The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-09-09
E, MECKLENBURG COUNTY,
BARBAROUS ATTEMPT AT MUIR


Saturday evening, thrown into state OF
Murder had been attempted in the streets,
under the light of Heaven and in the imme-
diate presence of the officers of the law.
About sunset, or q little before, as the
editor of this paper was passing over to his
| office from Mrs Griswold's Hotel, VIM. L.
Dortch, using g double barrel gun, shot
him, taking deliberate aim, and lodging the
contents of both barrels in his body and
/ left arm. About ten minutes before the
| occurrence, Mr.. Robinson had entered the
Hotel to transact some business, passing
! Mr.. Dortch who was sitting on the steps
with a gun standing erect between his legs,
/ and, as report says, already cooked, but
who, for reasons best known to himself, de-
clned to perpotrate the bloody deed while
his victims face was towards him. Mr..
Robinson, having transacted his business
with Mr.. Jones, proceeded towards his of
fee, and when less than half way across
the street. or about fifteen or twenty PAGES
from Mr.. Dortch, the latter fired upon him
with the effect already stated.
When Mr.. Robinson received the first
fire he staggered, instinctively placing his
left hand behind him on the spot where he
had been wounded and with his right, draw
ing out his pistol, but he instantly received
the second fire and fell. On being raised,
he attempted 70 cross over to Mr.. Dortch,
who had now laid aside his gun and drawn
a pistol, but found it impracticable-he
couldn't stand up. AT this juncture, one
of his little sons-a lad about fifteen years
old, ran up, exclaiming, "Pa, hand me your
pistol and I'll shoot him." at the same in
slant snatching the pistol from his fathers
hand. The bravery displayed by this little
boy in defence of his father whom he then
regarded as murdered, is worthy of all COM
mendation. He was prevented from fight
ing or dying in his fathers defence, only
by those who wrested the pistol from him,
and, as we thought, wrongfully.
Mr.. Robinson was Immediately carried
to DIR. G. f. Dewey's Office, where stimu
lants were administered, and his wounds
partially examined. tie was Lnen removed
to his residence where he received all the
attention that Medical skill and kind offices
could suggest from the hands of doctors
Dewey, Moore and Grafton, as well as from
his brother-in-law, DR.. j. w. Davis, who
arrived from the country few minutes af
ter Mr.. Robinson had been carried home.
We will forbear unnecessary comments
on this act of wanton barbarity. Had Mr..
Dortch fired on Mr.. Robinson as he ap-
preached him, and thus afforded him even
the appearance of an opportunity to defend
himself, he might have hoped for some ex-
tenuation of a crime, that his contrary course
has stamped as at war with all laws human
and divine. But, as the whole matter is
likely to be submitted to judicial investiga-
ton, we will forbear comments.
Mr.. Robinson is now confined to his room
and suffering intense agony, although none
Of his wounds are considered as dangerous.
It is doubtful, however, whether he will re-
cover the perfect use of his left arm, which
is now completely paralyzed. His body is
severely mangled.
1t is hoped, that, in view of his situation.
the readers of the Tribune will extend to
him their kind indulgence until he be able
to resume his duties.-- Goldsboro' (N. c.
Tribune, Sept. i.