The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-09-23
CAPT. JOHN r. FLETCHER

ground without blankets during the
seven days campaign before Richmond.
For twenty-five years past his right ear
has constantly discharged an offensive
matter, and has necessitated constant
attention. Many physicians were con-
suited. but none were ever able to give
more than temporary relief. For the
past three days his affection has given
Capt. Fletcher more than usual trouble
and pain, and he has been unable to
rest or sleep. His duties have, of course.
compelled him to be away at night, and
he slept during the forenoon.
At the breakfast table at 1890 yester-
day noon he remarked to his wife that he
was afraid he was going to have an alb
scess in his head, as 1t seemed as though
his skull would burst from internal
pressure. He had been unable to get any
rest and the pain was almost unbeara
BILE. He had an appointment with his
dentist just after o'clock, but did not
feel able to have any work done, and
should merely go up and have his APP
pointment postponed. He did so, going
uptown and getting back to his resi-
dence, No. 204 East Fifth street, about
2:3O
Mrs. Fletcher was entertaining lady
friend and out in the kitchen servant
and took off his coat and hat in the hall
way, placing his handouts beside them.
Then passing through the back bedroom
and kitchen, he entered the bathroom
and closed the door. A moment later
the servant heard an unusual sound, like
q muff1sd explosion, then heavy fall.
She ran into the front room, where Mrs
Fletcher was and told her she feared
something had happened to Mr.. Fletcher.
The frightened wife ran to the bath
room and pushed open the door. Inside
she found her husband lying on the floor,
eleeding copiously from the nostrils. Her
nrst thought was that Capt. Fletcher
had burst blood vessel IN an attack of
vomiting, such as he often had. She saw
no wound and had no idea that he hal
been shot. The alarm was quickly given
ana 1t was while the bleeding form was
peing placed on the bed that some one
discovered a revolver lying in the bath
tub, where 1t had fallen from his hand.
physicians were hastily summoned, and
Drs. kurtz, Webb, Sawyer and Lewis
were quickly at the scene.
Ihey hnd that Capt. Fletcher had shot
himself with heavy revolver in the
right ear. the bullet passing nearly
through his head. He had evidently
placed the muzzle of the weapon into
the opening of the ear and pulled the
trigger. The force of the explosion tore
the ear nearly off and lacerated the
surrounding flesh. The ball passed d.
rectly into the skull, ranging downward,
and lodged In the point Of the lower
Jaw on the left side, almost under the
lobe of the ear. Both jaws were shat
tered by the bullet, and the bullying
muscles plainly indicated where it lay.
II was speedily cut out and the wound
dressed. Speaking Of the wound, DR..
sawyer said 1t was almost certain to
prove fatai, as the physician feared that
N It's passage the ball had fractured
the skull at the base of the brain.
During all this time Capt, Fletcher
had retained full consciousness and
spoke several times, although with diff
Guilty He asked that the Rev. VIII A.
kntghten be telephoned to come to his
bedside, also that word be sent to the
officials OF the Farmers and Merchants
bank where he was employed Asked
the reason for the attempt on his life
he managed to say that 1t because he
suffered so that he could not bear II.
He wanted the pistol again that he
might end 1t all.
To the friends who lad gathered on
hearing the sad news, he spoke, asking
that they look after his wife, whose wei
fare he seemed especially solicitous. He
wanted the A. o. U. w. lodge, of which
he Is member. notified. and in conclu-
sion asked his friends to forgive him as
he could bear his terrible suffering no
longer. His faithful wife lowered near
while the doctors were at work and
spoke words OF comfort to her suffering
husband. He repeatedly asked her for
givenese for his act and babe her not
to worry. Finally the doctors forbade
him to talk any more and he was placed
under the influence of opiates to rest.
At q late hour last evening he was
reported as sleeping and resting as well
- could be expected. AZ to his chances
y recovsry the physicians would ex-