Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-05-28

STATE OF SOCIETY IN ALABAMA-FURrHERPA Par
TIcULARs THE MURDER ADRiEN.-We re-
oeived the annexed letter in the middle Of last
week, and could have published ahead Of every 9TH
er paper in New York-but the story was so afro
cous and apparently incredible, that we could
hardly believe its truth. As the other journals have
received the like give the letter because
il contains more details than any account we have
yet seen.
MoNrooMERY, May 10, 1910.
JAMES e. BENNETT, ESQ,
Dear Sir,-My object in addressing you, is to
call your attention to the within notice of the death
OF Mon. Adrian
We regret to learn that Mr.. Adolph Adrien was
drowned on Tuesday last at Huie's Ferry, on the
Alabama river As we understand the events which
led to his death, in train of judicial inv iga
ton, consider 1t an act Of justice to all parties
forbear for the present from all comment in relation
to the Transaction being unwilling to say any thing
which would, in the slightest degree, operate upon
the public mind concerning this unfortunate affair
-Montgomery advertiser, May ID.
The notice states that he was drowned, giving no
further particulars. He has been murdered-basely
murdered; and those connected with his murder
are of high respectability and standing, and have
threatened the editors here that if the facts of the
case are given to hold them responsible, while
threats have had the effect to suppress every thing
connected with this old-blooded murder, for can
call it nothing else.
The facts are these:-Mons. Adrien was perform
ing in this place. and the house procured by him for
his performance opposite to a Doctor Johd
McLeOd's, whose wife is notorious, and has been
for years SINCE for her improper conduct and lewd-
ness-and this has been evident to every in the
place exec pit her husband and her immediate family
How they have been so blinded is a mystery to all.
1t appears that during the day, whilst Mons Adrien
was employed in arranging his room and preparing
for his performance at night, this woman would
place herself at the window, and by bowling, kissing
her hand, and beckoning at him, succeeded in at
tracing his attention He then inquired who she
was, and what was her character. He was told she
the wife of enc OF our most respectable physi-
clans. Upon that information he paid no further
attention to her. She finding that all of her arts
thus far had availed nothing, she wrote to him, and
requested an interview with him. He went to her;
she represented herself very miserable, and that
she had determined for some time to leave her hus
band-said she had taken a fancy to him, and begged
him to take her with him. He (through his inter-
preter) replied that he was man OF family, which
were this time in New Orleans, and that therefore
he could not comply with her request She contin-
ued to annoy HIM with billets, and in requested
that he would give her some money. He sent her
sixty dollars; and again, after much annoyance from
her notes, he had another interview with her, when
she again told him of her unhappy and miserable
condition, and imploring him, if he would not do
more, TO take her as far Mobile, when she would
trouble him farther He at last consented, and
told her if she would be on the boat (naming t) he
would give her protection as far as Mobile. She
went board the steamboat the night before she
was to start for Mobile. Her hus band and friends
found it out, went board and took her off Mons.
Adrien was then hunted for and pursued, but he
succeeded in concealing hmse for the night. Next
morning Nc Leod, by the advice OF certain Robert
F. Coke, armed himself with a double-barrelled
gun, and accompanied by said Coke, went in pursuit
Of Mons. Adrien After beating round town they
got information Of the route taken by Adrien,
who. poor fellow! was perfect stranger, and had
not single person here that he could look to To be-
friend him. On foot, and without hat, he strove to
effect his escape. Coke, who had separated from
Mcleod, overlook him at Hue's Ferry, on the Ala
bama river Adren just in the act Of crossing
the ferry, when Coke rode up and presented pistol
to the ferryman telling him if he attempted TO take
the Loaf across he would shoot him; and then turn
ing to Adrien, told him if he attempted TO move he
was dead man. Coxcs object was 10 await Nc
Leod's arrival Adrien begged and implored that
his life might be spared. In short time Mcleod
arrived, and Notwithstanding Adricn continued TO
inplore for his life, Mcleod discharged Of the
barrels Of his gun at HIM he in the Of leap
ing into the river, and the other after he in the
river. The jury that examined the body could find
no wounds, aud therefore brought in verdict that
he was drowned in an attempt to escape from being
murdered by John X. Mcleod and Robert F. Coke,
(said Coke Is vender Of drugs, medic ines obs &c)
Coke and Nc teod held to bail in the sum of ten
thousand dollar each.
The editors have been threatened with death if
they dared 10 publish the circumstances connected
with this murder, aud you see what has been said,
scarcely passing notice. Though done in rough
manner il places you in possession of the truth, and
YOU will be doing act Of Justice TO publish il to the
world. am in situation to be injured by some Of
the parties concerned, and therefore, under these
circumstances for fear Of consequences, must omit
my name. Most respectfully,
Your obcdient servant.
TRIAL OF CoMNopoRE ELLIorr.-Lieut Har-