Arkansas intelligencer., 1848-02-26

AiUGDER.-JEsSE MERRITT was killed at Fort
Smith, on las, Saturday by San.t. Edmondso. of
that place. Both were men of bad character,
Merritt was ''pardoned convict" and was let
out OF the Peniien.iary last year, and Edmondson
was indicted for stealing, by the Grand Jury at
last session and is under bonds for his ap-
pearance. The following particulars are from
The Herald, publishsd at For, Smith, the scene of
the murder:
"Ihere was some difficulty existing between
them, and on the morning OF Saturday they had
quarrcied. About three O'Clock P. NJ, Merritt,
walked iEto Edmondson's Office to see ESQ. Hud-
speIh, who was there, after getting through with
his business and was in the act of starting off,
Edmondson fred from the outside of the back
Goor Of the Office. the ball entered the rgh, breast
and came out under the left shoulder blade, and
Merritt fell dead upon the floor uttering only one
short groan. Edmondson not perceived by
any one in the office, but he must have placed
himself in position here he could take deliberate
aim. He fled immediately upon firing his pistol.
and went TO the residence of Maj. Rector, about
two miles from town, where he sen! for the Sheriff.
who Immediately went out and took him into his
custody, and removed him to Van Buren,"
He was brought before r. P. PRyoR Esq, and
after an examination af several days. he was re-
quired to enter into recognizance bond of
$1,000.
OF Professor NIcHoL the distinguished English
Astronomer, is now in the United States. He
has commenced series of lectures on As,rono-
nv in New York, which are favorabIy recciv ed
by large AUDIENCES.
The New York Tribune gives these lectures
correctly reported, which are a source of grea,
interest to the readers of that paper.
Commodore RlDGELY of the U. S. Navy died in
Baltimore on the 4th inst.
0-rThe Hon. JOHN w. JONES, formerly Spea-
ker Of The House of Representatives in the Con-
gress, and distinguished citizen of Virginia,
died at his residence on the lst inst.
0cTGEoRGE S. DWIGHT ESQ. editor OF the n.
Y. express died on the 29lh ul,
0rrTho Rev. P. ". Walsh passed through our
town or last Wednesday. From him we are
pleased 20 learn that The Catholic church at Fort
Smith is finished, aud will be consecrated immedi-
aIeIy upon the arrival of Bishop Byrne, Of this
dioccss, who is expected from Little Rock, short
Iy, fer that pu rPose. Mr.. Walsh also informs US
that he will, at an early day, colIec. portion of
the amounts subscribed for that object, with view
TO commence the erection of q Catholic church in
this place.
0Er Elder J. T. Johnson. has just returned from
visit, of about TWO weeks, to Fayetteville, where,
as we are informed. about thirty-fve additions
were made to the " Christian Church, The
whilst he was there, and i! is composed of about
fifty members.
EIdor J. made successful haul during his visit.
He is certainly an efficient '' fisher of men,
Among those found in the fDeshes of the not,'
are, four lawyers, q doctor and preacher.
We learn that he speaks to-day AMI to-mor-
row, in the church at Belmont, near : ros Bayou.
0ErFunds have been subscribed TO build Pres
BY terian and Methodist churches in this place, and
: is expected that the erection of both will com
nence in a short time.
Col. DrenEea has acted in a liberal s2irit, Civ
ng, we believe, two lots to each denomination to-
wards the erection of church.
G-Mr. Mutt delivered his lecture on " Wo-
men," TO s. perfect JAM in Little Rock, on the
l4th. We suppose he convinced the sex'' that
hey are not as they should be, and if he did he
las accomplished than any other man
fhe citizens OF Little Rock are enroptured with
Mr.. NJ, and Iaud him through the press and every
other channel. We have understood that ne will
visit this place; how soon we cannot say, as the
good people of Little Rock still! cling on 10 him
with much tenacity. When he does come he will.
no doubt, rustic Up some old sinners, in these dig
gins, who have invariably refused TO attend to
meeting to hear any "lesser man than Mafit."
In CoNGREss.-We have not encountered our
columns with unimPortant proceedings in Con-
gress, TO the exclusion of more important and in
terestng matter. When Congress gets to work
and does anything more than g give notices. and
make nations then we will nut our readsrs in