end to
'let all come over.n Scarcely had the words
escaped his lips when rush made across the
bridge straining the chains by which 1t held to
their utmost tension On went about twenty five
persons, rushing madly until they reached the
centre OF the bridge, when 1t gave way with loud
crash preciptatlng nearly all OF them into the river
The scene that followed was OF terrible confu.
sion Those in the river called loudly for help
while others on either side Of the stream
ran wildly to give the unrortunates all the
aid in their power. party on the farther side
running on the fallen bridge brought Its crumbling
pieces down upon many that were in the river,
crushing and brulsing them IN horrible manner
Numbers who were only slightly hurt by the fall
crept out as best they could for the water not
deep but the wounded still lay In the river some OF
until boats were procured to rescue them. Sad to
say Colonel Branch and policeman Kirkman, to
whom he was speaking at the time OF the disaster,
were both killed. They were hurled upon large
rocks. but whether killed by the fail or afterw ard
crushed by the bridge IL unknown. Robert Ashby,
white, was dashed violently against a fragment OF
rock, his skull being badly confused, the brain
oozng from the wound, and when rescued was
In dying condition. John CLARK, negro, was badly
stunned and bruised. Abram Hall, negro, had his
shoulder dslOcated. white man named Sheppard
was severely injured internally. Henderson Morris,
white, had his hip disocsted and was otherwise
injured. Chester Belvin, white wounded in the leg,
severely. Robert LatZy, white, severely confused
head, and not expected 10 i've Besides Colonel
Branch and the policeman Kirkman, two others will
not survive their injuries. The event has cast
gloom over the entire community, and the this
evening upon its announcement was one OF confusion
and disorder throughout the city. In about an hour
| the whole popuace had thronged 10 the bridge,
| beyond which they were not allowed to pass by
| the police, who thus probably prevented another
fatal accident as Mayos bridge leading TO Manches
ter, which was built by the federal soldiers after the
evacuation VI this city, Is In avery unsafe condition