The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-01-01
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From the Cincinnati Post.
DREADFUL AFFRAY AT LOUIsvILL


We heard or the following "b'oody ofaiy" two
days ago, but did not feel authorized to make any
mention Off until we the Louisville account,
that follows.
A gentleman who left Louisville on Monday
morning, states that great number OF people had
assembled near the jail, and that the Sheriff inform
ed him, that he dare not bring out the prisoners
for examination, for fear of violence being done
them.
From The Louisville Advertiser, Dec, II.
BLOODY AFFAIR.-A startling tragedy occurred
IN this city on Saturday evening last, IN which A.
ii. Meeks was instantly killed, John Boutwell, NOR
tally wounded, William Holmes SCI erely wounded
and Henry Oldham slightly, by the Of Bowie
knives, by Judge E. c. Wilkinson, and his brother
B. r.. Wilkinson, Of Natchez, and J. Murdough, of
Holy Springs, Miss 1t seems that Judge WlIkn-
son had ordered caot at the shop of Messrs Var
mum ~ Reddns. The coat was made the Judge
accompanied by his brother and Mr. Murdongh, went
to the shop Of Varnum d Redding, tried on the
coat, and was irritated because, he believed, it
did not Int INN. Redding undertook to convince
him That he was in error, and ventured TO assure
the Judge that the coat made well. The Judge
instantly seized an iron poker, and commenced an
attack on Reddng. The blow was partially ward
ed off ; Redding grappled his assalant, when
companion of the Judge drew a Bowie knife and
but tor the lnterpositon aud interference oflhe
fortunate Meoks, ii journeyman tailor, and gentle
man passing by at The moment, Redding mighr
have been assasslndted in his own shop. shortly
afterwards, RGdding, meeks, Both well aud noimes
went to the CALI House. They sent up stairs for
Judge Wilkinson, and he came down into the bar
room, when angry words We're passed, The Judge
then went up stairs again, and in ii short time
turned with his companions aIl armed with knives.
Harsh words were again used. Rcddug was told
he lied, and he responded by saying he supposed
he would have to take il, rs he was un*rmcd hut
remark ed that if they would lay aside their Wea-
pons he could whip all three of them Meeks, in
consequence of some remark made went on 10 state
what he had seen of the conflict in the taor's shop
and did SO, and Murdough gave him the id lie,
for which Meeks struck him with
riding whip, which he had brought with
him from Bardstown, from which place he
had Just travelled on horseback. On receiving
the blow with the whip, Murdough instantly pung
ed his Bowie-knife mic the abdomen of Meeks and
killed him on the spot.
AT the same instant B. r. Wilkinson attempted
fered Joined in the ARRAY Holmes wound
ed, probably by B r. Wilkinson and The Judge,
having left the room for an instant, returned and
finding b othwel contending with his brother, or
bending over him, he (lhe Judge) stabbed b 9th
well in the back and inflicted mortal wound 1t
does not appear that Oldham was concerned in the
conflict. He was probably wounded By mistake
In few moments after the conflict took place. the
City Marshal was on the spot TO appreheUd the of
tenders. Reddug having sent for him with view
TO have them taken for the assault made him in
his shop.
snch are the facts, as detailed to rs but it is
proper to say that we have heard other and
hictiug statements. Judge Wilkinson his brother
and Mnrdough are in prison and will probably be
brought before the examining court today, when
the affnr will he better understood The public
mind is highly excited, but trust every citizen
will feel the necessity Of calm reliance upon the
operation of the laws. Let strict Justice be done.
forced Ne good citizen desire None
sill he ronteni with less.