Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1842-12-15
TRACEpx m REAl. I,lFE


The New Orleans I'ropic gives the. following ae-
count of fatal afair which took place q, Columbia,
Arkapsas:
Some months ago. DR.. Psske. (for-
merly Of Prince William county. Virginia,
and lately Of Palmyra, Miss arrived Al.
Columbia, with aflady and 9hiId, sup
posed 10 be bis wife and daughter, and
took lodgings at the hotel He had dur.
ing that time acquired the respect Of The
community and much professional rePu-
tation.
A few, days since gentleman whose
name is not now recollect ed. but who is
also resident. Of Palmyra, landed st
Columbia and presented letter ofliinlro-
duction to . gentleman OF the neighbor-
hood whom he informed that DIR. Peake
had been his friend and family physician
II Palmyra, where he had long enjoyed a
lucrative and extensive prsGlics. That
about six months ago bis Wife had ex-
pressed an earnest desire toEisit . fela-
live in one Of the northern counties of
Mississippi, 10 which, unsuspicious Of
wrong, be had yielded bis conseut, and
she accordingly left Palmyra, taking with
her their li:lle daughter about 6 years Old:
that immediately afterwards DR.. p. left
Palmyra, without making knowato any
one his object Or destination. "a few
weeks aftefDr. Pr departure. lheunsus-
peciing husband received Letter from
bis Mississippi friends, stating that bis
wife had eloped with stranger who had
appeared 10 the neighboihood soon after
his ewiie's arrival there. carrying wii6<her
The child, but that no clue 10 ,heiF hiding
place had been discovered bY their
friends. The husband made dlligent
search and inquiry for the fugitises. but
without success TIL about d fortnighli ago,
when he was informed by a steamboat
captain that be had seen DIR. Reake al
Columbia To ibis spot the husband i'm
medislely repaired. carrying Credentials
Of his own standing. an6 4 letter 81 intro.
duction 70 the gentleman 10 whom on
landing al Columbia be related the story
Of his wrongs. M
He then Informed The gentleman that
be only desired TO recover bis child. and
would onlS use force in case of resistance.
Accompanied BY the. gentIeman. (who
al once espoused his cause, hewelt to
TIE boarding house and without cHFenony
entered the room occupied BY D Peske
and bis adulierous wife. On ensering be
imme lately secured his child, and on al
attempt Of DIR. lPezke TO intefb9se, be
drew pistol and directing il TO Df. Peake,
Threatened him instant death il he adyanc-
ed. The doctors interference bfing thus
arrested, The unhappy man bore BIS child
off without further .hindrance, a fsE
minutes afterwaFas tie received arnessags
from his wife praying an 'ikisIsiew,
which be granted on condiiiok taal i
should take place 10 The presence pi Wit
nesses. .Accoriingly be repealed witt
several Of the ciiizens- ofthe to4nI 10 hel
apartment, where be, was speedily inter.
rupled BIZ the approach Of DS Psake
armed with a pistol. he iminsdialels
stepped d The door and draWingIliis pislo
fred and wounded Dr. P. whoS Aoseyer
continued 10 advance upon hiu with an
cry uenacIng gestures. The hpsbanI
lwho throughout the whole affair acted
with extraordinary cooIness then drHN
Bowie knife. and rushing ulpn pr. 7
before the lallsr could Gre bis pistol
plunged Ii into bis heart. TIE Daelo
lisll aid Immediately expired. his adger
shry exclaining. there lies villain ohe'
nv dearest frierId. who first deslloged ~,
HAPPINESS and deserved DEATH bDt @hl
lhas rushed % BE own destrqssinus
Va. dndsrs.shd' that lie miisfabls VIII
I has been provided fuF By h1r hpsband
4 bui remains At ColambIa; sb3l'sneaS b
him snt bis daughter and vlslshe.
ou,cssl from eli Eirluous society