The daily gazette., 1880-02-13
New York Ned.

HE TRIES TO KILL HIS WIFE AND A Po-
LICE SERGEANT IN A DRUNKEN
FRENzY-HELD FOR COURT.
One OF the most desperate characters
In Wilmington is Edward Cassidy, COM
monty known under the alias of "New
York Ned" He is tha keeper of all un-
licensed saloon, of disorderly nature,
at Front and Poplar streets, and for a
long time was ring leader of the gang
of Ioughs that some years ago held the
reighborhood of Lord aud Church
streets in mortal terror. He has been in
Jail number of times, and is regarded
by the police officers as one of the worst
characters with which they have TO deal.
Cassidy came home yesterday after
noon very drunk, He came into the
kitchen where his wife, Margaret, was
at work. Some words passed between
them. Suddenly he drew a revolver.
"I'd just as leave put ball through you
now as any other time," said he. Fo.-
tur rately for the woman, drink had made
the villains hand unsteady and he drop
ped the weapon as he aimed it at her.
Mrs. Cassidy then ran out until her hus-
bands attention was taken up with
something else. When she returned he
kicked her and abused her considerably.
He made the remarked that he intended
TO kill her and finish himself afterward.
Finally the woman escaped and came to
the police station. Here she had a war
rant issued for the arrest of her husband
for assault and battery, and attempt to
kill.
This warrant was given to Sergeant
Legg, and he started for Cassidy's
saloon, being Joined by Sergeant Do
Ian, and several other officers. Cas-
sidy was found in the house, and said
he would go with the officers. He got
his hat, and saying, "we'll take
drink before we 60" he went behind
the bar and got bottle of beer and a
glass. AS he went behind the counter
Sergeant Dolan, who stood close by,
saw him take revolver from his hip
pocket. This he put in the money
drawer. A minute afterwards he COM
menced to address Sergeant Legg in
an angry tone. He said he chad it on
for him" ever since the war, about ten
dollars he had loaned him. Uttering
the words that he would ''settle the
matter now," Cassiday suddenly drew
the pistol from the drawer, and tried
to aim it at Sergeant Legg. But Ser
geant Dolan was too quick for him. A
sudden blow from his hand knocked
the weapon to the floor. The next
moment he was empowered, and be-
yond doing harm. To all present it
seemed that the desperate man intend
ed to kill the officer. Said Sergeant
Legg, speaking of it afterwards "It
was certainly his object to shoot, and
1 think he would have killed me if Do
Ian had been slower"
The would-be assassin was then ar
rested, and taken to the city hall, where
he was locked up. This morning he wa
fined $40 and costs, and held in $500 bail
to keep the peace, for assault on his
wife, and held for court in the sum of
$500 10 answer the charge of attempting
to kill Sergeant Legg.
Many are the stories told of New
York Ned's deeds Of desperate reckless
ness. Some time ago he tried to kill the
bartender of the Logan House. at the
middle depot. He fired three shots at
him. None Of them took effect. On
several occasions he narrowly escaped
doing murder around the "old Church. 4
About year ago Sergeant Jones had
desperate struggle with him In taking
him into custody for fighting IN the
street. 1t is TO be hoped that he will
now be put out of the way of doing harm
for a season at least.