Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1895-08-02
AlsE PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS FRIDAY
LIKE A ROMANCE.
4 FAMOUS BUT TRAGIC DUEL BE.
 TWEEN TWO GIRLS.
Both Arkansans and the Scene Not Far
 From Hot Springs.

The following article from the
 Philadelphia Herald recalls case ia
 nous in the annals of this section of
 the State, says the Hot Springs
 Neaos. The occurrence took place some years ago, and the editor of the
 Nepos is familiar with the tragic cir ctmstanees, being the first to pub fish the facts at the time, in a paper he was then running in the county
 where the terrible duel took place
 Referring to it the Herald says
 "There is now living ill the eastern part of this city (Arkadelphia) the defendent in one of the most ceie- brated murder trials that has ever been called in the courts of Arkansas Sallie Stokes is a name familiar To many of our readers, and recalls to memory the famous trial in this city in the autumn of 1882, wherein the attractive little brunette of IS years of age was arraigned for the murder of neighbor girl, named Malinda Stevens. In 1880 there lived in the vicinity of the town of Jonesboro, Howard county, with farms adjoin- ing, the Stokes and Stevens families. A spirit of bitterness was aroused between the Stevens girl and Sallie, the yivacious little black haired daughtea of James Stokes, who was the belle of the rural neighborhood and the pride of the well-to-do Stokes family. On one April morn ing, while riding past the Stevens house, Sallie Stokes was hailed by the Stevens girls, and as Malinda dragged the subject of this sketch from her horse, she came down with a blow with knife which severed the jugular vein of her antagonist who reeled and expired in a few minutes. Sallie Stokes was brought to this city, where, before. Judge Stuart she was granted bail in the sum of $10,000.
 "The trial, which occurred in Arka- delphia in November, 1882, by change of venue, was one of extraordi- nary interest, lasting two weeks, and was attended by representatives of the leading newspapers of Little Rock and St. Louis, and was, in many instances, illustrated by great journals of New York and other Northern cities. The defense was represented by Major Borden, now deceased, and Hon. A. B. Williams, of Washington. The argument of Judge Williams, lasting day and a half, was said to haze been the most masterly presentation ever before delivered in this section. The name of Sallie Stokes became known throughtout Arkansas at that time, and her youth, rustic beauty and ap parent innocence elicited nothing but sympathy from every one with whom she came in contract. Upon her acquittal the news was spread abroad, and Sallie Stokes returned to her home, where she lived in re- tirement until she met her present husband, A. J. Helms, after which they married and removed to Hot Springs, where Mrs. Helms was engaged in the millinery business until she was burned out by tbe re- cent fire in that city. She is now living at this place temporarily, and has three interesting children-I one son and two daughters. Mrs. Helms has reached the age of about 30 years, and while i'll health has made upon her former appearance, she retains much of the youthful which characterized her the famous trial.