28 February 1844 – U.S. President John Tyler is almost killed when the newly-built war steamer USS Princeton fires one of its guns. The gun exploded killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy Thomas W. Gilmer, David Gardiner, and three others. Tyler was supposed to be present, but had stopped on the way for drinks.
David Gardiner’s daughter Julia was also on board. Julia had previously turned down Tyler’s marriage proposals, but Tyler’s comforting of her through this tragedy won her consent to be wed. Julia in later years spoke of how Tyler’s quiet strength sustained her through her grief. Tyler became the first U.S. President to elope when he and Julia wed four months later.
MILITARY HISTORY SOCIETY OF ROCHESTER
ROCHESTERMILITARY.COM
