Weekly Trinity journal., 1870-10-01

The LATE TRAGEDY IN CoLUsA.-The following,
from the Sun of Sept. oath, is given as a correct
version of the terrible tragedy which occurred in
that county short time since;
Hamilton had taken up a quarter section of
land in Antelope valley claimed by Alon2o Stew
art, and the claims of the parties were brought
before the County Court on the first of August
aud decided in favor of Stewart Hamilton re-
fusing TO vacate the premises, writ of restitu-
tion placed in the hands Of the Sheriff and
on the day of the tragedy Deputy Sheriff McCan,
accompanied by 4. p. Wells Alonzo Stewart
and James Gongwer, proceeded to the house of
Hamilton for the purpose of serving the writ and
placing Stewart in possession of the premises.
Upon arriving, McClain and Wells entered the
house, leaving their arms in the wagon, while
Stewart and Gongwer remained on the outside.
Sheriff McCain stated that he had visited the
house the day before, and that Hamilton was
not at home, and that he must obtain possession
of the premises or something to that effect.
Mrs. Hamilton was lying in bed, and Robert
Hamilton, brother of William, remark ed that the
wife of his brother could not be removed, as she
was sick. Something was said about removing
the furniture. Mrs. Maun, who was officiating
as nurse, endeavored to persuade McClain to
step into the kitchen, but he refused. McClain
then said, Dsarm that man" alluding to Rob
ert Hamilton. The evidence in relation to pro-
eeedings here are conflicting, Mrs. Maun stating
that McCJain shot first, while Gongwer, who
was standing in the front door, states that Rob-
ert Hamilton was the only party who fired, and
who shot McClain with pistol, the ball taking
effect in his head, aud scattering his brains on
the floor, killing him instantly Hamilton then
wheeled and shot Wells, the ball piercing the
heart causing instant death. From an examina-
ton of the body of McCain it would appear
that shotgun was brought into requistion.
McClain fell dead near the bed occupied by Mrs.
Hamilton, while Wells fell on the floor near the
front door Upon the firing inside the house,
Stewart and Congwer fed, but were pursued by
Hamilton on horseback and overtaken about
six hundred yards from the house. Stewart
pleaded for his life, but to no effect, as Hamil-
ton shot him six times with a pistol and twice
with a shotgun, each shot taking effect. Stew
art fell and was not found until some time after-
wards, when he was taken to Browns ranch in
great misery, but conscious. Gongwer escaped
unhurt but was shot at in his retreat Pbysi-
clans were sent for, and upon the arrival of Drs.
Belton and Dawson, they found Stewart in the
full possession of his senses, but rapidly sinking,
and he expired about five o'clock. Mccain was
an old resident Of Colusa, highly respected a
gentleman and man of honor. He leaves a
wife and four children. Stewart was an old
pioneer, Il resident of Colusa. and cattle dealer
who had amassed considerable fortune was
gentleman of enterprise, and whose loss will be
severely felt by the people of Colusa county
He leaves wife and child. Wells was single
man, residing in this county, and bore an excel.
lent reputation. The bodies of the unfortunate
men were buried in the Colusa cemetery.