Phenix Gazette

Stage Accident.—An accident occurred to one of the stages between Alexandria and this place on Tuesday night week, when within about a mile of Aldie, which placed the lives of the passengers, of whom there were thirteen, in the most imminent peril. It was about eight o'clock, extremely dark and raining, when, the horses having lost the road, the stage was precipitated over a declivity of some six or eight feet, and turned completely topsy turvy. The horses immediately took fright and dashed off at full speed; but luckily for the passengers in the upsetting of the stage the fore wheels had been detached from those behind, and they carried with them nothing but the fore wheels and the unfortunate driver, who having the lines carefully wrapped around his arm at the time the accident occurred, was dragged about half a mile before he could disengage himself, and was so shockingly bruised and lacerated that it is feared he may not recover. Of the passengers the principal sufferers were a Mr. Gibson and lady of Middleburg—our venerable townsman, Mr. Bawcut, for many years the proprietor of the stage line between this place and Staunton—and two young ladies from Alexandria who were on their way to the excellent seminary of the Misses Eison, near Millwood; but we are happy to learn that no apprehensions are entertained for the safety of any of them. Indeed we are informed that Mr. Bawcut had so far recovered on the second or third day as to be able to resume his journey, and has since reached home; and that the other sufferers have also reached their places of destination. Two other of our townsmen, Messrs. Mordecai B. Richards and Thomas H. Crow, were in the stage, but escaped unhurt, as did also several of the other passengers. The stage and one of the horses are said to have been considerably injured. We are glad to learn that this unfortunate occurrence is attributed to no fault of the driver, who was himself the greatest sufferer, but to unavoidable accident owing to the darkness of the night.—Win. Virginian.