Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1867-03-06
killing Of Williams.

In our last issue we briefly announced the fact
that renconter had taken place in this city be-
tween Martin V. Bridwell Assistant Chief of Po-
lice, and Joseph Williams, of Rogersvile, and for
merly Of Cincinnati, Ohio.
We did not express any opinion as to the merits OF
the affair. Williams, as heretofore published, has
died from the effects Of the wounds inflicted by his
antagonist Bridwell is recovering and though
manned for life no doubt is entertained Of his ulti
mate recovery.
From the Messenger. Of this city copy an ac-
count of this tragedy, which we have no doubt Is
correct 50 far as il goes When all the facts are
made public, it will appear, as we think that the
killing of Williams is, without justification. From
what we have heard there is a great deal both
dark and damnable in the assault upon and muir
der of Williams.
The Commercial Of this city has Published an ac-
count Of this tragedy calculated and undoubtedly
intended to create a false impression Any one be-
icving its statement would conclude that Williams
had been entirely at fault. Why should it make
such publication? If the editor has fear that
Brdwell lwho is regarded dangerous man will
some day chastse or kill him for publishing other
than a fair statement, he should have published
none at all. If he was actuatod by such motive,
he is a coward and 4 disgrace TO journalism.
We don't remember 10 have ever or spoken
TO Willisms, but justice should be done his memory,
and it is due his widowed mother and relatives that
his acts have no more blame attached TO them than
facts warrant Did the editor Of the Commercial
publish a false statement of this tragedy because
Williams had no relatives or friends South of the
Ohio River, while Brdwels live in this section
II he has been governed by this oonsideration-by
what be suPposes will Subserve his interests-if we
! repeat be has been governed by such motive, in
e1cusing and justifying crime then the editor Of
the Commercial is a scoundrel and should be put II
. the penitentiary for the remainder Of his life,
Herewith we publish the statement Of our neigh
Dor the Messenger
Williams, 1t seems, was on a visit in this city, and
. through some cause unknown 10 us, was watched III
"a most conspicuous manner by BridweI. Williams
quite sensitive on account of being eyed So closely
. by au officer Of the police department. made some
remark about said Bridwcll in a barber shop. Bird
we'll was duly warned of this fact and at the time
and place spoken Of met Williams just A. he WAS lI
the uc. Of setting down 70 his supper IN company
. with some friends Bridwell at once took hun y
the arm and asked him out of a back door. VII
iams complied without LestanCy or any sign o
fear Immediately after the parties stepped out
blow was heard by those within the saloon "no
Williams was heard cAclam TO this cilact, " Oh nc
Mr. Bridwel, you tried to knock me down, but 20,
didu't-you wouldn't hurt me- am nothing but ;
boy YOU re- "A man. but am not afraid of You. Les
go in and talk the matter over before the crowd
You are an officer, and / do not wish any persona
difficulty with you" The parties immediately alie
these remarks were heard, ro-entercd the saloon
Brdwell acknowledged that he smacAed nun "itI
An omen nand and that he would kill him II b.
talked any more about him. Williams said h
reckoned not-that he was not afraid of him-tha