NP, MT 7/12A/1862
From the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph
 
July 12, 1862
 
The Accident on the State Road  {Western & Atlantic RR}
   We publish below a letter from Major Capers relative to the serious accident on the State road; and add the hope that a thorough investigation of the circumstances will be had. It would be well for the Legislature to enact a law by which engineers and conductors would be held responsible for accidents resulting in loss of life and limb, and held for trial without delay. It might have the effect of lessening the number and severity of such accidents:
Ringgold, Ga.
July 7th, 1862
 
James Gardner
Editor Constitutionalist 
 
My Dear Sir,
   Yesterday at 3 1/2 o'clock, p. M., the train of cars bearing my command from Atlanta to Chattanooga, came in collision with a heavy train of empty freight cars near this station. This sad accident occasioned the death of five men, four from Capt. Harvey's company, "Newnan Artillery," and one from Capt. Johnson's company, "Stephens Battery." Nineteen are wounded and twenty-four bruised. The fortunate circumstances of having my horses in advance of the cars bearing the men, has save me the pain of reporting a more terrible tragedy. Of my horses, but seventeen remain living, and of these but three are unhurt.
   The cause of the collision is yet to be ascertained, but that gross negligence on the part of some official on the road will be developed, I feel perfectly assured.
   We left Atlanta following the passenger train on Sunday morning at 4 o'clock. Upon arriving at a station this side of McDonough, the engine of the passenger train was detached for some reason, and our train backed down and coupled to the passenger cars. This threw us behind time an hour and ten minutes, and, I believe, was the principal cause of our misfortune.
   I enclose a list of the killed and wounded, which you will please insert in your paper.
   The command is comfortably bivouacked at this place, and will remain until the road is made passable. 
Very Respectfully,
Your ob't serv't
H. D. Capers
Major Commanding 12th Georgia Battalion
List of Killed and Wounded
   Capt. Allen's company -- Oglethorpe Artillery. Co. A -- Privates C. W. Battey, L. F. Flemming, W. D. Patton, J. C. Pierson, R. F. Thompkins, slightly wounded. Two negroes killed and wounded badly.
   Company B -- Capt. Hanvey's command -- Newnan Artillery. Killed -- Privates L. A. Bullard, W. R. Lane, W. V. Martin, and Z. Phillips.
   Dangerously Wounded -- Lieutenant Boedlea, Corporal J. N. Goodwin, and Dr. M. H. Davis.
   Slightly Wounded -- Privates J. C. Attaway, Beardin, W. G. Orr, Ranney, and P. L. Ward. Two negroes mortally wounded.
   Company C -- Capt. Rudisill commanding Rudisill Artillery -- Private Druden, slightly wounded.
   Company D -- Capt. G. W. Johnson commanding Stephen's Battery -- Killed -- Private Giles.
   Dangerously Wounded -- Thomas Johnson and Benj. Smith.
   Slightly Wounded -- Privates Braswell, Arnold, Ranney and Scudder.

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