Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-01-25
The Lexington Tragedy.

The Richmond Dispatch publishes letter from
Lexington giving the particulars Of the dreadful
occurrence in that place on the night Of Sunday,
the 10th. Blackburn, the young man killed, as
we stated last week, was Cadet from Charles
town, and Christian was law student, from, Am
herst county. The former, it seems, had advised
young lady, cousin of his not to walk to church
with Christian. She accordingly declined doing
so, and Christian demanded the reason. Black
burn sought him out on Saturday, and told him
frankly and candidly that he had warned his cor-
sin against him, and that he felt justified IN So
doing from the character that e.. sustained. NO
outbreak took place then, though the two parted
With any other than good feelings, Christian re-
marking that he would see Blackburn again.
On the same day Christian bought pistl and
bowie knife land was heard to make threats against
Blackburn several times.
Sunday morning while Christian was in the tav-
ern yard of the Mcdowell hotel, he had the
knife in his hand and told old Mr.. Dull, the stage
driver, that he intended to use it that night AT
half past o'clock, P. NJ, of the same day Chris
tian stationed himself in front of the church and
threatened 10 attack Blackburn as he came out,
but was restrained from so doing by Mr.. A. Moore,
or the murder would probably have been COM
mitted in the presence of the dispensing congrega-
ton. At this time nothing was known of Chris
tian's intentions, except by few, who never
dreamed ofsuch result.
In the evening the church bell rung, and the
people were crowding into the house of God. DR.
Junkin was to preach, and came with his family
his daughter being escorted dy young Blackburn
in the very hey-day of youthful hilarity. As
Blackburn passed into the vestibule, Christian tap
ped him on the shoulder, and said he wanted tc
speak with him. Blackburn turned about, and
the two walked off together. Two cadets were
standing by and saw this. One of them, know.
ing of the previous difficulty, remarked to the 9th
er alet US follow them-,hey will have fight
'sNo," replied the other-"there is no fear-C
has only stick and b. will be full match fo
him" They passed out Of the gate by themselves
turned the corner and walked up as far as the hay
scales. 1t was then partially dark, the moon wal
was not I'D and daylight was nearly gone. Jas
w. Massie, who was on his way to chnrch, cav
the scuffle, saw the two fall and rushed forward
Christian. on perceving him, jumped up and raj
off as rapidly as possible. Massie finding that
Blackburn could not get up, and hearing gurg
ling sound in his throat, called for help AS soo'
as aid could be obtained poor Blackburn was TAX
en- to VIM Whites, where he soon breathed hi
last, never having spoken word. When ligh
was procured, it was found that B. had received
large cash in the left side of his throat, an incl
and half below the ear. Four physicians wer
in attendance in two or three minutes, but the.
only arrived in time to see one gasp and b. wa
dead In less than ten minutes from the tim
Blackburn left the church with Christian, he wa
a corpse.
DR.. Junkin had assembled the pulpit and open
ed the service, and few of the congregation, there
fore. knew of the murder till the close of the ser
mon. AS many cadets had entered the church
one after another heard it and left, causing grea
deal of confusion. The congregation knew tina
something had happened, but most persons KEEP
their seats. I'm
Christian, finding that he had probably kille
Rl,ckburn. ran down TO the tavern in great hast
aud took to his room. He was pursued by man
and finding that he was known, gave himself up
but not until he had changed bis clothes. lie nov
saws that he committed the deed in self-defence'
As soon as the murder was made known. tn
cadets became greatly excited, and threats wer'
made of Lynch law, and so great was the crowt
in 'front.' of the tavern that the officers had to taxi
Christian out of the back way and by an unfre
quented street to the Jail, where strong guart
was stationed all night.