The Massachusetts Spy, And Worcester County Advertiser

FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY.

SHOCKING ACCIDENT

Mr. Editor,

Sir—If you should think the following worth an insertion in your valuable paper, you will give it.

I was called upon a few days since to witness a distressing occurrence at a factory in Holliston. Miss Nancy Larkin, daughter of a Mr. Larkin, lately moved there from Berlin, a girl 15 years old, working at what is denominated a Picker, got her hand into the machine, and was drawn nearly to the shoulder before she was able to extricate it. It was literally torn to pieces. The case was too plain to require a surgical consultation! The unfortunate young female, importuning for her mangled limb to be removed, I made the amputation, which she sustained with becoming fortitude, and almost without a groan.

Sir, I make mention of this case in particular, because, within a few years, and that in the circle of my practice, this is the fifth subject that has occurred under similar circumstances, and caused by the same kind of machines; besides several others who have lost fingers and parts of hands.

I cannot avoid coming to the result, that there is a general neglect of due caution, on the part of the manufacturers as well as those who attend them. I am persuaded, that they may be so improved in their construction and workmanship, as to render them much more safe; and I would suggest to the immediate overseers, the absolute importance of pointing out to new beginners, more clearly, the danger of those machines, and wherein the danger principally consists. If this course should be faithfully adopted, less accidents of this awful description would ensue.

My only design, in making this communication and remarks, is, to draw the attention of manufacturers and machinists to the imperious necessity of some substantial improvement, so that the limbs and the lives of that part of the community, who are under the necessity to work them, may be more safely protected.

I cannot omit mentioning, on the occasion, the kind feelings and generosity of the citizens of Holliston, as well as of several of the factories in the adjacent towns, who immediately filled a subscription paper, to the amount of about $300, and placed the same in the hands of a worthy gentleman, to be appropriated, at his discretion, in assisting her to an education, and the balance to be paid her when she shall arrive to 21 years of age.

This expression of sympathy and relief, must be a great consolation to her afflicted parents, and cheering to her.

Very respectfully,

NATHL. MILLER.

Franklin, Mass. March 31, 1827.