Sources: Mysteries of the Unexplained. pp. 20

W e all probably "cheat death" on a daily basis. Sometimes we may be warned of a dangerous situation and take steps to avoid disaster. Still, no matter what precautions we may take sometimes death will not be cheated.

Robert Morris, Sr., the father of Robert Morris who managed the financial affairs of the American Revolution, had a horrifying dream on night in July 1750. He dreamt that while he was inspecting a naval ship he was killed by canon fire. The dream frightened Morris so badly he only agreed to board the ship the next day after the captain promised no cannons would be fired until he was off the ship and back on land.

When the inspection was complete the captain gave stern instructions that the customary salute would not be fired until he signaled. But, while Morris' rowboat was still in range a fly lit on the captain's nose. the captain, not thinking, raised his hand to flick the fly off.

The gesture was mistaken for the signal and the cannon fired. A fragment of the blast hit Morris wounding him fatally.