The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1867-07-24
Terrible Tragedy in Brunswick, Ga
THE ENGLISH CONSUL SHOT DEAD ON HIS
WEDDING DAY.

THE ENGLISH CONSUL SHOT DEAD ON HIS
WEDDING DAY. n
One of the most lamentable tragedies
that it has ever been otir sad duty to re-
cord, occurred in Brunswick, Ga, on the
5th inst, says the Savannah News and
Herald 1t was lamentable not only in the
death of the.yictim, but from the respecta-
bility of all parties concerned and the sad
end of a short but happy marriage. The
circumstances attending the unfortunate
affair, apart from It's origin, are as follows.
although reports are chrrent imputing the
occasion of the affair to different motives:
About 1865 A. young and wealthy English
man; named E. X. Westmdreland, who was
engaged during the war in blockade run
ming, i'll which he gained considerable rep
utation and wealth, came TO Brunswick,
Ca, with the intention Of investing his
capital and making the place his home
Possessed Of fine business qualifications, he
formed partnership with General Gordon,
and together they carried on a large bust
ness in running several saw mills. Through
some mismanagement OF misunderstanding
Westmoreland retired from the firm, and
afterwards was residing in the city, acting
| as English Consul. He contracted the ac-
ouaintance of young and beautiful lady,
the daughter of q prominent and respecta-
bic citizen, Colonel G. L. Sehlatter; whom
he addressed. {. At the time of the English
mans visits she was visited by q young
man named Captain E. J. Martin. West
moreland continued his attentions, which
were encouraged by the young lady, and
in due time he proposed and was accepted,
much against the parents wishes, it is
said.
During the attention of these young men
i to the lady GOODNESS and reserve sprung up
Ibetween them Previous to this CirCum-
| stance they were apparently friends, con-
siaered as such by those who knew them.
Thus matters stood, until one day West
moreland saw Martin descending the, steps
of neighbours house, where he had oeen
visiting. Westmoreland called out to him,
"Hold up, Martin, I'll walk down with
: you." Not answering the request, west
, moreland repeated it, when Martin turned
towards him and said, Il DO not wish your
company, sir" or words Of similar import,
and quietly walked on: Westmoreland
challenged Martin, who Immediately ac.
copied. Subsequently, the seconds and
: friends of both parties adjusted the diff
9 Guilty, by inducing Westmoreland to with
t draw the challenge, and Martin his re-
e marks.
e The rivals, however, maintained their
o GOODNESS and were not on speaking terms
: On Friday last, about IL o'clock A. M.
6 Westmoreland and the young lady, were
!. married. After short time spent in tile
= usual congratulations on such occasions
8 the Young bride and husband proceeded tt
e the office of the latter, and began making
l. preparations for the bridal tour. While
it awaiting the arrival Of the steamer, West
l. moreiand was sitting on the office step
c. conversing with Judge Marlin. Whit
ID thus engaged, Martin came. up the street
q. and walking directly in front OF West
=. moreland, drew small pistol, and withou
~ a word of explanation fred at him., tn
'e ball striking him in the groin. Westmort
L land Immediately sprang to his feet, whe
or Martin fred again, the ball taking effecti
IN the centre Of the breast. Westmorelani
81 advanced towards Martin, and selzing NIL
nd by the arm, said: martin, what have
Ist done to you that you shot me!" and beg?a
nv sinking to the ground, A soldier. passln
tn at the time, wrung the pistol from Martin
lis hand and with the other arm supporte
.s the diving man. Westmore!and did not II
Oh ter a word after he fell, and died in abo'
III fifteen minutes. Martin made no atteml
es- to escape, and surrendered to % squad
tn lsoldiers, he was marched to his room !
nal the hotel. H.
its An inquest was held on the body, and
on verdict returned in accordance with Il
de. facts. While this was going on, lar
SON crowd assembled in front Of the hot
nnt, highly incensed, and threats of violen
on were uttered, so exasperated had they
II. IT, come. Upon consultation the authorit
.hc decided that, in view of the great excl
que ment which prevailed, and the probal
ore attempt being made to lynch Martin,
the would he better to send him to Savann
are for safe keeping until the excitement 81
off sided. = He was accordingly placed
ers. board the Sylvan Shore, and arrived
,tes this city on Saturday evening" :.
iow CAPTAIN Martin Is a voting men of f
~, ~ personal appearance, good education, a
hv of great determination and bravery.
~ ~ served on The staff Of General johnson,
ises Virginia, under General Longstreet,
'afy is the owner Of a large rice plantation
zen the Altamaha River, which he was Gu
IKE waiting at the time the murder was &C
and mitted. His friends contend that OF
motives, more aggravated than Jealous
,ple prompted the commission OF the deed,
now that transactions of a persouai matt
inc committed after the settlement OF the Gil
; i"' were themselves sufficient to justify
!, ~ acts1 E = rs,
OF Mr., E. G.. Westmoreland was born
me- England, and descended, it is sad, 9
be noble and ancient family. tie was an
not of fine intellectual abilities, and OF con-
rary cradle wealth. AT the zine OF MS de
too be had been marriedbnt about i've hou