Mobile Advertiser & Register

June 16, 1861

Page 2

            A SAD ACCIDENT- We regret to state that Captain Charles Van Damme lost his life yesterday accidentally.  He was at the time engaged in polishing with sand paper a steel plate, used in the manufacture of percussion caps, and in which there was a slight flaw.  A very small quantity of percussion powder, lodged in this flaw, was exploded by the friction of the sand paper.  The explosion unfortunately communicated with small quantities of the powder under the plate, which was projected against his forehead with such momentum as to carry away portions of the skull and brains, and pass on to the ceiling.

            The death of Capt. Van Damme will not interfere with the manufacture of percussion caps.  The arrangements are so perfect that they can be carried on without him, and 50,000 manufactured daily.             [Nashville Patriot]