The Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1843-1852, 1844-09-25

The following from the AbbeciUe Banner would
have appeared sooner, but the paper was mislaid.
1L. Edtor.-A most melancholy occurrence
transPircd in this place, the evening of the 9th
instant. Wc allude to an afray between two of
the students, Samuel Miller and Peter K Thomp-
son, which resulted in the death of the latter To
prevent mlsconception, and correct exaggerated
reports, we send you statement Of the principal
fact in the case.
The fatal affair occurred in tho hall of the Philo-
mathcan Society. The afternoon of Friday is aI-
ways devoted, by the literary societies of this In
stltuton, to the peculiar exercises appropriate to
them. AT the meeting on last Friday, Mr.. Miller,
it seems, took offence at the conduct Of Mr.. Thomp-
son during the deliberations of the evening I'm
medistcly after the adjournment of the society
some angry words were passed which resulted in
contest, and the event was, the death of Mr..
Thompson. 1t was found to have been occasioned
by two stabs, inflicted, one on the left side, near
the region of the heart and the other about the
abdomen. MIR. Thompson expired in fifteen or
The wounds were inflicted with pocket knife,
with blade about three and half inches in length.
The whole affair occupied period, not perhaps
exceeding hafa minute. There was no passion
ate excitement amongst any other individuals; nor
were there any other persons engaged in the Array,
but those mentioned above.
MIR. Miller has been taken into custody, and the
matter is under process of judicial investigation,
which forbds that any thing should be said which
might he prejudical to either of the parties. We
hope, therefore, that the public will suspend their
oplnlon respecting the Uhole transaction till all
the evidence is brought forward in open Court
What has been said, it is thought will be satis-
factory respecting the transaction itself We would
now further state, that this is the first distressing
casualty which has occurred amongst us since the
establishment of the Institution. For period of
eight years, during which it has been in existence,
VIC have never before, had occasion to follow one
OF our number to his "long homc" In this respect
we have been peculiarly favored with the blessing
OF heaven; on Il recent occasion we said to the
world, in our published Catalogue, for morality,
good order and digcnt attention to business was
unsurpassed in any similar Institution. AS we said
then. so zee say yct notwithstanding the mclancho-
ly occurrence that has just transpircd. During
period of eight years since the foundation of the
institution, there has never been an instance of a
dT"nHen Sfadeat, except one two accidental
cases. There has never been an instance in
which 1t was necessary to resort to czpulsion or
atsm,ssi0n. We hope then that the rnn6denee of
the community in the regularity and good order Of
the Students of this Institution will not be impair
ed by the present melancholy occurrence, much as
1t is to be deplorcd. A single transaction is rare.
ly, if ever safe test of character, either Of
individuals or communities, for either good or bad
The only correct method Of determining the char
acter of either is by referring the general tenor
of their conduct, stretching through a considera-
BILE period of time, and to this we confidently ap-
peal.
BY AUTHORITY THE Faculty..
Erkslnc College, Sept. g. 1914.