Daily American organ., 1856-05-10
From the Memphis Eagle, May lst.
Horrible Tragedy.


Our city was the theatre Of double tragedy
yesterday, and two human beings were shot, one
of whom died in few minutes, and the other is
scarcely alive at the moment of writing this. Yes
terday, while most of our citizens were at dinner
the report of pistol was heard at the house of
Mrs. Dallman, on the corner Of Main and Jefferson
streets, near the post Office A gentleman who
was standing few doors above the post Office
turned on hearing the report, and saw Benjamin
Conner come out Of Mrs. Dallmans house, holding
parrot in one hand and pistol in the other. He
was followed by Mr. Williams, who was demand
ing possession Of the bird. Conner turned and
presented the pistol at Williams, who, to protect
himself, got behind the gate post. Conner then
walked on down Jefferson street. Williams came
on over towards the post Office, and fell heavily
few steps abovejt,
The origin of the difficulty, It seems, was, that a
young lady had given Conner verbal order on
Williams for parrot. Conner went to the house
of Mrs. Dalman and demanded Of Williams that
bird, and upon his refusing to give-it up, drew
pistol and shot him, the ball taking effect in his
breast. Another account ia, that Williams had
given the bird in question to the young lady, which
she had returned to him. Having expressed to
Conner desire to re-possess it, he went to the
house Of Mrs. Dallman to get it. He went in and
took possession ofit. Williams, who was there at
dinner, came out and demanded the bird and at
tempted to take it. when Conner drew and shot
him. He carried the bird off with him and threw
It in the yard where the young lady lives.
When he had shot Williams, he started and
walked deliberately down Jefferson street until he
came to Third, into which he turned and went on
to Adams. In the mean time man was pursu-
ing him at distance, to watch his course until
the police and community could hear of the TRACE
DIV and assist in bis arrest. When Conner had
reached Adams street, the alarm had spread, and
| the officers of the law, and considerable number
Of citizens, were in pursuit. Finding that he was
pursued, he quickened his pace to run. Mr.
Sangster, who was on horseback, approached him,
upon which, he (Conner) drew his pistol, but as
| ne had the advantage on account OF the Bayou,
which he had now reached, he did not fire.
| By this time the crowd of pursuers on foot were
| gaining upon him. Mr.. w. G. Matthias was in ad-
vance of the rest, and when he came within dis
tance of twenty yards Of him, drew pistol and
| fred on him to induce him to stop. Conner i'm
mediately wheeled and commenced firing on Ma
thias, not desisting until he had fred the third
shot, which entered the heart Of Matthias He
| fell, and only survived a few minutes. Conner
| again fed, but was caught by an Irishman who
| happened to be in the direction he was running.
| The crowd now surrounded him, and young Ma
thias, the brother of the deceased, would had he
been allowed, have avenged his brothers death on
| the spot The crowd around, and those coming
up, began to cry aloud for his speedy execution,
uO~
grew the more intense, until it became evident the
| life of the double murderer in imminent peril
| At this juncture, Mr. Mynatt city marshal inter-
| posed, and by extraordinary resolution and firm
ness, rescued Conner, and conveyed him to the
calaboose. ts
| We have no space to comment upon this horri-
BILE affair We attribute such tragedies in a great
measure to the loose rein the law holds over the
| passions of men. We attribute them in no slight
degree 10 the refusal of public opinion to damn a
| man who goes nowhere without brace of pistols
| or bowie knife. Let no man lightly dismiss this
subject or these thick-comng tragedies from bis
mind Hisyeins have no lease upon their blood
| for that blood may dye the pavement in moment
| when he thinks he is at peace with,a the world.
You can have no peace with men who are fortified
day after day with With deadly weapons.
Conner is a daguerseotypist, and has been for
rome time working In the establishment of De-
f'shong, #. III. Clark &.Co, Williams was but re-
scently In Memphis, and but ikle is known of him.
Matthias was a worthy citizen of this city. 4
| Since the above was written, Williams has died.
The even. took place about'sundown last evening.
I 1T was a habit Of Lord Eldon, when Attorney
General. to close his speeches with some remarks
justifying his own character. AT the trial Of Horne
Tooke, speaking Of his own reputation, he said
aIt is the little Inheritance have to, leave my
children, and, by Gods help, will leave ii nnim-
paired p -.---lI. - ts-- t'
Here he shed tears and TO the sstonishment of
those present, Milford tho Solicitor General, be-
tp weep. Ess 5sNt = - esas
l., '.Just look at Milford, said ,abystander to
| Home Tooke what on earth is he crying fof"
Tooke Replied se'-,- e Y ! =
y" he Il crying to think whata little dinhsfitancs
Eldons children Aee5liksiy 70 get To-, y-s zfszs
~ George Jsfrey, Of Portsmouth, N. Hampshire,
died recently at the age of 81. He was the eldest
son Of the celebrated Dr. Jeffies, of Boston, and
took the name Of Jsfffey In accordance with the