NP, MAP 3/3/1861

From the Memphis Appeal
 
March 3, 1861
 
Accident
   A painful accident occurred yesterday at the bridge now being erected over the Savannah river by the Charleston & Savannah railroad company. It seems that in consequence of high water, two cylinders had to be bolted together, the united weight of which was twenty-five thousand pounds. While lowering them to the desired position, one rope of the block and tackle was found to be too short, and in the attempt to splice it, through some carelessness on the part of those holding the other rope, the cylinder fell, the ropes catching the hand of Mr. Anthony W. Smith, and in rapid movement cutting all the fingers of his right hand off, and dragging his hand into the block Fortunately the cylinders touched bottom at this juncture, or, bad as the accident is, it would have been worse. John  McVean also had his little finger taken off, and John Truman had his stripped of the flesh. The accident occurred at half past twelve o'clock, and the sufferers were brought in by the evening train and carried to the Gibons House, where, under the care of Drs. W. Nephew King and L. Knorr, they are doing very well.
Savannah Republican, Feb. 27

Home