Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-07-22
SHOCKING OCCURRENCE!

The public feeling has been exceedingly
shocked and panied by an occurrence of most
tragical and exciting character, which took place
in the town of Hampton on Wednesday last:
we alIude to rencontre between Major John B.
Cooper, of Hampton, and Thomas B. Allen,
ESQ. of York county, in which the former
drew pistol and shot the latter through the
heart, who expired in three minutes after! Of
what occurred previous to this fatal and despe
rate act we have no certain information. 1t is
generally known that an embittered state of
feeling has, for some time, existed in Hampton,
produced by controversy about the Academy
in that town. which has most unhapplly dlvlded
the whole community into parties, ana the Ieei-
ing has, in many cases, extended to their fiends
in the neighboring country. A feud engender-
ed from this cause is understood to have existed
between the parties to the affair of which we are
speaking, but whether instigated by that or
some other and more recent provocatlon, we
have not heard Mr.. Allen had arrived in
town that morning with his wife and children,
with the intention of taking trip in the steam
boat Old Dominion, which had been advertised
to go on party of pleasure to the Capes, but un-
expectedly meeting with some business which
demanded his immediate attention, he was him
dered from going, and he and his family re-
manned in town and dined at Mrs. Golfers.
Mrs C's residence is near the eastern termina-
ton of the Cross Street" leading to the Draw
Bridge IA little after three O'Clock, Mr. Allen,
having dined, left his wife in the porch and TAX
ing his two little sons along with him, one in
each hand, walked up the street When he had
proceeded about 80 or 100 yards, he was met
by Major Cooper and his eldest son, MIR. Geo.
w. Cooper, when high words ensued between
him and the elder C.-There were two young
men q. short distance off who were examined
before the inquest, one of whom we are inform
ed, deposed that Mr.. Allen struck Maj Cooper
several times with his fist; while the other stat
ed that Maj. G. struck the first blow. Much an
cry alteration is related as having passed be-
tween the parties, which we do not feel author
ised to repeat. Of what succeeded, however, We
have had distinct account from two gentle
men who were passing in the stage for Old Point,
at the critical moment. They had very little
more than caught view of the parties before
Major Cooper drew out the pistol, MIR. Aliens
two children, who were standing by him. ut
tered cry of terror and ran off, eXclaimng,
ooh! he is going to shoot father" Our lnfor-
mants saw, indeed, the pistol levelled at Mr.. AL
lan's breast. but had no idea that it was with
fell intent (not knowing what had previously
occurred,) and supposed that it was done In
playfulness, merely to see what effect it would
have on the children their establishment and
horror may be conceived, therefore, when they
heard the report of the pistol, and saw Maj. G..
raise a blugdeon, which he had with him, and
strike Allen (who had not fallen from the effect
of the shoD to the ground, by repeated blows?
All this, of course passed in less time than we
have taken in describing it, and the scene was
closed to our informants by the rapid move
ment Of the stage
We since learn that the verdict of the Inquest
on the body Of the deceased Mr.. Allen, is, that
his death was caused by the discharge of pis-
tol fired by John B. Cooper.
After the preparation Of the fatal deed, Ma
jor Cooper retired to his dwelling unmolested,
and, we are informed, remained there until the
Inquest had convened, when he left the town.
guard of the citizens we learn, went off in
pursuit of him; though it is said to be his inten-
ton to surrender himself to justice, as soon as
the excitement Of the moment has abated.
Norfolk Her.