The Daily Dispatch: November 22, 1861., [Electronic resource]

Fatal accident on Board a steamer.

On Wednesday night, between 10 and 11 o'clock, as Orderly Sergeant James Sherrin, of Pelican Guards, Company B, now on board the Confederate States steamer Red Rover, was making the usual rounds to the different posts, he entered into a conversation with private James O Rourke, a friend of his, on Post No. 6, and asked to examine his rifle. While he was handing it over, the trigger being accidentally on a full cock, the rifle was discharged, and the full charge entered Sherria's right arm, between the elbow and shoulder, and penetrated the right breast. Medical assistance was speedily procured, but the physician, Dr. Hegewinzh, upon examination, pronounced the wounds mortal, and Father Burke, of the Jesuit's Church, being called, administered to the unfortunate Sergeant the consoling rites of his church. He was then taken to the Charity Hospital by his fellow-soldiers, where he expired shortly after.