The Virginia Gazette

Williamsburg, July 21. We have the following surprising Account from New-Kent County, That Yesterday was Sevennight, as several Gentlemen were travelling from New-Kent Court, Three of them, viz. Major Philip Roots, Capt. Robert Whiting, and Capt. Charles Friend, passing together over a Bridge belonging to Col. Bassett's Mill-Dam, the Bridge broke, and they all fell in. The Fall was about 12 Feet, and [they landed on] Plank at the Bottom, yet none of the Gentlemen received any considerable Hurt, and but one of the Horses, whose Back was dashed by the Fall. Col. Bassett and some others had passed over the same Bridge that Day, in Wheel-Carriages, with Safety, not suspecting any Danger, the Planks appearing sound, but the Timber under was rotten.