Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-03-11
ANOTHER {" BLOODY BUSINESS /.

ANOTHER " BLOODY BUSINESS.
NoRFoLK, March o. Lieut. Wm T. Bourne. of
the Marine Corps, attached to Major Andcrson's
command, at the Cosport Navy Yard, was killed
oy pistol shot, on Saturday morning last, near
the foot bridge between the Marine Barracks and
the Hospital. From the evidence given at the In.
quest held over the body and from other sources we
are enabled 10 state the following particulars respec
ting this shocking occurrence:-Between the de-
ceased and Lieut.. Smith, of the same corps. feud
had for some time existed, originating in some bck
erinss on some points of duty, which would have
resulted in duel in the early stage of il but for
the prompt interference of their commanding Off
Ger. Their animosiiy however appears to have been
so deep rooted that neither this check nor the re-
monstrnces OF their friends could incline them 10 a
reconciliation. Orders were therefore given to the
guards to report 10 the officer in command eyerv
suspicious movement ofthese misguided young men
rom winch the intention oil rencontre might be re-
eHed. Accordingly on Saturday morning last
shortly after day break the Sergeant .of the guard
reported to Capt. Linton, the officer on duty that
Lieuts. Smith and Bourne seen few minutes
before TO leave the Barracks together, upon which
Capt. u. ordered him 10 take file of men, and 90
in quest OF them, across the foot bridge and a, the
same time despatched scouts in other directions
with his orders for the absentees to return imme
diatey to their quarters. The party sent in the
direction of the foot bridge, proceeded as far as
the hospital, distant about quarter OF mile with
out seeing the objects OF their search and were ON
their return when they startled by the report
OF two pistols, near together as possible, within
forty PAGES of them. They rushed to the spot and
behed Lieut.. Bourne lying on his back and the
blood flowing from wound in his side, and near
him stood Lieut.. Smith, with pistol in his hand
similar lying by Lieut. Bourne. On the
appearance of the Sergeant and his men, Lieut.
Smith took up the other pistol, and handing both
TO the Sergeant, desired him to carry them TO the
Barracks He then turned away . and ProS Will
men slowly followed bearing Lieut. Bourne. who
still survived, though unable to speak AS tbev
entered the Barracks, they met Smith coming o,,;
who enquired where Lieut.. Bourne was shot, AMI
learning that the ball had entered about two ncho
below the right breast, he hurried away we nm
derstand he came directly TO Norfolt. and ia 70
ported to have taken passage in one of the New
York packets, which sailed Saturday afternoon.
but we have conversed with gentleman who as,
sured US that he crossed over to Hampton. where
he hired horse and gig, and proceeded on 10 YORK
Bourne survived only an hour after he was
carried to the Barracks. On account fine absence
OF the Coroner the Inquest was not Convened until
yesterday. Their verdict was that The decessed
came to his death by pistol shot fred by Con-
stsntine Smith.
II 10 the general belief that they fought wi,bou
seconds; bot the SERGEANT in his testimony befor.
the Inquest stated that he saw two men AZ be c.e
up, hurryng'awsy through he bushes, and soon after
heard the rafting of Carriage Wheels which renders
IT probable that they duly provided in this mar
ucular We understand that Lieut. Bourne was the
challenger
We are not personally acquainted with either Of
the parties but are informed that they were both
very deserving officers + ITcroJJ
March z-Our account Of the sanSuinarv rem
coDtfe between Lieut.. Smith and Lient. Bouros
though correct in point Of fact, was deficient in one
particular, deemed OF some importance. Their IN
ien'ior o fight was suspected the day before tho
meeting took place, and in Consequence of ,ba,
suspicion, Capt. Linton obtained from each. the |
pledge of his word of honour that he would NOT
leave The quarters while the other was absent; and
men gave the order 10 the guard as stated in our
'ccount But FOR this solemn pledge both Of tbc,n