Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1853-11-24

AYFKIr ON THE STEAMER DRESDEN.
A day or two since we copied from a
Memphis paper statement to the effect
that there had been an afray on the
steamer Dresden, near Helena, Arksn-
sas. in which two men were killed and
three others wounded. An esteemed
friend, who was a passenger on the
Dresden at the time Of the occurrence
of the affair, arrived here Saturday af-
ternoon on the Pike, and furnished us
full particulars of it.
1t appears that about one hundred
Irishmen, who had been employed to
work on the leyees in Arkansas, we're
deck passengers on the Dresden. An
old lady from Kentucky, with her two
children, who were also deck passen-
gers, was greatly imposed on by some
of these Irishmen. Her children were
abused, and the provisions she had pro-
vided herself with were taken and sto-
len. On one occasion, when one of her
children was struck by an Irishman, a
Mr.. James Sullivan, of MaysvilIe, in
this State, cigar maker, and worthy,
steady and respectable gentleman, took
the part of the lady and demonstrated
with the men on their conduct The
Irish forthwith commenced an attack ON
Sullivan, one of them striking him vio-
kntly on the head with poker. He
instantly drew his revolver, and defen-
ded himself as he best could. One man
was shot through the heart and fell dead
in his tracks. Another was shot in the
mouth, the ball knocking out his teeth,
cutting off his tongue, and lodging in
his throat. He was not expected to re.
cover. A third was shot in the arm
which was badly shattered and broken.
An Irish woman, who belonged to the
party, and who was far advanced in
pregnancy, was shot in the abdomen,
and she died the same night. She was
struck by stray ball, as the pistol was
not aimed at her. By this time Sulli-
van was overpowered by the numbers
who opposed him, was knocked down,
stamped upon, terribly beaten, and bad
ly cut, and was left for dead. He was
taken to the forward part of the boat by
some of the csbin passengers, who then
thought him to be dead. He was badly
cut in five different places, one on the
throat and one or two on the body be-
ing severe wounds, and his head was
very badly hurt by the blow from the
poker. After he had been washed he
gradually revived, and was able to tell
his name. His injuries appeared to be
so severe that it was thought impossible
he could survive during the night, but
next day he was better, and when he
was put off the boat at Napoleon, accom-
panied by friend, where he could Sc
cure proper medical attentions, there
were strong grounds for hoping that he
might recover. During the night he
had to be guarded by the passengers il
order to prevent the Irish from agaiI
attacking him and finishing their worl
by killing him.
The man killed was buried at the foo
of Clark's bar. The wounded mel
were taken to Vicksburg for medical at
tention.
The affair occurred shortly after lea
wing Memphis, and when only four o.
FIVE miles below that city.
As may well be imagined, the affair
produced the most intense excitement
on the boat, and the greatest consterna.
ton prevailed among the lady passen'
gers in the cabin, in full view of whom
the occurrence took place. There wa'
great sympathy expressed for the brave
Sullivan, who came near losing his owl
life, in his manly efforts to protect de
feneeless mother from insult and out
rage. The only regret among the pas
sengers seemed to be that he was no
able to do more execution among tht
outlaws who SO villainously attacked
him. We hope soon to hear of his re
covery.-Louisville Courier.