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The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
On March 15 near Green-Bush, NY, a sleigh carrying Mr. Van Rensselaer, his sister, and two Miss Vischers broke through thin river ice, drowning the two young women aged 21 and 16; the Rensselaers were rescued, but the younger's body was not recovered.
Merged-components note: The filler text continues the moral reflection on the drowning accident reported in the domestic_news component, so merge and relabel filler accordingly.
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On Monday morning, the 15th inst. as Mr. Van Rensselaer, son of Gen. Henry K. Van Rensselaer, and his sister, were accompanying their cousins, two of the daughters of Col. John Vischer, of Green-Bush, to their father's in a sleigh, the ice of the river broke in, within a few yards of the end of their journey, nearly opposite the house of Volkert P. Douw, Esq. Their cries were soon providentially heard by Mr. Douw's family, and his negroes ran to give assistance. When they arrived at the place, the sleigh and the hair of Mr. Rensselaer's head were alone to be seen; a board, that one of the negroes had brought, was then put under Mr. R. and he was snatched from destruction. Miss Rensselaer immediately emerged, near her brother, and was also saved. The eldest Miss Vischer was next drawn upon the ice but sisterly affection checked every rising fear for self-preservation, and as she was extending the hand of assistance to her expiring sister, the ice again broke, and they were both instantly absorbed by the eddy, out of every reach.--The eldest Miss Vischer was 21 years of age, and was to have been married in a few days; the younger was in her 16th year. Every exertion has been made to find the bodies, but that of the eldest only has been found. The horses had fallen into the river with so great velocity, that they broke the traces, plunged under the ice, and were not to be seen after the negroes arrived--This fatal spot has been open the whole winter, till within two days of the accident: the ice in it was only three inches thick--but within a few feet round it was eighteen.
Readers! pause a moment, and lay to heart this melancholy example of the
In the uncertainty of life. Be warned by the fate of these two amiable young ladies, that such also may be yours. Few live to the evening of the day of life. When happily one has seen the sun sink in the horizon, if he reflects, how many does he recollect to have dropped down in every hour of the day. Think of this, and
"Whilst thou liv'st live well :
"How short or long submit to Heaven."
N E W -Y O R K, March 31.
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What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Green Bush
Event Date
Monday Morning, The 15th Inst.
Key Persons
Outcome
eldest miss vischer (21) and younger miss vischer (16) drowned; eldest's body found, younger's not; mr. van rensselaer and miss rensselaer rescued; horses lost under ice.
Event Details
Sleigh broke through thin ice on river near Green-Bush while carrying Mr. Van Rensselaer, his sister, and two Miss Vischers to their father's; cries heard by Douw's family, negroes assisted in rescuing Rensselaers but Vischer sisters drowned attempting mutual aid; ice at spot 3 inches thick, surrounding 18 inches.