Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1882-12-27
KILLED.
Whisky and Cards.


Yesterday about 10 o'clock, Charley Per-
kins, colored, alias Charley Bassill; was shot
and instantly killed by Mat Presnell, colored
The tragedy occurred at Anderson Viii
iams' saloon. The men were playing cards
for drinks. Bassiu accused Presnell of
playing unfair, to which Pressneu gave the
lie. This led to other vituperation, when
Presnen arose from the table, drawing his
pistol as he did so. VIM. Finley, friend
of BassilPs, interfered, and told Presnen
to put his pistol up, which he did, Here some
one in the room called out, ''shoot the d--n
rascal, we'll back YOU" Perkins, alias Bas-
sill, was now on the outside of the room,
on the pavement. Finley was trying to get
him away, telling him that Presnen would
kill him. When Presnell heard the call to
shoot the rascal, he again drew his pistol
ard started towards the door; going behind
the counter, or bar, swearing that he would
kill Perkins. The bartender, seeing there
was trouble up, took hold of Presnen and
attempted to take his pistol away from him,
or at least, to keep him from shooting. In
the seuffie the pistol, in some way, was dis
charged, wopnding the bar-keeper's hand;
the ball passing through the tail
of his coat. Prssne4 succeeded in
getting loose. AL this time Bassiu was
on the pavement, just outside the door,
where his friends were talking to him, try
ing to get him away. He said that he was
going to whip him -Presnen the very
moment he put his foot on the pavement;
that he had drawn his pistol on him, and
now be intended to make him shoot or whip
him
When Presnel reached the door, pistol
in hand, Perkins made move as if to Ego
at him." whereupon the fatal shot was fred.
The second shot vas::fred, but did no harm.
Perkins staggered into the saloon, saying:
''Lord have mercy ON me-" and fell dead.
Presnen attempted to run, but was hello
until arrested by policemen.
Coroner Hood was notified, and held Al
inquest over the dead body
the following comprising the jury
J. A. Cowan, j. B. Cox, Archie Moore
John w. Roberts, James W. Smith, JOIN
Mynatt, Samuel Hoyle. Verdict that de
ceased came to his deatn by pistol sho
fred from the hand of Mat Presnell, which
ives feloniously and maliciously done.
The deceased vas railroader and at pres
entwas firing for Cal. Zachary; had been her,
about month; was from Birmingham, Ala
he was known by several names, but per-
haps the correct name was Cathey, as b,
had an express receipt given to Chas. Cath
ey for $500 sent to A. D. Cathey, Biz
mengham, dated November 18th
Tho ball struck about three inches below
the left nipple. No weapons of any KIND
were found on the body. Coroner HOOD
took charge of his pocketbook, containing
about IS cents, receipts for fifteen dollars
and other papers, also his watch, new sill
handkerchief, switch keys, &c. The body
will be seat home for burial
Presnen was taken to jail. VIM. Nelson
colored, and Tom. Hill, colored, were alss
arrested and taken to Jail, charged with be:
ing aidets and abettors to the crime.
At 8 p. m. they were taken before Squire
King for preliminary hearing
J. @. ]. Williams appeared TO,
Presnell, Squire Yardley for Hill and Mel
son. Mr.. Simpson Cornick represented the
State. Two witnesses were examined but
nothing materially different from what has
been given was brought out. The trial was
continued until 8 O'Clock, to-day.