Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1860-03-08
The Tragedy In Virginia.

The Petersburg Express of February 29th, contains
the following account OF the horrible tragedy IN Henry
county Va telagraphic account OF the same has
already appeared in our paper
The usually quiet and aW-abding people OF the cOun
u OF Henry have been intensely excited Tor the past
three or four days. in consequence Of terrible tragedy
or rather triple tragCdy-that enacted IN their
midst Saturday last The particulars reached US last
evening through source entirely reliable. The details,
although not as full as shall doubtless be enabled to
give at early day, sufficient to cause thrill Of
horror at their mere recital.
1t appears, according to the version given US, that
some Years since granddaughter of the venerable and
talented Vincent Witcher ESQ, of Pttsylvania county,
married gentleman from the adjoining county OF Hen
ny whose name was Clemmens. His Christian name
we have been unable to ascertain. The maiden name
o Mr. Wcher's granddaughter was Smith. The par
ls lived happily together until about eighteen months
Suc when, upon the most untOunded suspicious as we
have been informed Mr. Clemmens desired separation
from his wife and Immediately instituted proceedings
of divorce, AT the time lmpeachng her honor as
tAe grounds of his course.
Last Saturday was set apart for the taking of depo
Silons and the parties met at magsteral precinct IN
Henry county
Mr. Wcier appeared to defend the suit and protect
lhr honor OF his granddaughter.
The taking Of the dispositions progressed, and after
The plaintiff had finished with witness, Mr.. Wltcher
asked question: which greatly exasperated the husband
Mr Clemens. He Immediately arose, drawing pistol
al the same time, and fired at Mr. Witcher Mr.
Itcher 1t seems, also quickly rose and drew pistol
Rom his pocket and the ball of his antagonist grazed
around the abdomen, he fired striking Clemmens in the
Forehead, and killing him instantly.
n nephew OF Mr.. Wltcher, and Mr.. Smith, brother
" Mrs Cemmens, hearing the firing rushed into the
room A brother of Mr. Clemens, who had also been
S,taccd by the pistol reports fired at nephew of Mr.
chcr the ball taking effect and producing, it is fear
gu fatal wound Upon seeing his nephew shot, Mr.
I3Gent Witcher again fired, striking Clemmens No.
E&"Au Killing him instantly.
AT this stage of the sangunary affair." Mr. Smith, a
DoIner OF Mrs Clemmens drew bowie knife, but had
Cacey unSheathed the blade when he was fired upon
~ second brother OF Clemmens the ball taking effect
U The shoulder, and producing painful wound. Intu-
oted by his wound, Mr.. Smith rushed upon his antago
' and with one powerful thrust of the knife complete
u@cmooweled Clemmens No. 3, the unfortunate man
9Ins dead on the spot.
lhree OF the parties dead, and the other three all
"oTTuued the horrible tragedy here ended
CenI w ltcher, Esq, the chief actor in this truly
'ole aiar, Is widely known throughout Virginia.
served Tor many years in the lower House of the LIE
fo Stnt ana subsequently represented his district in
ra 100 S2ou"Ie with signal ability. He is prom
nCIOel vi Ihe Wing party, and his name has been
peatedly mentioned in Connection with the ofce n
oIeLuor OF the Commonwealth He succeeded Whit
Iunstall, upon the death of that gentleman az
.'"leht OF the Richmond and DanviIlp Railroad AZ
"o years service he resigned the Presidency Of the
anu has since been engaged in the practice of his
%asion-that of lawyer.
Our Informant states that throupbop+ A. :e1
which Mr. Witcher believes to have been
9Te an innocent grand daughter he has acted with
nm W oearance, and the part he has been comneled
sey ~ act will be with none source of more deenp,
#esret than himself " -'0'0 "eePe'
iny course the whole matter will UNDERGO indic;on
'D' Un'n winch we torbear further comment