Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-10-03
III ERALD THE TIMES.
From the philadelphia Gazette Of Sept. 3Otl
HORRIBLE TRAGEDY,

deep and most painful sensation was excited
IN tho community this morning, by the ruInor
of deed Of blood which was sincerely hoped
ut Inst was but rumoT--but which after iL-
qairy, proved, alas too true.
II Those who have been accustomed 10 walk in
Chestnut street, in the negl'borhood Of Independ-
ence Square. IA point, perhaps, with the excep.
ton Of The Exchange, where both at day aud
evening our citizens most do congregate) must
have frequently Stepped into the confectionery
store and reiresbmeut rooms Of Mr.. Wood, op-
posiie The State house. They must also reu,en-
Der his handsome and attentive daughter, whose
chief care was TO u,tend TO the more elegant
mlnistra,ions Of the establishment. She was n
faithful and duiiful girl, just blu.hing into wo-
manhood Among her many admirers was
young man in Sixth street, named Peak, who
succeeded in securing her affections. About two
weeks since, we understand. they were privately
married, and on Thursday evening the young
woman lefi the establishment Of her father, and
Joined her husband. On Saturday she returned,
and all the circumstances wero made known 10
the former. lie instantly cl sci his shop, much
to lh surprise Of the public, more than pariicu-
lar attraction being now in the ladies' apartment
"A striking likeness Of Queen Victoria, by a
young artist OF this city, having been placed
there for exhibition.
The demeanOr Of the father to his daughter
was Inorose and nnreconciling, although he had
previously invited her home but she strove by
every means to avert his i'll feeling, " hich, so
far ms it was likely TO end in any thing desperate
he ingeniously concealed. This morning how
ever, at. about ten o'clock as tho daughter was
sitting IN the room with hor father and We beliovo
with some other men,hers Of the family, he
walked deliberately up TO her. and drawing
pistol from his bosom or his pocket. placed il
almost against her forehead, and shot her entirely
through the brain. The ball, we learn, passed
through the skull, and fell in another part Of the
room.
The morderous weapon was at once thrown
from the hands Of the desperate man, in The pre-
sence Of his dying child, and himself secured
he sheriff of the city was sitting in his office,
and was Immediately aware that something
unusual had occurred. lie crossed the street
INSTANTLY; and ascending to the apartment where
the deed was done. found the murderer standing ;,
pale and terribly 9gitated. with his back to the
fire place, and his daughter lying PROSTATE and
bleeding on the floor, with her head near his feet
One child, promising lad, was cIasping his knee,
and averring with fearful eyes and language of
imp'oring passion, that "faher did not, father
could not do il 20 while other members Of the
family were sobbing and shrieking over the dying
sister and child On the entrance Of the sheriff,
Wood lifted his arm us If in the act Of firing
pistol, and eAclain,cd-"I am the man. shot
her :" While writing this article, We learn
that the father after such an act wass ound asleep
with guard Of officers over him. An immense
crowd gathered around tho place, yet none were
admitted but certain members Of the medical
faculty, and the coroncr's jury Of inquest, who
will delay their verdict until 3 o'clock this even
ing The girl was lingering in great agony to-
ward the close Of the forenoon but not the slight
est hopes OF her recovery were entertained
Mr.. Wood is an Engsl',nan, who may be re-
membered fruit seller for many years in the
Chesrut street theatre, and the keeper Of liule
shop in the Arcade, which his daughter and him.
self attended flo has several other children
who with their mother, are thrown into incon-
ce'vable distress by this dread act Of murder and
Of blood.