Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1858-11-04


HORRIBLE TRAGEDY IN New YoRK.-One OF
the most bloody and horrible tragedies which
ever took place was enacted at PIT West Thir-
tieth street, New York, on the night of the 26th
.ult. Francis A. Gouldy, a young man twenty
years old, literally butchered the family, I'M
doubtedly killing his father and one servant girl
1inficting injuries which may prove fatal to his
istep-mother, two brothers and another servant
girl, and browning the terrible crime with self
murder
i When young Gouldy came home the family
had retired except the father, who let him in
reproving him for his irregularity, and then fas-
tened the door for the night. Francis went up
stairs, donned dressing gown, and after little
while procured Ratchet, came down and at
tackled his father, splitting his skull with one
blow. He next turned upon his mother, mutt
1lating her horribly, and then with indscriminate
fury attacked all who came in his way. His
eldest brother received blow on the skull,
which will unquestionably prove fatal. A
younger brother and two servant girls also were
terribly wounded. He then returned to his own
room and consummated the tragedy by taking
his own life
The elder Gouldy had been lumber mer-
chant, but had retired from business some years
since with a competence. His family had been
well brought up, and he had displayed greatnp-
licitude in the career Of his son. Francis had
been placed in a lawyers office, but, not liking
the profession, had been taken away and stua-
ton procured for him in hardware store
Captain Curry of the Twentieth Precinct, states
that he was well acquainted with him; and had
had him with himself in real estate Office. in
the lower part of town. some years ago, just be-
fore he had decided to choose mercantile pur-
suits. The young man had not acquired bad
habits at the time, and is said to have been free
T from the use of Intoxicating drinks. 1t appears,
however, that for some time past he had been
accustomed to stay from home late at night,
which had been the source of much apprehen-
sion in his family: His father had repeatedly
admonished and chided him, assuring him that
he would destroy his character and ruin his flu
ture prospects by such irregularities. There be-
ing no amendment Of his conduct, the father
assured him that it could not be tolerated, that
he must become steady and regular.
Rumors came at length to his parents that
4 Francis had been seen at dsreputable places,
and in improper company. This reused the old
gentleman's temper, and he began to contem-
template more decided action. He had fear
lul alGeICdGlOu Will LIS SOl, WHO leIC Cno mouse,
morose and sulky, mutterng vengeance. No
reformation ensued Tuesday night the family
had retired, except, the father, who sat up wait
ing. The young man came home, a little past
ten, and being admitted, was again chided, and
went up stairs in a fit of rage. A few moments
afterwards he came down again, and perpetrat-
ed the awful deeds just narrated
The persons who were wounded in this dread
full tragedy are all in very critical condition
now, and yet they are all apparently improving.
So far everything seems to be in their favor, and
they are doing as well as persons could with
such severe wounds upon them.
Mr.. Gouldy is steadily improving He had
yesterday scarcely any fever and passed very
comfortable day. He is perfectly conscious now,
III
u.s. but does not seem to be conscious that it was
Frank who struck him. His wounds were dress
ed yesterday, and presented very healthy ap-
pearance. The possibilities Of his recovery are
increasing, though they scarcely afford the basis
for hope as yet. The piece taken out Of his
skull is circular piece of nearly three inches in
diameter, leaving the brain entirely exposed !;
and through the cavity all the pulsations of the
brain can be plainly be seen. Should he recov-
! er, it will be almost miraculous
| Mrs. Gouldy is very comfortable, and her re-
covery seems more hopeful: her condition, how
ever, is still very dangerous.
! Matte, who was worse on Saturday, was
much better yesterday Sunday. The symp-
toms of erysipelas appear to be vanishing, and
otherwise his case is encouraging.
| Charlie remains much the same supporation
to certain extent has taken place in his wounds
The two girls at the Hospital are also improv-
| ing Johanna Murphy, was has been expected
to die every day, yesterday frightened up sud
denly, and now appears very much better. The
other girl is in a very comfortable state, and
probably will get well. Her wounds are not 50
severe as the rest-I71bune