, 1864-09-30
Lewiston Correspondence.

EDS. STATEsMAN.-A strange and most
unaccountable suicide has happened in our
midst. On the morning of the 22d as Mr.
Wallace Thompson, the book keeper, was
about leaving the store of Fitch & Co., to
get his breakfast, he called at the bed room
door of Mr. Fitch, who complained of being
unWell, and asked him if he shonld bring
his breakfast from the Luna House for him.
Mr. Fitch replied No, he did not wish any,
and requested MIR. THOMSON to close up as
usual until he returned. Mr. Thompson
took his breakfast and returning, opened
the store and went about his usal duties.
Several customers called, and he thought
nothing more about Mr. Fitch until nearly
IL O'Clock. Although he had been partially
into the room twice, he neglected to notice
the position of Mr. f. or in fact the bed at
all. About quarter TO II and the third time
he visited the room, he saw pistol clenched
by the barrel in his left hand At this he
sprang back into the store without making
any further observation, and ran for help,
thinking Mr. f. conten plated something
desperate. Upon the arrival of friend, it
was found that Mr.. Fitch had placed the
muzzle OF the pistol to his right temple and
fired bail through his head, killing him
self Instantly. The bed was completely sat
urated with blood, and the brain protrudng
on the right side some three inches. The
pistol was Colts navy size revolver, which
he usually kept under his pillow Mr.
Fitch was temperate, shrewd business
man, and remarkable for his energy, enter
prise and zeal in all that appertained to the
welfare Of Idaho. Not the slightest cause
has been discovered for the rash act, nor
was it suspected by single friend His re-
mains were followed to the grave by large
cOncourse eft people who seemed awe westrick-
en- at so sudden and terrible tragedy.
Whatever may have been his secret trouble
Gf he had any) he uever divulged it to his
most intimate friends; but certain it is, for
the past month he has enjoyed poor health
and been much depressed. He was former
ly from Buffalo, New York, and more re-
Gently from California
The anniversary Of the adoption of the
Constitution was celebrated here with great
ectat. Not less than three-fourths of the en-
tire vote of this precinct was in the process
sion.r After pleasant ride Of seven miles
We halted by cool spring, and beneath the
old cottonwoods on the g Hatwai," spread
most buntiful lunch, after which,
listened to the reading of the Declaration of
Independence, the Constitution, and few
happy. and wel-timed remarks By Major
McDaniels The Star Spanged Banner was
sung, and in bumper we again pledged our
faith to God, our Country and the Consttu-
ton. Three rousing cheers were gwen for
Mcclellan and Pendletou and the procession
again moved for town. Several sautes were
given at the residences of . the faithful, af-
ter which the procession halted in front Of
Gov. Lyon Office, and three cheers made
the wekin ring again. The Governor ap
peared aud in neat and most appropriate
little speech thanked them kindly. Refer
ring to the history Of the Constitution and
its adoption, he trusted that it might be
transmitted unsullied to future generations,
and wished all success in our efforts to com
memorate the day Of it's adoption Several
rperoa "ere rniade III the e9 eriing, anu
thus closed an event that will be a prece-
dent for future generations yho love the
bond otOur Union. INDEX.