The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-12-13
Calumny Punished with Deatsa-A
Tr9dhncer KiIsed.

Calumny, that fearful fend which feeds
upon base passions, and which is feared far
more than a pestilence, has for several days
past been busy with the name of a respecta-
bic lady named Mrs. James Gallagher, resi-
ding with her husband and children at No.
Us William street, a few doors south of
Cross street, and the result Of the affair has
been that the calumniator Of Mrs. Gallagher
was yesterday killed by her husband. The
particulars of the dreadful tragedy are US
follows
James II. Gallagher, aged about fifty
years, and Michac Cam, aged fifty-six
years, had for Il long time been partners in
the fishing business. Their business rcla-
tions were Of the most satisfactory charac-
ter, and socially they were the warmest of
friends. a few days since, however, Gal
lagher was Informed by q friend that Cam
mad circulated the most infamous reports
respecting the good name Of his wife. This
greatly troubled Gallagher, and the more he
thought over the matter the more did he
wish that other lips than those of his friend
had traduced his wife. Yesterday morning,
unable to longer restrain himself from hav-
ing an explanation with Cam, Gallagher
insisted that he should, in the presence Of
Mrs. Gallagher, repeat what report had
credited him with. Cam willingly assented
to the proposition, and at the home of Mrs.
G. stoutly averred that she had made use of
language which is unfit for publication.
The imputation was Indignantly pro-
nounced untrue by Mrs. Gallagher, which
so inccnsed Cam that he rushed upon
seemingly with the intention of striking
her, and az he advanced he thrust his right
hand into his pantaloons pocket as if in the
act OF drawing a weapon. He succeeded in
grasping her by the shoulder, and while in
the act Of drawing his hand from his pocket
the husband discharged one barrel from a
navy revolver at him, the bullet taking eff
feet in his left abdomen, The shot caused
Cam to relax his hold upon Mrs. Gallagher,
when Gallagher threw away his pistol, and
with a blow Of his fist knocked him down.
When Gallagher found that Cam was badly
injured by the bullet from the pistolDr.
Dodge was sent for, but the leaden messen-
ger fired by the almost crazed husband had
etlectually performed its deadly work, Cam
dying in less than ten minutes after being
shot.
Officer Frank Streckfus was in the vicinity
of the house where the homicide occurred,
and entering the room where the dead body
lay, took Gallagher into custody. He made
20 resistance, and quietly proceeded to the
southern police station to await the result
of the c%oroner's inquest. Upon raising the
body of the slain man from the floor six
Oarrclie0 revolver, cacn loaQeu, ana caps
upon each chamber and ready to be dis
charged, was found lying beneath him,
showing ~conclusively that the deceased,
when he rushed at Mrs. Gallagher at the
beginning of the fray. intended to use his
weapon, but was prevented by the shot
fred by Gallagher.
Coroner Carr was quickly informed Of the
homicide, and summoned Il jury to inyesti-
gate the matter. The only witness exam
med was Mrs. Gallagher, and her testimony
was in accordance with the statement above
made. The jury, therefore, rendered a ver-
dict that the deceased came to his death by
being shot in the left side by James II. Gal
lagher. Upon the rendition of the verdict
the coroner committed Gallagher to Jail to
await the action of the grand jury. The
deceased had always been regarded rs a
peaceable man, and, like his slayer, had
accumulated q considerable share Of this
worlds goods.-Baltimore american, 1lth.