South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1837-05-27
For the Intelligencer.
me Tale said to be founded on fact
proued false.

PROVED false.
MT. HARpER-I saw in your paper
published lately, tale said to be foun-
ded ON fact, under the head of "Cir-
cumstantal Evidence" / knew the
whole to be a work of fancy, as knew
the real tragedy on which it was foun-
ded, and at one time intended to give
you the true history of the transaction
10 undeceive you and those who might
! De induced to put any confidence in
that fictitious narrative dressed up in
the most affecting manner, SO as to
excite our sympathies for most afro
cious murderer, as an amiable & inno-
cent man who suffered unjustly. But
| thought l would let it pass as one of
the ephemeral productions of the day
written for periodicals. You it seems
took it from the Western Monthly Ma
gazine. now see 1t copied into the
Winchester Republican, and lest any
body should suppose that there is any
truth in that romance, think it proper
to give true history of the case. MY
feelings were much interested in it
when the bloody transaction took place.
Doctor Alexander Sanderson mot San
ders) the person murdered was cousin
Of mine-his mother and mine having
been sisters, and he and l were reared
boys together of the same age. He
was well educated and skilful plivsi-
clan. He married the daughter of MIR.
John Kearsly, decd, late Of Shep-
herdstown. He resided many years
in the county of Jefferson in the prac-
tlce of physick,in the latter part of that
period in Charlestown. He removed
to the West and settled in the State of
Mississippi, not far I think from Nat
chez. Whilst he resided there, this
Hamilton, the hero ofthe tale, descend
ing the Mississippi in boat to Orleans
was taken dangerously i'll with fever,
under which he languished for some
time. Having been put on shore near
to the residence of DR.. Sanderson, he
attended him as physician. DR.. San
derson warm hearted man commise.
rating his forlorn condition, he took
Hamilton to his house where he was
f1ursed and attended with kindness and
tenderness until Hamilton's health was
restored. In the mean time it seems
Sanderson became attached to Hamil-
ton, of whom he had conceived a IA
vourable opinion. DR.. Sanderson pre-
viously or about that time, contempla-
ted ajourney to Virginia for the pur-
pose ofpurchasing slaves, and it was
agreed that Hamilton should accom-
pany him. They travelled together
on horseback until they reached Ken
lucky where Hamilton fatherresided.
DR.. Sanderson had large sum of mo-
ney with him which was well known
to Hamilton; Sanderson having the ut
most confidence in him did not conceal
it from him. When they arrived at
the house Of the elder Hamilton, the
father, Sanderson was received and
treated with the greatest kindness and
hospitality for his protection, kindness
and hospitality to the son; and was in
duced to remain as guest in the fami-
ly for week or two to recruit his horse
and himself. Young Hamilton having
promised to go with him to Virginia to
assist him in the business he was going
uPon-they at last set out together,
and within a few miles of the elder
Hamilton's house, they were seen rid
ing together in an obscure road which
it was supposed they had taken as a
nearer way to fall into the great road at
Hamilton's suggestion. Whilst trav-
cling in this obscure road they were
seen by a woman whose house they
passed as she was milking her cows.
They had not passed the house far,
when that woman heard the report of
a gun or pistol. Shortly after she
saw Hamilton coming in full gallop af-
ter Sanderson's horse, which was run
ming full speed with the saddle and bri-
die on but no rider. After Hamilton
passed her a short distance she saw
him catch the fugitive horse with which
he Immediately turned back, and went
towards the place where the woman
heard the report of the pistol. Moth
ing more was heard of Sanderson for
some time. Young Hamilton was
known to be at home at his fathers.
Sanderson was not there, but his horse
was which horse was known to some
ofthe neighbours to have been San
derson's; they having become &c.
quainted with Sanderson at the house
of the elder Hamilton. These neigh
bours made enquiries for Sahderson
and why he had left his horse there. A
very improbable and contradictory ac-
count was given, which excited suspi-
cions. Not long after the body Of San
darco, moc found n, fhh ut1OdS con-