The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1872-07-27
A STRANGE STORY.
The Crime of a Kentucky WO-
man Against her Husband---
Almost an AsSassinatiOn.

The Crime of a Kentucky WO-
man Against her HIusband---
Almost an AssassinatiOn.
Confession of the AccOmpIlce.
From the Lexington (ky.) Press.
The quiet little town of Winchester
in Clark county, was perhaps never in a
greater state of excitement than on yes
terday. The streets were tbronged with
people who coDgregated in excited
crowds, discussing with more or less dis
play Of feeling the event of the day
the examining trial of Milton H?ggard
for sssaulting with intent TO kill Mr.
Jesse Ramsey.
ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION.
It will be remembered that some time
ago. Mr.. Ramsey, who is a farmer aud a
landowner in Clark county, when return
ing 70 his home one evening, about a
month ago, was set upon aud crpeIly
s6eaten by d iiton. Haggsrd. a whi,e man
10 his. employ. 1t was stated fhS IL <
gard bad jumped from hels- ~ Is
HheFe n9shad II -eoz.sess ~ - 4aanANlk
of the road, and with blown - : ii
knocked Mr. Ramsey of his horse. Theu
drawing a revolver the assassin shot his
victim in TIE head, aud inflicted several
wounds upon his skull. Mr.. David
Lipscomb, deputy sheriff, came along on
horseback at the time, and saw the ARRAY.
Haggard Immediately fed to Ramsey 8
house, but was followed by Lipscomb,
who effected Haggard's arrest.
He was taken to Winchester, where it
was feared it would be unsafe to keep
him, aud for safety he was transferred to
the Jail at Lexington.
THE TRIAL.
On yesterday Haggard was conveyed
to Winchester TO stand his examining
trial for assaultng with intent to kill
Ramsey, who, by something next to a
miracle, is rapidly recovering from the
effects of his wounds, was present. 1t
was reported that most extraordinary
feature of the case had developed itself,
which was, that Mrs. Lucy Ramsey, the
wife o! the wounded man, had been the
instigater of the foul attack upon her
husband. On this account, and in ex
pectation of hearing the extraordinary
evidence In the case, the court house was
crowded to excess, more than half the
number being ladies', while there were
hundreds who could not gain admission.
The curious were, however, disappointed
for, after a short consultation, the coun-
sci for the prisoner waived an examina-
ton, and he was sent back again to the
Lexington Jail.
THE FEELING.
It appears that more than half the
people of Clark county are involved to
/ some extent in the result of the trial, al
the parties being largely and respectfully
connected. Feeling ran very high a
first in favor of punishment among th'
Woodward faction, while the Haggar'
party were for rescue. Since, however
the recent developments, the friends o
the lady are not so anxious in the prose
eutiou. Among those not related TO th
parties, the feeling is very strong agains
Ramsey's wife, the popular verdict beiD
that she is more guilty than Haggard.
THE WOUNDED MANS STORY.
Mr.. Jesse Ramsey, who is a school
teacher, had gone to make call upo
Mr.. Simpson Haggard, a short distaDc
from his house, aud on his return wa
attacked By Haggard, who Is heavy
built, athletic young man, while the othe
is undersized and of somewhat fTagil
frame. After the FIRST attack, Haggard
who was intoxicated, left his victim, ant
returned again to iufict more blows. II
left and returned the second time. Ram
sey states that, though unable to he'll
himself he was still conscious, and hel'
his breath as if dead. This satisfied tn
other that the work was thoroughly dou
and be departed.
THE PRISONERS STORY.
Our reporter called on the prisoner a
the Jail and elected facts which had be
fore been circulated as mere rumors Il
answer to inquiries the prisoner stateC
that he regretted exceedingly this mos
unfortunate occurrence, and had he no
been intoxicated he certainly never woul'
have attempted so rash an act as tn
taking Of the life of Mr.. Jesse Ramsey
who is a cousin Of the prisoner.
On looking into the prisoners fac
our reporter became convinced that Ia
spoke the truth. His face is open, an
does not by any means betray the exis
teDce of any bad passions; but, on th
contrary, might be taken as indicative c
a good natured, easy disposition.
In answer to further interrogatorie
the prisoner stated that the act, so far a
the lady was concerned, was a premed
tated one, having been the subject {
conversation between the two for NOR
than two weeks previous to the affray
She calmly and coolly proposed to Hag
gard the assassination of her husband
He did not take very kindly to the idea
for two reasons; there vas no enn,ity ex
listing between the two, and furthermore
they were, as she knew, reiated7< we
great pertinacity of purpose, she renewel
the conversation upon the same subJec
every day for two weeks, using all he
powers to influence the young man
mind. About the time that the propose
was first made, Mrs. Ramsey, being II
town with Hsggard, gave him money t
purchase a quantity of whisky, whicl
she took home with her.
They had ample time aud opportunit,
to discuss the subject between them, a
Mr.. Ramseys duties as a school teache
called him away from home every day
and the opportunities offered were no
neglected. On the day of the attack tn
lady pressed her case eagerly. and in tn
ereniug when her husband, all unmind
full of the dreadful fate awaiting him
had gone to pay visit, she produced tn
whisky. and piled her companion with
until, heated by the liquor aud quite 10
, toxicated, he consented to waylay ne
husband. AS he stepped from the doo
the affectiouate wife handed Haggard tn
club with which he was to do the worS
III ;..oI hn narrind WAS hOrrOWe