St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-04-04
GORDON's LAST SHOT.
1t Wings an Old Enemy in San
Jose, Cal.

Gen. Il. L. Gordon, formerly man
we'll known in Minneapolis public cir
cies, has gotten into notoriety out in
San Jose, Cal, through feud result
ing from the damage suits OF Minnie
Van Horn against him for seduction.
The telegraphic accounts of the suit
and the circumstances attending it were
matters for much comment little over
six months ago. At the time of the al
legged seduction OH Gordon'S ranch, a
young fellow named Charles ii. Potter
worked for him, and was engaged to
Minnie, the engagement being broken
off and again renewed. Potter figured
largely in the suits, and it was claimed
in the countersuit of Gen. Gordon that
the two were engaged in a conspiracy
to eXtort money. The suits were all
either decided in GOrdOn's favor or
were non-suited. Bad blood has been
existing between the two ever since.
and when the two finally met IN San
Jose, Thursday, March 20, in front of
the Lamoile house there was scrap
and a scuffle, and an exchange OF blows,
with first blood for Potter. and lots OF 1t
flowing from the face of Gordon.
Bystanders state that Gordon seemed
irving to get his hand to his hip pocket,
but before he could draw his gun James
Holman, one of those standing near,
ran in and separated them. Gordon
then drew his pistol and fired at Potter
when the latter was but few feet
away, The bullet struck, but not
vital spot, and Potter started off Oh the
run, Gordon firing until he turned
corner.
Potter was taken to drug store and
the bullet extracted from his right side,
in the abdominal muscles beneath the
skin. The firing attracted a large
crowd, who clamored for a lynching
bee, but the doughty general was finally
taken to the city hall.
According to Potter's statement, Cor
don came along and iDsulted him while
he was seated in chair in front of the
Lamoile house. The insulting epithet
used was ''Ah, there!" which so angered
him that he flew to his feet and mashed
the general on the nose. He says that
he saw that his insulter was reaching
for a pistol. and so smashed him again.
| at the same time grabbing the pistol
arm. Then somebody separated them,
and as the general drew his pistol, he
started to run. He says that he had no
pistol, and if he had it would have been
dollars to not much of anything that he
would have downed his enemy then
and there.
Gordon claimed that Potter assaulted
him without any cause or immediate
provoeation. and that he only defended
himself. He also stated that Potter
was making frantic efforts to reach a
pistol pocket which he prevented by
grabbing his arm. He made the remark
! that he was not a spring chicken, and
didn't propose to give another man the
first shot whenever he had anything to
saw about it. He is of the opinion that
| Potter deserved more than he got.
Gordon was charged with an assault
with intent to commit murder, but was
released at once upon bond. after be-
| ing detained only two hours. His wife
| and little son awaited him outside OF the
court room and gave him an affectionate
reception. Potter, who has been en-
| ployed as livery stable hand, stated
/ that he had neither money nor friends
to whom he could go, so he was placed
on a mattress and taken to the infirmary
via express wagon. His wound is not
serious, and it will probably not be long
before he is again on his feet able to re-
| sume lOStilitieS.