The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-03-04
THE SICKLES TRAGEDY


From the Washington Correspondence of the Neo York
Tribune.
Public opinion at first set strongly in favor of Mr.
Sickles, almost every feeling that he himself
would have acted substantially as the homicide did
under similar circumstances; but as more and more
light has been shed upon the previous history of
the parties the current has changed and men ask
whether Mr.. Sickles the man to cast this stone
or his wife the woman in whose behalf so bloody a
revenge is excusable Against her and against
Mr.. Butterworth the tide sets more strongly than
ever.
One is certain of nothing in this scandal-loyipg
city; but the few facts which l suboin are be-
lieve authenticate all events they come from per-
sons likely to know, and such OF them as were ac-
cessible have been corroborated by observation.
That the intimacy between Mrs. Sickles and Mr..
Key was brought to her husbands attention n year
ago is known. A Mr.. b., of New York, whose
name it is unnecessary to give in full being rather
susceptible young man. last session fell violently in
love with Mrs. Sickles, who always free in
manners, and fattered by devotion, as what woman
is not? He soon became jealous of District Attor-
ney Key, and watched him. At length he found
what seemed to him sufficient basis for his suspi-
cions. 1t came to his knowledge that the guilty
pair were locked together in private room in one
of our hotels, | believe for two hours. He commu-
ncated this fact to Mr.. Sickles, who, to his kind
intormants surprise, assailed him with abusive
language and forbade him his house thenceforward
Mr.. B. returned to New York crestfallen and Mr.
Key remained master of the field, continuing to be
intimate with both man and wife as heretofore.
Last summer key was In New Ork OSten-
sible business. 1t was noticed that he daily left his
hotel at precisely the same hour, and tits now
cOnjectured what his reg ular appointment was.
person who saw the two leave the house, after
one of their meetings, somewhat more than a week
ago. he by the front, she by the back door, also saw
| a man closely wrapped in shawl standing where
he could see and apparently observing them. This
man is believed to be an inmate of Mr.. Sickles'
house. 1t would be injudicious to publish his
| name, since the anonymous letters ascribed to
him. Letters, | say-for my information is that the
one received on Thursday or Friday last was not
the first nor the second, but the last of SERIES and
explicit in its statements than any of the
preceding. If this be so, as is affirmed upon APP
parently good authority, it will materially alter
the aspect of the case; and not in favor of Mr..
Sickles
People still wonder how Mr. Sickes has been era
bled live he has been living this Winter. 1t is
said that he received absolutely nothing from his
father or his wife's relatives.
Iii undoubtedly for Mr.. Sickles' interest that
the trial should take place soon possible. His
evidence is the spot, while the prosecution will
be obliged to look to New York for theirs, unless
they cOntine themselves to the facts attending the
deed itself, and make no inquiries into character.
IL now seems probable that the Grand Jury will
take up the case Monday, bring in bill Tues
Gay, and nave the case ready for trial by Wednes-
day of next week.
From statements that have oone abroad II MIGHT
| be inferred that Mrs. Sickles occupied HIGH posi-
ton in w Washington society. This would be a mis-
take. Her receptions were largely attended il ia
true but SO are those of almost every lady who
chooses to keep open house here. The truth ia
that she stood upon rather dubious ground: and
have heard more than one gentleman of undoubted
position scott at the supposition that he had ever
crossed her threshold. Her position was one which
every person who chooses to give good dinners can
obtain; nothing better. The select circles she did
not enter.