The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-07-13

newspapers at the time. brief biographical sketch
OF MIN appeared mt the same time
Mrs. Wharton numbered among her friends IN THIS
city young man named
EUGENE VAN NESS,
a son of Colonel Van Ness, who was stationed here
during The late war as q paymastcr, and book
Keeper IN the well known banking house OF Alex
ander Brown 4 Sons, corner of Baltimore and Cal.
vert streets. He had known Mrs. Wharton and her
family for several years, and transacted mucn OF ner
business for her. On the oath OF last month, whlle
General Ketchum lay Ill at Mrs. Wnart0n's resi-
dence, Mr.. Van Ness called to pay evening visit
and was as cordially received as on previous occa-
sions. Several others were also present on that
occasion, and Mrs. Wharton onered TO her guests
peer III which she said mad been put ew HroPs o,
Ness without experiencing any sickness. he now
ever, was soon taken violently sick. and Dr. new
being summoned, declared thai he was 100 SICK 70
be moved. milk punch was prescribed ana al.
mnistered by whom 1t has been Impossible Ior
your correspondent to After Mr.. Van Ness
had emptied the cup 1t was noticed by person pre-
sent that in the bottom lay wnite sediment Atten,
On Deng TO lady present your ~ as
Mrs. Whartonl said, at Is nothing but some wlite
sugar" relative OF Mr.. Van Ness standing near
then tasted H. and finding 1t unpaatable set the cup
aside. When an opportunity offered the sediment
was carefully removed and taken TO a competent
chemist. whO after examining II Well, pronounced
1t tartar emetic This fact communicated to the
relatives ana friends OF Mr.. Van Meas, ana ne was
treated accordingly The discovery OF lne aSsn
:llness and death created a suspicion of crime Az
that time General Ketchum's remains were III
Washington, unburied and by request Professor
William Il. Aiken. OF tae University OF MARYLAND,
proceeded to analyze the stomach OF the deceased
OFFICER. After thorough ana careful analysis ne
discovered
TWENTY GRAINS OF TARTAR EMETIC.
This was considered strong proof Of crime, but for
reasons which are as yet known to but few no
further steps were taken. La the meantime MRS.
Wharton and her daughter continued their prepare
tons for European tonr, and mad perfected their
arrangements to leave New York on Wednesday.
July.i2 Last night however, the officers Of the
law called upon Mrs. Wharton with two bench war
rants issued by the Criminal Court in tins city Tor
her arrest upon the charge OF having murdered
Enfn m Inv nnyS n IL
tempted the murder by poisoning OF Mr. Eugene
Van Ness. She was informed of The nature Of the
be held as prisoner in her house. Robert Glmor,
Jr., Judge OF the Criminal Court OF TINS CITY,
vas s1sea, n Counsel
city to receive an application for bail
ing been issued IN Chambers. Judge Gilmor com.
Piled with the request and conference was held
yesterday between his Honor Judge Gilmor, the
Assistant state Attorney, Mr.. Frederick Plnckney,
ana Messrs. Steele and Thomas. What trans
pred at that time has been kept strictly secret, but
ferreo for further action to the Grand Jury, wDch
meets on Saturday next pursuant TO the order OF
kept prisoner in ner own house and ia under the
constant surveillance OF the police. Her daughter
and house servants nave been notified that they
Will not allowed to leave the city until the case
has been investigated as they are regarded as mate
r he WAS removed to- the residence
OF his relative Mrs. Prick, on Monument street, near
Howard street, where he now lies III u critical con-
ditlon. "
MRS. wHARTON'S PERSONAL APPEARANCE.
In personal appearance. manners and converse
ton Mrs. Wharton Is unusually prepossesslng and
attractive. Her height Is above tue medium, her
figure slender but graceful her eyes DARK her hair
black, the expression OF TIE mouth pleasing. her
countenance open, her manners very easy yet not
familiar, and her conversation spirited and refined.
In everything she appears perfect lady, and there
Is nothing personal presentation TO lead to the
belief that she would commit the fearful crimes with
which she Is now charged. She mas always held q
high position in the social circles Of Baltimore. and
until now her character mas borne no reprUach.
She is member OF the Episcopal Church, and Is a
regular attendant There are doubtless many In
teresting details connected with the affair which
will unfold lengthy tale OF more than dramatic In
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