In our third edition
yesterday, we announced a serious accident happening to Secretary Seward. It
appears that the Secretary, with Miss Fannie Seward and Mr. Frederick Seward,
started from his resident on 15½ street, near Pennsylvania avenue, for the
purpose of taking a drive, and when on Vermont avenue stopped to take in Miss
Titus, who was to accompany the party. When Miss Titus entered the carriage the
driver got down from his box to shut the door, (at the same time holding the
reins,) but experienced considerable difficulty in doing so. The horses
becoming restive, Mr. Frederick Seward attempted to grasp the reins to assist
the driver, but failing to do so, he jumped from the carriage in order to stop
them, but fell, and somewhat bruised himself. Before Mr. Frederick Seward could
regain his feet the horses broke away from the driver, he being unable to
regain his seat; and when the horses suddenly turned into H street, Secretary
Seward attempted to get out of the carriage, but fell violently to the ground,
bruising his face severely, and badly fracturing his right arm just below the
shoulder blade. The horses continued running, and when turning into the yard
adjoining Mr. Seward’s resident one of them fell which stopped the carriage
when the ladies alighted in safety.
The Secretary was immediately
picked up in an insensible condition and conveyed to his residence, where the
fractured limb was braced, Surgeon General Barnes, Dr. Verdi and Surgeon Morris
attending him.
The driver was not
killed, as at first reported, but was somewhat injured.
The fracture of the
limb is a bad one, but Mr. Seward’s injuries are not considered dangerous, we
are mostly happy to state.
The news of the
accident to Secretary S. caused much excitement last night, as it was at first
feared it might prove fatal, and the general feeling that his loss would be
irreparable to the country was mingled with the feeling of high personal regard
entertained for him by all in the community.
P. S.—We regret to
learn since writing the above that Secretary Seward’s injuries are more serious
than was at first supposed. On examination this morning, the attending
physician discovered a fracture of the right jaw. The operation of setting it
was very painful, but since it is bandaged, the Secretary feels more comfortable.
At 3 o’clock this
afternoon he was comparatively easy, and there seems every reason to believe
that he will soon be in a way of convalescence and able shortly to resume the
functions of the office he fills with such distinguished ability.
SOURCE: “The Accident
To Secretary Seward,” Evening Star,
Washington, D. C., Thursday, April 6, 1865, p. 2, col. 4
