Connecticut western news., 1875-05-28
THE LATE SAM BUTTERWORTH.
RecolIectiOns of Siclkles' Associate at tn
 Killing of Key.

HecOlIect1Ons of S1ckIeS' ASSOc1ute at the Killing of Key.
 Sam Butterworth, who died in San Francisco, was one of the remarkable Americans of the time. He was born at or near Newburgh, N. Y., and studied law. Commerce divided the lore of the law in his allegiance. He went out to Mississippi and was popular there until the bravoes and duelists of the State de- ci6ed that he must be killed in order to be negative. Apicked duelist challenged him or insulted him-it matters not which-and Butterworth went to the field with great crowd around both the principals, only few of whom were with the "Yankee and the intruder. They were both armed with revolver in hand, revolver in the sidesheath, and a bowie knife. The ground was measured at ten paces. They were to fire from the base line, then to advance and draw the sec- ond revolver, and, if alive, to finish up the work with the bowie-knife. Butter worth and his antagonist emptied their pistols unsuccessfully. The antagonist, however, shot away the cock of Butter worth's reserve pistol. He drew his knife and rushed forward, with a loaded revolver in his face, when something hu- man seized the crowd. They seized the arm of the man who was ready to kill Butterworth.
 "Let the game Yankee live. It's pity to kill him." was the cry.
 Butterworth returned to New York and engaged in the practice of the law, but being 8 natural leader of men, with vehement nature and an intolerance of restraint from interiors, he also engaged in politics. He acquired both practice and office, and under MT. Buchanan was at the head of the sub-treasury in Wall street. Dan Sickles was then the great leader of the "boys," man of desperate and uncertain nature, but in many respects attractive and gallant. Butterworth liked him. When Sickles discovered his wife's intrigue with Philip Barton Key he conferred with his friend Butterworth. The latter weighed the evidence and the case. Said he:
 "Send your wife home to her mother. Don't hesitate. After that never see her again, and never have @ scandal about it, for you can't afford exposure.
 Sickles left ostensibly to take Butter worths advice. He had scarcely been across the public square opposite when Butterworth, who was cool and refec- tive man, remembered strange, uncer- tain light in Sickles' eye. He walked out to find him. Just then Key emerged from the corner gate of the square, hay ing waved his handkerchief to Mrs. Sickles in the house opposite the further side. Butterworth had scarcely addressed Key when Sickles rushed up and began to shoot. Key fell, .n1ortally wounded, in 8 few seconds, and was carried into club house to die. Butterworth was i'm mediately accused by his political ene- mics of being an accessory, and of hay ing detained Key until Sickles could murder him. He stood by Sickles until the latter returned to his guilty wife. Then Butterworth ordered Sickles never to speak to nor communicate with him again. Their career ended as friends at that moment.
 Butterworth, among other immense litigations, led the memorable raid on the New Arladen mining property, con ducted from the city of New. York. After enormous expense and attack he carried the suit, and was sent to Califor- mia to superintend the mine, with salary of 1925, ,0O0 year. Henceforward he was merchant. He was infexible in his business transactions, bitter enemy and faithful friend, and although his unpopularity was great when he first visited the coast, he became a power among powers there, was deferred to in judgment and courage, and when he re- tired from active business, in 1871, w. c. Ralston gave him 8 dinner at Bel mont, where the wealth and intellect of the West were harmoniously repre- sented. He died worth $1, ,O0O, ,O00, mainly made in lands and real estate. He was person of almost solemn pur- pose, of martial carriage, and high type of the Northern man of affairs.
 His death was melancholy. He had, according to his belief, 8 tumor on his liver, and his abdomen was twice cut open to find the place and relieve him. He died of the effects of these cruel operations.