Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-10-08
THE RICHMOND TRAGEDY.

LIE RiIIMOND hAGEDI.
The Richmond papers Of yesterday
morning, with the exception Of the En-
qulrer, are wholly silent on the subject of
the recent bloody tragedy in that city
Al a late hour on Thursday evening, the
Enquirer states that the physicians Of Mr..
Hoyt report that he continued in about
the same condition as he had been for the
previous two days-no change for the bet
ter or worse.
The following letter purporting TO be a
version of this melancholy affair, appears
in New York paper:-
His room was entered this morning by
three persons-ihe first was MIR. Burr,
who brought him paper to sign, plecg-
ing himself to leave Richmond imme-
diately, and never to return TO this city
under the penalty of forfeiture Of his life.
He refused to sign it, saying that he had
been guilty Of no crime--indeed Of moth
ing Of which he was ashamed, and that he
had no business elsewhere. Thererpon,
Col. Samuel Myers, of this place, entered,
followed by his brother William. The
former had large stick in his hand, which
he struck upon the floor violently saying
at the same time. very emphatically.
"You must sign that paper without delays"
or something to that effect, if not in the
exact words | use. He answered -
"Gentlemen, shall decline signing that
paper"
William Myers instantly drew arevol-
yer and commenced firing on H., who had
risen on his bed when the two las, indivi.
duals made their appearance. The first
time the trigger was drawn Qhe pistol was
placed within about foot, perhaps OF HIS
person. the weapon snapped. II. attempt
ed to close, but before he could do so,
the weapon was discharged and he receiv.
ed ball in the head, jast over the right
eye. He was blinded instantly by the
gush of blood which followed the wound
yet still attempting to defend himself
when he received a second ball, which
passed entirely through the feshy part oil
one thigh, and buried itself in the other
Fl. saws tina, he felt at that moment
doubtless from the loss Of blood. which
flowed very protusely-as if he was sus.
pended in the air and could no, reach the
ground. He then fell, and rolled down
the steps in his chamber TO the lower
floor. The cause of this horrible scene
was jealousy on the part of VIM. Myers,
who supposed that Hoyt and his wife had
been guilty of Grim. con.
After bis fall they were going out Of hi,
room when H. said-believing the words
TO be the last that he ever should utter--"l
am innocent: so is She" This affair took
place at about quarter to seven this morn
ing. | arrived here
at half-past FIVE, P. NJ. found II. as
perfectly cool and calm as if nothing Of
any grea, consequence had occurred;
never saw more nerve exhibited by any
man in my life. He gave me the above
account of the matter, which have re.
lated as nearly as possible in bis own
words.
The physicians in attendance do not al
low the slightes, hope Of his recovery
they consider it bare possibility Public
opinion at present is against our poor friend
| but and others are perfectly convinced Of
his entire innocence in regard TO the i'm
pure crime with which he,is charged.
p. S. Tuesday morning, 29th inst, G
o'clock. He has slept during all the
night waking only three or four times,
when he would talk to me in his usual
manner. DR.. Carmichael has Just called
TO see him, the wound is doing we'll, but
he seems to be in state of wonder and
snrprze that he is still living, and in such
an excellent condition. He complains
only OF bruised sensation-no acute pain
whatever, and on being asked by the frs,
person Who entered his room. what was
the matter replied "tha, he could hardly
tell except tina, he had been shot; that he
had no idea whatever of The extent Of the
injuries he had received, but supposed the
wounds were mortal"