The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-05-24
In Collision With a Troop Train

Chickamauga National Park ia,
May 21.-A passenger train on the
Chattanooga, Rome and Southern rail-
road, which left Chattanooga at $40
o'clock this morning, ran into the third
section of the military train conveying
the First Missouri volunteers who ar
rived in Chattanooga last night near
ROsSviHe, Ca, killing one nan and in
juring a number of others.
It appears that the passenger train
had orders to run through to ROssville
and the second section of the military
train, with a portion Of the First Mis-
souri,, which was expected to run
through to Rossville, was delayed at
a switch about a mile from Rossville,
On account of the cOngeSted condition
of the tracks, just below a wooded
curve. The conductor Of the military
train sent back a f1agman to warn the
passenger train, but the flagman did
not go far enough n the passenger
train came around the curve at the
rate of twenty miles an hour. The
engineer did not see the danger signal
until within a short distance of the
| military train. He reversed his engine
and put on the brakes, but did not
have time to stop his train, which
crashed into the rear of the military
train.
The rear car vas a palace horse car
in which Walker was riding and was
completely demolished. Three Of the
horses were also killed. Next was a
baggage car in which BrOlaski n
| Lane were stationed. This car was
badly torn up, but none Of the Occu-
| pants were seriously hurt. The wreck
was cleared by / O'Clock and trains
| were resumed.
DR.. G.. Baxter, surgeon of the South
| ern Railway, was put in charge of the
wounded and had them taken to St.
Vincent's infirmary where all are doing
| we'll, in pleasant surroundings.
Engineer Wheeler and Fireman a
by, of the passenger strain were arrest
ed by Lieutenant Colonel Caven today
and are nov under guard at the park.
They were afterwards turned over to
the civil authorities. A trial will be
held and a judicial investigation Or
| dered.
General Boynton, Jacob Astor and a
number Of other officers were on the
passenger train, but none OF them were
hurt. Several passengers were bruis-
ed by being thrown against the Stumps,
ETC.. but not seriously injured.
The first Missouri, after the accident
reached the park without further incl
dent and was assigned to camp n
placed in the third corps
Other arrivals were: The Fifth
Maryland Infantry, twelve companies,
985 men, assigned to the Third, and the
Second Nebraska, twelve companies
1904 men.
The formation of the third army
corps was begun today. The Four
| tenth New York, Colonel Fred d.
Grant; Second New York, and the
First Missouri. being assigned to the
first brigade. The brigade will be
commanded Professionally by Colonel
Grant.
The Second Kansas. which arrived
today, will be assigned to the Second
brigade.
Washington, May 21.-Upon receiving
news of the disaster resulting in the
death of one and the injury OF a num-
| Der of soldiers near Chattanooga today,
Secretary Alger sent the following
telegram to Major General Brooke,
commanding at Chickamauga:
1.-THE Associated Press reports dis
| aster to the first Missouri volunteers
| this morning near your camp, report
ing death of one man and injury OF
| several others. The secretary Of war
| directs that every care be taken OF the
| wounded and that the dead be buried
with all the honors Of war, and i'm
| mediate steps be taken to prosecute
the railroad responsible for this dis
aster."