Alexandria Gazette

Fearful Fall.

The New Haven Palladium records a fearful accident which happened on Saturday last. The son of Mr. John Ritter, aged fourteen years, and a son of Mr. N. C. Hall, of about the same age, made a visit to the summit of East Rock, and while there they approached the brow of the mountain for the purpose of taking a view of the surrounding landscape. Young Ritter advanced so near the edge of the precipice that his feet slipped, or the stones gave way; and he was precipitated over the fearful ledge, and fell some one hundred and fifty feet, striking the jutting rocks as he descended, and landing upon the bed of loose and broken stones at the base. His young playfellow, almost paralyzed by his feelings, threw himself upon the ground in such a position as to witness the transit of his unfortunate comrade from the height above to the appalling landing below! Soon, however, recovering in some measure his self-possession he gave the alarm and hastened to his relief. The head and face of the injured lad were severely bruised and cut, and also his hands, caused as is supposed by his clutching the jagged rocks in his descent: but, so far as the surgeons were able to ascertain, no bones were broken, and it is believed that his skull is not seriously injured—Strong hopes are therefore entertained that he will recover.