| Description | "Particulars of Mr. Paterson’s accident and death."
Aston 11 June 1823
My dear Sir
Least it should by any other means reach Mrs. Boulton, I think it best to apprize you of an unfortunate accident that has happened to my Niece Mrs. Paterson and her husband.-In going in a Gig from the town of Hamilton to a house they had taken for the summer at a few miles distance, they had to cross a bridge over the small river Avon, when the horse took fright at some drunken people and became unmanageable, and they were both thrown over the parapet of the bridge into the River, a height stated to be nearly 40 feet, but probably not so much, though certainly considerable. Mrs. Paterson fell into Shallow water and was not hurt. Mr. Paterson fell into deep water and when assisted by some persons who witnessed the accident, was found to have broken his leg, and supposed to have done it by its coming into contact with the Parapet of the Bridge. They were conveyed back to Hamilton, by a Mail Coach passing at the time, and surgical assistance immediately procured. For seven, or eight days, the case appeared to go on well, but at the end of that time an alteration unexpectedly took place, succeeded by a locked jaw & terminating in death. His wife, as I have stated, had received no injury, or if she had, her anxiety for her husband made her not sensible of it, and she was able to devote herself to attendance upon him. The Account we have, was written a few hours after the melancholy event, and I need not state how deeply it affected her, but her friends had adopted the judicious course of sending for her infant child, which would no doubt prove the best consolation & support.
Mr. Turner is coming here to see the Engines of "the Soho" before they are sent off, and brings Mrs. Turner, his 2 daughters & Son on a visit to me. He proposes calling at Tew; but I shall thank you in such case, to say Nothing of the contents of this.
I hear Mrs. Boulton is going on well, and with best wishes for her recovery
I am
My dear Sir
truly Yours
James Watt |