The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1852-03-26
IA BLOODY Tragedy.


The following was taken from the Mus
catine (Iowa) Enquirer, Of last week
"a fatal affiay occurred near the residence
OF VIM. Chambers, senior, in this county.
on "Wednesday afternoon last, The particu,
lars of which we chronicle with pain and
borror. The tragedy, and the faeis which
ledstosito are, indeed, painful commentary
upon the frsilty Of our nature .a rld tbe feeble
l;epnfe py wblch our passions permit us 10
hold 10 happiness and honor.
Three years ago, Mr.. Geo. Mccoy, at that
time a citizenof Cedar county, left for Cal
ilornia, fully imbued with the fever Of the
times-thirst for gold He left wife and
five children behind him to await the result
OF his desperate venture and problematical
return. His wife, with her children, after
lle left, sought the protection Of her father,
Mr.. Benjamin Nye, an old and worthy citi-
zen, living at the mouth OF Pine river. in
this county. After he reached the land oi
gold, Mr.. Mccoy wrote frequently 10 his
wife, and forwarded her considerable sums
of money; the letters and money passing
through the hands Of one in whom MIR. Nc.
Coy had every confidence as man of honor
and a friend. But how he erred and how
deeply he was berayed, and bis honor. his
hopes, and the fair name of his children
blasted, has become familiar tale. here
where these events occurred. The wife for
got her VOW, and in a moment OF passion
sacrificed her children, her husband. and
herself irredee mably for this world. in the
embraces OF the false and traitorous friend
OF the absent husband. On his return from
California, having been successful in his
quest of wealth. and his bosom swelling
with proud thoughts Of those lie left behind
him, whom he was now to meet again, the
husband and father was met by this tale of
damning inlamy. He met his wife, how.
ever, and found in her arms the fruits of her
guilt--but MOI all the fruts-they have
multiplied in bittern IS, and increased ia
anguish, until this last sud and bloody ar.
fray has resulted. and even yet the harvest of
sorrow is no; ended.
The scene between the heart broken hus-
band, the shame-covered wife, and the group
Of trembling, fearful and wondering chill
aren has been touchingly described to us by
an eyewitness. Mr.. Mccoy, his mind
soured by suspicion and the stern realities OF
his situation, selected from among the little
group Of five, one whom he rejected --decla-
ring it was no child Of his--that like the
ore at her breast, it was the child of crime.
After this scene Mr.. Mccoy removed his
children (fourj from their mother for short
time-but subsequently consented that they
should remain with her at their grand faith.
er's (Mr Nye,) until he lef. for California in
April next. This wus about two months
ago.
On Wednesday last, Mccoy came from
Cedar county for his children. He stopped
at Mr. Chambers and requested permission
to bring them there that night-which WAS
granted. He then went 10 Mr.. Nye's In ;
wagon, got the four children he claimed, ant
started on his return to Mr.. Chambers
What occurred at Mr. Nyes we are not ad
vised. On approaching Mr.. Chambers a,
he returned, accompanied by his children
and Mr.. Long he was overtaken By Mr.
Nye, his father-in-law, and Mr.. Patterson
also son-in-law TO Mr.. Nye. They drove
in advance of Mccoy so as to intercep, his
wagon. Mr.. Nye got down, and approached
the wagon containing Mccoy and company
making as he did so, some remark which
the witness did not hear, except that it re
lated to the children. Mccoy stood up il
the wagon, and warned Nye not to approach
-Nye continued TO advance, however--Mc
Coy drew revolving pistol aud repeated thu
warning. Nye still advanced, and attempt
ed to, perhaps did get hold of one of th,
children, when Mccoy fired. The ball tool
effect in the right shoulder, making Sigh
wound. Nye then stopped for club--Mc
Coy shot the second time, the ball strikin,
in the back but only penetrating the clothing
/ Nye then advanced with his club, McCo,
shot the third and fourth time, with bu
little effect. He was knocked or pushed
from the rear of the wagon, and in recover
ing his feet dropped his pistol. Mr.. Patter
son laid hold of Mccoy behind, as il to hol,
him. Nye came Mt Mccoy with his cluI
again, saying 10 Patterson, "kill him. sc
Mccoy releasing himself from Patterson
4 threw the latter in front olhim, when Nye'
blow took effect on p. breaking his cola
bone, Mccoy had drawn Bowie knife, an,
on Nye again advancing, sprung at him, an,
avoiding his club, stabbed him in the breast
I Nye still attempting TO strike, he stabbed
him the second time, and the third. Th
third stab was 10 The heart, and Mr.. Nv,
fell dead at lis feet. There were severa
witnesses to The whole affair, but SO sool
was il over that no efieclual interpositior
could be made. Mccoy gave himself up
and is now awaiting his examination, whicl
will take place as soon as Mr.. Patterson il
sufficiently recovered toappear in the wit