Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-04-09


GRASS VALLEY, April Sth.-Our commu-
nifty was startled to-day by the report of
gunshot about 10 a. N. The following ac-
count is from the Free Lance
THE SCENE OF THE TRAGEDY.
This morning, about 10 o'clock, Nicholas
Permewen, well-known resident of Grass
Valley, received gunshot wound. from the
effects of which he soon died. The affair
occurred at the Pacific Hotel, corner OF Main
and Auburn streets, in the second story hall
way, and rot very far from the bedroom
which was occupied by the deceased. The
Pacific Hotel fronts to the north and on Main
street, and a hallway runs through the middle
part on the second story, on the sides Z which
hall are bedrooms. This hall runs
north and south, and comes to a
second one, which runs east and west.
From each end OF the east and west hall "a
narrow hall runs to the south and to the end
OF the building. At the extreme end Of the
hall runs rear hall. On the east side of the
house is located the bedroom of Permewen.
At the south end of the west side nall is
located the room occupied by Herman Aus
tin aud wife. The shooting occurred. it is
supposed from all the circumstances, at one
of the ends made by the main north and
south hall, and the east and west hall. After
receiving the shot, deceased staggered back
some fifteen feet, and fell in the main hall
just in front of a room occupied by man
named James I. Carr. This man was in bed
reading at the time he heard the shot.
STATEMENT OF FKLLow-LoDGERs.
The statement of William Andrews, who
occupies room in the front of the hotel,
looking out on Main street, is as follows: He
was in the upper part of the hall, and states
that in going to his room he met Permewen.
who was somewhat under the influence Of
liquor. Andrews advised deceased to 90 to
his room and take a sleep, and Permewen
started toward his bedroom at the south part
of the building, Andrews went to his own
room, and while in there heard shot. Geo.
Williams called to Andrews and said that
Permewen was shot, and Andrews came out
of his room and heard deceased say. She
has shot me ! She has shot me :" Pernewen
fell to the floor, which fall Andrews heard
but did not see. Deceased must have been
staggering backward while uttering the
words above noted as he was lying down
when Andrews reached him. The clothing
Of deceased was burning, and Andrews
smothered the fire and ran for physician.
One was met on the street near TIE hotel,
and he Immediately went to see the wounded
man. He pronounced the wound fatal.
Permewen then being unconscious, and re-
naming in that condition, speaking no other
words, until he died
The wound is in the right side Of TIE chest
and was very large and ragged one, e. ch ~
would be made by a shotgun discharg very
near to, or quite against the bod The
clothing, as already stated, was set i2e bX
the burning powder of the weapon .s6f.
ARREST OF THE SUPPOSED PERPETEAT0B-
Mrs. Herman Austin was soon af sr sssss
shooting of Permewen arrested by Constable
James Peters on suspicion. She ar,ossEe a
annoyed when the officer first went =, iasz-
room, and was somewhat excited l,1f saors
became calm and collected. AS far as vs-aav.s.
learn from the officer, she is reticenr s59wsa
The matter. In her bedroom was found az
shotgun, one barrel of which was loaded and
has been so for a long time. The other bar
rel, to all appearances, had been very ye-
Gently discharged. The gun was takea shaye
Of by the officers.
Mr.. Austin, the husband of the crested
woman, was absent from town ut the lime of
'he killing, but returned soon afterward and
s in great distress. He is an old and wegs-
Known citizen of this town, and has good
'eputation.
THE VICTIM.
Nicholas Permewen, the deceased, was .
native of Cornwall, England aged about So
Years. He has been here since some time in
1853, and was generally employed as a
gardener. He was man of fine education.
md abilities far above the average of men.
lie was raised on the Trevethoe estate. parish
If Lelant, Cornwall, and his father was
wealthy farmer. A brother of deceased is
physician of large practice and great reputa.
ion in Redruth, England Three sisters are
living. Permewen was in the habit of drink
ng too much at times, and when in that con-
lition was apt to talk rather loudly, and was
Inclined to want to argue abstruse questions.
lie was as harmless, however. as child so.
ar as committing an assault or anything of
hat kind was concerned.
Mrs. Austin was taken to Jail at Nevada
Jity to-day.
Coroner Huss held an inquest, but nothing
lew was developed. The verdict was in ac-
'ordance with the above, except that the per-
'etrator of the crime is unknown to the Jury