Washington telegraph., 1852-08-11
EScaTtremdsng Catassropne.


distressing-so melancholy tragedy as was en-
acted on Monday morning last in the southern
edge OF Shelby county. 1t completely appalled,
our whole community. Such scene of distress
Was perhaps never before witnessed pre-
Sented by the agonized members of the families
directly involved IN the consequences OF the hor-
rible transaction. 1t is true. they have the warm
est sympathy OF every heart, but what availeth
sympathy under such affection.
At one time, we had determined to make no
publication of the circumstances but subsequent
reflection has satisfied Us that jaSce to the unor-
tanate friends and relatives of the deceased, de-
mand that strict correct statement of all the de-
tails should be given to the public. in order to
avoid the thousand and one false reports which
would otherwise find their way into circulation.
The following statement we have obtained dI-
rectly from the lips of those who were present,
and may be relied on correct in every particu-
lar:
Aquilia and Jesse w Ballard, brothers aud both
young men, were residing together and caltivating
plantation IN partnership. SO traternal were
their feelings, so strong their attachment,
bounded their mutual confidence in each other,
that they kept no separate accounts, owned
separate property. What belonged to the one be-
longed to the other The white family consisted
of Aquilla Ballard, wife and child; Mrs Haynes
sister to Mrs. 81 and child and Jesse w. Ballard;
and we venture to say that family circle
never known In which there was more affection,
more peace and quiet than in this.
On Sunday evening last Mr.. Aqulla Ballard
rode to his mothers assistance of five miles,
to sit up with another brother who was then y-
ing dangerously i'll. Shortly after he left home
his brother Jesse invited Mrs. Ballard to take a
walk with him, saying he had a secret to tell her.
They passed down the road short distance. and
stopped some time in deep ard earnest conversa-
ton Jesse exhibiting considerable exctement-
When they returned to the house, Mrs. b. was
pale and melancholy, and continued so during the
rest of the evening. Jesse however bacame un-
usually lively and spirited. Next (Monday)
morning all parties appeared as calm usual
After brea kiast awhile. Jesse called TO a negro
boy '. no had Just returned from hunting, and en-
qured in what manner the gun was loaded, and
also asked for some caps. Having discharged
both barrels he carefully reloaded them with
buckshot. and set the gun against the side of the
house Soon after he seated himself on the door
steps and requested Mrs. b. to comb his hair which
she did, when some words of aiectionate regard
having passed between them, Jesse asked her to
draw some spirits for the boy Nelson They both
passed into the smoke house; where they remain
ed some minutes. When Mrs. B. returned to the
house. she again pale and evidently much dis
tressed Mrs H. enquired what was the matter
when Mrs. b. replied that Jesse was very much
excited, and begged her sister (blrS. H) to 90 to
him and try to calm him. Mrs. H. however re-
fused, she being afraid to approach him.
Mrs. B. again went to him in the yard, but find
ing she could do nothing with him, returned to the
house and told her sister that Jesse was going to
kill Nelson (the negro mani and was then going
to kill her Mrs. b. About this time Jesse called
out Clara (ilrs b. to come to hIm again. but
she refused. He again in manner Wild with
frenzy called to her and commanded her to come,
saving he had something to tell her. Mrs. B.
obeyed, approached him and threw her arms
about his neck. Some words passed hurredly
/ Il l..
only be known at that day when all things will
be brought to light AS he tore himself abruptly
from her, she was heard to exciaim 'Oh, Jesse
don't do it, SEEING his gun he approached the
kitchen, where the boy Nelson was. and asked
him how he felt. The boy replied better, and
would be abe to work in the morning" Jesse
told him he did not WISH MIN to work any more
that he was going to kill him, and suiting the
action to the word, and telling the negro woman
to stand out OF the way il she did not wish to get
hurt, he raised his gun, and shot the negro dead.
At the fire of the gun Mrs H. caught up her child,
ran out of the opposite side OF the house, and hid In
the top of a fallen tree Mrs. Ballard also started
to run, but again returned to the house.
After shooting the negro man, Jesse, with one
hand on his head and the other hold of his gun,
turned rapidly upon his heel for tour or five times
when coming to a halt he saw Mrs. Ballard
passing through the gate on the opposite side OF
the house He Immediately pursued her, and
when within few feet, fired the second barrel,
lodging the whole load in her beck, several shot
passing entirely through her body. She fell dead.
| His next movement to draw off one of his
boots by her side, when suddenly turning as If re-
collecting that both barrels of his gun We're empty
he returned into the house. and procuring the
only load of buckshot left, he hurried off to a
branch about 300 yards distant when having re-
loaded one of the barrels of his gun, he blew of
nearly his entire head by placing the muzze OF
the gun under his right jaw and touching the trig-
ger with his toe,
Thus ended this melancholy tragedy. When
the last gun fired, Mr.. Aquiia Ballard was in hear
ing, on his return home. The agony of that de-
voted husband and brother, upon witnessing the
scene which his home-but an hour or two since
his happy home-presented, can be neither i'm
agined nor described. With his own hand, and
with no eye save the all seeing eye above, to wit
ness, he bore to his chamber the mangled and
bleeding corpse Of his once lovely wife; not know