Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1835-02-02
ALEXANDRIA:
MONDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 2, 1885.
OUTRAGE ON THE PRESIDENT OF U. S.

We gave. in Yesterdays Gazette brief state
,,,s,t of facts connected with the attempted as
destination of the President in the Capitol, on
Friday last gentleman, who was present at
the examination of the man who was arrested
m the charge of having committed the offence,
took notes of the evidence, which are herewith
subjoined.
The prisoner is young man, dark hair, thin
face. small whiskers, genteel appearance, and
rather pleasant countenance. He gave his name
a. RICHARD LAWRENCE. He was examined at the
Courthouse before his honor Judge Cranch.-
Francis S. Key, Esq. District Attorney, present.
Thomas B. Randolph Arms
testified that the prisoner told him, when on his
way TO the Courthouse, upon being asked what
induced him TO do such an act 'that the Presi-
dent had killed his father"
Secretary Woodbury. testified that he was
with the President at the eastern door of the Ro-
tuuda. and saw the prisoner snap pistol twice
~ the President: il was either doublc-barrelled
pistoI. or he snapped two pistols The distance
was about five feet.
Secretary Dickerson testified that he was 60
mo ont of the Rotunda when he heard the first
report-it was very sharp. He saw the prisoner
aim the second pistol at The President. The dis
lance was eight or nine feet at the second dis
charge.
Mr., Kinuman sworn.-Was standing on tie
ripbt Of the President. Heard crack like the
discharge Of riAe-looked and saw pisto' in
The prisoners hand it had 4 bright barrel. The
President raised his cane at the second explo-
SON, and made at the prisoner.
Lieut.. GeGaey sworn. Was on the spot
heard the report--saw the man-seized him
threw him down-and tooh Two pistols rom hlm'
Mr. Burd sworn Heard the l'sDort-assisted
10 take the pistols from the prisoner-kept them
in his possession, and are those now in C9urt.
The prisoner was here asked If he had any
questions to ask. He replied that he woulo
rather the pistols should not be marked, but re-
main as they were. The load of one of the PTS
tolls was then drawn, and found to consist Of
powder and ball.
Maurice Hurley sworn. Knows the prisoner;
boards in the same house with him. Prisoner
is house painter, and has worked with Mr.
Ferguson-is man of very few wordS-seldom
speaks except when spoken to-has seen no.
thing remarkable in his conduct heretofore
Doctor Clark sworn Knows the prisoner
his name is Richard Lowrcnce-lived with
him three years. He was youth OF good cha
racter-habits correct, until lately, when he be
came ouarre!some-Aad abused his sister very
much. which compelled her to cause him to leave
her house [The prisoners sister is married
lady in Washineton.] The prisoner is an En-
plishman-came to this country when quite
bow. Doctor c. did no; know the father OF the
prisoner, nor how or where he died.
The examination here ceased; and the prison
err being asked if he had any thing to say, re-
piled onothiug cannot contradict any thing
the gentlemen have said"
After conversation with the District Attorney
this being bailable ofence-the Judge re
ouired the prisoner 10 give bail and security to
keen the peace in the sum Of $500. The pri.
soner being asked if he could give bail, replied
no; and an order for his commitment to jail was
forthwith made.
This summary of the evidence taken before
Judge Cranch, will give the reader history OF
the whole transaction.
Every one present remarked upon the person
al inrepidity displayed by the President. He
would himself, if suffered, have rushed upon
and disarmed the man; who, we hope, for the
honor Of human nature, may prove to have been
insane. 1t is very certain, however, that while
under examination, he showed no marks OF in
sanity. He was perfectly cool, and apparently
indifferent.
As we expected and predicted, the GLOBE
80. h., ,l,, a,,I,c;t, "a n nOli-