Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-07-14
THOMAS KEY PUGH.
A Report Evidently Authentic,
That He Has Been Killed
by Indians.

Cincinnati Commercial, l2l
The news received yesterday by the
family and friends of Mr.. Thomas
Key Pugh, seems to confirm the first
report that he was massacreed BY In
dams.
1t appears that Mr.. Pugh went to
I'll Paso to effect the purchase Of some
land known as the Memphis grant,
embracing 10000 acres stocked with
cattle and sheep; and believed to con-
tain valuable mineral deposits. Mr..
Pugh had become interested in the
sale through General Rosecraus. The
negotiation was carried on through q
New York broker named Henry Alt
man. who. out Of $4,000 commissions
to Pugh was TO receive $751; 900 for his
share. The contracts for the sale
were effected, and Mr.. Pugh went to
I'll Paso to communicate the matter
with j. +. Bennett, the agent for the
property in that city. On his arrival
there he was surprised to learn that
the New York broker, Altman had
preceded him there, and was endeav-
oring to carry the trade through with
Mr.. Bennett, independent of Pugh,
which cut the latter out of his com
missions.
The following kilograms tel 4 C rest
Of the story:
ST. Louis, July lit is thought
that if MIR Pugh is in the hands Of
Victoria's Indians he is being held as
a hostage or for exchange for several
Indians of that band now in the hands
of the Mexican authorities at Ukihua-
hua, Itisfurther thought heMexicans
would exchange some Indian children
they hold for Mr.. Pugh, but it is
doubtful whether they would give up
adult prisoners,
This dispatch gives the form of the
letter picked up somewhat differently
from others which have been received.
1t says: The paper has these words
written by Mr.. Pugh under a prom
inent head line:
TAKE NOTICE.
1.-THE finder of this is entitled to
500 on delivering it to Maimon & Co.,
Chihuahua. lam a prisoner among
the Indians. Do what you can for
me"
The paper was dated 3a.m.
A letter to MIR. D. w. Strickland
dated I'll Paso, 9th instant, says
There is a rumor on the streets
that the Mexican soldiers have had
a fight with the Indians who hold
Pugh captive. The result is not
known"
The following is the dispatch Of
yesterday morning to Mr.. Strickland,
announcing young Pugh's murder.
"EL PAsO, Texas, July 9, 1881
The killing of Pugh by the Indians
confirmed. Will hold money.
STATE NATIONAL BANK"
At a meeting of the relatives yes
terday morning, itwas definitely de-
cided that Mr.. William Ii. Pugh, the
uncle Of the murdered man, shall 60
on to Ri Passo to take such steps as
are proper in the matter.
There is no longer any doubt of his
death, but Mr.. Pugh will proceed to
thescene ofthe tragedy, and thorougly
investigate the dark points connected
with it.
The following dispatch was received
yesterday
WASHINGTON, July II, 1881.-Hon.
Stanley Matthews, Cincinnati, o: We
learn nothing definite about young
Pugh. Whatever occurred was sixty
or seventy miles within Mexican ter
ritory. w. 7, SHERMAN.
Ell PAso, MEXICO, July 1.-THE
body of Thomas X. Push, son of ex-
Senator Pugb, was found by scout of
Mexican troops, near Carrezal, Chi.
huahua, horribly mutilated. lie was
tortured to death in terrible manner
and sfter death three shots were fred
into his body.