Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-07-18
The cities towns and plantations are ehltieo W
10 1olinMinn number of deIegates'
THE BALIMORE POISONING CAST

THE BALTIMORE POISONING CASE.
Baltimore correspondent of the New
York Herald gives the following facts in rela-
ton to Mrs. Wharton of Baltimore, who is
about to be tried for murder. Her husband,
Colonel Henry w. Wharton, died at Balti-
more in 1867, under suspicious circumstan-
ces, but at that time no one would have
dared breathe word against his wife. His
family was one of the most influential in
the city. About fifteen months since, his son,
81 years of age, who lived with his mother,
also died suddenly, with symptoms like those
of the father. His life was insured for $40,-
900 and the mother received the full amount.
A daughter, about 23 years old was taken sick
few weeks after the brother died, but re-
covered, although she manifested symptoms
of having been poisoned, the Herald contin-
ues:
Among the Oldest and most intimate friends
of the late Colonel Wharton was Gen. Will
liam Scott Ketchum, distinguished officer
in the United States Army, and a brother-in-
law of Paymaster Gen. Rice, but at the time
of his death was on the retired list. His rela-
tiens of intimate friendship with the mother
and daughter of his old companion in arms
continued after the death of Col. Wharton
and his son. and some time since he advanced
to Mrs. Wharton the sum of 1000, and took
her note for that amount. On the 23d of last
month Gen. Ketchum arrived from Washing
ton and ;mp,a1iata1y want In tho residence
of Mrs. Wharton, intending to make brief
VISIT and, it is said. to request the payment
of the note. The day after his arrival he was
taken suddenly and violently sick. DIR. P. c.
Williams was called in, as the family physi-
clan was absent from Baltimore, but his eff
forts failed to relieve him, and on the 2Sth Of
june about three o'clock in the afternoon, he
died.
Mrs. Wharton numbered among her friends
in this city young man named Eugene Van
Ness, son of Col. Van Ness, who was sta
TONED during the late war as paymaster and
book-keeper in the we'll know banking
house of Alexander Brown & Son, corner OF
Baltimore and Calvert streets. He had
eral years, and transacted much of her bust
ness for her. On the 26th Of last month
while Gen. Ketchum lay ill at Mrs. Wharton.
residence, Mr.. Van Ness called to pay ar
evening visit, and was as cordially received
as on previous occasions. Several other
were also present on that occasion, and Mrs
Wharton offered to her guests beer, il
which she said had been put few drops Q
gentian, Ga strong tonic.) All drank exceI
Van Ness without experiencing any sickness
He however, was soon taken violently sicl
and DIR. Chew being summoned, declared tn
he was too sick to be moved. milk pune
was prescribed and administered, by whom
has been impossible for your corresponds
to ascertain. After Mr.. Van Ness had emf
led the cup, it was noticed by person pre-
ent that in the bottom lay white sedimer
Attention being called to it, lady preser
(your correspondent was Unable to ascerta
positively that it was Mrs. Wharton,) sal
sit is nothing but some white sugar" A rel
tive of Mr.. Van Ness standing near tn,
tasted it, and finding it unpalatable set the CT
aside. When an opportunity offered the Sc
iment was carefully removed and taken to
competent chemist, who after examining
well, pronounced it tartar emetc This ia
was communicated to the relatives of M
Van Ness, and he was treated aceordingl,
The discovery of the violent emetic and I'll
fact of Gen. Ketchum's sudden illness an
death, created suspicion of crime. At thu
time General Ketchum's remains were i
Washington, unburied, and by request, Pro-
William Aiken, of the university of Mary
land, proceeded to analyze the stomach of tn
deceased officer. After thorough and care
cul analysis he discovered twenty grains c
tartar emetic. This was considered stron
proof Of crime, but for reasons which are a
yet known to hut few, no further steps wer
taken. In the mean time Mrs Wharton an
her daughter continued their preparations fc
European tour, and had perfected their al
rangements 10 leave New York On Wedne,
day July 18th. She was, however detaine
by the officers of the law, and ii now appeal
will have to stand trial for murder. She is
woman of fine appearance and moved in Il
first society in Baltimore.
The Pittsburgh ''Post" fears that Gener
Hancock's friends are-pressing him too ear
for the Presidency. 1t says; THAT he wi
be presented before the next Democratic NJ
tionaI Convention if he lives is certain, an