New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-08-10
4 MYSTERIOUS CASE OF CRIME.
,rr.,pOpdepee of the Richmond Dispatch.

Correspondence OF he Richmond Dispatch.
LrxlSGros, Va, Monday July 81, l55i
Drs Jordan and Est and Major Gilham Professor of
Chemistry in the Military Institute returned to this place
late lsst light from Co'ngen where they had gone for
the purpose Of attending post norton examination Of
Miss Pharr, whose death took place in the month OF
March last Rumors had been rife in the community
and had found their way into the public prints that she
her death by foul at the hands of her ply
stefan, DIR. Thompson TO whom she said to be en-
gagged. These had become common that DIR. T., in
order vnccate himself instituted suits against several
prominent citizens of COyington for SANDER, laying his
damages ct high amount. The defendants, in order TO
relieve themselves determined upon examination and
at their instance the Coroner summoned jury Of inquest
of whom Drs Jordan and Estil of this place, and Dr.
Woodson Of Fncaste the latter the instance of Dr.
T. were in attendance. Major Gillian also present
to submit TO chemical analysis the contents OF the
stomach.
On Saturday morning they repaired to the place OF
burial and took up the body, which recognized by
several witnesses, and conveyed it to near at hand
All required 10 leave the except the physicians
and Msor c. though DIR. T. is said to have done with
great reluctance The body, though somewhat decayed
and very much backened still in remarkable state
of preservation. Upon examination she discovered
to have been eHctente has been suspected fetus
above five months old being found in the uterus They
next examined the stomach and found 10 be entire. IL
was taken out and placed in possession OF Maj Gillian,
who will leave here day two for OF the north
ern ces, order 10 have the assistance of expert
eneed chemist in submitting 10 the chemical tests. is
very doubtful whether they will be able to discover any
thing, stTychnne the agent supposed to have been
used duses its. very rapidly through the system and
is very difficult to detect at any time, and much
after four five months shall have elapsed.
After completing the examination they repaired to the
hotel where after consultation they communicated the
resut Of the investigation 10 VIM Skeen Esq, the ator
ney for the Commonwealth and of rhonpsons cVun
sci in The Islander suits who Immediately had warrant
issued, and DIR. T. taken into custody The jury then
IN tie Courthouse and after hearing the testimony of the
physicians end other witnesses, adjourned until this
irg. large crowd in attendance and manifested
great Ateres in the proceedings. Dr. t. manifested
siderable anxiety during the examination but appeared
perfectly composed after his arrest.
Such are the fses as gathered them from those who
were present Whether he be guilty remains be
determined II he be guilty Of what is alleged against
him. he has upon his head the horrible crimes that
can he cOncey ed seduction and double murder the
ducton and murder OF his betrothed and the murder Of
his unborn offspring. OF his guilt innocence we
express opinion would be improper the matter
having TO undergo a judicial investigation. We can
scarcely believe, however, that any human being be
guilty of crimes of such enormy as is laid at his door