Alexandria Gazette

SINGULAR ACCIDENT—The infinite Variety of feature and expression in the human face has often been made a subject of remark and wonder: and it is indeed a marvellous thing that among a thousand millions of visages, none exceeding ten inches by eight, no two are ever seen perfectly alike, although pairs are often found, the individuals of which bear a strong resemblance to each other. But there is almost as great a diversity in the ways by which men, women, and children get hurt, through indiscreet meddlings with fire-arms and gun-powder.—An instance occurred lately, at Franklin, Mississippi the like of which we have never before read or heard of. The Van Buren men of that village, having achieved a political victory, must needs testify their delight by making a loud and disagreeable noise with an old cannon—the only one in the place—that had long been knocking about the streets, and was abundantly battered and rusty. They fired it twice, very successfully, but while loading for a third discharge, Mr. E. F. Davis, editor of the Franklin Republican, who had been stopping the vent, or touch-hole, with his thumb, took it into his head to mount the big gun, and cover the touch-hole with his foot; and he had scarcely taken his position, when the charge exploded, and blew off part of his foot and ankle, lacerating the whole leg in the most dreadful manner.—N. Y. Courier.