Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1859-03-09

wise he was extremely popular, anu t!lose WHO
knew him best said his eccentricities of manner
covered very kind and generous heart. His
father, Francis S. Key, was the author OF the
national Song, the "Star-Spangled Banner. u
He was widower with four children. On his
marriage he narrowly escaped duel with Colo.
mel May, who conceived that he had unfairly
ousted him from the affections of the lady who
became bis wife, and who was beautiful and
charming woman.
Mr. Sickles, the member for the Third Dis
trct of New York. is 4 native of this city, and
was originally printer by occupation. He is
man of nearly forty years Of age; of good
presence and graceful manners. As member
Of the State Senate, as well as in the House OF
Representatives, he had made himself remarked
by quite unusual GOODNESS and selt-possession
which gave him great advantages in debate, and
had acquired for him well deserved reputation
as rising young leader Of the Democratic Par
ty. In 1853, Mr.. Sickles was married to his
wife, now ruined and heart broken, then young
girl, fresh from her school life, and remarkable
then as now for something especially soft, lovely
and youthful in the type ufvery peculiar beauty.
She is of Italian origin, and possesses all the
Italian lustre and depth Of eye, united with o
singular candor and delicacy of feature.
MIR. SickleS had seen her grown up from child
hood, and was attached to her with an almost
idolatrous affection. Shortly after their mar
riage Mr.. Sickles was appninte1 Secretary Of
the American Legation at London, in the house.
hold of Mr.. Buchanan, and his beautiful bride
won universal admiration, not more by her
charms OF person and manner than by the gayc-
ty and innocent joyousness of her character.
On their return to America they resided for
. al Il , oL
ing house overlooking the Hudson river; and on
his election to Congress, Mr.. Sickles took his
present house on Presidents square. 1t faces
directly the Club house, TO which was brought
to-day the corp.e of the man who himself had
slain all that made the life of thlt mansion, but
few days since so gay among the gayest, and
81 hospitable among the most hospitable, of the
homes of Washington.
Mrs. SickleI may bc @, and has two children.
She is the daughter Of Bagioii, the celebrated
nusic-teacher, Of Fourteenth-street. Amid the
general gloom which thiS sad affair has cast over
tue city, many snrruwing tn 'ught is ca It to.
wards her whose guilty surrender to the wiles
of villain has resulted 50 trascally, for she
has been much liked, and tto>ewlo have known
her will grieve sorely at the nece sity Of giving
her up sS lost. Few Women are better calcula-
ted to win their way in polite society, or to
contribute mnre to its vivacity.
Popular sympathy, as usual in such cases, is
almost unanimously with Mr.. Sckle|, the pro-
vacation being deemed ample justih alton for
tue deel, and when the facts aS yet unknown
come to Le Developed, this feeling will grow
still stronger, and read n fearful lesson to
those vino may attempt to invade the hoIrur
and happiness Of anItlcr'S hnn".
y few of Keys psrs NAL frienlS profess to
disbelieve his conduct To haze been actually
criminal, all nlintaia that it was the result
merely Of inoplina'e personal vani'y which led
him to seek Il Z appearance ut m'in-: faporilc
with the lady in question. Their theory il u.
terly di,siia;el by the confession vi the now
heartbroken victim.
When Mr.. Sickius surremlere himself to At
torney General AK hc requested slch dsuu-
>itun to b. made Of him was pr ,per. The
Attorney General sent for magistrate, who,
with the Cacf IF Police, came speedily. Sunn
after the Mayer arrived, ann n,nrns the death
Of Key, an! Mr.. SickIei wa, conducted in clr-
riase To the .ial where he now is, awaiting
an examination. called upm him this even
ing and f,unl him surroun lei by several co..
leagues and other sympathizing friends. lie
VAS evidently laboring und:r strong mental
excitement, and his ha:gard cnn;enance pre-
sented marked evidence Of the effects of the
fearful emotions which have narrowed his very
soIl during the last twcnty-Uur hours. Never
thcless, his manner was calm ami collected, with
his nerves y. OF course did not question
him relative to tue affair. liz volunteered the
remark, however, that it Wits, unavoidable, anl
that he could not have done otherwise. lie ad-
ded !: "Satished as was of his guilt, VIC could
not live together upon the same planet"
The Hon. Robert j. Walker and Messrs
Carlisle and Ratchilf have been retained a his
COUNSEL. Taey will bling him before Judge
Crawford tomorrow ona writ Of llabeas corpus,
anl move his discharge upon bail. There is little
doubt thlt it will be allowed, and he be re-
leased from custod The general opinion seems
to be that no Grand Jury will ever indct him.
Key left no property. His family connec-
tions it is understood are able, and will provide
for his children. Some Of Keys friends intimate
threats Of summary vengeance against Sickels if
he'appcars in public where they can reach him.