The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1879-03-13
BLOODY EPISODE
In the Georgia Capitol BuIIdIug-coi. II.
A. AlStOn Killed by Cant Hd. Cox.

-esssstA ~ NNFN AsAs N0AN
ATLANTA, Ga, March ll.-At 8 O'Clock
this evening the city was startled by the
successive reports OF pistol shots in tlls
Tresurer's Office at the Capitol. A police
man, breaking in the closed door, discoy.
cred Col. R A. Aston lying on the floor,
with the blood pouring from wound in
bis head, and Mr.. Ed. Cox lying near him
with horrible wound in his face and
others in his body. Treasurer Rerfroe
and Capt Nelms, principal penitentiary
keeper, were leaning over Aston, and
helping him to rise.
The story Of the tragedy that eliminated
in this scene was as follows:
Mr.. Ed. Cox, who was the assaIlant, was
partner with Gen. Gordon In the con-
vtct lease. about which so much has been
said. When Col. Alston was In Washing.
ton Gen. Gordon authorized him to sell
his interest In the lease, as he wanted 10
wash his hands OF the whole matter. Cox
had been trying to sell his interest also,
and had arranged to sell to one Mr.. Wal.
tiers, II he could control Gordons share
also. Aston found 1t to Gordon's nd.
vantage to sell to Mr.. Howard. Cox
tried TO pursuade him to sell to Walters.
and finally said lie would kill him IL he
didn't do II. Aston tried to avoid COY.
but was dogged by him all day. AtlenRth
Cox drew his knife and told Alston he was
going to kill him.
Aston said: "You wouldn't kill an un.
armed man, would you?"
Cox then said; ~ will wait for you 10
arm yourself"
Aston went toward the Capitol, still
bent upon avoiding trouble. He met Gov.
ernor Colquitt, who, knowing Coxs des.
perate character, was very much alarmed
for Aston, to whom he was deyotedly
attached. He begged Alston 10 90 10
Cox. ~ N''' " ''e
Aston said: You had better let me get
a shot gun aud kill him, because know
him, and he will kill me II don't"
lie went on toward the Capitol, and pro.
cured pistol. Cox had already gone
ahead Of him, and was waiting for him.
Aston went in side door and avoided
him. Cox wrote note asking Alston TO
come out on the sidewalk and have Il out.
Aston declined, and walked about in
side the Capitol. Cox came in, and gee.
ing Prof. Moore sitting at desk, drew his
pistol, thinking it was Aston. The Pro.
lessor turned, and Cox went on to look
for Aston. He finally saw him 20 into
the tFeasurer's door, and followed him.
~, Aston turned a. he entered and said:
with you"
"Come and let's settle it." said Cox.
u will not eight you unless you force It
on me" said Aston.
!. Then I'll force it." said Cox, closing
Atthis, Aston seeing that fight was
inevitable, said, "Well, then let's settle,
right now. Are you armedW
Without reply, Cox whipped out his
pistol. Aston drew also, and throwing
their pistols to level, they fired straight
at each other. Capt. Nilms, who had run
IN between them, barely escaped being
shot. He tried to catch the combatants,
who were close to each other, but failed.
Cox was struck in the mouth at the first
ire, and after that, ran about at random.
Alston never left his tracks, but pale and
stern, fired coolly, shooting Coxs pistol
aand the second shot, and shooting him
square in the throat the second time. At
length Cox, having succeeded in getting
right up to Aston, fred his fifth shot, and
sent ball through Alston's brain; he had
not touched him before that.
Aston fell at once, and lay atfull length
on the floor, and never had consciousness
alter that instant. Cox threw his pistol
down, staggered to the table, and fell,
and said, "We are both killed"
Col. Aston died at ten minutes TO 7.
The whole city mourns his death. No
ireer hearted, nobler gentleman ever lived,
and he had thousands OF friends.
Cox's assault is considered murder with
out extenuation. CO.. Aston had duel
ing traditions all through his family his
tory, but never fought duel He was
brave 70 fault, but always said he was
superstiIious about dying a violent death,
tradition that an Aston must always die
I9 his boots. He was widely and tavora-
bly, known.