The New York herald., 1873-08-14
DROWNING OF HUGH MURRAY.
Contradictory Statements.

An inquest was held by Coroner Lee yesterday at
Police Headquarters, Staten Island on the body Of
the man who was found drowned In the bay on
Sunday last. John Adams, private in Battery X,
Third artillery, testified that on Sunday morning
he found the body about fifty yards from Fort
Wadsworth; there were neither shoes nor stock
ings on the feet. James Thompson, third engineer
OF the steamship Atlas, identified the body as that
OF Ilugh Murray, a fireman in his watch on the
Atlas; he knew nothing of the quarrel, being in
bed at the time 1t occurred; heard that Murray
had gone overheard; was sent by the captain OF
the steamer to see II he could identity the body.
George Sine, captains boy ON board tho Atlas,
saw Murray last on the deck OF the vessel on
Thursday night; he was fighting with David JONES'
the night watchman; two other fremen, Quinn
and SOTnerviIle, were also fighting; the fight was
because Jones would not give them the key OF the
forecastle, which Jones said he did not have, but
he went forward to try ana open the Tor them;
when they got near the forward liieboats heard
high words and then Jones came running ait; the
nremen went after him and struck at him;
fireman after him with q suck Jones grab
bed the stick, and. while struggling for
a coil OF rope was thrown to him, and the cry
raised, ''Man overheard ~ the sailors threw ropes
over, and one sailor went over the vessels side
with rope, but could not see Murray ;Only got his
cap; Jones and the fireman stopped fighting when
Murray went overheard and they assisted Ia trying
men fighting were drunk
Henry Somervlle, q fireman on the Atlas, stated
that he, Murray and Qurnn had been ashore on
Thursday evening. and went aboard about twelve
O'Clock at night; after he had been on board about
two minutes he heard quarrel, and going ait saw
Murray and Jones fighting with sticks; Jones hit
Murray blow and he went overheard; they were
not Oh the game way; the forecastc was open.
Michael Quinn, fireman on the Atlas, stated
that after they came on board he was sitting on
deck blowing q small whistle. when the watchman
came and told them not to make such noise
Murray told him to mind his own business; the
two then went aft saw them lighting with sticks
and then heard that Murray was overheard; do
not know who struck first.
David Jones, the Waterman, testified that he
had been watchman for the Atlas and stips of that
line since February; on Thursday night some
sailors and iremen came board and were
making a noise singing and afterwards fighting;
asked them TO keep quiet; Quinn. Somerville
and Murray followed him aft to the gangway; he
then went to call tine mate, but got no answer:
Quinn then came and tried to take a stick he car.
RED told him 10 keep out OF the way; went on
the dock to see the watchman coming back was
met by Murray, who had a split stick in his hand
took the stick away and he went towards the rig
ging; then heard "Man overheard ~ assisted in
trying TO save him; was struck on the head and
arm with q stick (Witness showed very severe
bruise on his lett arm.)
The inquest was adjourned until to-day at half
past Our O'Clock, In order to obtain the testimony
OF a Custom House Oficer VINO was on board.