Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1867-07-16
TRAGEDY IN GEORGIA.

The telegraph several days since annouuceo
the killing OF the Acting English Consul, Il,
G Westmoreland, at Brunswick, Ca, on
Friday week. From our Georgia exchanges
W. give the full particulars Of the lamentabe
tragedy. Westmoreland, during the war, was
engaged in blockade running, gaining consider
abje reputation and wealth. In 1865 he set
tI,d in Brunswick, Ca. and formed co-part-
ner,hip with General Gordon, and conducted
IN extensive saw mill business. Through
same mismana cement or misunderstanding
Westmoretand retired from the firm, andafter
wards was residing in the city, acting as Eng
lsh Consul there Here he contracted the
acquaintance Of a young and beautiful lady,
the daughter Of prominent and respectable
citizen, whom he afterwards addressed. At
the time of the Englishman's visits she was
visited by young man named Captain +. j.
Martin. Westmorgland continued his atten-
tons, which were encouraged hy the young
lady, ana 10 due time proposed and was ac-
ceptel, much against the parents wishes, 1t
is said During the attentions of the young
men to the young lady, which were most
assiduous on both Sides, GOODNESS and
reserve sprung up between them. Previous
10 this circumstance they were apparent
" friends, and were considered as such
until one day Westmoreand saw Martin de-
Sending the steps of neighbor' house where
he had been visiting. Not noticing West
moreland, the latter called out to him, Hold
up, Martin, I'll walk down with you. Not
answering the request, Westmoreland repeated
it, when Martin turned towards him and said:
II don't wish your company, sir, or words OF
similar import, and quietly walked on, as if
feeling inSuIted Westmoreland challenged
Martin, who Immediately accepted. Seconds
we're chosen, and everything for the combat
had been prepared, the party intending to
proceed to the ground on the Sylvan Shore
when she arrived at that point. Being de-
tanned some hours beyond her time, she did
not arrive till late, during which delay the
seconds and friends OF both parties adjusted
the difficulty by inducing Westmoreland to
withdraw the challenge, and Martin his
remarks The friends of both parties consd-
cred the difficulty finally settled, and thought
nothing more oft. "
The rivals, however, maintained their cool
ness, and we're not on speaking terms: West
morelasd continued his attentions to the young
lady and Martin his visits to the house On
Friday last about II o'clock, q. m, West
moreland and tbs young lady we're married.
After short time spent in the usual congrat-
ulatlons on such occasions, the young BRIDE and
husband proceeded to the Office ofthe latter, and
began making preparations for the bridal tour
While awaiting the arrival Oft the Sylvan Shore,
Westmoreand, in his shirt-sleeves and stock
ng feet, was sitting on the Office steps
eonversiog with Judge Marlin. While
thus engaged, Martin came up z the
street, and walking directly in front OF West
moreland, drew small pistol, and without
word OF explanation fired at him, the ball
striking him in the groin. Westmoreland i'm
medlsleiy sprang to his feet, when Martin fired
again, the ball taking effect in the centre of
the breast. Westmoreland advanced towards
Martin, and seizing him by the arm said:
Martin, what have l done to you that you
shot me % and began sinking to the ground;
A soldier passing at the time Wrung the pistol
from Martins hsnd, and with the other arm
supported the dying man. Westmoreland did
not utter word after he fell, and died in about
fifteen minutes. Martin made no attempt to
escape, and surreudering to a squad OF soldiers
he was msrched to his room in the hotel until
his arrest under a warrant Issued by Judge
Houston. .-
A large crowd Of outsiders gathered around
the hotel and there were loud threats OF vlo-
IeDce-indeed, so incensed were the people,
that the authorities sent the prisoner to Sa-
yanuah 1','
Captain Martin is young man of fine per-
sonal appearance, good education, and OF great
determination and bravery. He served on the
staff of General johnson in Virginia, under
General Longstreet. He is the owner of a
large rice plantation on the Aamaha river,
which he was cultivating at the time the muir
der was committed His friends contend that
other motives, more aggravated than Jealousy,
prompted the commission of the deed, and that
transactions of personal nature, committed
after the settlement of the duel, were in them
selves sufficient to account for the act. ..