A double accident occurred to the Portsmouth up-mail on Monday night last, a few miles from Petersfield, owing to the gross misconduct of the coachman, who was very much intoxicated, as was also the guard, and it is to be hoped the proprietors will see that they are replaced by men more fitted for the office, that the lives of passengers may not be thus wantonly placed in jeopardy again from the same cause. It would appear that there had been some furious driving before they reached Petersfield, as they arrived there more than half an hour before the proper time. They left the town at a tremendous pace, and continued at the same rate through Sheet, very narrowly escaping one of the posts of the turnpike-gate. On arriving at Rake, one of the wheel horses, from over exertion, fell, and was dragged a considerable distance on the road, and so much injured that he was found unable to proceed. The coachman, having adjusted the other three horses, started off again at a rapid pace, heedless of the remonstrances of the passengers, and using most dreadful language; they had proceeded but a very short distance when the horses, owing to the brutal conduct of the coachman, became unmanageable, and ran the coach off the road, by which it was overturned, and a gentleman had his ancle dislocated and was otherwise considerably hurt—fortunately for the sufferer, ____ King, esq. surgeon, from London, was in the coach, and soon reduced the dislocation. Neither the coachman nor guard offered the least assistance to the passengers, nor even so much as expressed sorrow, or enquired if any one was hurt. The gentleman who was hurt, and four other passengers, were obliged to remain at a cottage all night, and Mr. King walked back to Petersfield. The bags were forwarded by post-chaise. We understand that an inspector has this week been down from London to inquire into the affair, and that the coachman is suspended.
(See also second account & third account)