Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-07-31
The Murder of Col. 0'Brien.

TO which paper il was furnished by tn
Rev. Mr.. Clowry, Roman Catholi
clergyman, who was an eye witness Of Oh
scene he describes
Sol. O'Brien, early on Monday vol
unteered his services and those of his re
gimeut (the 18th New York Volunteers
to assist in putting down the mob, ant
this fact becoming known to the crowd o
rioters, highly incensed them, for the,
appeared to think they had a sort o
claim on their countryman, if not to as
sist them at least not TO take up arm
against them. Col. O'Brien was giver
command of detachment Of U. S. Ma
rnes in addition to his own regiment
Before, however, bis soldiers had ar
rived, he appeared in front of his house
in full uniform, with his sword in hi:
hand, aud proceeded nearly two blocks
out of his way, near to where the crowd
was collected, and began to upbraid them
in the most Incorporate language. He
is said to have applied to them terms
which cannot be presented in print, and
continued to do so. His language seems
to have been uncalled for.
The crowd at this time offered no vio-
lence and only replied with muttered
threats, The Colonel then retired in
doors and remained some time. In the
interval his command OF troops had ar
rived and formed 10 line near Seth street
and Second avenue. The Colonel came
out and put himself at their head, and
having completed his military dispositions
he left them and proceeded TO the drug
store of MIR. Tudor, corner of 34th st.
and Second avenue, which he entered to
make some slight purchase.
Having procured what he wanted, he
came out and the crowd having gathered
somewhat nearer the door than they had
been before, he cooked his revolver and
advanced directly toward them. Wheth-
er on this occasion he used more intern
perate language is not known, but as he
came forward a woman took stone and
threw it toward him, which did not tray-
erse more than half of the distance be-
tween them, but on the instant the Colo
mel presented his revolver and fired
The ball being aimed low struck the
arth, ricocheted and struck the woman
m the knee. She instantly fell, and from
hat moment the ColonePs fate was seal
ID.
The mob made a rush at him, and in
IN instant be was knocked down, tram
,led under foot, and the heartless, cruel
mob were upon him. His revolver was
AIKEN from him; his sword was broken
nto fragments; and every fist that could
Jet within reach; every club that could !
re brought to bear; every brick or stone |
hat could be thrown with true aim; ev- e
ny heel that could hit the head of the
nlortunate man, was put into requisiton.
n a moment he was beaten inscnsbIe,
hich fact is the only consolation left to
is friends, for the crueltes and indigni- !,
es offered afterward TO his body, had !,
ey been endured by being capable of .
cling, would have been too horrible for :.
,lief. =,
Having been struck to the earth be :,
as seized by hundred hands and drag :;
I'd into an alley-way, out of the sight of =
S wife and children, and also almost =
thin sight of his troops, who of course 81
ID no idea of the atrocities being per. h,
.trated on their commander. and there y
was beaten and kicked and dubbed for "
'urs. He did not die till SP. NJ. All u
e intervening time he was surrounded ar
the crowd, who refused to permit any tn
e to render him any assistance, and di
zen a humane druggist went to him and ia
We him drink Of water, the mob en- M
red the store and Quilted it from end to is
d. er
For all these hours this man lay there, oh
'tched over by some of the mob, and su
lenever groan, or a sigh, or a heavy its
bored breath would give token of life, SIT
ere was always ready foot to kick his es
,eding head, or ready hand 10 dash it
J head against the paving stones. And Gu
is where his wife and children could al II
'st see him and hear his groans. ma
AT about 6 p. M, or perhaps before, Sc;
'ther Clowry, clergyman of the Ro- 1t
IN Catholic church, who had witnessed br
whole scene, vainly endeavored to be-
event the deed of violence, entreated SD,
Emission of the mob TO administer to pa,
dying man the Sacrament of Extreme an,
lctiOn. He argued to them, 'the man ed
already dying; he can never recover paI
have done your worst now pray let 9th
remove bis body, and render to him 10
} last Offices Of our church." The an wo
er was, You can do your office here, an,
we will protect you in it, but no one lite
Ill remove the man from where be REQ
:. . les
Finding all further remonstrance use. mo
5, the Rev. Father gave to.the diving me