Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

DISTRESSING OCCURRENCE.

On Friday morning last, a child of Mr. William Robertson, of Ballston, aged 18 months, fell into a tub of water near the well, with its head foremost, and continued in this situation unperceived perhaps about five minutes, when its feet were observed by a young woman, who came to the gate near by, and beholding this shocking spectacle, she screamed, and her cries immediately alarmed the mother, and step-mother, who went out to the well--the mother with becoming fortitude, took her infant from under the water, and carried it towards the house---a physician having been previously sent for, arrived, and attempted to resuscitate it to life again, but all his efforts proved fruitless as the vital spark was extinguished forever.

The step mother of Mr. R. was very much overcome when she beheld the spectacle, and immediately called for some person to assist her into the house; and requested some of her family to call in her husband as she would not long survive--she reclined herself on the bed and fainted, but partially recovered, and in a few moments after swooned, struggled, and expired. One circumstance attending this catastrophe is very singular. Some time since this old lady was confined by sickness, and her attachment for this child being so very strong, she observed one day, that if it should be the will of providence to call her home, she could willingly submit, if she could but carry this infant in her arms. The ways of Jehovah are mysterious indeed.-- The old lady had her request gratified.-- They both expired about the same time.

Ibid.