The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-06-16
Ilorribie Tragedy In So Louis.
traordtnary Case Of Nesrntsaeut-
Prominent Citizen Shot.

From The Missouri Republican Of last Saturday.
There never was more excitement in the
city OF st. Louis, than existed among our
citizens yesterday. About nine o'clock in
the morning Mr.. Joseph Charles, man
well known and highly esteemed, who has
been u resident Of this city for nearly bis
whole life time, and who has occupied n
prominent place among her population. was
shot down IN public place while peaceably
walking to his place Of business. Mr..
Charless was on the south side Of Market
street, between Third and Fourth, going
down, when he was met by Joseph w.
Thornton, coming up, who, without any
alteration, without saying word, took
from his breast Colts revolver, which be
presented at Mr.. g. aad fired. The ball
took effect 10 the left breast OF Mr.. Charless,
passing upward obliquely and to the right,
and penetrating through the abdominal
cavity, aud going entirely through the body.
Mr.. Charles fell upon his knees and hands,
and while in this position Thornton fired
again, the ball taking effect in the back.
The wounded man crept into the trimming
and variety store OF =. a. j. Thompson, IN
front OF which the occurrence took place,
and exclaiming that he was shot, sank upon
the floor.
Mr.. Henry MeisDcr, "starter' for Wells
omnibusses, was standing at the corner OF
Market and Fourth streets and heard the
first report lie turned and saw the smoke
from the pistol, and directly afterwards
heard the second shot. lie ran down aud
lonnd Mr.. 7. Andrews struggling with
Thornton in the act OF arrestiDg him.
Meisner took the revolver from the breast
Of the assaiIau,, and called on him to 20 to
the Police Office, to which the latter readily
assented, the two walking arm 10 arm To-
getber A large concorrse Of people follow
ed them. Capt Kick learning Of the trans
action, sued out a warrant before Justice
jerckeurath, on which the prisoner was
committed TO Jail to await a preliminary ca.
animation.
DR.. Mcdowell happened to be on Fourth
street when Mr.. Charles was shot, and saw
the transaction from distance Of about City
yards. He proceeded to the spot aud ten
dered his professional services. DR.. Mob,
from an examination Of the principal wound,
concluded that Mr.. Charles stood small
chance OF recovery. ilis wounds were Of
such character M necessarily TO prove IA
tai. Besides Dr. Mcdowell, Drs. Pope and
Edwards were called 10 TO render whatever
aid was 10 their power.
Mr.. Charles lay 10 extreme agony. at the
store on Market street. until hall past z
o'clock, when be was placed on 40 easy
lounge aDd removed 10 biz residence, near
the corner u Market and Fifth streets. lie
was followed by multitude Of people, lining
the streets for fully the distance u block
Al bis residence be was visited by the
relatives and friends OF the family.
The Republican then gives q lengthy
account Of the exeitemeu, at the jail upwards
Of 5000 persons were assembled 10 the neigh.
borbood Of the building, intent upon lynch
Jog TBoRsros hat paper says:
In the midst Of the excitement. Mr.. jams
w. Mcclure, late member OF the City
Council; got up On the wagon which stood
on the street, ard addressed the sssembiage.
We were not within hearing distasee. bat
understood the speakers remarks 10 be-
review Of the circumstances ~ the shooting
Of Mr.. Charles. and an sllusion 10 The IN
dignation which vas reasonably tlt by the
community. lie coupselled no violence. bat
rather spoke against it, He coocludsi by
suggesting the appointment Of o committee
Of ak 10 visit the Jail and ASCERTAIN whether
Thornton was there and carefully confined.
Tins eours wAa adopted, being regarded In
the light Of species Of compromise between
,ho-e who advocated lypchipg under The cir
esms,ances, and ihoss Who preenod 10
Avail, the coure Of the Law. though il h
pain iks, 10 reality il mean, nothing bot 10