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Domestic News
August 7, 1794
Gazette Of The United States And Daily Evening Advertiser
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
In Portland on Wednesday last, an 18-pounder cannon burst during mounting and firing, killing a Swedish vessel's captain and wounding Mr. Colby; no other injuries reported among spectators.
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Full Text
UNITED STATES.
PORTLAND, July 26.
Melancholy Accident.
Wednesday last, being the time appointed for mounting a cannon on the new carriage lately constructed by the Engineer in this town, a large number of spectators was gathered by curiosity, to see the operation—the gun, which was an 18 pounder, being mounted, was charged with powder and ball by direction of the Engineer, the crowd of spectators retired at a distance, to see the explosion; the cannon was then discharged, and burst to pieces.— The Captain of a Swedish vessel now lying in this harbor, was so badly wounded, as to expire in agony in a few hours. A Mr. Colby was likewise badly wounded in the leg. We have heard of no other person's receiving any damage, although many were nearer than those who were hurt. This is the third melancholy instance which has happened in this town in the course of a few years—and whilst it reads us a serious lesson on the uncertainty of human life, it is earnestly hoped that it will tend to check that curiosity which often leads to danger and to death.
PORTLAND, July 26.
Melancholy Accident.
Wednesday last, being the time appointed for mounting a cannon on the new carriage lately constructed by the Engineer in this town, a large number of spectators was gathered by curiosity, to see the operation—the gun, which was an 18 pounder, being mounted, was charged with powder and ball by direction of the Engineer, the crowd of spectators retired at a distance, to see the explosion; the cannon was then discharged, and burst to pieces.— The Captain of a Swedish vessel now lying in this harbor, was so badly wounded, as to expire in agony in a few hours. A Mr. Colby was likewise badly wounded in the leg. We have heard of no other person's receiving any damage, although many were nearer than those who were hurt. This is the third melancholy instance which has happened in this town in the course of a few years—and whilst it reads us a serious lesson on the uncertainty of human life, it is earnestly hoped that it will tend to check that curiosity which often leads to danger and to death.
What sub-type of article is it?
Accident
What keywords are associated?
Cannon Burst
Portland Accident
Swedish Captain
Mr Colby Wounded
What entities or persons were involved?
Captain Of A Swedish Vessel
Mr. Colby
Where did it happen?
Portland
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Portland
Event Date
Wednesday Last
Key Persons
Captain Of A Swedish Vessel
Mr. Colby
Outcome
the captain of a swedish vessel expired in a few hours from wounds. mr. colby was badly wounded in the leg. no other persons received damage.
Event Details
On Wednesday last, during the mounting of an 18-pounder cannon on a new carriage by the Engineer, with spectators gathered, the charged cannon was discharged and burst to pieces, wounding the Captain of a Swedish vessel and Mr. Colby.