Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-06-13
nURDEROUS ASSAULT.
Two Clerks Of Gen. Stephenson, Governor
81 Tosus Soldiers Home, Terribly
!. =. Beaten. -.


This morning Jas. McCaulley was arrested
IN this city on the charge of assault with in.
tent to kill. Monday night between half
past seven and eight, he laid in wait and
attacked Messrs. otto Won Kersling and
Nathaniel T. ii. Chenery while on their way
to their homes on the Gardiner road. Chen
cry was behind Won Kersling when Nc
Caulley came up with vile epithet and
struck Chenery squarely between the eyes,
partially stunning him. Kersling
hearing the outcry turned back. McCaulley
seized Cheney's cane and struck Kersling.
McCaulley also struck him with a rock which
he held in his hand, knocking him down and
afterwards pounding him in a terrible man
ner, both bones of the fore arm being broken
in the struggle.
The cutlery brought several persons living
in the neighborhood to the scene. At this
McCaulley took to his heels and escaped into
the woods. Word was sent 10 the Home and
Surgeon Miller, together with Steward
Thompson repaired to the scene of action.
Kersling had been taken to q house
near by, and was lying upon a lounge,
covered with blood when the sur
geon arrived; his wounds were
dressed by surgeon Miller, and Kersling was
conveyed to the Hospital, where he now lies
in critical condition.
McCaulley is large man straight as an ar
row, of light complexion. and is powerful
man to deal with. The life of Kersling was
saved by a Mrs. c. OConnell throwing a
rock at McCaully, causing him to release his
hold upon Kersling and beat retreat.
McCaulley came to the Home abont three
years ago. He was in the regular army dur
ing the late war. He has been regarded as
desperate character. 1t is reported that he
has for long time held a grudge against
Gen. Stephenson and has threatened his life
Not being able to accomplish their design, he
attacked these men because they were the
greeable around the camp, and especially to
ladies', insulting several. For this he was
confined in the guard house sixteen days, by
orler of Gen. Stephenson, and Monday A.
NJ, was given dishonorable discharge from
the Home. In charge of a police officer
from the Home he was taken to Gardiner and
placed on board Of the steamer Star of the
East, and given a passage to Boston. Instead
of taking that passage he left the boat and
concealed himself near the grounds.
When put in custody of Sergeant Wall of
the police san lbag known as a .'paralyzer"
was found in his possession. He was put in
Jail yesterday morning to appear before
Judge Andrews at 2 30 z. NJ Several of the
officers were present at the trial. Mr. Chensry
was able to be present DIR. J. +. Miller told
the reporter that he thought Won Kersling
would survive though where the wounds are
inflicted on the head in the case of kers-
ling it is difficult to tell for certainty. The
lawyer Potter to be his counsel. He left Il e
room with his counsel but soon returned
aid waving examination was put under $1,000
bonds Being unable to furnish bonlS he
was iudgei IN jail. W men told oy one Oh
the gentlemen present that Won kersllng was
liable TO die the prisoner said, THAT can't b.
possible lie told also that he did the deed
because that was the only way in which h.
coull bring certain matters to light ;aat he
wished to disclose. He had the appearance
of being a tough customer and his manner in
the court room seemed to bespeak the effects
of liquor.