Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-11-25

I'M srasnn7o oAsz OK THr M1RxET-i
FREEoH GivB HIHsEIF URa IB STATEMENT
OF THH -A9FETRs-About three o'clock this
monday morning, Sheriff orsW was called
upon at his residence and informed that Lew
is French jr., who stabbed the negro King
near the Ontario street Market, on Saturday
night, desired to give himself up. He wanted
few hours time, however, in which to visit
his mother, who is at Newburgh. French
went to Nswburgh, and coming back again
this morning gave himself up to Sheriff craw
about nine o'olOck 8. m. and was lodged in
jail. BE acknowledges that he stabbed the
negro, but declares thatit was in self defense.
The Grand Jury being now in session his
case will come before it Immediately. Our
reporter visited French in Jail this forenoon
and obtained from him the following state
ment;
Ny name is Louis French, Jr., and am
twenty-one years ofags. One week ago last
Friday, came to Cleveland from Fort
Wayne, Indiana, where had been clerking
in hotel for about five months. On satur-
day last I went to Warrensviils, hiring
horse for that purpose at Blacks Livery
Stable. I got back again about half-past
seven o'clock, and left the horse at the stable,
which is on Ohio street. On Erie street
took a drink with some comPan-
ions whom I met, and then leaving
them, went to Kinsman street. This was
about o'clock About two rods above
Eagle street, on Kinsman, I met man.
did aot know bim-whether he was white or
black. He appeared to be intoxicated, and
said you son Of a b-h where are you 60
ing or " get out of my way" don't re-
member which. replied, who arc you
talking to ?" and ne replied, 'tyOu, you dirty
son Of b-h." He then struck me on the
mouth, cutting my lip. (The prisoners
mouth shows the effect of blow.) The blow
staggered me backwards, aud then be ran up
and elutched me, one hand on my coat col
lar, and the other on my throat. I was much
frightened, and was afraid for my life. Ny
only idea was to cut away from him in some
manner. disa't mean to kill him, but I
drew my knife to defend myself as best I
might.
After breaking away from him, ran down
to Potts saloon. AS entered the saloon,
hOllsred something, but don't remember what
it was. I was greatly frightened. The man
followed me in, and then discovered for the
frat time, that he was negro. He said,
q What did you strike me with stone for2"
I avoided him, and running out, went down
Ontario street to George Leese's saloon, and
then found that still held the knife in my
hand. It was not bloody at all. It was
sometime after that before heard that the
negro was dead.
There was woman on the sidewalk at the
time the negro struck me. She cried out
oh r and hurried along"
The knife with which French stabbed the
negro is a two-edged dirk, about five inches
blade, with a sharp point. 1t has leather
sheath and was present to French from
some soldier friend. It is in the possession
of counsel. French is 3 boyish looking fell
low and has none Of the appearance of a row.
dy. He feels very badly over the affair, but
insists that he done as be did out of self-de-
tense merely
The woman who witnessed the difficulty
ought to make herself known in order that
her testimony might aid in clearing up the
affair as much as possible.
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