The age-herald., 1901-04-06
The Old Veteran Still Bani- caded in His Mansion NO ONE GAN ENTER GROUND Sheriff's Posse Driven Away
 Alter Lively Battle THE OLD MAN MAY BE WOUNDED The Conflict Is Direct ResIt of the Domestic Woes Which Have Dark sned Last Days of the Fam
 ous kentuckian.
THE OLD MAN MAY BE WOUNDED

Lexington, Ky, April 5.-With the cry ''the vendetta" on his lips. Gen. Cassius Mercellus Clay. the famous abolitionist and duellist and former United States minister to Russia, this morning led his little body guard to battle against a sher- iff's posse which had gone to Whitehall. his palatial mansion, in Madison County, to serve papers upon the general in a civil case, instituted against him by his daughter, Mrs Mary B. Clay. Many shots were fired on each side and the posse finally departed without accomplishing the purpose of It's visit. It is reported that General Clay was wounded in the affray. Fleeing from his supposed ene- mics. he barricaded himself in his "den" in the mansion, and there he remains, guarded by his faithful servants. Wheth- CT or not he is wounded Is known only to himself and to his little body guard No physician has been summoned to the house and none dare approach except on invitation.
 Todays conflict was directly connected with the domestic woes of General Clay, which have darkened the closing years of his life. asslsgtsi
 The principals in the battle were Gen. eral Clay and two of his body guard. Bud Letrell and Jim Bolin on one side and Sheriff Colyer. Deputy Terrill and Frank, Mason of Madison County on the other. The writ which the sheriff sought to serve was one ordering the delivery of some furniture belonging to the generals daughter.
 Dogs Gave the Alarm.
 The officers approached the house from the north, passing through the apple orchard. The general s Russian bull dogs set up barking and the officers stopped at the yard. The generals body guard promptly came to the door and the sheriff announced that he desired a personal in- terview with the master of Whitehall. General Clay in few moments came to the door. revolver in hand.
 General Clay" said the sheriff, i've are here on a peaceful mission"
 You are on my property without leave and I will shoot you,' replied the old man, who, almost blind, strained his eyes as If trying to make out the location of an enemy.
 Don't shoot, general. we are friends" shouted Sheriff Colyer.
 Spies" he retorted, and handing his pistol to one of his men, he took instead a repeating shot gun and cooked it.
 Sheriff Colyer sought shelter behind a large oak tree nearby, and his deputies also hid themselves. All pulled their weapons. General Clay shrieked, The vendetta, the vendettal" and began firing in the direction from which he heard the voices.
 The sheriff fired in return after the general had emptied the weapon and his deputies also fired, they say. not at the old man, but hoping to scare him into seeking shelter. Colyer was shooting wild also, not desiring to kill the old man, who, although doing his best to kill them, believed he was firing upon an enemy.
 After emptying the shotgun General Clay tried his revolver, which would not fire. He then took from the hands of the other guard a rife and began discharg- ing 1t in the direction of the frightened sheriffs and deputies. Exhausting his am- munitions, General Clay sought retreat He went into his room, putting up the iron bars, ordered his men to adjust the pistols, three large navy weapons, and were kept lying nearby. He armed himself with a large bowie knife and butcher knife Stationing himself at the side of the door he waited further attack
 Sheriff Gave 1t Up.
 After General Clay had retreated into his den, Sheriff Colyer and his men left the yard. They found negro boy and sent him to the house to-try to get Gen. eral Clay to come out unarmed and meet them but in this way were not successful and they returned without serving the process Sheriff Colyer says he will not bother General Clay tomorrow, but will wait till Monday before serving the pa pers.
 Some months ago General Clay, who had been left alone after his child wife. Dora Richardson, ran away and left him, sent for Mrs. Mary B. Clay, daughter. to come and live with him. For some weeks they got along nicely. and the vet eran appeared to be satisfied. Two weeks ago he told his daughter to go to his fam ily and secure their consent to release all claims on the property which he occupies. He wanted to give the property to Dora, the young divorced wife. who is now the wife of Riley Brock. and resides at Pinckard, in Woodford County. on prop erty siven her by the general. Mrs. Clay went away according to orders and re- turning day or so later. was met at the door by the old man. His eyes were fry. In his trembling hand be held revolved Krasped tightly. He demanded to know the result of the visit.
 s'It's all right" said the frightened daughter.