Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-02-18
THE HAwEsvILLE TRAGEDY.
From he LOuISTiIIe UtMO,rdt.
IIAtrr.NIrru L

HAwEsvILLE KY, Feb s.
Genteusu The excitement has somewhat subsidized
here The has been holding inquest the
body of Dr. H. A Dawson since Yesterday evening. The
following has been elected
William DAWSON, Ia son of the deceased stated
that he knew nothing of his fathers intentions but said
he acted quite strange for time past lie produced
two letters to his wife, and one to his sons from Dr.
II. \. Dawson. The letter to his wife is as follows:
HAwEsvILLE KY, Feb. 4.
M Dear HTfs and Children This day leave un-
known YOU and every person on earth for the spiritual
regouS-t is not the fear of trouble here that causes me
TO selec; this mode Of departure. For months
past have weighed well the circumstances that control
this county, and see chance Tor justice If poor
man has the Serets and McAdams with him, he is
Of aud more than his just rights; if against him, be
stands no more chauce than a feather in furnace If
this does not eau roe 1oDe roe, roe zoe, 'o0e unto all
that is good and yirtuOus in this county, am wiling
peaCeGbc means eau ever Subdue vicious and un-
principed wealth. such We have here-l have tried
for Thirty yearSo lay down my life that portion
Of the bghtug curse that has cast its wherng influence
the the land of my birth for quarter OF centu
~ may be removed and chance given to the good and
,rtuons TO live in ircudship-that fair fame be
established in this county before she goes out Of
isteuce,
Ma do not suppose my love Of family has grown less
Nv love Of all that good and vrtuous has only iucrca
ed but cannot stand the idea of having the bare lies
sworn by influential men necessary to imprson me- and
then a midnight assassination such rs is medtated.
choose rather to die, and in doing So to relieve all can
Of trouble
Grieve not for me- however unjust the world may be
my memory leave with clear conscience Of having
done the best in my power under ;he circumstances.
never was before so fully convinced of the influence Of
weah-if prayer could avail anything the desire should
be sent forth that wealth seek the vaults Of honest and
;ps. mon only
You have five sons and | know the material they are
made Of therefore know they will never forsake you
Farewell TO YOU ALL and give my love 10 all good pee
pie wherever found. II. A. DAWSON
n B-I have been the prosecuted of these devils un-
Ill my patience is exhausted Ii. A. DAWSON.
He sgued his name il a bold full hand. Another let
ter was also handed in by his SON Iii as follows:
HAwESyILLE, KY, Jan. 90.
M Dear lane hs wfe) That have left you so un-
expected to YOU il not because have loved you less
but that have loved you
Yours, in eternity,
HARDIN A. DAWSON
Written in very large full hand upon the envelope,
was the following
M Chiilren If should disappear in any way, |
want you Immediately open this letter but under no
other circumstances must it be opened.
H. A. DAVIDSON.
Il is evident from the above letters that he intended to
DESTROY himself and that he has had the thing in
temptation for several weeks II is evident that he
held the basket containing the bomb" on his arm. All
the persons in the house testified tha. when be entered