Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1859-03-01

Bloody Tragedy in Washinsfon-The Hen
Daniel E. sickIes, NJ C. of New York City
Shoots down U. s. District Attorney Phillip
Barton Key.
A street ASSASSINATION occurred In Washing
ton Sunday afternoon, both the parties being
men in high position. The telegraph furnished
the following particulars to the Columbus and
Cincinnati press Sunday evening, and to the
Cleveland Monday afternoon. Why this jis-
elimination
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.
| This community was thrown into an intense
excitement to-day by the killing of Phillip Bar
ton Key, q. S. District Attorney for the Dis
trict of Columbia, at the hands of Daniel E.
Sickles According to report, Mr.. Sickles be-
ing convinced of the truth of certain scandalous
rumors involving his wife, resolved to redress
his wrongs At about two o'clock this P NJ,
proceeding from his residence, near the Presi-
dents house, to the southeast corner of Lsfa-
yette square, in the same neighbOrhood, where
Mr.. Key was engaged In conversation with Mr.
Butterworth, of New York, he charged Mr.
Key with having dishonored him and destroyed
his domestic peace, and shot him with revol
yer, one of the balls entering the left side of the
body and passed out to the corresponding point
on the opposite side lodging under the skin
Another shot took effect in the right thigh,
near the main artery, when Mr.. Key fell i'm
ploring Mr.. Sickles not to kill him. The third
shot was in the right side, glancing from the
body, inficting only bruise. Death ensued in
few minutes The body was taken into the
National Club House, where the jury of inquest
was held, which, after an examination into the
circumstances, of some hours in length, return
ed verdict merely stating that the death of
Mr.. Key was from the effects of pistol shots, as
above stated, fired by SickIes. The premises of
the Club House were crowded with people anx-
iously inquiring all about the circumstances of
the event
After Mr. SickIes had killed Mr. Key, he re-
paired to the residence of Attorney Gen. Black,
where he was advised to deliver himselfinto the
hands of the officers, who subsequently convey
ed him to Jail.
Application will be made by Mr.. Sickles for
q writ of habeas corpus, with view to procure
his release on bail, to await his trial His wife
exonerates him from all blame, and be has the
general sympathy of the community.
In the Circuit Court Ar. Carlisle announced
the death of Mr.. Key, the late District Attorney
for the District of Columbia While eulogizing
the deceased as courteous, frank, open hearted
SSbtiouidn,n iOIuOlc W peak Vi bue CduSc NhiCu
led to his death, as that was a subject for judi
cial investigation. The Court paid similar
compliment to the deceased, and adjourned to
Thursday.
The special dispatch to the Cincinnati Gaz-
ette gives the following version of the horrible
tragedy in high life;
SickIes had received an anonymous letter yes
terday, informing him of improper intimacy be-
tween his wife and Key. He charged her with
it this morning, and obtained written state
ment of the facts signed by her. Not long af-
ter, Key appeared in the Square, and waved
his handkerchief which was the accustomed
signal of meeting with Sickles' wife
Sickles observing it, went over and met Key
at the corner of the square. Approaching him,
he said "you are the id rascal who has dis
honored me, and have to kill you" He then
drew pistol and shot Key, the latter advanced
and Sickles retreated a few steps and fired |
again, when Key fell shouting "murder '-
While he was down, Sickles attempted to fire his |
pistol third time, but the cap exploded with |
out being followed by discharge He then re-
capped the pistol and put the muzzle near Keys |
heart, shooting him dead. -a
Sickles afterwards walked to the Attorney |
Generals residence and surrendered himself,
after stating the facts and provocation. He
was followed by an immense crowd, bnt with
no signs Of resentment A hearing was had
before magistrate, and he is now in jail, at
tended by number of friends who Justify the
act The Criminal Court meets immediately,
and under the present state of feeling, no con-
viction is proballe.