The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1859-04-27
L III E DISP A TCH.



The Washington evening papers of Monday
contain accounts of the suicide of John Gilmer
editor of the Charlottesville (Va) Exponent
which has already been noticed by telegraph
The Star says:
the depot of the Washington Branch Railroad for
r. yulating the cars upon the track, was backing
into the enclosure, man was seen to throw him.
self upon the track, and before 1t could be pre-.
vented, the wheels of the tender passed over him
crushing his breast and arm, ard causing death in
a few minutes. He was taken into the depot and
upon examination, il was ascertained that the de-
ceased was John B. Gilmer, OF Virginia. a son O,
Secretary Gilmer, of President TyIer's Cabinet
who came TO his death by the depiOrable accident
on the United States steamer Princeton. Coroner
Woodward having summoned a jury to investi.
gate The case. they returned a verdict that the
said John Gimer came TO his death by vounta-
riy throwing himself across the railroad track
at the Washington depot, the tender passing over
him, killing him almost instantly, on the moru-
ing of the 25th of April, at half past O'clock
The deceased had been several days in Washiug-
ton. where he is we'll known, and is frequent
visitor. The body was delivered into possession OF
A Pryor, Esq, an intimate friend of the family,
who will have it properly prepared and conveyed
to Virginia for iEteTment.
The States gives The evidence at the soroner's in
quest, of which the following is an extract:
Mr.. Miller said the first he saw of the man was
kldt ne etfetChcu HfEeeiI out on tlo TRACK, ne
(witness) called out to the engineer. The man was
two or three feet from the wheels of the tender:
did not think he was drunk; he certainly laid
down Intentionally, and so close that the engineer
had not time to stop; did not observe the man be-
fore. Witness works on the road; observed about
deceased no indications that be had been drinking;
had taken no notice of the man before he threw
himself down
MIR. james Wesley testified he saw a man spread
himself ont on the track, too close to the engine
in Jrna n va i'm
Man lay down on his breast; bad not observed de-
ceased before; saw nobody with deceased, aud nc
indications about him Of bis having been under
the Influence of liquor; is satisfied the man threw
himself ou the track Intentionally.
Mr.. Parsons examined. Said that q lady had
sent him word when he WAS standing by the body
that she had observed the deceased walking about
she cars.
ceased he Ia a son of the Hon Thomas W Gitmer
ex.Gover nor of Firgi gina, and formerly Sect etary Y
of the Navy. His father was killed by the explo.
sion of gun on the Princeton The deceased was
Blawyer and editor, of Charlottesville Virginia;
was about thirty years Of age. Saw him twice
yesterday; he sober. Had requested the
Messrs Willard TO seud for me if Mr. Gilmer should
be in a condition to need my services; hence they
sent me word this morning of his death.
Mr, Gordon. Saw Mr. Giimer yesterday and this
morning; did not think him drunk.
Dr. james NJ. Grimes, eXamined-Saw Mr.. Gil
mer after he dead; had not him before; was
satisfied that he WAS dead, from having made an
examination of the body; found that death was
caused by wounds from cars, &C.; six of the ribs
were broken, the lungs were mashed aud congest-
ed, and the arm next the injured side was broken
in severai places.
Mr. Pryor took charge Of the person of the de-
ceased. His remains will be sent to Virginia, for
isterment.
Mr.. Gilmer was editor of the Charlottesville Ex-
ponent, and Was lawyer by profession. lie was
q gentleman of high character and ability, and his
death is deplored by large circle Of friends.