The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-01-15

MlDsHIrMAN PArrERsoN.-We have received, from
an attentive correspondent, the following interest
ing and melancholy particulars of the assassination
OF Passed Midshipman Patterson, in the streets Of
Mahon;--
SLoop OF WAR FAIRFIELp,l
PoRT MAHoN, Oct 81, 1872
j. GORDON BENNETT, ESQ nt -,r
DEAR SR,- D.f-I,.
OR squadron was few days since thrown into
great excitement, by the horrid assassination OF
Acting Master ]. s. Patterson OF the United States
Frgate Congress, whose melancholy fate, has cast
deep gloom over us all. Never has the annals OF
crime recorded more daring or cod-blooded mur-
DER: from the information / can gain upon the
subject, II is as follows =
About IL o'clock on the evening of the 18th uIt.,
Lieuts Hunter and bod (of this ship in descend
s Suddenly STARTLED f'd Sy to The the ssc wns1
Of scufe. and the jinsas sound Of awespon fall
ing over the mecipice. Upon hearing this, the for
mer handed one Of his pistols to the latter andrushed
ed. In ascending the hill, Mr. Patterson, Che de-
ceased) passed them, and exclaimed, oh, my God,
am stabbed" After an elapse of a few moments,
both Messrs Hunter and bod returned, (not finding
any trace OF the perpetratof or perpetrators) owing
10 the utter darkness of the night, and discovered
Mr.. F; upon the ground, lfeless corpse!
Mr. remained BY the body, whilst Mr.. d pro-
the former hailed the Congress for assistance. Mr..
d. shortly afterward returned, and with the assis
lance of DR.. Baxter, of the Congress, who, coming
up behind, succeeded in bringing the body to the
landing place. Meanwhile, Mr.. Hunters calls for
help were answered by the immediate lowering of
boat, and, in the twinkng of an eye, the second
cutter OF the Congress- together with two boats
from the Fairfield, were at the wharf, loaded to
their gunwales with the officers and crews of both
ships, armed with boarding pixies, cntlasses, and
pistols, determined upon learning of Mr. Patterson's
death, TO extermnate the first Spaniard who dared
to the spot, and in spite OF the orders and
mands of Lieutenant Hunter, (who had, du-
ring this important crisis, exhibited that de-
gree of GOODNESS and elaboration, which
constitutes one of the most important traits of his
amiable characer,) they persisted in leaving their
BEATS and not until the arrival of number of off.
GERS, were they ordered back.
Upon examination of the body, three wounds
were discovered, one on the left breast penetrating
the hear-the others were received in the right
arm, evidently defending his body from the deadly
weapon of the villain who merely for sordid gain,
struck the fatal blow, and terminated the existence
Of one "whose. memory will long be cherished in
the hearts OF his countrymen."
Yesterday Sunday the remains OF the lamented
Mr.. Patterson were committed to the 'silent tomb"
The funeral procession was large, composed OF the
officers OF Swedish and French vessel of war, lying
in the harbor, also the officers and crews of the
different ships composing the squadron.
The greatest excitement prevails throughout our
squadron, and prompt measures have been taken to
apprehend the fugitive. reward of $500 has been
Subscribed and offered for the of assassin
In haste yours, respectfully, &c., Y.