Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1872-01-19
The Stokes.Fisk Tragedy.

TIE following are the circumstances
attending the shooting of James Fisk,
Jr., by Edward S. Stokes, as given by
the associated press dispatches
NHw YORK, JANUARY 6.
At 4:30 D. M, a carriage stopped at the
entrance of the Grand Central Hotel It
contained Fisk and n companion The
former alighted and entered the hotel for
the purpose of proceeding to his rooms
AS he assembled the first step, Stokes came
out of an adjoining passage way, unper-
ceived by Fisk, unbottoned his coat, drew
out revolver and rapidly discharged
three shots at Fisk. The first lodged in
Fisk's shoulder, the second whistled close
by his head the third, with more fatal di-
rection, took effect in the abdomen, in
! flictng mortal wound. Fisk at once
staggered and fell, while Stokes cast n
look of hatred on the prostrate form of
| his victim, and said in savage tones
| have done for the---ths time" Fisk
| evidently recognized his assailant before
falling, but made no remark Immediate
| ly after the shot was fred the hotel em-
/ ployes rushed to the scene While some
cared for the wounded man, others seized
Stokes, who, seeing escape was impossi-
| bic, made no resistance He was prompt
/ ly handed over to the police. Fisk was
| quickly conveyed to his room, when the
surgeon of the hotel was soon in attend
ance upon him. Meanwhile, telegraphic
messages were sent for further surgical
aid and for friends of Fisk.
The scene at the hotel after the shoot
ing was one of extraordinary excitement.
Crowds coming from the matinees of the
various theatres, hearing of the occurrence,
thronged the corridors of the hotel,
eagerly discussing the event, and making
inquiries about the particulars of the out
rage,
1t is said that the order of Judge Brady,
restraining Stokes and Mrs. Mansfield
from publishing the letters in Mrs. Mans
fields possession, affecting Mr.. Fisk,
Peter B. Sweeney, and others, has had
an eXasperating effect on Stokes, 1t is
believed that he was aroused to despera
ton partly in consequence of rumors gen
orally received as well-founded that the
Grand Jury have found an Indictment
against himself and Mrs. Mansfield for at
tempts to blackmail Fisk
The wound in Fisk's abdomen is simi
lar to that which caused the death of tho
late Mr.. Nallandigham.
1t is probable that Stokes was in an eX
cited state of mind, caused by the proceed
ings at Yorkville, where he was
For some time he is said to have been il
desperate state of mind, evidently caus
ed by the slowness of the progress of til,
cases against Fisk in which he was con
cerned
In June last an award of $4,000 wa
made in favor of Stokes in settlement o
the long claim he had against Fisk. Will
this he was dissatisfied and has applied
to have the award set aside and the cast
reopened. This is now pending Abou
three months since, Mrs. Mansfield insti
tuted n civil suit against Fisk for the re
covery of $50, ,000 in moneys which sh,
claims to have loaned and given Fisk
Thereupon Fisk applied for an injunction
, restraining the use of his private letter
in Manstield's possession, which, it is said
! were about to be published, and whicl
was yesterday decided by Judge Brady
,, ordering its continuance. When Fisl
= opposed the preliminary papers in TIN
. civil suit of Mansfield, atfidavits wer
filed on the part of Fisk, setting forth tina
the case was an attempt at blackmail
- whereupon Mrs Mansfield instituted tn
= libel proceedings of the Yorkville Polio
2 Court, which are still pending.
: Mr. Fisk's statement to the Coroner i
/ to the effect that he had come to the hote
o and made inquiries as to whether Mis-
. Morse was in, and being answered in tn
r affirmative, proceeded up the stairs. II
s had no suspicion that any one intende
to harm him. When about on the fir,
!. landing he saw a flash and felt somethin
!. strike him upon the abdomen. Befol
!. falling he recognized Stokes as his assai
! ant He did not again see Stokes unit
he was brought before him to identif
e him. The evidence of the boys in til
= hallway corroborated the statement (
n the wounded man, and the jury rendere
q the verdict that Fisk had come by Ii
" injuries at the hands of Edward
Stokes.