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. |