Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-03-01
The Trareduin Harry County. Va.

We published yesterday under our Ielc-
graphic head, an account of an awful TRACE
dy which occurred on Saturday last in Hen
ry county. The Petersburg Express furnish
es the following additional particulars:
In appears, that some years since grand
daughter of the venerable and talented Vim
cent Witcher esq, of Pittsylvania county,
married n gentleman from the adjoining
county Of Henry, whose name was James
Clemmens. The maiden name Of Mr.. Witch
er's granddaughter was Smith. The par
ties lived happily together until about eigh-
| teen months since, when, upon the most IN
founded suspicious, Mr.. Clemmens desired a
separation from his wife, and Immediately
instituted proceedings for divorce, at the
same time impeaching her honor as the
grounds for his course Last Saturday was
set apart for the taking of dispositions, and
the parties met at magisteral precinct in
| Henry county.
Mr. Witcher appeared t. defend the suit
and protect the honor Of his grand-daugh-
ter.
The taking of the dispositions progressed,
and after the plaintiff had finished with a
witness, Mr.. Witcher asked a question, which
greatly exasperated the husband, Mr.. Glenn
mems. He Immediately arose, drawing 4
pistol at the same time, and fired At Mr..
/ Witcher Mr. Witcher it seems also quick
/ ly rose, and drew pistol from his pocket,
\ and rs the ball If his antagonist grazed
around the abdomen, he fired, striking Glenn
mems in the forehead, and killing linn instant
ly.
4 nephew Of Mr. Witcher, and Mr..
Smith, brother Of Mrs. ClemmenS, hearing
the firing rushed into the room. \ brother
\ OF Mr. Clemmens, who had also been attract
ed by the pistol reports, fired at a nephew Of
Mr.. Witcher the ball taking effect, and pro-
ducing, it il feared, 4 fatal wound Upon
seeing his nephew shot, Mr.. Vincent Witch
er again fired, striking Clemmens and kill
ing him instantly.
At this stage Of the sanguinary affair, Mr..
! Smith, i brother Of Mrs. Clcmmcns drew 4
bowie knife, but had scarcely unsheuthcd the
blade, when he was fired upon BY second
/ brother Of Ccmmens, the ball taking effect
in the shoulder, and producing i painful
wound. Infatuated by his wound, Mr.. Smith
rushed upon his antagonist, and with one
/ powerful thrust Of the knife completely dis
embowled Clemmcus the unfortunate man
falling dead on tho spot.
Three Of the parties dead, and the other
three all wounded, the horrible tragedy here
ended.
Vincent Witcher, esq, the chief actor in
this truly terrible affair is widely known
throughout Virginia. lie served Tor many
4 years in the lower House Of the Legislature,
and subsequently represented Lis district
in the State Senate, with signal ability.
lie succeeded Whitmell I. Tunstall, upon
the death Of that gentleman, rs President d
the Richmond and DanyilIe railroad After
two years service he resigned the Presidency
Of the road, and has since been engaged in
the practice Of his profession-tha IF Law
\ yer.
Our informant states that throughout this
painful suit, which Mr.. Wtcher believes to
have been instituted against al innocent
| gr;nd-daug glitter, lie has acted with great for
bearance, and the part he has been compell-
ed finally to act, viii he with none, source
Of more deep regret than himself
Ofcourse, the whole matter viii undergo
judicial investigation.