The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-23
THE MURDER OF NEAL.

Cold BloOded and Cowardly Assassina-
tion-Full Details OF the Crime-ver-
diet OF the Coroner's Jury.
RICHMOND, Va, Feb 20. 1874.
Further details received from Statesvllle, n. c.,
60 to show that the murder Of the youth Thomas
Charles T. Neal OF this city, heretofore reported in
the HERALD, was one OF the most shocking and
cold blooded on record. Young Neal was the son Of
Mr.. Thomas d. Neal OF this city, one OF the most
estmable gentlemen In the community. About
six months ago he went to Statesville and engaged
in the tobacco trade with man named McElwee.
While there ne boarded at the ST. Charles HOTEL OF
which H. c. Elliott is the proprietor. Some three
or four weeks ago young Neal paid visit to this
city, where his family resides, stating when he left
that he would be absent about two weeks At tho
time he lett Statesville his hotel pill amounted TO
some $40 or $50. which renamed unpaid. but as
Neal was in business there and expected to return
soon he did not regard the bill as Of any great
importance.
ISLANDERS AGAINST NEAL.
Circumstances, however, combined to render
Meals return at the expiration OF two weeks i'm
possible, owing TO which 1T began to be freely
sririted about that he had run away without pay
ing his debts, ,several OF which besides the hotel
bill were not paid, and that he did not intend to
return there. subsequent Investigations go to
prove that 1t was Joseph d; Elliott son Of the
hotel proprietor, who gave currency 70 these ma
ton of this fact IL Is further stated that young
Elliott said that II Neal did not return at the exp-
ration OF . certain period he would write to his
father this city, and request him to forward the
amount Of his Indebtedness. Contrary to young
pearance on Tuesday last. the 18th inst and 1t
was not long before he was fully informed Of the
manner in which he had been caumniated. This
dignation. ana he mani uly went to young Elliott
about the matter when
SOME SHARP WORDS
were passed between them. This was rcrcate0
frequently when the parties met for the next two
days, tine alterations becoming more aggravated
at each encounter. One report states that Neal
remarked, "If Joe. Elliott fooled with him he would
kill him; but this Is denied by those familiar with
the entire circumstances OF the case. IL Is admit
ted, however, that Neal did say he believed he
would thrash out the whole set aud so to the other
tended, and on Wednesday evening both the young
men met In the offlce OF the hotel, where the quar-
each to the other, with the usual result Of imam
ing both, though It appears that Neal had the best
OF the war OF words. In the midst OF the quarrel,
likely to fare still worse If he resorted TO blows or
began ght, rushed from the room, and. going to
tel told him ii he did not put Neal out Or the house
"HE WOULD KILL HIM."
dition Of his son became incensed himself, ana
came back into the office an excited partisan OF
Elliot, Jr. Without any intimation ne caught hold
fire and told him to leave his house, as he did not
want him there any longer. Neal had both hts
]
promptly, Elliott seized HIM by both shoulders,
from the rear, aud began violently dragging him
TO the door. Neal did not resist but protested
quite loudly against such treatment saying,
'Watt, let me tell you;" but Elliott, without pay.
ing any attention to his entreaties, continued to
haul him TO the door, repeating all the while that
he aid not want MIN In the house any
longer, and that he must leave. Several
parties who were in the room and others from
without, now crowded around the hotel keeper
and the young man. Just a. Elliott, ST.. had
Neal near the door pushing him BY his shoulders
from the rear, young Elliott sneaked up behind
both, and, reaching his cowardly. arm around
young Neal, placed the muzze OF q heavy revolver
against his breast. This was seen by all the spec
tators, but ere any Of them could interfere and
save the life OF the young man the trigger had
been pulled and the report reverberated like Z
torpedo explosion. Young Charlie Neal stood fol
an instant. reeled, and falling into the arms OF
bystander exclaimed "You did It, but in COW
ardly way" In moment the young Virginia,
was dead. The ball entered the right breast and
ranging crosswise entered the heart. The muir
| derer was arrested, and coroncr's. inquest rem
dered verdict in accordance with tho facts o
above stated. There Is great Indignation here .
this cowardly assassination. Young Ncal's remain
arrived to-nigh; and VIII be BURIED tomorrow.