Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-11-15

vendetta OF Thirteen Years.
From the Memphis Avalanche, November TO- !
The following dispatch appeared in the
Avalanche OF this day week: .,...
JACKSON, Miss, Nov. 2-General W. T.
Brantley was assassinated this morning at 9
O'Clock, about, halt mile outside the town OF
Winona, Carroll county. Twenty five bnckshot
of the gun, but the perpetrstor of the awful
deed was not discovered, though tracked some
distance into 4 csnebrake. 1t will be remem-
bered that his brother, the Mayor of Winona,
was assassinated some time ago, while sitting
with some ladies ut concert. AfterWard,
Captain Conner, q member of the Legislature,
relation of the Brantleys, was killed at
Winona 10 difficulty growing out of the affair.
General Brantley makes the third victim"
Such statement as the above would natur-
ally create some curiosity as to the cause Of
the terrible affair. Ap '.Avalanchc" reporter
has been enabled to obtain information in re.
gard to an old 1eud in which the Brantley
family were concerned, and which may prob
ably throw some light on these latter transac-
tions.
In the year 1857, in the town of Gonzales,
the county seat OF county of the same namo
in Texas, there resided Doctor BrantIeya broth
er Of the gentleman recently killed near
Wlnona, who was engaged in merchandising.
The Munroe brothers, John, Barney and Viii.
liam, lived in the same town, and were also
engaged in keeping store." The parties
named were all in good circumstances.
1t appears that the Munroc brothers en-
poycd as clerks two young men. David and
VIM, Balzcll. One of the Bazells, on account
OF alleged impudence, whipped Butord, slave
OF DR.. Brsntley. Buiord was known familiar
iy as "Bufe, aud was considered in those
days ''smart nigger." although grand ras-
cal" The day after the whipping DR.. Brant
ley attacked the Balze!ls and was killed by Da.
vid, who was afterwards arrested and bailed
out Of custody by his employers, the Muproes.
A short time alter DIR. Brantley' death Neal
Mccoy, noted desperate from Mississippi,
who had been sent by the friends of Brantlcy,
appeared upon the scene. The doctor was u
native ofthat State and had emierated to Tex.
as but few years before his death. McCoy
had been residing in Gonzales but few days
when difficulty occurred between him and
the Balzell brothers 10 the dining room of the
Gayoso House, ia which Dave was killed and
William knocked senselcss with slung-shot.
He afterwards recovered, however, and may
DOW be living for aughtwe know. So far there
has been but two lives lost. Mccoy was arres-
ted and gave bail. Now the tcud got warmer
and warmer. The Monroe brothers espoused
the cause of the Balzelrs, and in consequence
There was hardly man in the county of Con
Zaes who had not at one time or another taken
sides. Some were killed and others wounded.
Among those who were desperately wounded
on the Brantley, side, our informant re-
members tho name of but one, a: MIR.
Davis, from Chootaw county, Mississippi.
He received the contents OF gun, loaded
with buckshot, through his left side, but,
strange to say, recovered. The surviving Bal
zeIl was momentariIy expecting an attack. In
these days western Texas was rather wild
country, the law was but impertectly enforced,
and consequently every ono considered 'sclf
preservation the first law of nature" A Brant
ley man and Munroe man were deadly enc
mics. They met but to engage in q bloody
affray. Thus stood affairs at tho breaking out
of tho war in 1861. :, The adhcrcnts of the re-
spco!ivc parties went into the Southern army.
In the year 1868, young planter named
Green, was killed at the Boarmau House. in
Jackson Mississippi, by Arnold Brantlcy,
brother of Doctor Brantlcy, and the same man
who was Mayor Of Winona ut the time Of his
death few weeks ago. The affair it is sup
posed grew out of q gambling scrape, but it may
possibly have been connected with the ,ieud
which originated in Texas. Thus it viii be
seen that the late affair in the ncghborhood OF
Winona, can in measure be accounted for
At last accounts two years ago, William Balzcll
was living. He was member of the Tenth
Mississippi cavalry regiment, and passed safely
through the war. He proved himself gallant
soldier, and it is not thought that il alive he
would be guilty of au assassination. His lite,
it is said after the death of DR.. Brantley, was
dissipatcd one. He apparently cared but lit
tie for an existence and resorted to drink. He
was native of Virginia.
IN
the history OF New York, has anything been
known like the present extravaganza In dress,
equipage, and entertainments. The popular
daughter of an ex collector married last week,
was the fortunate recipient of gifts valued, at
the lowest estimate, at $4,000. A country
seat on the Hudson, thoroughly furnished
carriages and horses ; a. check for $4,000; q
riviere of solitaire diamonds; and coffee pot
ofold gold, for which the donors paid $4,000, 4
were among the most expensive presents
while Jewels, laoes, and articles of vertu are
said to have poured in until there was no
room for more A point-lacc veil and tlouncc
ranging from $500 to $500, have come to be
regarded as quite Indispensable accompanl-
ments to the marriage ceremony ana Weddlns
ring. Importers look purchasers straight IN
the eye, and without the faintest suspicion OF
blush, ask $400 for black silk costume
that would scarcely attract moro than pass
ing glance, and for which 800 would be ample
compensation. Imagine tho condition OF
conscience that will permit man, to demand
$5 and 7 apiece for ribbon for the hair. 10 be
sure the ribbon is very beautiful satin Oh pne
side and gros-grain on the other, aud attached
to movable rings on hair pins, that they may
be bccominely and effectively arranged in The
hair but 81 ! why it is simply awful An
fine articles of French jewclry-the pretty imi-
tations of gold, pearl, enamel and gem bijoutc-.
rio iowelled, carved aud painted fans are go
inc up at an alarming rate, aud we arc told
no more are attainab!o at any price. Kid
gloves have advanced more: rapidly than any
Other article in the line of necessities. Juga's
Jouvin's, Alcxandre's, and Berns TWO and
three button gloves are eagerly bought up, at
So q and so, rs pair, 1t is sgcneraliy conced-