his breast, causing wounds which must of them-…
source date: 1889
availability: public-domain

of caps, for just as he was replacing the lid the entire box, containing about 80 caps, exploded with terrific force. Mr. Adams was horribly injured by the explosion. Both of his hands were blown off, his eyes destroyed, his bowels laid open and two of the caps penetrated his breast, causing wounds which must of them- selves proved fatal. The poor man lived about an hour and a half, and, strange to say, was conscious up to the time of his death. The es- cape of the two Herd Bros, from instant death or horrible injuries was truly miraculous. They were however, only slightly injured, Joe getting a knock over one of his eyes, and W. E. receiv- ing a slight wound on his neck and a bad bruise on his right leg. News of the accident was at once brought to Las Cruces, and Dr. Lane went out as soon as possible, but Adams had long been dead when he arrived. The remains were brought to Las Cruces, and were taken charge of by Chas. Metcalfe, who was a partner of the unfortunate man in the working of the Modoc mine. The Herd Bros, came in from the mine with the remains.