The weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1858-1860, 1859-03-08
Especial Dispatch 70 the Cincinnati Gazette


Baltimore, March l.
The Washington correspondent OF the New
York Herald says: 1t appears that il was on
Thursday night that the anonymous letter reach
ed Mr.. Sickles, apprising him OF his. wife's
treachery, Key received similar letter. warn.
ing him to desist from his pursuit of Mrs. Sickles,
during Friday and Saturday. Sickles fully sub
stsntiated the truth of the charges made.
In making her confession, Mrs. Sckles declar-
ed that Key succeeded some months since in in.
ducng her to yield to repeated interviews by
threats of exposure. In this way intercourse wss
kept up
The negro woman who had charge of the
house which Key had hired, was confronted with
Mrs. Sickles and identified her as the lady who
had accompanied Key.
On Sunday morning, Mr.. Sickes in spite of
the occurrences which had taken place, had
calmly resolved upon divorce from his wife,
when, as stated, the sight Of Key in the square
opposite, making the customary signals, intura-
ted him to madness, and the bloody sequel fol-
lowed.
AT nine o'clock last evening, Mr.. Sickles was
removed to his cell, where he was shortly after
visited by the Rev. Mr.. Haley, who, in Chris
tian spirit, came to offer him consolation. I'm
der the effect of his exhortation, Mr.. Sickles
gave way to his emotions, and implored him to
visit bis wretched wife, and let him know her
condition.
He did SO, and found Mrs. Sickles in the ut
most agony Of mind. On her knees she implor
ed her husbands pardon, and besought him, if
he would save her from madness, TO return her
wedding ring, which he had previously torn
from her hand.
The Reverend gentleman executed the COM
mission, and carried back, besides, letter ex-
pressiye of her despair
II was past midnight when Rev. Mr.. Haley re.
turned to the prison and communicated what be
had witnessed.
Under the advice Of this gentleman, Mr.. Sick.
les consented to give up the ring, aud was furth-
ermore induced to write letters to his wife of
the most afectionate description.
To-day, Mr. Sckles is in state of complete
mental prostration, and though throngs have
visited the prison, he has refused to see any
but few OF his most intimate friends, with
whom he has been unable to converse much,
He PAGES the corridor of the prison in silent
grief, frequently pressing his head between his
hands. He shrinks with dread from every allu-
sion TO he horrible event of yesterday.
Mrs. 5. is confined to her bed By severe ill
ness, and refuses to see any one whatever
The moment she is able, she is to leave Wash
ington for her fathers house.
Mrs. S. is represented as very penitent and
is overwhelmed with grief She declares that
she has had enough OF fashionable lite at Wash.
inston, and prays for oblivion.
She describes her husband when he returned
to the house, alter having accomplished his
bloody work, as entering her room, looking like
a marble statue, oDly uttering The sentence, 81
have killed him." Mr.. S. was accompanied to
his house by two subordinate officers of the dis
trict, who made him pledge his word and honor
before they would consent to allow him 10 en-
ter bis wife's room, that he would do her no
harm.
That he still entertains for her feelings of
strong affection, there is no doubt.
He believes Key seduced her from the path
OF virtue and rectitude, and that but for him
she would never have proved false
When gentleman remarked to him in Jail |
This must be terrible blow ia Mrs. Sickles,"
Mr.. S. exclaimed, pressing his hand upon his
brow, Eyes. poor child" and walked away.
1t is reported that Mrs. S. is enciente, and has
made affidavit that she became SO in consequence |
Of her intercourse with Key.