American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-05-17

DEATH FROM VIoLENCE.-John Merinder, a
sailor, died in this city last night, from the
effects of a blow inflicted upon him on the 9th
instant by Captain John Powell, of the schooner
Patrick Henry. A coroner's inquest is being
held in the case, but its decision will not be
known in time for our present issue. We will
therefore state the case Enthusiastically, as the
facts have reached us from what we regard as
reliable source.
On the 18th instant Justice J. L. Smith re-
celyed information that Merinder was lying i'll
Mt his home near the Capitol, from the effects
OF blow he had received. He thereupon went
to his house, and saw Merinder, whom he did
not consider dangerously i'll, but nevertheless
took his affidavit respecting the affair Upon
this he caused Captain Powell and several of
TIE crew of the Patrick Henry to appear before
him, and placed the former upon his trial for
the alleged offence.
The concurrent testimony was to the effect,
that while the schooner lay off White Point, in
the Potomac river near the Virginia shore,
about ninety miles below this city, on the 9Th
instant, after some cross words between Capt
Powell and Merinder, the former walked to-
VAiu tuO CdDlu ludJ ihcTlIlueT Chlcu al
ter him and said" Then you don't want me
any more?" that Powell stopped, and said,
eyes, John, do want you, if you'll do right -
that words followed, ending in Merinders call
ing him liar and rushing upon him, when the
Captain seized a stick and struck him single
blow as he approached, and no more that
upon the arrival of the schooner at this port
Merinder was sent to his house.
We believe, also, that the evidence before JUS
tice Smith was to the effect that the life of
Merinder was not in danger. He therefore dis
missed the case This morning, however upon
learning the death of Merinder, Justice Smith
caused writs to be issued, to again bring before
him the parties we have named. We do not l
yet know whether they have been found or not. t
THE MOONLIGHT RENCoNTRE.-On Monday ,
night last fearful and soul-sickening act of
cruelty was committed in this city; and on that
same night-for such contrasts are always to
be seen even in cities as large as ours-there
was beautiful festival of pleasure in one of ,
our large saloons. But it was an innocent fes- :
hval, and they who participated in it did SO !,
without offence--all but few. But where is
hat palace into which foul things will some !"
lines not intruder"
quarrel arose, and the disputants very ,
properly left the scene Of festivity but it was
TO repair to quiet and peaceful neighborhood,
where night was made hideous by their deeds,
including single combat with natures wea-
pons.
We have heretofore been unable to give the
particulars and names of the parties, and per-
haps the omission to publish these might, at
this late period, be excused, when it is known
that we could not obtain them earlier but for I
the threats Of some gentlemen who appear to |
feel an interest in the matter The principal
belhgerents were Mr.. \. A Poole and Mr..
Joseph Rosenstock; the other persons arrested
MS participants in the riot Though we are in
justice required to state that many of them
were influenced only by perverted curiosity
were Messrs. James Harrison John Dunn, S.
G. Mitchell, Alfred Middleton, Bushrod Robin
son, s. T. Suite, John Lunt, Maurice Clagett
Martin Latruite, Clinton Van Coble, James
Adams, James Smallwood, Baker Dorsey, I'd.
b. Washington, George Woodward, Charles
Berrett, Howard Young, F. R. Roach.
NATIONAL HALL.-The house was thinly at
tended last night, but by very respectable and
intelligent audience Among other distinguished
persons present were Mr.. Thomas Ritchie Mr..
Bulwer, (son Of the novelist, a daughter of
General Scott &c. The ladies all looked lovely,
and the gentlemen behaved very becomingly.
H.