Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-08-30
FATAL AFFRAy IN TuIRonAt,v


We find in the Thbodaux Minerva of The 10th inst
the following account OF terrible affray which took
place at lhibodauxvllie on last Fiday evening:
One OF the most fatal afliays that has ever occurred
IN our town took place last night, at about IL o'clock
For some time past the peace of our town has been
disturbed by William b. Austin, one of the most fear.
less and desperate men, when his passion is excited we
have ever known; fearing neitherman nor God Yes
terday, during the day Mr. II Burton keeper Of live.
~ stable III this place, presented him with hill for
denied Mr.. Burton observed if it was not correct he
did not wish him to pay it. Several however testified
to furon that he Dill was Just one, when he again
presented to Austin Tor payment but he still refused
to settle Burton then tore up the BILL and observed thai
he would make him present Of the amount claimed and
here came torrent OF abusefrom the mouth of Austin
as svery seldom heard
During the afternoon of yesterday Austin posted Bur-
ton as coward, liar and scoundre. THUS matters
renamed until dusk. when Burton stepped' inio the
Gomez mouse where Austin was seated and the mean
Time dispute arose between Austin and Auguste Ro-
GER VINO contended to the correctness of Burtons claim
Austin hnally commenced assaung Roger by kicking
nm IN the abdomen holding at the same time two
cooked pistols 10 his breast The town constable Ce
lestn Close, then attempted 10 arrest Austin but he
held him at bay by presenting the two cooked pistols
and swearing that he would kill the hrs man who at
tempted to take him. The town constable not being
armed desisted and the sheriff was called upon to EN-
force the law, but he also threatened in The same
manner warrant was then issued on the affidavit of
Mr. hogef ior nus arrest, but before the sheriff had time
to return Austin had left and concealed himself in the
house OF Mr.. Marshall, on the canal
The sheriff Immediately repaired to the spot and or
dered ms arrest. The light in the room mmedi-
aey extinguised and Austin swore death to anv one
who attempted to seize him. The sheriff here forbid
such citizens as had voluntarily came to his aid in as
Serng and maintaining the supremacy of the law. en-
teng the house, as the gentleman whose residence it
was was absent, and besides there were number Of
young children whose lives might be endangered by
making use ofcoercive measures. Matters thus rested
Tor considerable time, until torbearance ceased TO be
fnT tho ,..ot,I AZ
officers and the citizens, in thus being bued by sin
gle individual. and finally resolved upon to put
the law IN execution at all hazards. The lady of the
house very politely and earnestly requested to va
cate the premises, the arrest of Austin at all risk
was resolved upon, but their advice not needed
Dr +. w. Tucker, another messenger, despatched
to request her to leave for her safety, who, on
entering the gate IN company with Deputy Sheriff
knoblock, ]. o. Ballard and G. Y. Martin, book
keeper at A. B. Ragan & Co.'S was fired upon by
Austin from the window, Deputy Sheriff Knobock
Tell MORALLY wounded at the first fire. AT this stage
general rally was made, twenty reports of fire
arms were heard in the melee Mr.. Marin and Bal.
lard were seriously wounded with bowie knife in the
hands OF Austin. Austin was very seriously wounded
on different parts OF the body by cuts bruises and gun
shots, his being broke in two different places
aud his eyes seriously bruised Austin had in the room
in which he had concealed hmseIftwo double barreled
guns, pistol, rifle, singe-barreed pistol and two
bowie. knives. After his arrest it was seriously medi-
tated by the citizens almost unanimously, to execute
him on the FIRST tree.
AonipR dltobcuieI, IL WAS one OF Inc most
desperate ARRAYS that have witnessed or read
or The criminal is now conided the parish prison
to await his trial at the September of the District
Court.
The above is clear and impartial statement as de-
tailed 10 US OF the facts and which led TO re-
suit wherein the lives of three of most respectable
cizens ale greatly endangered; in fact that of deputy
sheriff Leo Knoblock, the only prop stay and comfort
OF an aged and infrm MOTHER is without hope God
grant that his wounds, six in NUMBER may prove less
serious han is apprehended. We have comments to
to drata i
fatal and melancholy afiray, but would by all me ans
earnestly invoke our citizens to keep themselves within
the bounds of the law, in such cases made and prov-
ded That the offence is grave one none can or will
deny, but let it be properly investigated before legal
tribunal and justice recompensed according to the de.
cree OF that tribuna then will have lust canse
to complain that justice has not been fairly admin
istered. This is most ervent wish, and should be
that OF all law abiding citizens.