On this date in 1844 a 12" gun on the USS Princeton exploded as the ship was sailing on the Potomac River, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and several others, including David Gardiner, the father of Julia Gardiner. Because widower President John Tyler was infatuated with Julia, he was down below deck with all the ladies. Had the President not been with her, he would surely have been killed as well; and since he did not have a VP or an established line of succession, a Constitutional crisis would have erupted.
Published writer, compulsive reader, Old School Whovian, Match Game enthusiast, NKOTB fan, data hoarder, and - surprisingly, given that list - married with four kids. Welcome to my take on life, fatherhood, entertainment, and whatever strikes my fancy. Enjoy!
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