Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-08-25
CHARGED WITH ASSAULT.
Complaint Made Against One Of the
Members Of Co. B.


A complaint of attempted assault
was made against Thomas King, co.
4 % Regiment, by Mrs. Mary Smith
of Togus. yesterday, and King was
given a hearing before Judge Andrews
served his decision, not being certain
that the testimony of the witnesses
would substantiate the complaint.
According to the story as il came
ont in the police court. it seems that
King. whose home is in Lewiston. Went
ont TO Togus, Thursday afternoon. Ito
see his grandfather. After a pleasant
time spent with the relative he started
70 walk back home. 1t was then after
10 o'clock in the evening. and after he
had walked some distance he was not
sure that ne was on the right road. he
fried to find shelter for the night, but
was refused. He then continued his
walk.
In the meantime an accident had
happened to the team in which Mrs
Smith was returning to Togus from
this city. and she was walking home.
King met Mrs. Smith on the road, and,
stopping her, asked the way to Au-
Smith saving that it was five miles to
town. King replied that it was too far
for him to walk in. He then asked for
lodging. When Mrs. Smith started to
go. King said he would return with her
as it was very late. Mrs. Smith, who
is a very nervous woman and rather
slight, said that she did not care for
him as an escort and could find her
way home all right At the same time,
he says. he placed his hand on her
shoulder in an assuring manner.
1t is at this point that the testimony
is at variance. Mrs. Smith says that
he placed his hand over her mouth. not
on her shoulder. and she became fright
ened and screamed for help. Al the
same TIM. she ran into her home near
by and told her version Of the affair
to her family
King followed her into the house as
he. says. to explain matters and as soon
as he crossed the threshold one Of the
members of the family promptly
knocked him down, it Was stated in
the court room.
Finding the reception a little too
warm for him King left the house and
instead of running away and conceal
ing himself as would seem probable If
he intended an assault he returned to
Togus. where he passed ihe night In
the morning. Friday. he returned 10
Camp Powers ard remained there.
A complaint was entered with the
police by Mrs. Smith. who charged him
with attempted criminal assault. The
officers found King at camp Powers
and placed him under arrest. King
did not offer any resistance nor did he
make any attempt to conceal himself.
After being given a hearing the court
released him. not giving any decision in
the case. Taken altogether he created
very favorable impression both with
the officers and the camp.
Whether King is innocent or guilty.
il j. much regretted that such an Incl
dent occurred 1t is the only disturb
ance OF any kind that has happened
since the III Regiment has been in
camp. capt. kelleher. III whose com
pany King belonged. felt much worked
up over the matter. Adjutan. General
Richards held a long consultation with
Judge Andrews after the trial. and
while he felt badly that the incident
should have occurred, wanted the man
treated just as though he Were reg
discussed on the street, and everyone
regretted that such an occurrence
should have taken place. especially
when the regiment had created such a
favorable impression.