Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-04-28
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
THURSDAY, APRIL 20. 1870
LETTER FROM RICHMOND.
APPALLING CALAMITY.

| Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette
RICHMOND, April 27.-The most appalling
calamity that has happened in this city, since
he burning of the theatre in 1911, occurred TO-
day, and has cast general gloom over every
thing.
About IL o'clock, it having been announced
that the opinion of the Judges Of the Court OF
Appeals, in the mayorslty case, would be DC
Iiyered, dense crowd of people had assem- oled,
and Just as the justices were about taxing tnciT
seats on the bench, the gallery, which was
packed with human beings, gave way, and the
living mass was precipitated forward into the
centre of the room, also crowded to its utmost
capacity, which, under the additional pressure
tell in with terrible crash, carrying with II
the entire mass of people, and burylng
them under it's weight, in the Hall or the
House of Delegates, below. The shreks OF
the wounded and dying were most heart'rend'
ing, and the scene for short time oegears
description. There, piled under the great
weight of the debris of the court room and al
Joining Offices were buried hundreds OF men,
struggling for reliet and suffering most intense
anguish, crushed, and nearly smothered. Inc
few moments that elapsed before assistance
could be rendered, seemed an age and no pen
can depict the anguish OF these moments. Hun
dreds were more or less hurt, upwards OF hity
almost instantly killed, or died Immediately
after heipg extricated, and more than hun.
,]red dangerously and seriously wounded. The
excitement was intense; the fire bells peaIed
out on alarm, and in very few moments the
Capitol Square was crowded with men, women
and children, all eager to know the tate OF
some one near and dear; and as the wouoded
or dead were brought from the building, quick
eyes were turned to the spot and the announce
ment of the name was listened for with bated
breath.
The wounded and dead were brought out as
fast as the rubbish could be removed, but so
mutiated we're many and so covered with dust
;" ~. recnpnition. for time, was almost
Among tho wounded who first made sheir
appearance was Gen. Nj. ID. Corse, cut over
the right eye and severely bruised about the
breast, but who neglectfut of his own feelings,
was anxious for the safety OF Others. Robert
Beverly, Of Fauquier was brought out blinded
and severely bruised on his right side and
back. His eyes give him most trouble
Col. Geo. w. Brent was taken out in such
4 shattered condition and s. dis6gured that
his friends did not know him. Upon examina.
ton it was found that his right leg was broken
between tho thigh and kuee-a simple fracture
his throat cut severely and his head and per
son bruised and cut. He received prompt and
able medical assistance, and is doing well.
For some time no tiGings could De had Of
Gen. Corse and Mr.. Beverly when the floor
fell in, aud it was not until nearly all who were
in the hall had been gotten out that he was
found dead. dreadluly bruised about the head,
aud his throat pierced by splinter or spike.
which passed through the carotid artery caus
ing instant death When brought out his
numerous friends soon gathered round his re-
mains and cast last look at him, who but a
IL
the fulneSs OF life aud eyubcranc, of generous
feelings. How forcibly was it brought to
mind, that ''in the midst of life We are 10
death" The body was taken to the Exchange
fined and sent to his bereaved ones at home, to
whom the blow will be shock that will last
for years. Alexandria, in his death, has lost
one OF her bost citizens and most active aud
energetic merchants.
Among the wounded is MIR. Mathew OF
Loudoun. severely hurt, about the head and
person.
Richmond lost one of her most gifted sons,
% Patrick Henry Aylett, who, sitting in the
midst of the room, when the fall took place,
lad nearly every bone in his body broken and |
'nly survived few moments in unconscious
less. after being brought out.
DR.. j. B. Brock, local reporter for the En-
luirer, and one OF the best of the city, general
popular and dessrvedy esteemed was instant |
= killed. His death will long be felt and his
memory cherished by host of warm friends. |
Mr. NJ. p. Handy OF the Dispatch was
everely hurt.
Ali business has been suspended since the |
errible occurrence, and gloomy sadness rests
lpon the city.
Those Of the killed who were from adisance,
ave been generally sent to their homes, their
riends paying them the last respects. The
aides, as ever, have been untriog in their eff:
orts to alleviate sufferings, and the wounded
eceive every care that kindness and attention
az bestow.
Mr.. Charles Herndon, of the Senate, from
and Maj Kelly Of Fredericks-
urg. OF the Herald, were both badly bruised.
he former has gone to his home, the latter is
,n6ned to his bed at the Exchange. MIR. II.
|. Bell, of Staunton. had his left arm broken,
ut is otherwise unipjured, save few bruises.
Judge Meredith was badly hurt
All the members of the Court fortunately