Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-05-25
From the Petersburg Express Of yesterday
PAINFUL DEATH OF CAPT. g. +. FISHER.

Our community was greatly checked yesterday morn
ing by the receipt OF intelligence from Norfolk Of the
gu den death of Capt Christopher Fisher of the Pc
tersburg Light Dragons The following special despatch
received this Office conveyed to us the particulars Of
the melancholy event:
"NoRPoLK, MAY 90, A. N-Cspt Fisher, of tn, Peters.
burg Light Dragons committed suicide, about o'clock
this morning, by shooting himself twice in the breast
and through his right temple, blowing his bra ns
out He with his company on the march from near
Craney Island Stuff k, and when within two miles of
the latter place committed the deed His remains will
arrive in Petersburg by the Norfolk train this aft,rnoon
This truly mCruuful occurrence has cast deep gloom
over our city where the deceased was deservedy held
In universal estimation The sudtenness and ma
ture of his fate are well calculated 10 awaken tn y
have done the profound sensation in every bosom
1t just week ago that be left us at the head Of
his splendid company to 60 into the service az Norfolk,
and an immense crowd OF cit assembled at the de-
pot to witness the Of their departure. When the
ain moved Off with them they greeted with cheer
after cheer end every demonstration of enthusiasm was
exhibited Le did any in that rel ocing
think that in few days their leader would be returned
10 his home cncase1 for the tomb
Cant Fisher a native OF the city of Norfolk and
settled in Petersburg about twenty years ago. ard
by lis intelligence aud business habits bis correct de-
pertinent and aft .ble manners the favor and
esteem Of the community He succeeded the late Pat
rick Durkin Cashier of the Exchange brancb) Bank
in this city, the duties OF which Office he formed with
eminent ability aud fidelity At the call of his native
State he prompt TO respond, and waving for
his official engagements at the Bank, he buckl'd on
hs armor babe adieu to bis fImiy and friends, and
fastened the seat Of war; there 10 devote himself 10
the glorious cause in which he enlisted. Alas it Was
reserved for him TO encounter the foe in the battle
field az no went prepared TO DO mysterious but All
wise Providence ordained otherwise and his mortal
rccr was terminated under circumstance far more dis
tressing than il be had persisted sword in hand, IN
bloody night. There be doubt that bis self des-
ruction of temporary Insanity with which he
was suddenly and violently seized.
An irques. was held BY Mayo Riddick Thursday
morning and verdict rendered according to tie above
testimony.
We must not ONT to mention that he was for many
years an exemplary member of the First Baptist Church
of this city, of which he Of the Deacons and his
loss will be heavily felt by that congregation as it will be
by our whole community, Of which he was one Of the
most valuable and beloved members.
He died in the 43i year of bis age, and leaves widow
and children weep the bereavement they have
sustained.
An extra from the Office of the Suffolk Sun gives tie
following plrtcuars:
For several days Capt = company had been stationed
Mt Wis,s store Pig Point and the Captin became
depressed in spirit aud seemed TO apprehend that bis
pauy in position 10 be cut TO pieces by the enemy
The cers and pr,vates Of his company discovering his
men .a condition consented 10 accompany him to Suffolk
and there intended to persuade him return home -
They lef their camp Wednesday night at 10 o'clock
aud in about four hours 10 mile of Suffolk when
the Captain drew his pistol aud shot himself twice through
the head. He never spoke afterwards, dying in few
minutes.
Capt Fisher about 45 years ole -wasa man Of high
social sition a. home-was Cashier of the Exchange
Bank OF Petersburg ana very pous member OF the Bap-
tia: Church We learn that he leaves wife and several
childr n HIS friends telegraphed and came down
receive bis body, which went up on the afternoon
train nearly all his comp any going up with it, is be-
eved thu, the great nteres. which be felt in the welfare
of his company the OF bis temporary aberra
ton Of mrd All his friends believe that he brave
nau. He greatly beloved by bis company, and ma
ny of them wep freely his sad end. We looked upon
his dead body thought Of his family and friends at home,
and mingled our tears of sorrow with theirs.