The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1867-05-10

guson's return from Philadelphia,
where he had prosecuted his studies
in medicine with great diligence, and
graduated with first honors, he be.
came connected in business with one
of our popular physicians, and was,
to all appearance, advancing along the
road to professional renown with rap
i'd strides. But it seems that good
fortune did not benefit him. He be-
came reckless, and finally it was ru-
mored among his many friends that
be had became enamored with u
young woman Of great beauty, but
depraved habits, and had neglected
his business 80 that he could enjoy
her society. She had other suitors,
among them a young man who was
considered a warm friend to Fergu-
son. Their meetings were clandes-
tine, but ere long Ferguson became
aware Of the false actions of the
courtesan whom he loved. A cold.
ness ensued between him and his
friend. One night they met in u
drinking saloon. The meeting result
ed fatally to the false friend. Fergu.
son shot him, and was Immediately ar
rested, but through some peculiar mo.
dus operandi he was released on
bonds. After his release he went to
Nashville; but love for the beauti-
tul eourtesan caused him to return to
Memphis. The woman who, by her
beautiful person and educated wiles
had caused him to forget his duty to
society and his profession, was gath
ering the meshes of death around him.
She had loved the man whom Fergu-
son had so ruthlessIy shot down, and
the sight Of his dead body had arons.
Od in her pitiess heart all the passions
Of desperation and revenge. She
wound the coil, and as she caressed
her victim her eyes would seem to
rend his very heart. In her desire to
fully mature Fer plans, she seemingly
desc nded lower into the pool of de-
graduation, and cultivated tho ao-
quaintance of men who were noted
for their desperation and vilIiany.-
But in her train She brought many
youths OF good family, whom, through
good address and assiduOus attention,
she had ready to do her bidding
Ferguson saw that he was in danger
from his many rivals, aud insi ted
that they should leave for California.
She made some trivial excuse, remark.
ing, "You will 60 on longer journey
next week" She spoke truly, but
little did she know that her coils were
envelopiDg not only her intended VIC
Tim, but herself On the night Of the
10th Of March she concluded to put
into execution her fendish object
Her accOmplices--men vi depraved
natures-named Hammond, Yonker
and Bowles, were instructed as to the
time when Ferguson was to DO assas.
sinated The courLesan made an ap-
pointment with Ferguson True to
his word he came. As be entered the
saloon he was invited to private
apartment adjoining the saloon, where
parties were 10 the habit of drinking
wines, &c. Yonker entered, and was
introduced by the woman. He or
dered bottle Of wine. AS Ferguson
was lifting glass Of the sparkling
beverage to his lips, the courtesun u
raised her glass, renIarking, Fergu-
son, this is the signal Of your death, 4"
and as, she drained the glass, Yonker,
with u cleaning bowie knife, made u
lunge at tho breast of Ferguson. His
situation flashed across his mind as
the cold, sharp steel penetrated bis
left shoulder With quick bound be
placed himself iu corner of the room,
aud, drawing y navy-sized pistol, he
shot Yonker dead, just as the would
be assassin attempted TO fire at him
with u Derringer pistol. The courte-
san, foiled in her designs, fred at Fer,
guson, who fell, covered with blood,
In the corner, whore he stood at bay.
Excited at the sight Of blood, the wo.
man continued her shots, wounding
Ferguson in four places. She then
rushed upon him with u knife, and
just as the keen point touched his
body he fred fatal shot, and the
woman fell upon ber once loved para
mour corpse. The crowd broke
through the door and gathered around
the forms of those who had figured 10
this dreadful strife. Before the wo.
man, whose iendish.like spirit had
caused this dreadful havoc, could be
lifted from the form of Ferguson, he