Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1871-06-21
Fatal Accident to Mr.. vaIlnndigham.

EZRA.
Fatal Accident to Mr.. VaIlandigham.
On last Friday night, at Lebanon,
Warren County, Ohio, Mr.. c. L. Val
landigham, who was n of the coun-
sci in the case Of the Mcclellan muir
der trial going on at that place, acct
dentally shot himself. He was in 8
room with ex-Lieut. Gov. McBurney,
and while showing with pistol how
Myers, the man murdered, might
have shot himself, the pistol was dis
charged, the ball entering the right
side Of the abdomen below the ribs.
By telegraph the following particu-
lars have been reported: Governor
McBurney, who has been associated
with him in the defence of Mcclellan,
had expressed some doubts as to
the theory that Meyers had shot
himself and Mr.. Vallandigham pick
ed up the pistol from the table, say
ing he would show him in a second.
Two pistols were on the table, one IN
loaded, and he by mistake took up
the loaded one, put it in his pocket
and withdrew it, keeping the muzZle
next his body, just as it was leaving
his pocket it was discharged. the ball
entering, it is said, near the same
place Meyers was shot. He at once
calculated, son murder !" and said
he had taken the wrong pistol.
While the examination was going on
he watched the surgeons at work
with eager eyes, and even assisted
them in their seach for the ball. The
locality of the ball is not known. 1t
appears to have taken a downward
course, in the direction of the bladder.
At u NJ. DIR. ScOville asked Yallan-
digham if he was aware of his cOndi-
ton? BE replied YES" He has
thus far shown no alarm. There
seems now no doubt of internal hem
orrhage. Vallandigham's son arriv-
ed with DR.. Teeves at a quarter to
The father had an interview with the
son and told him to be a good boy, and
gave directions about dispatching for
his mother.
CINCINNATI, June IT.-Mr. Vallan-
digham died at eighteen minutes be-
fore ten O'Clock this morning. He
went down very rapidly after three
o'clock, having no pulse scarcely af-
ter that hour. DIR. Dawson, of Cinci-
natl, arrived at three o'clock, but was
too late to do any good for the dying
man. Judge Haynes, his law partner
from Dayton, reached Lebanon this
morning with other personal friends
who were with him in his last hours.
There has been much sorrow mani
tested here to-day concerning the
tragic end OfMr. Vallandigham. and it
has been by no means confined to his
political friends. Persons who have
differed with him and animadverted
severely upon his course during the
rebellion, have expressed no less re-
greet at the terrible calamity which has
befallen him than have his political
associates.
The news concerning his last hours
has been devoured with avidity. The
newspaper reporters who have came
from the scene this evening have
been diligently sought From the
details thus far published, it appears
that when the pistol was discharged
Mr.. Vallandighem was hardly aware
of the severe nature of the wound, as
he walked around the room awhile
before lying down. Governor Nc
Burney, alarmed at the sudden sp-
'pearanee Of a tragedy, rushed to the
adjoining rooms and at once summon |
ed aid. As soon as the persons came
Vallandigham said it was q foolish
act, and later adverted to it as the
most reckless act of his life. Though
he seemed to be conciOus that he vas
badly hurt he appeared decidedly
hopeful during the early hours.
Rev. Mr.. Haight called to see him,
and Mr.. Vallandigham, takiug him
by the hand, said substantially that
he had too much faith in the Calvan-
istic doctrine to believe that he would
not get safely through this misfor-
tune. Once he told the surgeon TO
take are of the pain and he would
manage the rest. When impressed
with the approach of death he was
calm, and met the news Of his cOndi-
ton bravely. After DR.. Reeve ar
from Dayton he o had the
room cleared, and, when no n wee
present, intimated to Mr.. Vallandig-
ham the very nature of his wound.
The patient, seeking for something
on which to build hope, reminded
the doctor of two bad cases of injuries,
not fatal, known to both and asked if
were worse than they, to which
the reluctant reply way, Possibly
The doctor then told MI. Val
lsndigham, who was suffering from
pain, that they would have to admin
iSter medicines Of q sedative nature,
aud suggested that If he had anything
TO say, he had better communicate il
then. Nj. Vallandigham then con-
yersed with the doctor concerning his
matters, giving direction in
to his business, after which,
medicine to relieve the pain was in
.eeted by hypOdermic process. After
his there vas no time when he was
not under heinfuence Of Opiates that
somewhat his sensibilities.
He, nevertheless, appeared to keep
possession Of his faculties to the last. 4
$3.50 o'clock he seemed to be dying,
and his friends were called to his bed
iide. From that time he rapidly sank.
The pulsatiOns at his wrist appeared
% have ceased, though he was re-
narkably calm, so much 50 that DR.. !
said he was the coolest man IN
Ter such circumstances he had ever !
zen. He still showed sign about the I
ace of agony. As death approached '
lis face wore All ashy paleness. His |
asst words were a request for ice and 7
Medicine to allay his pain. In his
asst moments there were signs about
he face that indicated great physical !
uffering. At eighteen minutes be- q
ore ten o'clock this morning he was
lead. The body was Immediately
On ice. From this time, till 1
he departure of the remains, the hotel '
vas besieged with persons who come Q
o see the face, which was left expos {
d. The features and expression were q
dmirably preserved. j
The sad feature of the case was the '
bsence of Mrs. Vallandigham, who T
gone the same evening to Cum
being called there by the
cath OF her brother, Judge McNIa- e
on. She was ~telegraphed for and b
7ilI reach Dayton tomorrow morn g
lg at ten o'clock. 10
The Times and Chronicle this eve v
ing publish an interview had be- b
Teen MI. Vallandigham and one of i
8 editors on Wednesday, in which d