The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-04-09
9sie T:sOnl-Pitts Duel.
baltimore Gazette Of yesterday.I

baltimore JaZcttc VI StNlcTuas.
DR.. J. Pembroke Thorn, Of this city. uncle
OF Alfred 7. Thorn. OF Northampton county,
Va. who killed Major Sidney Pitts in the
recent encounter at Eastville, and was him
self severely wounded, returned from visit
to his nephew'S home, near. EaStyi'le, on
SATURDAY,. DR.. Thorn stated to a reporter
of the Gazette that bis nephew was slowly
recovering. No fever had set in, and his
physicians INCLUDING his father, who is
a well-known practuioner) were OF the
opinion that his convalescence would be
rapid, As soon as he is able to be
about, warrant. which has been sworn
out for his arrest, will be served, and
IN examination OF the affair take place be-
fore magistrate. His friends are confident
OF being able to show at this preliminary
examination that the killing OF Pitts was
done in seli-defence, and consequently en-
pcct that bail will be taken and the accused
released until the matter can be investigated
by the grand jury. The greatest interest in
the case has been aroused throughout both
Northampton and Accomac counties, and
persons have driven fifty miles to EaStyille
TO learn the particulars OF the shooting. DR..
TbOm states that the accounts rs published
were correct, with the exception OF some
minor details. No explanation was given
OF the presence OF Thorn ut the wharf when
Pitts left the county to come TO Baltimore. Ii
seems that Pitts was indebted to number
OF persons, who had placed their claims in
the hands Of lawyers for collection, all OF
whom, hearing OF his intention to leave the
State, had taken proceedings to attach him
as an Ascending debtor. Thorn went to
Sheriff Leonard Nottingham to get him to
serve the attachment, but the Sheriff was
-, l.. 4 70 at, Stari
Colona. The latter was keeper Of the jail,
and Pitts knew he had never qualified as
deputy sheriff. Collona lad gone down to
the wharf, and Thorn was forced to seek
him there.
When Pitts, knowing Collona's action
was illegal, resisted, Thorn was summoned
as one OF the posse to assist in making The
arrest, and thus the impression was made
on the mind OF Pitts that Thorn was follow
ing him with Yindictiyeness unwarranted
by his refusal to pay the trit1ing debt he
owed the estate OF which Thorn was adj
mini,trator. Pitts, during his stay in
Baltimore and on the boat when he re-
turned. made threats that he was going to
cowhidc Thorn, and il he resisted would
sheet. These threats reached the latter, and
account for his being armed, It not being his
custom. When the two men met, Thorn, as
soon as Pitts began cursing him, gave evil
dence OF being prepared to- defend himself.
This surprised Pitts, but he drew his re-
YolSer, and two shots were quickly ex-
changed. Pitts was not hit in the hand, as
stated, and retired behind the house not
to use the end OF it to cock his pistol,
but for the purpose OF shelter. Thorn,
fearing Pitts would shoot him from cover,
followed him UP, and the second shots were
exchanged, and both fell. Pitts lived gay
life, and was feared on account Of his great
strength, which made him match for any
TWO ordinary men. He was frequently en-
gagged in disputes. Thorn, on the contrary,
was Sunday-school teacher, and OF peace
able and quiet disposition. The result Of
the investigation by the grand inquest viii
be awaited with interest.