Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1859-03-04
. - q. ph,I,n Rarton Ke,

Terrible Tragedy Mt washingt Philip barton Key
Shot Dead by Hon. Daniel K. Sickles, DC.
WASHINGTON, Feb. PA lamentable affair occurred
here this afternoon shortly before three o'clock. Philip
Barton Key ESQ.,, u s. District Attorney, was killed
by three balls fired nearly opposite the Presidents house
corner of Lafayette square, at Doctor Emme door, 6y
the Hon. Mr. Sickles, member of Congress from the
State of New York. The whole neighborhood of La
ete square has since been the of intense excite
ment thousands of persons of Washington and George
town having visited it during the afternoon. The dead
body of Mr. Key Immediately conveyed to the Club
House. Madison place, at the east end Of Lafayette
square. Coroner Woodward summoned jury and held
inquest The venerable General Walter Jones,
Philip R. Fendall, Esq, Judge Carroll and Jno A
Smith, Esq., were amongst them with other old citizens
and friends of the deceased.
The witnesses examined were Dr. Coolidge of the ar
my, DR.. Stone, Joseph L. Dudrow, Richard NJ Downer
Samuel S. Butterworth, Assayer at New York, Edward
w. Delafeld, Jr., of New York. and Francis Doyle
The evidence in substance was, that about two o'clock
this afternoon Mr. Butterworth and Mr. Key talk
ing together at Dr. Maynards, formerly Gunnells)
corner. The Hon. Daniel E. Sickles of New York,
approached, and called Mr. Key by name; they were
facing each other Sickles said to Key, You SCOUT
dre, you have dishonored me-" and then fired. Stimuli
taneousy with this act Key moved in such manner
to indicate that be about to draw weapon. Sick
les fire had not however, taken effect and as he raised
his arm to repeat his fire Key seized him. and they tus
seed to the middle of the street. when Sckels becoming
disengaged fired second time. The ball entered the
right thigh OF Key, near the main artery
Key then took shelter behind tree box on the OPP
posite corner, Sickes following and fired third time
1t is supposed this ball entered his left de between the
false ribs and passed thro the body 1t appeared that
during the intervals of the firing Key begged his
sailant not to shoot-not to shoot" A ball from a
fourth fire produced bruise on the body as it glanced
Key fell and expired. 1t also appeared that when he
was down Sickles put the pistol to Keys head and
pulled the trigger, when the cap exploded One Of the
witnesses testified that during the excitement Sickes
marked to gentlemen who came up that He has dis
honored me- and defled my bed words to that effect
Whilst standing the body, Sickles said, Damned
rascal, is he dead ?"
The excitement here became very high, crowds accu-
mulating, when Mr.. Sickles joined with Mr.. But
terworth and they proceeded to the residence of Judge
Black the Attorney General of the United States. He
was there arrested by Capt Goddard and conveyed to
prison. The verdict is that The said Philip Barton
Key to his death from the effects of pistol balls
fired by the hand of Daniel E. Sickles Here follows
descriptions of the wounds and closes with the words
| Causing death in a few moments"
Mr. Sckles residence the house on the west end Of
Lafayette square, formerly occupied by Secretary Wood
bury Derringer pistol, of one barrel, picked uI
on the pavement. Some suppose it to have fallen from
Key, but it was not loaded.
Mr. Butterworth declined replying to interroga
lions before this jury having reference to the causes
act, etc., stating that he summoned to appear before
magistrate tomorrow, where he would be prepared tt
furnish all the particulars in his possession