The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1865-07-21
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.


This Court was engaged yesterday in examining the
C sse of Henry Smith, for the murder of Edward J.
Houghton on Sunday, the 10th inst, in Gosport 1t ap
pears from the evidence adduced before the Cont that
on Sunday last, about NJ, the deceased with num-
Der Of his shipmates, came sh ore from the U. s.
steamer "Chcopeen The deceased, with several Others
stepped into Corners Saloon, in Blu sh Row. near the
Navy Yard gate, where they met james William cod
Captains steward Of the "Chicopee." Williams and
Houghton having been old shpmates board the ram
sAbermare" got into dispute about something which
occurred between them board that vessel Smith, the
accused and person with him. took offence at Hough-
tonor dsputng with the negro, and the companion Of
Smith made the remark knock the damn Niger down
What the h-s the Of talking to him." and at the
time striking Williams the steward In the mouth
splitting his Lip. Here Smith, the accused, and Hough-
ton the deceased mutually interceded and stopped the
FUSS short time after leaving the house Houghon fell
in with number Of his shpmates and went to Ports
mouth with themsmith, the deceased, and his friends
remaining behind. About $50, P. NJ, Hougbton and
his shipmates, about twelve in number on their way
aboard ship, fell in with Smith and his companion
Gslilee corner when the old fuss of the morning must
have been renewed as appears in evidence that light
arose between Smith, the accused and William Smith,
coxswan Of the lst cutter Of the "ChicopeeY friend
became general and Houghton, while endeavorlng to
part the two Smiths was stabbedthe weapon used be-
ing common sheathknife, usually worn by Sailors
After Houghton stabbed his shipmates became nfu-
rated and set upon Smith with bricks and stones, and
no doubt would have killed him, had not citi-
interfeed and rescued him by pushing him In the
door of house close at hand, and barring it. At this
stage of affairs, police officer Oyams) up, and
with several citizens secured the accused and conducted
him to Jail. 80. gsst4s; T.i.t...
The deceased, Houghton, in his 22d year. and was
from East Boston, Massachusetts His character board
ship unexceptionabe, and he general ayorite
among his shpmstes He originally entered the service
private in the 39th Massachusetts, Regiment and in
May 1884, transferred to the Navy where he served
with honor to himself and credit to his friends and as
before stated with Lieut. Cushman his expedition
to Plymouth, which resulted in sinking the "Albemarle
His term of service had expired, and he would have
ceved honorable discharge the next day Clonday
18th instant. ''' 81 f7
Henry Smith, the accused Is in his 2sd year. and was
born in Quebec, Canada of Irish parents-a sailor by
profession and at the time of the unfortunate occurrence
attached to the "Jane sands Government wreckng tug
Smith is about five feet six inches high wy FORM
built, redheaded, and weighs about hundred and
fifty pounds with keen eye and countenancs which
indicates than usual determination Of character
and animal courage We visited him in JAIL and he ex-
his regret at the sad affair." but he done 1t
in self defence Smiths term of service expires this
week, and be expresses hope that he will be able to
vndicate himself when the up for final trial
The Court remanded the accused for further examination
before the Hastings Court the first Tuesday in August