Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1836-09-15
From the Danville (va,) Reporter. Aug 81.

From tbs Danville (va,) Reporter. Aug. 81.
ATTEMPTED AssAssINATIoN.---A
scene was enacted at Mr.. Daniel Sulli-
vans Bell Tavern, on yesterday, with
out example in this peaceful and moral
community. 1t is signal evidence OF
the corruption of tho times. 1t marks
the introduction Of that lawless, afro
cious, and murderous violence, which
strikes at the life, tho liberty, and the
property Of the citizen.
On Yesterday forenoon, Thomas a.
Terry, the Junior Editor of this paper,
universally known in this community
as a man of high honor and integrity,
and of irreproachable morals, passed
throughout of the rooms at the Tavern,
where he saw two strangers sitting a.
lone with Mr.. Sullivan. Returning a
moment after, he met Mr.. }. M. Smith,
who asked him" Are you the Junior
Editor of the Reporter 7" To which,
wholly unconscious of any hostile de.
sign, he repled,-" Yes, | am, Sir"
Upon the instant, James Nj. Smith
struck him violent blow upon the head
with heavy cane, while Marcellus
Bell stood by with pistol in each hand
proclaiming that he would shoot down
the first man who attempted to ap-
proach or interfere. Mr.. Terry was
without arms of any kind. Seeing Mr..
Terry PROSTATE and Smith standing o.
yer him, repeating his blows upon dis
abled man, Mr.. Sullivan sounded an
alarm which brought other persons in
to the room. George Gilmcr, Esq. was
the first person who approached, and
without even knowing the parties en-
gagged, but seeing gentleman down,
and bleeding under the blows of this
inhuman adversary, seized Smith a.
round the arms and body, thus proven.
ting his power 10 strike, in defiance of
the two pistols which Smith held to his
breast, swearing that he would shoot
him if he touched. By this time anum-
Der Of other persons came in, and Mr.
Il. leaving the floor covered with blood
which had flowed from several gashes
on his head, was assisted TO room,
and placed under the care of his medl-
cal friends. Upon hasty examination
and dressing Of his wounds, made with
a view to his immediate comfort, they
were unable to ascertain the extent oil
the injury inflicted, but strong hopes
wore entertained that bis skull was not
fractured, and consequently that he
will speedily recover.
Some time elapsed before the civil
authorities who were sent for, came in.
The town Sergeant acting under the oi-
rection of u magistrate, directed that
Smith and Bell should be taken into
custody, and for that purpose summon
ed the by-standrs to take them. In at.
tempting to do this Smith made repeat
ed attempts to shoot DR.. j. b. Camp
bell, who however, warded off the pis-
tol, when George White Esq. came up,
and upon taking hold of Smith, recelv-
ed pistol ball, which was aimed at
his heart, through his hand waist coat,
and coat. His life was saved by his
presence of mind. Suddenly twisting
his body round, the direction ofthe ball
which must otherwise have been recei-
we'd in his body, glanced over the sur
face, leaving trace behind it in the
skin, and passing though his coat at the
shoulder. Tho wadding, burning and
smoking, was lodged in his bosom. Ev-
cry one present believed him fatally
wounded. Campbell and White are
brave men. Unarmed as they were,
Bowie Knives, Pistols, and Drks, were
disregarded. Bell cooked pistol
and held it to Capt. Townes' breast al
SO, swearing that he would shoot him,
(thc town SergeanD if he laid hands
upon him. 'Shoot and be damned,
said Townes, rs he seized him, Il know
my duty and will do it at the hazard OF
my life These scenes as may be ex-
pected, collected large crowd of per
sons; and it is in our opinion, a credta
BILE fact, that not a man was armed
even with walking cane.
When the arrest was completed, and
several magistrates collected, Bowie
Knife, two Pistols, and Cowhide,
were taken from their concealments in
Smiths clothes. Two Pistols and q
Dirk from Bell. That the attack upon
Terry was premeditsted before they
left Lynchburg, there can be no man.
ner Of doubt. They made business
the pretext; but that they came to
murder Terry, 1--WE use the term in its
most felonious sense, is manifest from
the unusual display of the implements
OF death, upon their persons.
Smith and Bell are committed to Jail,
'lor assaulting and beating Thomas
A. Terry, with intent to kill-also for
manning him, and for unlawfully shoot
ing George White, with intent in SO
1 c. ] ]