Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1859-09-07
A SHOCKING PICTURE.

We find in the st. Louis Democrat, q
detailed account Of brutal prize-fght
which came of on an island in the Mis-
sissippi, about six miles above Alton, a
few DAYS since, between Michael or ''Shang-
hal" Conncrs, of St Louis and James
Byrnes of New Orleans. With the fight
of the combatants, We have nothing to do;
but as showing something Of the character
of those who attend, and the natural ten
deney of such places, We give the following
description of the closing scenes;
The remaining rounds were contested
with doubtless spirit on each side. Du-
ring the fourteenth, Shanghai was brought
to his knees, and while in that position
was struck. There arose at once the cry
of foul play" and the referee re-af-
frmed that decision. The victory was
thus awarded to Connors.
When the decision was announced,
Byrncs fercely demonstrated. Some five
or six hundred outsiders then burst into
the ring. and general row ensued.
Byrnes seized the referee Morelapd by the
throat, saying do you mean to say I've
lost it?'' Moreland was then attacked by
Byrnes' principals, was struck and kicked
and had a portion of his face gougcd out
with stick. Connors with the most OF
his party promptly drew off to their beat,
while the balance remained fighting witt
the Byrnes men, the most Of whom gradu.
ally followed to the Henrietta. Stripped
bloody and cnragcd, Byrncs dared Connol
to come out and finish the fight, which he
declined under the circumstances to do
Then many Of Connors' men rushed on
shore and joined tkeir comrades, and &
scene OF riot and murderous attac; fol
lowed which battles description, knive:
were freely used, bottles, sticks and rock:
were hurled, and at last shot was fired
This was the signal for general draw
ing of pistols, and some one hundred shot;
were rapidly fired. Those vino had No
pistols rushed for the boats, which at th(
same time began backing off from tn.
shore.
There was then heavy rush to get CT
board, and some forty persons were instant
" thrown in the river. Certain sliiifmeI
pulled away in terror, leaving the victims
TO swim or drown. as they might.
One or two fights actually occurred il
the waterI The swimmers at lengtl
scrambled On board. not dnowing hOV
many had sunk and been drowned. Prob
ably three or four pcrished-at least.
The Henrietta was soon following tn
Elyira. both boats leaving numbers behir,
them on the Island. 1t was about +,
O'Clock ?. II. Montgomery had narrow
II escaped drowning, having leaped over
board to save man who appeared help
less, and being himself drawn out by hi
son, the son also succeeded in saving tn
man. One wretch who was shockinglJ
cut, had been, with great difficulty, reg
cued by getting him on plank
The proof the Henrietta party may b
inferred from the fact that some twent,
fights were waged on board before sh'
reached Alton! Whiskey reigned. Their
We're robberies and complaints of rObberies
of watches, pocket-boo!s, &c, which hac
to be rectifed by attacking the robber o
robbed. One victim, accused of havin!
stolen purse of $50, was assaulted b.
several persons with such fury that h
sought his revolver.
His intent being perceived, there arose
cry of kill himI kill himl'' and fresl
onset was make upon him. In respons
he ate, bit, kicked, tore and scratched hi
opponents in style which should entitl
him to the laurels and stakes Of the glori
Gus day. By nearly tearing off his pants
the pistol was taken from him-and also
as he alleged, $40 of his hard earnings
Finally he was kicked scnseless, dragged
to the hurricane deck, and there left to re
virc CT die.
Shortly came off fight for the posses
sion of a pistol. between John Monaghan
and John Ryan, which resulted in the casua
discharge of the weapon. It's content
passed into the abdomen Of Ryan, inAict
ing shocking and probably fatal wound
MONAGHAN was at once subdued by this in
cident. He sat down and wept over tn
wounded man, declaring that Ryan va
one of his best friends.
An impression TO sone extent prevailed