A melancholy and very distressing accident occurred
yesterday morning, a few miles north of the city. The excessive rains of
Thursday night produced so great a flood the Eastern branch of the Potomac
which passes the town of Bladensburg, as to overflow the banks to a
considerable extent. One of the Baltimore stages only attempted to for this
stream to the bridge, the railings of which were visible; driver on by the
passengers, or unfortunately deeding the passage practicable, rashly proceeded,
and in a minute the horses, driver & stage, containing five passengers,
were all swept down the rapid current. The driver and four passengers, by their
own exertions and the aid of boats, were rescued — the remaining passenger
perished. Was a young gentlemen, we learn, of the name of Birchett son of Mr.
Robert Birchett, president of the Petersburg branch of the Bank of Virginia,
and was on his way to one of our Eastern colleges. His body has not been
recovered. The driver attempted to preserve his horses by cutting them loose,
but to save his own life was obliged to abandon them to their fate.[1]
[1] Delaware Gazette and State Journal, published as DELAWARE GAZETTE.; Date: 08-01-1814; Page: [3]; Location: Wilmington,
Delaware
Transcribed by John Peter Thompson, 2nd August
2014
