The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

A Brief Account of a Melancholy Event, which lately occurred at Rochester Bridge (on the River Medway, England.)

On Friday, the 15th of September, 1816, Thomas, son of the late Mr. Gilbert, of Chatham, having attained his 21st year, a party was formed to enjoy the pleasure of a fine afternoon in a water excursion; it consisted of a gentleman, his wife, and child, and 12 other young persons, from 6 to 21 years of age. The party walked to Rochester about three o'clock, and took the water above the bridge, from whence they proceeded up the river, and went as far as Halling, where they passed the afternoon, in the most social and harmless hilarity; little anticipating the fatal doom which so speedily awaited them; and, after taking tea, re-entered their boat in order to return. On leaving Halling, they passed away the time, and amused themselves by singing hymns, as the boat glided down the stream. On approaching Rochester Bridge, many persons were arrested in their progress, and stopped to listen to the joyous harmony of the happy party, rendered more melodious by the serenity of the evening. It was particularly remarked, that the hymn they were singing, as they approached the fatal spot, was that interesting piece which concludes with the following verse:

"The hour is near, consign'd to death,
I own the just decree:
Saviour! with my last parting breath,
I'll cry, Remember me."

This was their theme when they approached the bridge. The boat shot under the arch with the velocity of lightning, the tide being about half ebb, at which time it dashed through the arches of the bridge with immense force, and the depth of about 4 feet. In a moment a sudden crash was heard, and one general heart-piercing shriek of agony announced to the trembling passengers above, the dreadful work of desolation. A beam, at that time about a foot under water, against which the boat had struck, was the cause of the accident. On looking over the balustrades, nothing was seen but the boat driving over the boiling surges, with its keel upwards, and a little dog which was fastened to it by a string. Nothing was heard but the roaring of the waters. Thus, in a moment, were engulfed fifteen persons, who, in the innocent enjoyment of that pleasure which youth, health, and religion bestows, were suddenly consigned to a watery grave. Not one was saved—every soul instantaneously perished.