Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-11-18
From the COringtOn Peoples Friend.
Infamous and Brufal OUfraue.

infamous and Brutal Outrage.
Believing that notoreiy was the principal incentive
to the brutal attack upon Senator Hannegan perpera-
ted some two three weeks since in the bar room of
Mr.. Z. b. Browns Hotel in this place, by Ezekiel
Mcdonald Of Atca, and in the hope that silence on
our part would prevent publicity being given it in
newspaper prints, declined noticing it al the time
OF occurrence. shamefully perverted version of
the affray, however, found its way into the columns
OF the last weeks Peoples Press of Charlottesville
calculated to prejudice public mind against Mr.. Han
negan and screen the guilty assaant from the odium
that Will attach TO him wherever his ruany conduct
Is understood which, in connection with the false col
orlng given the tale In different places by frequent
petition from McDonald's friends, renders the duty
imperative of setting the matter right before the pub
lie The certificates furnished for publication in this
weeks paper by those conversant with all the facts,
give fair occasion for accompanying leader ex-
panaory of the various items connected with the sub
lcct, we understand hem and embodylng fairly the
concurrent sentiments of political opponents well
as of political personal friends to Mr.. Hannegan in
this community.
We ask attention to the facts set forth, aud re-
quest Mr.. Bausman of the Peoples Press" and all
other editors who may have been led into error by his
informant if disposed to mee out justice to those con-
cerned, to notice the ARRAY fairly from ,ae evidence
here given, that the whole truth may be known. and
proper Indignation expressed such as steathy assas-
sinke conduct of this character will inspire the
breast Of any and every civilized people,
The first two afdavits which follow are from three
out of the only four parsons who eve witnesses
OF the transaction; Mr.. Buntin of New Orleans, the
fourth present, having left Immediately thereafter
he was writing with his back to the parties at the
time it did occur. and cam of course add nothing to
what Is here given; but refer to him for confrma-
ton OF the scene far his observation and knowl
edge extended
The other afhdavits appended to show the con-
duct displayed by Mr.. Hannegan on the occasion of
Tho a. 49,
then taken by MIR. Hannegan, we have reason to be-
leve from various good authorities, Mcdonald who
assaulted him behind few days since, has been pp-
prised of at various times and from different sour
eeS.
1t will be seen that he then and there saved the life
OF the rufian who for more than twelve months has
been secretly watching opportunity to take Ills.
Of the visit Of the people of Covngton and vicinity
to Attica on that occasion, only repeat what
We have explained heretofore time and again, that it
was strictly legal in its organization, and pehceful in
Its purposes. The people went in compla nee with
the call OF the engineer and sub-s1pernendent who
had been shamefulIy nsued their authority trampled
upon, and their orders outraged and desplsed by a
mob OF boatmen two days previous. The officers of
the law were with them, and had called them to
sist, if necessary, in the service of legal process.
The fighting which ensued was confined to but three
FOUR and was the result Of unexpected and tempo
rary excitement In this Mr.. flanagan did not par
it and to such extent that he than pla-
ced himself before his friends who in the act of
striking mourning the greatest danger of being struck
by them in their phrensy. He caught the club from
the hands Of highly excited at the instant it
was descending upon McDonad's head, who lay pros
trate In the edge of the with his face up and
that blow, if given must have been instantly fatal
He repeatedly called out not to kill him, and whilst
turning take club from the hands of another man
who was advancing within few feet with threatnng
outcries, he called Mr.. Martin and others near to
save Mcdonald from drowning.
These facts present, verified by the afidavits of
eye and ear witnesses of high standing and unim-
peachabe character be found the State of In
diana. majority Of them differ with Mr.. Hannegan
politically and have on no OCCASION we believe sup
ported him for any office They will be sustained by
twenty or thirty more gentlemen, not only in these
statements. but in others equally striking. In view
of all the facts will add that the Grand Jury al
its next session will certainly fail in the discharge OF
duty, if Mcdonald is not presented for trial for the
crime which he medItated and attempted. We speak
emphatically and sincerely.
One other fact we will add to correct the false I'M
preston OF the Peoples Press" There was no
crowd collected to inAct chastisement on Mcdonald
Immediately after the recent outrage; he remained
unmoested in the for ten or fifteen min
uies during which time gentleman with whom he
acquainted entered and refused TO shake hands
with him, but made use of no language except decli-
ming to take his hand 1t only when some one
remarked that MIR. Hannegan was coming with gun
that he turned with every appearance of terror, anC
asked for room or hiding place, which was furnish
ed in pity to his fears: and they great that
when he finally escaped by back alleys, taking cir
cuitous route Attica, he rode down horses in
reaching that place, distant only about sixteen miles
leaving behind the horses and buggy with which hi
To COvington
Another fasehcod in the statement ofthe CrawfOrds
vile paper u.s. that the first opportunity Mcdonald hat
to be revenged on Mr.. Hannegan, the day of Thu
outrage. Ii is well known TO many of our citizen
that Mr. Hannegan and Mcdonald have at least oil
two occasions since the affair at Attica, passed AM
repassed in the Streets the first time during the ses
sion of our circuit court and within ten days Of tn
occurrence at Attica.
The afidayits show that the assault was made b
Mcdonald coming unperceved behind Mr.. Hanne
gan, who sitting with his legs crossed, and with
out one word Of previous alteration or OF warning
making instant and violent attack by hurting hir
to the floor; and so unexpected and noisless it
that Mr.. Hanna, of Greencastle, supposed that Nh
Hannegan had fallen in a fit, although more thai
two PAGES from them.
Mcdonald is scarcely known beyond the limite
circle in which he moves in the full vgor of youth
full manhood, aged about %. His obscuriiy render
it necessary to full understanding of the enormt
of his baseness that these facts be stated. In ve'
of them, the question presses on the mind, why dl
he not possessing he does, physical strength I
Justify seek satisfaction of those who had inure
him, instead of cowardly attacking behind, withou
warning one of double his years, unequal proves
and who had befrlended him to the saving of hi
life We forbear making further comment, and il
vte to perusal Of the annexed certificates: