New Hampshire Statesman

Narrow Escapes.—The Brattleboro Messenger states that during the fresh. Mr Phelps a stage driver, left the village for Athol and on crossing the main river bridge discovering that the water and ice had risen to an alarming height pushed his horses in order to cross the east bridge before any accident of the increasing danger should impede his progress—and actually drove upon the bridge when the east end was falling; his horses taking fright suddenly wheeled and providentially saved one passenger, (a lady) the driver, stage and horses from falling with the wreck. Mr. P then returned to the village, and soon after proceeded with the mail by the way of Montague Bridge (being the first over the river below this place,) which we are informed was swept off immediately after he had passed it.

Altho' he had experienced two "hair breadth escapes," it seems he had a still greater one to encounter. On his arriving at Miller's river in Montague the water was flowing, as he supposed over the bridge, and his horse refused to proceed; but being smartly spurred he rushed into the water, and Mr. P. discovered that the bridge was gone, and he and the horse were floating down the stream; but thinking it more safe to quit the horse, he undertook to gain the shore alone—which we are happy to say he effected, after struggling for some time.

Brattleboro Messenger.