The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-11-20
ASSASSINATION.
From the Richmond Uhis

TTOW Me HtCHHoHu UHtS.
DEATH OF PROFESSOR DAVIS OF THE UNIVERSITY.
The subjoned letter tells the melancholy tale of this
genteman's premature death He died on Saturday,
from the pistol shot received on the Thursday before,
from some unknown hand. The affair is most shock
ing and distressing in all its aspects-in the sudden
and violent death of one who was ornament to
ciety and object Of affection TO all who knew hum
and in the dark cloud which it throws the whole
body of Studentsthe innocent along with the guilty
This last cannot long continue II will be dspelled,
and the crime will be fixed upon the guilty. But
nothing can restore the deceased to the bosom of
large and most esmable family-to the circle of adj
mirng friends and the republic of letters which he
adorned and ennobled. He is gone and left but few
behind him possessed Of nobler traits Of charactera
hearta clearer head and talents better suit
ed for public usefulness.
Professor D. was in this city during the early part
of last week, and left here on "Wednesday morning
The announcement Of his sudden death will be the
shocking to his numerous friends here, who hadV
just parted from him. in full health and spirits, and
with every prospect Of a long and happy life.
.S We hear that the individuals on whom suspicion
has fallen, are not citizens OF this State.
To the Editors Qfhe Wing
Charlottesville, Nov. Is, l840
Gentlemen: You will have seen brief notice in
the last Advocate of most painful occurrence which
TOOK place at the University Thursday night last.
It was hoped and bvliovsd by the physicians and the
numerous and devoted friends of Professor Davis in
the nelgnoOrnO0u, tHat the wound was not mortal
but time has lamentaby proved the Contrary
to all expectation, he expired yesterday (Saturday)
about down, after some 48 hours of the most in
tense and excruciating pain gloom has been thrown
this whole country by this awful tragedy. have
never known wanton SO unprovoked, and SO brutal
an outrage to be committed in civilized land. The
circumstances, well collect them, about
these The 18th November ia the anniversary of
celebrated rebellion which took place in the University
some three or four years ago Il has been CUSTOMARY
with few Of the Students to celebrate that day
since. On Thursday night last, the l2th there
were only two or three who could be found to CON-
memorate the event They went forth about o'clock
at night armed with pistols and disguised with
masks, &c. After making good deal Of noise upon
the lawn of the University they approached Professor
Davis residence, with the design, he believed to
who they were. He Immediately came upon very
small person, who had mask on and who was other
wise disguised He approached him, and reached out
his hand TO unmask him. The individual, without
utering word, stepped back one or two PAGES, and
fred the fatal shot Thus has been cut down. in the
vigor of intellect and the prime Of manhood, gentle
man who ornament to society and the pride Of
the University.
II is not yet known who the perpetrator of this
diabolical deed A student arrested yesterday, ]
and after examining great many witnesses the case
was adjourned till tomorrow. The evidence
against him thus far consists of the vaguest sort of
suspicion. Another student disappeared from the
University Friday, the day after Professor Davis
was shot, and las not been heard of sncea
Every effort, trust, will be made to bring the offended
to justice
In haste, your friend
P s. II is due to the students generally to state that
they look upon the perpetrator, whoever he may be-
with the utmost Indignation and that they have beer
very active in endeavorng TO ascertain who he is.