Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa Territory [Iowa]) 1840-1846, 1844-06-15
From the 81. Louis Republican, JuneS
Case OF SeductiOn-A Fathers Re
Venge.

From the 81. Louis Repnbtican, JuneS.
Case OF SeductiOn-A Fathers Re.
venge.
Our city was thrown into state ofexcitement
yesterday by tragic occurrence between Mr..
E. FoRD and NATHANIEL w. Low, an auction
Ger on the corner Of Main and Walnut streets.
1t appears from evidence elected in an examina-
ton yesterday, before Justice WErMoRE, that
Low, by promise of marriage, succeeded in Sc
ducing the only child of Mr.. F. Ford, aud per-
suaded her to elopc from her fathers house
that he sent her to New Orleans and some days
after followed her. On last Monday, ON his re-
turn from New Orleans, he left her at st. Gene
We've, and on Thursday arrived alone in this city.
The father learned the fact, of her being in Lows
company, and her stopping as above mentioned,
from the steward of the boat, and Immediately
set forth in search of her seducer. From the pc
Rod Of her leaving home up to the time Of the
fatal occurrence he had not cees d to search for
her-had employed others to aid him, and in a
frenzied state continually raved about his daugh-
ter. He suspected Low, and had once before ac-
costed him in the street, upon which occasion
Low produced letter which he said he had re-
ceived from her, stating that she had left the
city; the father snatched the letter from him and
they parted. His suspicious were confirmed by
the later evidence Of the steward, and it drove
him to state of madness.
In this excited state, he yesterday, in compa-
ny with friend, visited the Office of Mr.. Low,
and requested private interview. Mr.. L. CON-
Piled; and on the parties adj,urning to his lodg-
ing apartment, Ford enquired where his daughter
was? Low answered ssthat if he came on that
business, he had better clear out" Ford then
remarked, that he (Low) had promised to marry
her, and by that promise had succeeded in ruin
ing; that she was enciente, and he wished to
know if he intended to fuMi his promise? The
witness stated that Low told the father to ago to
hell" He, the witness, on hearing angry words
commence between them, stepped towards tie
door; and when he turned round, observed Ford
standing up with pistol in his hand. Ford re-
peated the question, "will You marry my daugh-
ter?" Low again told him to ego to hell )" an l
the exasperated father fred the postol. Low
was seated at the time he received the wound.
The ball entered nearly the centre Of his fore
head, making CHASTITY, and, it is believed, IA
tai wound.
Mr.. Ford made no effort to escape, but on the
contrary yielded himself up to the person who
accompanied him, and desired to be conducted
to the Recorders Office. He spoke in cool and
collected manner about the affair, and on his ex-
animation, yesterday afternoon, exhibited the
same calm determination to abide the consequent
ceS.
Low is a young man Of about thirty wears Of
age, and has for some time resided in this city,
pursuing the business Of an auctioneer.
We~visied his chamber short time after the
occurrence, and were shocked at the appearance
Of the wounded man. A large mass Of coagu-
lated blood entirely closed his right eve, and from
the unsightly wound in his forehead continual
stream Of blood was rushing out upon his pillow.
It was the general opinion Of his physicians that
the wound would prove fatal.
The fact of MANY FoRD being in company
with Low, and criminal intercourse having ex-
listed for some time between them, is matter
upon which, it appears, no doubt Is expressed,
nor is it denied BY the wounded man; but under
what circumstances such intercourse commenced
the peans used BY Low to effect it-or the
culpability OF the victim, is subject upon which
We can throw no light. The countless rumors
which are ever set aAoat after such an occur
renee, are generally unworthy ofcredence. The
bare facts IS stated, are. ia every sense, most
distressing and horrible.
The further examination Of Mr. Ford was de-
ferrsd last evening, until the certainty Of Mr..
Lows fate 10 ssesrtafned, and bail required and
given in the suni of q, 900. We learned from
one Of TIE attending phvsicians, 1T evening,
that the patient was gradually shining from the
effects Of bis wound.