The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1860-03-06
Terrible Tragedy in Henry County,
Vtrgiuia

Virginia..
Three Brothers Instantly Kaled-llree other l[en Shot
and 1FounIed-O Ono Fatally, ii is Fearel-.i Divorce
Case at Tie Bottom Of the Shocking Deeds Of Bbod.
Tic usually quiet and law-abidng people Of tlIc
county of Henry have been intensely excited for the
past three four days in consequence Of terrible
tragedy rather triple tragedy, that enacted in
their midst on Saturday last The particulars reached
us last evening through source entirely reliable The
details although not rs full rs we shall doubtless be
enabled to give at carly day. sufficient to
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 Witchcr, Esq, of Pittsylvania
county, married gentleman from the adjoining county
of Henry whose name was Clemmcns His Christian
name we have been unable 10 ascertain. The maiden
name of Mr.. Witchcr's granddaughter was Smith,
The parties lived happily together until about eighteen
months SINCE when, upon the most unioundcd susp-
cions MS we have been informed Mr.. Ccmuens desired
separation from Ills wife. and Immediately instituted
proceedings for divorce, at the same time mpcaciing
her honor as the grounds for his course
Last Saturday was set apart for the taking Of dcpos
Henry county.
Mr. Wtchcr appeared to defend the suit and protect
the honor O. Ills granddaughter.
The taking Of the dcpositions progressed and after
the plaintiff had finished with witness, Mr.. Witcher
asked question: which greatly exaspcraed. the hus
band, Mr.. Clemmcns. lie Immediately arose. drawing
pistol at the same tmc and fired at Mr. Witcher
Mr. Witcer, it seems, also quickly rose, and drew
pistol from his pocket and the ball of his antagonist
grazcd around the abdomen, he fired, striking Glenn
mems in the forehead and killing him instantly.
nephew of Mr.. Witcher, anda Mr.. Smith, brother
of Mrs. Clemmens hearing the firing rushed into the
room. y brother of Mr.. Clenmcns, who had also
been attracted by the pistol reports, fired at nephew
of Mr. Witcler the ball taking effect and producing,
it is feared, fatal wound Upon seeing his nephew
shot Mr.. Vincent WitcEer again fired, striking Glenn
mems No 2, and killing him instantly.
At this stage Of the sanglinary affair." Mr.. Smith,
brother Of Mrs Clemmens drew bowie knife, butlnd
scarcely unsheatled the bndc, when he was fired
upon by second brother of Clemmens the ball taking
effect in the shoulder, and producing painful wound.
Infuratcd by this wound Mr. Smith rushed upon his
antagonist and with one powerful thrust Of the knife
disembowled Clenlmons No. 3, the unfortunate man
falling dead on thc'spot.
Three of the parties dead and the other three all
wounded, tile horrible tragedy mere ended,
4-SEs.:--xsJs -.l.- 5a;.-i+-
terrible affair, IS widely knowI Virginia.
lie served for many years in the lower House of the
Legislature, and subsequently represented his District
in the State Senate with signal ability lie is prom-
nent member of the Wing party, and his name has
been repeatedly mentioned in connection with the Office
Of Governor of the Commonwealth Hc succeeded
Whmc P. Tunstall upon the death of that gentleman
as President Of the Richmond and Danvillc Rail Road
After two years service lie resigned the Presidency of
the road and has since been engaged i'll the practice of
his PROFESSIONALISM Of lawyer
Our informant states that throughout this painful
suit which Mr. Witcherbelcvc to have been instituted
against all innocent granddaughter, he has acted with
great orbcarancc and tie part he has been compelled
finally to act will be with none source gilmore deeper
regret than himself.
! Ofcourse the whole matter will undergo judicial
investigation until which we forbear further comment
Petersburg (Ta) Express.