The Sun. — 1846-10-16 (London, England)

MARVELLOUS RAIL WAY INCIDENT. On Monday last, Oct. 12, a gentleman of the name of Parker, of Sydenham, Kent, was travelling by the mail train from Derby to London, in a first-class carriage; his only companion being a gentleman about thirty years of age, remarkably handsome, and perfectly gentlemanly in his appearance and manners. After some peeliininary conversation, he requested to have the windoWkept open, and offered Mr. Parker his wrapper if he felt inconvenienced by the cold. Other conversation ensued, and he stated that he once possessed a large fortuno, which he had squandered; that he had now retired from the army, and had not been so happy for a long period as at that moment; adding that some friend had given him 1,100/. to pay his debts, and 500/. more to buy furniture, and that the first thing he intended to do was to buy a dressing:case, which would cost him thirty-five guineas, which Mr. Parker remarked he thought would be a great pity, as no doubt he already possessed one. After some further conversation, whieir began to alarm Mr. Parker, he suddenly dropped on his knees, and in a most energetic and fervent manner' prayed for his friends the Dukes of Beaufort and Wellington, and more particularly that his dear mother, who had died in his infancy, should appear, &c. After rising from his knees he exclaimed to Mr. Parker, " Did you hear a noise ? You must have heard that God was speaking to me." At the same moment a train passed, the engine of which he declared to be hell. Mr. Parker by this time being greatly alarmed, tried in vain to soothe him ; his only reply was, Have you repented of your sins?" at the same time throwing off his boots, coat, and shirt, with his gold watch, chain, and seals ; he began to slap Mr. Parker in the face, exclaiming, " You must come along with me !" and thrusting his own head through the window, he cut his head and nec 1 in a most shocking manner, and was soon covered with blood. He then returned with double fury, and beat Mr. Parker about the head and face most severely. Expecting to be murdered every moment, Mr. Parker entreated him (in order to gain time) to pray again, which he instantly did ; while Mr. Parker, at the imminent risk of his life, opened the door and made his v lay to the next carriage, where there was only one gentleman, who, having heard all that had passed, helped him in and shut to the dour. They had scarcely done, this when the madman appeared, endeavouring to force his way in also, and it required the united efforts of both to keep him out, so he returned to his carriage. This happened near the Watford station. Frequent and unavailing appeals were made to the guard for assistance, stating that a gentleman was dying, aed the reply was that being after their time they could not stop, as the Manchester train was close behind them. This, however, was no excuse for the guard not going to the carriage to ascertain what was the matter. All Mr. Parker knows further of this strange companion is, that the guard of a following train saw a man in a state of nudity running by the sido of the road, which can only be accounted fur by his having thrown himself off the train, which %las then going at an increased speed. A servant was at the terminus of the Euston-square station, waiting for his master; but Mr. Parker being in a dreadfully bruised state, and most anxious to get home, did not wait to hear the result of this strange encounter. We are happy to say he is now nearly recovered from the effects of his violent bruises and most alarming position.