St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1901-09-25

and brilliant company of both sexes for
an excursion down the river. In this
party was included President Tyler, Mrs.
Robert Tyler, Miss Cooper, John Tyler,
IT,, from the White House; large num-
Der of officers, in full uniform; all the
members OF the cabinet except Mr.. Spen
Ger; many other persGns of high official
rank, senators and representatives., at
taches and secretaries of legations; Gen.
Allmonte, minister from Mexico; in all,
about 400 persons.
When the Princeton had fairly passed
Fort Washington the Peacemaker "
was shotted and fired. The effect proved
its remarkable power and won the ad-
miration of those on board. An hour
atterward, by request, the piece was
loaded for firing a second time.
The gun was now pointed to leeward,
and behind it stood Commodore Stock
ton; little to the left of him, ]. Wash
ington Tyson, assistant postmaster
general. By the side of the latter, a
little behind him, stood Mr.. Strickland
of Philadelphia and little to the right
of, but behind him. Col. Benton of Mis-
souri,, who had lady at his arm; and
Judge S. S. Phelps, senator from Yer
mont. To the leeward of the gun stood
Judge Upshur, the secretary of state,
and Gov Gilmer, the secretary of the
navy; and short distance behind them,
Mr.. Maxey, former charge d'affaires to
Belgium. By the side OF him stood Mr..
Gardiner of New York, and Commodore
Kennon, chief OF one OF the navy bu-
reaus.
Says an aged eyewitness: "On firing
the gun, a murderous blast succeeded,
the whole ship shook and reeled, and
dense cloud of smoke enveloped the
entire group on the forecastle, but when
this blew away, an awful and heart
rending scene presented itself to the view
OF the agonized spectators. The gun had
burst at point three or four feet from
the breech, and scattered death and de.
struction all around.
THE lower part Of the gun, from the
trunnions to the breech, was blown off.
Secretary Upshur was so badly injured
that he expired in very few minutes.
Gov. Gilmer OF Virginia, under whose
official direction, as secretary of the
navy, the power of this great gun was
tested, was likewise mortally wounded
and soon died. Mr.. Maxey had his
arms and one of his legs cut off. Mr..
Gardiner Of New York-the future father
in-law of President Tyer-and Commo-
dore Kennon died in about halt an
hour"
About a dozen sailors were badly
one was dead, and behind
him Col. Benton, Judge Phelps and Mr..
as dead, were extended on
the deck. Mr.. Tyson of Philadelphia,
near by, was unhurt, Notwithstanding
a piece OF the gun had passed through !
his hat about two inches from his skull, |
and President Tyler escaped by an ex.
Iremely close margin, having been tenn
porarily called back from where he stood |
a moment before.
Commodore Stockton, knocked down |
and somewhat injured, all the hair of
his head and face burned off, rose at |
once to his feet, mounted the wooden
carriage and surveyed the scene. Shrieks
Of woe were heard from every quarter;
death and desolation, blood and mangled |
remains were all around.
Maj. Seaton of Washington had nearly |
as narrow escape as did the President. |
He had started to accompany Mr. Gil
mer to see the cannon fired, but was
delayed by difficulty in finding his coat
and hat.