Alexandria Gazette

Four men were engaged, about 2 o'clock on Friday morning, in cleaning a deep privy in the rear of the store of Messrs. Poppleton & Thompson, in Baltimore street, Baltimore, and after working at it some time, one of the men was lowered down with a spade. He had no sooner obtained a foothold, and commenced using his spade, than there was a rush of foul air which caused him to fall senseless. Another, named Anthony Witower, was then lowered down and he fell senseless also. His son, Francis Witower, immediately went down to the rescue of his father, and was also overpowered by the air. A fourth one, Alexander Witower, after giving the alarm, was about to enter the privy, when he fell back senseless from the effects of the foul air, on the pavement. Aid was immediately procured, and the bodies drawn out by means of boat-hooks. Medical assistance was at hand, and the youth Francis was found to be totally dead: but the others were still alive, and it is hoped will recover from the effects of the accident.