The North-Carolina standard., 1850-05-01

dORRlD ASSASSINATION! "A most 0OrflQ ana SnOCk-
ing murder was committed. in the vicinity of Deca-
tur, on Thursday, the 2Ist inst. by Dr.. G. w.
Buchanan, upon the body of William II. Lashly.
Most of our readers will doubtless remember that
Buchanan arrested for stealing watch in the
summer of last year, which caused at the time and
for months after, considerable excitement in Newton
county. Public opinion seemed to sway to and fro
for long time in reference to the mater-but there
are circumstances attending the commission of the
last offence, which go far to substantiate the truth of
the first charge which was preferred against Buchan-
The facts connected with the commission of this
most aggravated offence, have been communicated to
US somewhat in detail. 1t appears that during the
excitement in reference to the charge which first
preferred against Buchanan, that Lashly was of
the number who believed him innocent, until Bu-
chanan, Presuming upon his friendship, inquired fire.
quently if he ever heard John Dunn, (who was the
principal witness for the State in the watch case,)
"say anything about him or threaten his life,'' to
which Lashly replied that he had not Buchanan
then stated to Lashly, that it made no difference
whether he had heard Dunn say anything or not, so
he would tell him so, and stand up to it in Court of
JUSTICE. "That," he said, Z" would answer the same
purpose, and that three or four hundred dollars
no object to him." He also reminded Lashly that
he was very poor and dependent, and had to work
hard for living, and therefore, he had better accept
the Offer" To all Of which, Lashy Indignantly re-
piled, that he would not swear to lie and send his
soul to hell for him any other man, Mr.. Lashy
kept the particulars of this conversation to himself
long as he could; but, finally, he could contain him.
self no longer, and communicated them to several cit
lZens, who advised him to take out warrant and
have Buchanan arrested. He said, &c he had resolved
to make Buchanans propositions public even at the
sacrifice of his lfe-that he would permit no such
vainv to remain concealed within his breasts" but
declined the advice of his friends, stating as reason,
'' that he looked upon man who would make such
proposition none too good to cheerfully in the
Penitentiary for years, and come out and take his
life for exposing him." That he would, however,
suggest plan, which he believed to be the only safe
one to induce Buchanan 10 renew the proposition
the hearing of others. That he wanted to reveal the
secret but would like to be forced to do SO, as he
thought he would be in less danger of losing his life
than if he voluntarily prosecuted him-Lashly mani
Testing, during the whole recital fear and apprehen-
sion that his life was in imminent danger at the hand
OF Buchanan. The melancholy sequel proves that
21st inst, about 10 o'clock, % he went to the new
building Of Mr.. Lashly, about half mile from Deca-
tur, where he was at work. Some conversation mme-
diatey ensued, which was in part heard by the sher-
1T and Mrs Murphy at short distance, who went to
arrest Buchanan and hear what passed between him
and Lashly. Buchanan first inquired of Lashly ifhe
had any water Lashly pointed him to spring about
fifty yards from the house, and came down from the
roof and started with B. in that direction, walking
before him. Abont half way between the house and
spring, Buchanan drew his doublebarrel gun and shot
Lashly placing the gun nearly to his head and shoot
lug Oft his left cheek and nose. He then deliberate
ly took the gun which Lashy had, (he having been
that morning,) placed it to his head
and shot him again, mangling it in a most shock
ing manner. He then laid Lashly's gun down by
him, and left in fast walk in westerly direction
This was done in full view of MIR. Murphey and
Col. Williamson, who being unprepared, did not
venture to show themselves, he being armed with
good shot gun and brace of pistols. He, doubtless
did not apprehend that any human eye saw him COM
NIT the Murder, and doubt designed and intended
hall hat fkon
be charged to some one else. This is inferred from
the fact that he left his horse behind him, and about
$5O In his office, and on leaving town, endeavored
to impress several persons with the belief that he
was going to MIR. Jones's house, which is about
mile from Decatur, and TO go in that direc-
ton, until he passed out of sight-but Immediately
turned north, and and killed Lashly, and in less
than fifteen minuies was at Mr.. Jones's, seemingly in
hne spirits, lively perfectly calm, and free from all
excitement He remarked to Mr.. Jones i" that he
he should do to pay for it o. Mr.. Jones replied,
6 that he didn't know, unless he brought some water
for the old lady to cook with" He Immediately
took the pail and went and brought some water, and
after his return. talking in lively and animated
tone with the family, when an acquaintance of Mr..
Joness rode up to the gate, and remarked that Buch
anan had killed LashIy. On hearing this, Buchanan
left suddenly, and has not since been heard of. 1t
is evident that he did not intend to leave the county
but had determined to kill Lashly, and if suspicion
should rest upon him, he was no doubt fully prepar-
ed, in his own mind, to prove an aibi. This fend
in human shape laid his plans well. and had not Mr
Murphy and Colonel Williamson went with Lashy.
at his own request, they would have been successful
But the deepest laid plans to conceal crime some
times frustrated, and it has become an old saying,
that {" Murder aviA out :" We sincerely hope that
Buchanan will not escape but that he will yet be ap
pretended, and made to suffer the penalty affixed, by
law, for the commission of premeditated and cold
blooded murder.
Buchanan was raised in Georgia, and has friends
in various parts of Mississippi where he will proba-
bly, tarry, until he determines definitely upon his
course. He is man of low statute, we'll set, about
five feet six eight inches high, heavy eyebrows,
black eyes, and dark red complexion and dark hair.
He speaks low, and has bad downcast countenance,
but affects to be very social. He is grea: lady's
man, and remarkably fond Of buttermilk, which he
any kind, especially pork bacon. His age is about
30 years. 1t is believed that at least $1,000 reward
will be Immediately offered for his arrest.
Mr.. Lashly was born in Virginia, but his father
moved Murfeesborough, North Carolina from which
place he emigrated to Mississippi. He was poor
entirely dependent upon his exertions for sup
port He was considered by his neghbors and friends
very honest and good, but supplemented man.
P. s. Editors of newspaperssthroughout the Uni
ted States will subserve the of justice by copy
ing the foregoing article.
Eastern Clarion. Paulding, Miss., 30th uhimo.
NOVEL VorE OF THANKS. 1t has become the Gus
in this country to vote thanks under all circum
stances but the instance noticed below. think,
is the first in which meeting has been organized and
formal resolution passed, voting thanks to God. 1t
was on the occasion of the funeral of the late Rev.
Dr. Adams, of Syracuse At the close of the funeral
Condit, of that city, in the Chair. The following
resolution uas then drafted hv committee and nm