Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-01-03

-
II BLOODY ArFAIa.-Can any other country,
claiming to be civilized, match in atroci'y a
scene like this
II From the Louisville Advertiser, Dec. l7th.
BLOODY ArFAIR.--A startling tragedy oc-
Cured in this city on Saturday evening last,
in which A. Fl. Meek was instantly killed,
John Rotbwell mortaiy wounded, William
| Holmes severely wounded, and Henry Old
ham slightly, by the use of Bowie knives, by
Judge Z. Z. Wilkinson and his brother b. X.
Wilkinson, of Natcbez, and J. Murdough, Of
Holly Spring, Miss. 1t seems that Judge
Wilkinson had ordered a coat at the shop Of
Messrs. Varnuln g. Redding. The coat was
made the Judge accompanied by his broth
er and Mr.. MurdOugb, went 10 the shop Of
Varnum a. Redding, tried on the coat, and
was irritated because, as he believed, it did
not fit him. Mr.. Redding undertook to con-
vince him that he was in error and ventured to
assure the Judge that the coat was well
made. The Judge instantly seized an iron
poker and commenced an attack on Redding.
The blow with the poker was partially war
ded of-Redding grappled his assailant,
when companion of the Judge drew q
Bowie knife, and, but for the interposition
and interference Of The unfortunate Meek, q
ourneyman tailor, and gentleman passing
by at tie moment, Reddng might have been
assassina,ed in his own shop. Shortly after
wards, Reddng, Meek, Rothwell aud Holmes
went to The Gait House. They sent up
stairs for Judge Wilkinson, and he came
down into the bar room when angry words.
were passed. The Judge then went up stairs
again, and in short time returned with his
companions, oil armed with knives. Harsh
language was again used. Redding was told
that he lied and responded by saying he sup
posed he would have to take it, as he was
unarned, but remarked that if they would lay
aside their weapons he could whip oil three
of them. Meek, in consequence Of some re-
mark made, felt called on TO state what he
had seen Of the conflict in the tdlors' shop,
and did so, and Murdough gave him the
Id lie, for which Meek struck him with
Il 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
plunged his Bowie knife into the abdomen OF
Meek, and killed him on the spot.
/ At the same instant b. X. Wilkinson at
tempted to get at Redding, and Holmes and
Roihwell interfered OF joined in the atfray.
Holmes was wounded, probably by b. r.
Wilkinson and the Judge, having left the
room for an instant, returned, and finding
ltothwell contending with his brother, OF
bending over him, he (the Judge) stabbed
Rothwell in the back and inflicted a mortal
wound. 1t does not appt ar that Oldham was
concerned in the conflict. lie was probably
wounded by mistake. In a few moments
Il after the conflict took place, the City Mar
shal was on the spot to opprohend the Of
tenders, Rodding having sent for him with
view TO have them taken for assault made
on him in his shop.
II Such are the facts, as detailed to us; but
it is proper to say we have heard other and
confllcting statements. Judge Wilkinson,
his brother aud Murdough are in prison, and
will probably be brought before an examin-
ing court to-day, when the affair will be bet
ter understood. The public mind is highly
excited, but we trust that every citizen will
feel the necessity Of o calm reliance upon
the operation of the laws. Let strict justice
be done. Let the laws be firmly, impartially
and rigidly enforced. No good citizen can
desire more. None will be content with less.
TBE MADisoSrAN ssyss-"We have ot
hand the dntd evidence to prove that the
Secretary Of the Navy was the suibor Of the
assault on his own department., and on those
under him. Who look vp 10 him for protection
i from ipitisticev