New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-05-18
SUICIDE OF A MERCHANT
BODY Found Last Evening

Last evening between three and four
o'clock Mr.. r. P. McMaster having missed
Mr.. l.. Rogers called at the room occupied
by the latter, in the third story of the
building corner of Gravier street and Bank
place, where Mr.. Rogers had roomed for
about four years. The room fronts on the
corner, and is well furnished as bedroom.
Trying the door, Mr.. McMaster found it
locked, when he and Mr.. Mott finally eff
fected an entrance. Entering, they were
Mortified on beholding the body of Mr..
Rogers lying ON the bed, cold in death, the
white sheets covered with clotted blood, one
hand grasping a Colts revolver, the muzzle
of which rested against the left side of his
head, just where bullet had penetrated.
The right hand firmly grasped the weapon,
and was so strongly held that it was diff
cult to withdraw it. When Coroner Creagh
took the pistol from its position, the barrel
was found full of blood which had not en-
tirely coagulated, and which was emptied
into a spittoon. Thus it will be seen that
there is no particle of doubt that deceased
committed suicide. Everything in the room
was in its usual place, and on a marble-top
table was found letter addressed to r. p.
McMaster, which is as follows:
In case anything serious happens to me,
| wish you to send what money there may
be in your hands belonging to me, after
paying necessary expenses, to my sister,
Mrs. Julia Cutler, Middlebury, Vermont.
Ny will in her favor is deposited in Middle
bury. Ny furniture should be sold, and
the proceeds, with nay clothing, etc, should
be sent to Middlebury.
My wife and child, as you know, lie in
the Girod street cemetery, vault No. 3,
State alley. | was born August IL, 1914.
All letters that may come to my address
should be sent to Middlebury. 1t will be
unnecessary to say more. You know how
much | thank you for your friendship and
kindness bestowed upon me through long
acquaintance. Ever yours,
L. F. ROGERS.
Mr.. McMaster informs us that he has
known deceased for many years, and es-
teerned him highly for his good qualities.
Our informant sleeps in a rear room on the
same floor, and the two had months ago
provided themselves with ropes and lad
der, in case they should be trapped by fire.
Deceased had been in the cotton factOrage
business on Poydras street, and at one time
In connection with Mr.. Woodall. Lately
business has proved disastrous with HIM,
and in addition, his health has been very
poor for some time. He has on several Oc-
casions expressed a wish that the Lord
would take him away" Mr.. Rogers came
to this city many years ago, and married
into an excellent family. He at one time
was quite successful in business, but since
the war his finances have not been in a
tourshing condition. He was known to
most commercial gentlemen here, especially
in the central portion of our city, and was
generally liked. His manner was mild, at
times even retiring. 1t is believed he came
to New Orleans about the year 1887.
Among his letters was a document giving
Mr. McMaster some directions as to how
he wished his property disposed of in the
event harm should come to him. This
document was written in 1866, but was
well preserved.
DR.. Logan made post mOrtem examin-
alton. when it was discovered that deceased
must have held the pistol over his head,
sending the bullet downward. causing al
most instant death. Verdict, death by
suicide.