Lincoln William Seward's carriage accident

[frontrank2]

OTD - April 5, 1865 Secretary of State, William Seward, is injured in a horse carriage accident.
Early in the afternoon, Seward decided to " go for a spin " with his daughter Fannie and his son Frederick. The carriage traveled a short distance when the driver stopped to make an adjustment. It was at that moment the horses got spooked and went speeding down the city street. At first, Seward attempted to grab the reins but fell headfirst onto the road instead, breaking his jaw and right arm.
DC newspapers reported the incident and the entire city learned that Seward was bedridden. His physician ordered Seward to wear a neck brace and to remain in bed until his injuries healed. The neck brace he was prescribed would save his life nine days later by blocking the knife of the would be assasin, Lewis Powell.

 

[Lubliner]

This picture looks to be taken before the accident.
Lubliner.

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

OTD - April 5, 1965 Secretary of State, William Seward, is injured in a horse carriage accident.
Early in the afternoon, Seward decided to " go for a spin " with his daughter Fannie and his son Frederick. The carriage traveled a short distance when the driver stopped to make an adjustment. It was at that moment the horses got spooked and went speeding down the city street. At first, Seward attempted to grab the reins but fell headfirst onto the road instead, breaking his jaw and right arm.
DC newspapers reported the incident and the entire city learned that Seward was bedridden. His physician ordered Seward to wear a neck brace and to remain in bed until his injuries healed. The neck brace he was prescribed would save his life nine days later by blocking the knife of the would be assasin, Lewis Powell.

View attachment 545175

.......accidental typo of course: sb 1865

 

[ErnieMac]

Article from the 6 Apr 1865 edition of the Washington (DC) Republican detailing Seward's accident.

 

[Lubliner]

"We are glad to be able to state that at twelve o'clock to-day Secretary Seward was much more comfortable, the severe pain of his contusions being much moderated....".
I suspect liberal doses of laudanum were administered.
Lubliner.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

The combination of physical and psychological injuries received from both his carriage accident (Apr. 5) and Powell's intrusive knife attack (Apr. 14) must have meant that Seward endured much suffering over the short period of his life remaining afterwards. (He died in 1872).