The New Hampshire Gazette

From a Charleston (S.C.) paper.

Communication.--Having seen in the City Gazette two or three years ago an account of the beneficial effects of cold water applied to, or poured on persons struck with lightning, and as there may be many who have not seen it or do not retain it in memory, and as this is a season of the year in which accidents from lightning frequently occur, would thank you to insert the following Case, wherein I have made a trial of it, and have the pleasure to vouch for its efficacy.

On the 14th of June, a son of Mr. John Keigler, in this neighborhood about 8 years of age, was struck on a wheat field, and life suspended for nearly half an hour it being near a creek, his father sent for some water and poured it on his head, but did not continue long enough to be benefited from it; and conceiving him to be dead, proceeded to take him home, when, fortunately, they were overtaken by a shower of rain which wet them thro' and to his great comfort and astonishment found his son begin to breathe and move one of his arms, and in succession others of his extremities.--When he arrived at the house, a boy was dispatched for me; I arrived about 4 o'clock, an hour after the accident. The child was then in a comatose situation, but could move his arms and legs. I immediately bled him, and applied thick folded cloths, wet with vinegar and water to his head and spine, in which places he appeared to be most injured; this soon relieved the inflammatory appearance of the skin and gave considerable strength. In about an hour after, a considerable degree of fever supervened, which I found to yield to a more liberal use of water and vinegar; about 12 at night he recovered his understanding and power of speech.--The next day he was able to be about and complained of nothing but a soreness and some degree of debility, and from that time he has continued in good health.

I am your friend and humble servant.
F. BRYAN.
Lexington district, June 27, 1806.