The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-31
WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO THE PoEr-JoURNAL-
IsT-HIs CONDITION AT MIDNIGHT UN-

|
IsT-HIs CONDITION AT MIDNIGHT IN
FAVORABLE.
Mr.. William Cullen Bryant met With serious acci-
dent on Wednesday evening, short time after the
ceremony of unveng the Mazzini bust had concluded
Hc Tell in the vestbulo OF his friends General G.
wilson's) house, No Is East seventy-iour,h street,
striking his head against the step with such
force partial conclusion Of tho brain On
Wednesday night aud yesterday Mr. Bryant renamed
seriously Ill and for soma time Tears to the ulti-
effects OF tho accident wero entertained by his
medical advisers II is hoped that nothing
will result IRON IT than tho suffering inconvcn-
ence that he has undergone and tho pain and anxiety
that his family and many friends have iclt.
BEFORE TnE ACCIDENT
The cause Of Mr. Bryant's fall is supposed TO havc
been syncope. brought on by fatigue and long OK.
posture 10 the sun. During the unvcling ceremonies
OF tho Mazzn bust the heat found by all present
10 DO very oppressive, and he exposed To tho
direct rays oil the during most OF the lime that
they lasted While ne was speaking agenteman held
up umbrella as TO AFFORD him some shade, but II
was noticed that was always possible 10 keep
hts barred head under When the ceremonies
were over Indications OF fatigue or APP
preaching illness were noticed In MIN, and
he walked sturdily across the ball ground, In
oasteriy direction, leaning on the arm Of General
takc and rcfreshment at his house before going
home Mr.. Bryant was in excellent spirits. He con-
vcrscd chcerfuiy and told many anecdotes. When
the two gentlemen ed the statue OF FzGrcen Hal
leck they stood before Tor some time. Mr. Bryant
called the incidents attending the unwilling
II with much appearance Of interest. II was
tho hrst time lie saw II since II was
placed upon tho permanent granite pedestal,
ana he noted with pleasure tho Improvement made III
It's Appearance by the change Ho sustained the same
cheerful demeanor Till tho end OF the walk and even
while he ascendcd the steps OF Mr. Wilson's residence
showed sign 0 fatigue or Ilhealth, except that he
lsaned little heavily upon the of his compani0 ION,
which he aid not rslinquish until they stood IN the
vesttbulc.
He then leaned against tho open half OF the outer
door. while Mr. Wilson advanced step TO open
inner with key which he carried. Attracted
by slight sound that gentleman turned suddenly,
Just LOO late. 70 proven. tss accident nc saw Mr
hud upon the broad stone ssep outside the door,
while his body lay halt within and halt without inc
veslbule Mr.. Wilson instantly lifted head called
tor assistance and had him carried into his parors,
where he was land on sofa This was at about four
O'Clock r. N. For some time he unable TO speak,
but having taken little sherry he gathered strength
and talked little to those about him, oven trying 10
calm their anxiety on his account Oy trying To turn
the conversation ordinary topics He declined the
offer OF Mr. Wilson that he should retire to bed in his
mouse, would allow doctor to be for. He
showed the greatest anxiety TO reach his bone ut No.
"a West sixteenth street, and alter he had resed about
hour Mr. Wilson DECIDED 10 drive him there without
further delay. During The journey be taxed very
little, only occasionally nsking what street they wero
al, and how soon he would be a. nome Arrived
there, he was lard sofa IN mis- library, where DR..
). y. Gray. his family physician. soon visited him.
THIS gentleman OF opinion that Mr.. Bryant had
boon nrst attacked by syncope or general aintness,
the effect OF The heat anu fatigue The result OF the
fail sort OF concussion or-as he phrased 1t In
conversation with HERALD rcporter-commotion OF
the BRAN. Al about seven O'clock he paid u second
visit, accompanied by DR.. j. N. Carnochar. wEo
Cured with him his opinion OF the They
found Mr.. Bryant IN semi-uncoIscious state.
lie made considerable opposition 70 being
examined by them, and = u NOT yet ascerianed
thorh au0a an har 10
believed that be did not. No bruisc or mark WAS
visible back OF his head his shck soft felt hat
having shielded him from external injury. The evil
results all due 10 the shock which the brain
ccivcd his head came in contact with the stone.
Tho palms, from which he suffered very mucn during
the evening all in the region OF the forehead
which ne frequently raised hts hand, cxciaming 'Oh,
my head I" Hc was removed to bed NJ late hour,
and watched all night By has friend, Mr. J. A.
Graham.
halt unconscious, until noon yesterday, when no In
sisted on leaving his bed He then sat Ia char Ia
his library Tor some time. Il Is very hard to induce
HIM TO take the medicine prescribed tor him, and no
shows great strength OF will and determination 10
have his own way IN everything. Or. Gruy, though
very anxious on account OF ms great age md the
hopes Tor his complete recovery. lie much
easier yesterday afternoon and his pulse gave favor
able Indications.
HIS CONDITION AT MIDNIGHT.
At midnight Mr. Bryant worry alarming
condition. lie was dclrious and sprang out OF bed
every few minutes during the night, talking IN dis
structions OF the doctor allowed walk about he
pleased bong closely watched by anurse lest he should
do himself Irjnry. Dr. Gray IS very apprehensve OF
tho result. he says that tho present condiiion OF
delrium Is likely 10 last for TOUR days. II Is
feared that the brKin must have received serious
harm The whole nervous system. The doctor says,
has received shock, and all the organic iunc
lions are disturbed.