West Sussex Gazette - Thursday 30 June 1864

Serious Accident to Dr. Copeland

A serious accident occurred on Friday evening last, the details of which are as follows. At approximately nine o’clock at night, Dr. Copeland, who had been to Cuckfield to attend a battalion drill (as a member of the Rifle Corps), met Mr. Edward Drawbridge, the auctioneer, and Mr. Harrison, his clerk, at the King’s Head Hotel, Cuckfield. Mr. Drawbridge offered Dr. Copeland a ride home in his dog cart, which was accepted. Dr. Copeland generally drives his own trap to drill, but on this occasion rode to Cuckfield in the wagonette sent by Ensign Burrell to transport the volunteers.

The three left Cuckfield shortly after nine o’clock and drove at a brisk pace, proceeding safely along Lindfield road. However, when about half a mile from the town, the horse appeared to get restive, and upon reaching the foot of the hill just below the common came into contact with a laundress’s donkey cart, causing the occupants of the dog cart to be thrown onto the road.

Mr. Harrison was the first to recover himself, although he was cut in the face and severely shaken; but Dr. Copeland and Mr. Drawbridge had to be carried to town. Mr. Drawbridge was taken to the Red Lion, where he was cared for during the night. The following morning he was sufficiently recovered to be taken home, but Dr. Copeland was taken to his residence in a state of insensibility, where he has since been attended by J.H. Bull, Esq., London, Dr. Porter, and Dr. Bate.

Mr. Copeland fell upon his head, and it is the medical staff’s opinion that his skull must have been fractured, although he simultaneously had not removed his rifle cap, which is made of very stout leather, and which took the brunt of the fall. Until Monday morning, no hopes were entertained for his life, but we believe that he has somewhat recovered and that his life may yet be spared.