We regret to learn
that a painful accident occurred to Mrs. Lincoln yesterday morning, about ten o’clock
near the Mount Pleasant Hospital. It appears that Mrs. L. was passing across
the lot near the hospital in her carriage, when the driver’s seat became detached
from the carriage in some way, precipitating the driver to the ground. At this
the spirited horses became frightened and dashed off at the top of their speed.
Mrs. L. was alone in
the carriage at the time, but observing the great danger she was in, quietly
and quickly spring from the carriage, her presence of mind and courage not
deserting her for a single instant. Although the horses were running at full
speed at the time, Mrs. L. fortunately received no more serious injuries from
the fall than several severe bruises, which stunned her for a moment. The most
severe of these wounds is upon the back part of her head, but we are glad to
learn it is not at all dangerous.
Several surgeons
from the Carver Hospital were soon upon the spot, and Mrs. L. was taken to the
hospital, where the wounds were dressed by Dr. Judson, the efficient surgeon in
charge. It was soon ascertained that no bones were broken, and it was thought
that she could be conveyed to the White House without too much risk. Dr. Judson
quickly had his carriage in waiting, and Mrs. Lincoln was placed in it and
driven home. The escape of the lady was almost miraculous considering the
circumstances, and we learn that she has entirely recovered from her fright.
The injuries are not of a serious character and we hope to see Mrs. Lincoln
about in a few days.
SOURCE: “Sad
Accident to Mrs. Lincoln,” Daily Morning
Chronicle,Washington, D. C., Friday, July 3, 1863, p. 2, col. 7
