New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-05-04
DESPERATE SHOOTING AFFAIR


Several times lately the local columns oi
the Picayune have contained broad asser.
tions concerning the police of our city, ap-
parently referring to no one in particular.
but were full of general statements to the
effect that police officials were directly in.
terested with thieves and robbers; that
they were, in fact, little better than they
should be. These publications have not
been noticed very extensively outside a
certain ring, yet they had an effect to
arouse angry passions.
Out of this came a poster from j. L.
Smith, lately a special officer in Captain
Gains office, which was drawn about as
strong as any document of the kind can be.
In fact it was the strongest language we
ever read or heard of. Its assertions are
unit for place in our columns. These
posters were extensively circulated around
the streets yesterday. Mr.. Barrett, the Pic.
ayune reporter referred TO, of course was
made aware of the issue of the document.
Last evening. at eight o'clock, Captain
Cain, Alexander Da sheimer, Jacob Dlepert,
and another gentleman were sitting at a
table in the Diamond cotfeehouse, corner of
Carondelet and Lafayette streets, drinking
lager. Mr. Smith was sitting in a chair
against the wall, just beyond the party,
there being no person beyond him. With
out any intimation Barrett entered the
front door, from Caronde)et street, and
before a word was spoken, even before he
was noticed by the party, he discharged his
pistol, evidently by accident, as the ball
entered the floor only few feet from him,
striking under a chair on which sat one of
the party. Barrett then advanced, firing
toward smith, and being, only short dis
tance from him. Mr.. Smith made an effort
to rise, but somehow stumbled, turning his
face partly toward the wall, but he quickly
recovered. Barrett had by this time
unloaded his revolver. Mr.. Smith,
as quick as flash of lightning drew his re-
yolver and began firing at Barrett. who at
that juncture turned and went out toward
Carondelet street. Smith fred several shots
while pursuing, but when in the street he
fell to the ground, rs il badly wounded. He
dropped his pistol then, which, with another
revolver, was afterward picked up, within
two feet of each other. Smith staggered
back into the coffeehouse bleeding and ap-
pearlng to suffer. He walked to chair and
sat down, and said that he was not badly
hurt. He was then taken to room and
attended to by surgeon, who found three
serious wounds.
Barrett. on leaving the scene, went toward
the City Hail. but was overtaken by Captain
Sdlu, WHO COLuuCleO ului " tuc stdtlOu
house. 1t was then ascertained that ne had
sustained no further injury than slight
wound in his right hand.
During the affray the party of gentlemen
already mentioned, gained their feet, and
Mr.. Diepert moved toward the cOmbatants,
the consequence of which was that he re-
ceived one of the balls, it passing through
his body from breast to. back, infiicting a
wound that may prove fatal. He, however,
81 %
Lafayette street, from whence he was soon
afterward sent to hospital. How he re-
Ceived the bullet is not clear, and an eye
witness to the affair states his inability to
even guess by whom the ball was fired that
bit him.
Mr. Smith, when his condition was sscer-
-ained, was sent to the hospital by his
friends, and the supposition was that his
condition was critical. Mr.. Barrett was at
ended to by surgeon in prison, and made |
comfortable. His wound will not prove |
serious.
Scarce had shot sounded On the still air |
before the locality was thronged with people |
anxious to learn particulars, and several |
Who were not present during the duel, vol |
to furnish US with great many |
PARTICULARS not in the lively programme just |
ehearsed. The barroom bears marks of the |
warfare and of the earnestness of the con-
lict.
Recorder Houghton refused to accept |
,onds for Mr.. Barrett, until he should learn !
he condition of the wounded men.
The whole affair did not occupy the space |
f half minute, as both men fred rapidly, |
Though they were apparently quite self
'ossessed. Without doubt. the collision !
vas expected, as both were prepared. |
Jnder like circumstances, no man living |
ould have drawn and fred as rapidly as did |
ir. Smith.