New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1843-03-23
rsa Rrurasr of Gor,iea.


The interest excited in the public mind by the
recent and audacious murder of Mr.. Corlies rather
deepens than subsidies. From the report of the
testimony taken yesterday it will be seen that little
progress was made towards solution of the mys-
tery in which it is enveloped, though several cir
custances Of considerable Importance, as the fact
that Mrs Cotton called at the clearinghouse Of
Co1les at about half past sx On the evening OF hs
death and inquired for him, were brought to light
There appears to be a very general s'sspac'on In
the public mind that the murder was committed
by Mrs Cotton; that this, however, will ever riPen
into proof is at least extremely doubtful. Apart
from the mystery in which the transaction Itself Is
enveloped, which alone might well battle the keen
est search of ynx-eyed Justice, the social posilos
of Collen, the resources at his command. and the
,,,,,he, ond character of the friends he has made
in the practice of his profession, (of which the
Herald says he was conspicuous and most hon
orable member,) might, in community where
such influences have far less weight than with US,
almost ensure him immunity from the arm of pub
Z lie Law; and his power, whatever 1t might be,
would naturally be extended over his wife, whom,
if she be guilty, he will probably be supposed to
have prompted, and perhaps urged, to the commits
sion Of the murder.
Cotton, we understand, came originally from
Boston, where he learned, and for some years prac,
ticed, the art of engraving. He was Industrious
skiful and enterprising and in the course of te"
years amassed very considerable amount OF pro
perty. While there he married his present wife
who was connected with respectable family al
Providence, R. l., where she lived, and who was
an intelligent, well-educated and accomplished la
dy. They have now two children, the eldest OF
whom is about II years of age. Some four or 1--WE
years since he removed this city, and abandoning
his homes, calling, established gambling house
at Ne. 26 Vesey. in large ourstory house,
which he furnished in the richest style. He ha,
here been in the habit of giving splendid suppers
and other entertainments freely and frequently, 10
all whose fortunes aud habits made them desirable
objects of his acquaintance Being himself intel
hgent and pleasing in his manners, his house thus
became the common resort of many men of the
highest fashionable circles of the City-including
eminent professional gentlemen as well as thoss
engaged in mercantile and other pursuits. In this
class, therefore, he has many earnest and infuen-
tia friends, not entirely dsinterested perhaps, bu
likely that account TO feel none the less anxiety
to the result of this affair and the developments
to which its progress may give rise. Being
tremely expert at play, and devoting himself to il
with assidu,y and remerseiess purpose, he soon
greatly increased his fortune; and became one OF
the wealthiest well most notorious and fash
ionable gamblers of our City.
-f,
with hinssf-engagedi in the same business, though
with less marked success, became acquainted with
Mrs. Cotton during her husbands temporary ab-
sence in Boston last autumn or in the early part OF
winter. Their intercourse seon became criminal
aae was uninterrupted for some time. Her at
taehmeaf TO him was very ardent and engrossing
ana she gave him at different times presents,
manly OF Jeselry, &c. to tho amour. of nearl,
S2,0os. Their intimacy was soon discovered BY
friend OF Cotton, who after a time waited upon
Mrs. Cotton, informed her that bs WAS en,irelv
aware of it and threatened 10 inform her husband
of il unless it was at once broken off She treated
the matter very lightly, aud manifested NO incbna.
ton to follow his advice. Csltsa's friend ,beo
went to Corlies, who, through his influence, was
persuaded to return the jewery, &C. he had re.
eeived from Mrs. Cotton. Their intercourse, how
ever, was still continued !; and on Coltons return
to the city he was informed of the whole affair by
the friend who had already interfered in hi, be
half. Cotton immediately went to see Corlies and
told him that As was acquainted with the whoi.
aanssction. He promised, hewever, for the sake
Of his children, TO drop all memory Of the pas