National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-03-13
DEATH OF DEMPSEY.
The Wuuld-be Suicide Pays the Penalty Of Il
Rashness-His Last Hours,

Rsshness-His Last Hours.
Or the evening Of February q last, the people
Of Washington were startled by the announce
Dent that John b. Dempsey had shot his mistress,
Mrs. LOttie Warren, and afterwards shot him
self, at house No. AZ Fourth street. The fact of
Dempsey being weIl-known barkeepsr, and his
mistress having q large circle Of acquaintance
in Washington, naturally caused some excite
ment, anG their condition was watched with much
anxiety. Drs. Magruder and Dexter were atten-
tive to the wounded pair, and did all in their
power towards alleviating their sufferings, but
The delicate condition Of Dempsey required that
he should be moved to some quiet place, and on
the oath OF February he was taken to Providence
and his condition improved. Mrs. Warren In the
meantime was taken BY her mother 70 Baltimore.
- AT THE HOSPITAL.
Mr.. Dempsey, after arriving at the hospital
vas suitably provided for by Sister Beatrice and
DR.. ]. Ford Thompson, the surgeon in charge,
and soon began to show signs Of recovery, and
strong hopes were entertained that he would
again be able to be on the streets. His friends
visited hiU, and he expressed himself to the
effect that he was getting well, and spoke in the
most encouraging manner. He would speak Of
what he was doing at the time, as he was under
the influence OF liquor. He referred to Mrs
Warren very pleasingly.
Up TO few hours previous to his death his
wound discharged freely. The change in his
condition was first noticed about 10 O'Clock Thurs
day night, when his nurse was awakened by
peculiar noise from Dempsey, and an alarm was
Immediately given, and Sister Beatrice, with
sufficient assistance, was soon on hand. when it
was found that he was suffering from sufocation.
Restorstives were applied, which apparently re-
ieved him. after which the chaplain of the hos
pital administered to his spiritual wants. He re-
NAMED restless during the remainder Of the
night, and when DR.. Thompson saw him in the
morning he found him much worse than on his
previous visit.
The discharge from his wound had entirely
ceased, and he was greatly Frustrated and COM
planned Of great pain in the left side Of his chest
ABOUT l0;50 a; m. yesterday the doctor saw him
thought he would die. He stated to Dempsey's
friends that there was one Of two things had hap
pened-either the wound had closed deeply and
the matter was collecting in the cavity, or that
he was suffering from pyaimia, (blood poison.
The doctor determined. in order to make out the
exact condition Of things, to further explore the
wound, and he enlarged the incision he had pre-
viOusly made, and discovered the ball weighing
tact with the rib) lying about two inches back Of
the original IncisIOn on the left side.
He also introduced through the broken rib 1.-THE
seventy the small canula Of small aspiratOr to
chest. None being discovered IL was determined
that he was suffering from "bloOd poison" Urdi-
nary treatment was pursued. and his condition
made comfortable as possible and he fingered in
dying condition until 4:3O o'clock still maintain
ing his consciousness, and cOnyersing with those
around him.
THE DEATH BED.
1t becoming evident that all hopes for his re-
cOvery were gone, Father Boyle was sent tor,
who administered the last sacrament OF the
Church, Extreme JUNCTION, and Dempsey, appre-
ciaIiDg the condition OF affairs, was passive, and
talked to those around him.
He referred to the shooting, saying he had no
idea of iDiuring himself or her, Mrs. Warren,)
he was under the influence OF LIQUOR. He re-
Quested his friends to have his body removed
ON the hospital after his death, he desired to
prevent pOSi-morien. He fingered until twenty
minutes to O'Clock, when he expired, and the
body was Immediately taken in charge by his
friends and conveyed TO Buckly, the undertaken,
where 1t will be prepared for interment.
1t is thought post mOrfem will be held day.
as many Of his friends and DIR. Thompson desire
il. So soon as his death became known about
town It created great establishment, as most per-
sons were under the impression that he would
live and Mrs. Warren would die. His most par
ticular friends were astonished at his death.
The coroner has been notified, but as yet has
not signified whether he will hold an inquest; but
as tho facts of the have all been made pu bite
it is hardly probable that he will deem it neces-
sary.