Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-04-02
Terrible Array at NashviIle.

ing account of a dreadful affray which had just taken
place in that city.
Robert Porterfeld. whose untimely death a whole
community is now deploring, having learned that E
Z. c. Judson had stated that he had had criminal
intercourse with his, Potterfeld's wife, sought an
interview with the latter, on Wednesday last, IN pre-
sence of several ind viduals, TO one of whom, IT was
said, Judson had made the statement. That individual
when asked, In Judson's presence, II such statement
had been made to him by Judson, promptly answered
in the affirmative. Judson strenuously denied it; but
Porter6eld, placing no confidence in his denial, drew
a pistol and would have shot him on the spot, had he
not been prevented from doing SO by those who were
present. On the evening of the day in which this
interview took place, the individual at whose Office it
was held, made known to Mr.. John Porterield, the
brother OF the deceased, that, prior TO the interview,
Judson had called upon him and confessed that he had
made the statement in question to the individual about
TO be brought forward as a witness, but that for the
purpose of saving his life, which he knew would be
taken by the Porterfelds, if the fact were proven upon
him, he intended 10 deny ever having said any thing
Of the kind. Both the Messrs. Porterield became
entirely satisfied that Judson had made the infamous
statement charged upon him, and we are informed
upon reliable authority, that there cannot be a doubt
of his having made it.
Notwithstanding this, however, the affair might
have been dropped here, but for the fact, that on Fri
day, Judson and Mrs. P~orterfeld were known to be
alone together for a considerable time at the grave
yard in the vicinity of town. When this circumstance
was revealed to her unfortunate husband, he fell to
to the floor as if a ball had penetrated his heart. He
was of a singularly amiable and ~confding disposition
and devotedly attached to his wife.
In this frame of body and mind he proposed to his
brother, John Porterfeld, on Saturday, about half after
three O'Clock, to take a walk, without any expectation,
it is confidently believed, Of meeting with Judson.
Unfortunately, however, they met with Judson near
the Sulphur Spring, when a recounter Immediately
took place. Three shots were fired at Judson, as we
| understand he hacEinO the while and DrofaSiinU N
Discrimination to shoot, he fired and shot Robert Por-
terield in the forehead, just above the right eye, of
which wound the latter died about ii O'clock that
night. The news that Judson had killed Porterfeld
soon spread like wild-fre. The public mind, wound
up to a pitch of deep and maddening excitement, was
in a condition to be thrown off its balance.
A large crowd soon collected in and around the
Court House, where Judson, who bad been immediate
ly aPprehended, was brought before an examining
Court. The Court was In the act of preparing an
order for his commitment to Jail, when ]. Porterield,
frantic at his brothers death and injuries, made his
appearance in the Court room, and the cry burst forth
from the crowd, make way for John Porter6eld-
let him kill Jutson 7" The sheriff, Lanier, who was
in the clerks box, where also was Judson, sprung
forward and met Porterfeld, who had Jumped over the
railing behind the bar, about midway between the
railing and the box, seized, and with the aid of one
of his assistants, held him for some moments-Porter
field struggling violently TO release himself from their
grasp. This he finally effected by the aid of some
friends who overpowered the sheriff and drawing a
revolving pistol, commenced firing at Judson, who
started in a run out of the house, Porterfeld following
in close pursuit and firing at him, as often as occasion
: would permit, down tie steps, across from the Cour
/, House TO the City Hotel, and up the steps of the
, sta of the hotel. One or two gentlemen endea.
: vored 10 aid Judson in escaping TO the hotel, bu
Porterfeld and his friends followed so closely in pur
suit, that they were compelled TO retire, and Judson
in hopes of effecting his escape, jumped, or more
: probably swung himself off, frcm the portico of The
third story, and fell to the ground, stunned by the
o fall. Not less than eight or ten shots were fired a
4 him-all, it is said, by POrterfeld-but not one o
which took effect. He was knocked down with
rock between the Court House and the hotel, and only
: escaped for the moment, by jumping from the poriicC
5 of the third story to the ground, which he effected
without breaking or dislocating a limb! Tbeace hc
q was conveyed by the officers 10 jail without farihe
, moleStation or interference on the part of any one.
Here we most sincerely wish we could end ouI
+ painful narrative. but it is not permitted to us
About ten O'Clock that night, a considerable number
= of persons. among whom, we are informed. wer,
q under the intense excitement which the occurrence,
= of the day had produced. proceeded to the Jail, anC
= against the circumstances, and in defiance of III,
h. resistance OF the jailor, possessed themselves of thu
n keys, seized Judson and proceeded with him TO The
n public square, with the ayowed intention of hanging
e him. This, however. was no, done.
l. The rope, 1t is said, with which ii was attempted f
hang him, broke. We suspect it was Intentionally
cut. Reason had by this time began to resume it
sway, and Judson was finally carried back to the iai
: and delivered into the hands of the keeper bv tn
same party who had taken him out. His situation
n we understand is somewhat precarious, rendered s.
+ by the bruise he received, and possibly from SOM
internal injury occasioned by his fall from the portico