Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-12-23
From the Crawfordsuiils "Press" Of Dec. 3.
Il. McDOnaid's Statement.

Il McDOnaid's Statement.
Mr. Bausman,-I ask the privilege, through the
columns Of your paper to correct false statement
put forth by the Covington peoples Friend in rela
ton TO the encounter between Senator Hannegan and
myself, and the previous difficulty that led to it.
should not have taken any notice of the base Ii
bel Of the "Frlend" were it not that through the me-
dunn of exchanges. the article has had wide circu-
lation, and is calculated TO prejudice the minds of
those who have knowledge of the difficulty, except
what Is drawn from that source, and who may be
strangers to me. | hazard nothing in saying, that
where the facts are known as they occurred and where
my character Is familiar, will be found TO con-
denim my course who Is not influenced by Senator
Hannegan and his particular friends.
will now make a statement of the ARRAY at Cow
ington, ON the 10Th of October, ut., which no man
contradict and tell the truth and, for the correct
ness OF which, pledge my honor.
had been TO Lodi, some l6 miles below Covington,
and was returning home in company with VIM. U.s.
burn, of Lodi. We stopped at Browns hotel, in Cow
ngIon and il being after the usual dinner hour, we
had spoken TO the bar-keeper. Mr.. Hetheld to have
some prepared for u.s. When we entered he bar-room
there were several persons sitting around the fire;
but none that | was acquainted with. A gentleman
(~hose name have since learned is Hanna) sit
ting by the fire. We had breakased together at Lodi
that morning. and remarked to him that had over
taken him; and drawing chair up sat down.
Shortly afer Senator Hannegan entered, and took
of smirk in his countenance which brought to my
mind vividly the former Injuries | had received at
the hands of him and his mob | returned his look
with interest," until his eyes fell He then entered in
to conversation with this Mr.. Hanna in relation to
some matter which paid attention to- He retained
his seat but moment, when he remarked to Hanna.
that she would be ready 10 go soon as he (Hanna
would" | do not know whether Mr.. Hanna sit
ting standing at the time paid attention to
him; but flanagan raised tn his feet and stepped to-
wards the door. | stepped forward and confronted
him. | told him I'll owed him whipping, aud would
give it to him." Before the last words spo
ken, | coared him, and threw him to the floor on his
back. The moment he struck the floor, he placed
both hands over his face; and the first blow struck
him was on the back of his hands, while they were
over his face. He withdrew his hands and | had
not struck him than perhaps twice after that,
until was pulled off by MIR. Buntn, OF New Orleans.
| learned the genteman's name to be. l dlsen-
gagged myself from this gentleman, and renewed the
attack on Hannegan whu, in the meantime, had turn
ed over. and endeavorng to rise, which he par
italy succeeded in doing, caught him by the collar
and struck him about the head, and probably kicked
him. | was Immediately seized by the collar and skirt
of the coat, dragged loose from flanagan, whom
/ kicked the side of tie head in the act. was
thrown with such force away from him, that in stag
gering back, stumbled a chair, and fell the
floor BY the time | had arisen, HanLegan was ON
his feet, going of the door. remarked, that 81
did not think ne would head mob som again"
did not kick him at all until pulled away from
him the first time; nor was Mr.. flanagan his
face until had been first pulled off him. He turned
his face while was releasing myself from the man
who held me-whom, as have already said, believe
to be Mr.. Buntin After Senator Hannegan had left,
/ enqured who had pulled me off, and Mr.. Buntin
piled that it was him. | told him if he had known
the circumstances he would not have done it.
At the solicitation of MIR. Brown, started to take
with his posse before had time to do So passed up
stairs until, by the assistance of a friend, horse
was procured, on which effected escape
The editor of the "FrieDd" stIgmatzes me "cOlr-
ard because did choOse trust myself to the
tender mercles of mob, headed by Senator Hannegan.
think the public, after careful perusal Of the aft
davis furnished will be slow to condemn me for that
act at leas and that they did not seek my presence
In any other capacity than that of moo, is evident
from the fact that, although med near three
hours In Covngton after the fight, no one attempted
TO obtain n warrant for my arrest ..
Had been armed, should have pursued differ
ent course but being unarmed, well knew that
would stand poor chance in the hands Of such men
composed Senator Hannegan's body-guard-with
whom such thing fair play is utterly unknown.
had a "taste OF their quality on former occasion,
and felt no great desire TO renew my acquaintance.
The puissant editor Of the "Friend" has been very
profuse of his vocabulary of hard my behalf
IN reply 10 which, VIII only say, that have 10 cpl
thets to handy with any one; least of all, with him,
whose highest boast is, to hang the skirts, and
minister to the morbid appetites of such men Sem
ator Hannegan: and when they commit any ACT which
the public likely to censure, he is always ready
inierpOse a shield of falsehood and misrepresentation
10 their conduct. But, he is so ready to
brand others with the corard he doubtless thinks
himself brave man. If he wishes to present indu-
bitabe proof Of his assertions he can have the trial.
by placing where he and stand equal danger,
that the pubic which he is anxious TO elighten on
the subject of my cowardice, can Judge which Of US
will show the white feather.
In regard to the crmilality of my conduct, will
say. conclusion, that the request of my friends,
Mr. William Osburn made affidavit of the assault.
upon which warrant was issued by Samuel Coleman,
Justice of the Peace and subpoena sent for Senator
Hannegan, copy of which, the officer (afier making
several unsuccessful attempts 10 see Senator Hanne
gan, and remaining some two three hours In Cow
ington) left at his residence On the examination,
was fined for an assault and battery upon Hannegan,
and paid it. Mr.. Hannegan did not appear, make
the attempt to have me recognized 10 court. | am
ready to meet any charge that may be preferred
against at any tIme In any place, in any
EZEKIEL MCDONALD.
ATTIcA, Nov. %, 1S47