Albuquerque weekly citizen. (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1891-19??, 1903-04-11
BEATS BURDiCK STORY.
A Murder Mystery OF Old Virginia
Brought to Memory.
baltimore Herald.)

Richmond, Va.-Down here in old |
Virginia years ago there occurred a
tragedy which, in mystery and sensa-
ional interest and because of the great |
prominence Of the principals. makes |
the famous Burdick case OF Buffalo |
seem colorless. For long while II
was a puzzle to everyone, and when at !
last the truth was learned Virginia |
society was moved as II has never |
been moved since.
The time was before the war, and
the scene was a typical old Virginia
homestead with a princeIy demesne OF
1000 acres stocked with slaves. The
old house still stands and. with its
quaint, towering gables, long porticos
and antique walls, represents the old
virginia with it's hallowed traditions.
Such were the princely surround
ings, amid which, a little over half a
century ago, David Winthrop succeed
ed to hi. patrimony. He was the father
OF three loving daughters, the most
attractive OF which was Eleanor.
Among the many suitors for her
hand was Robert Goodloe, a prosperous
young merchant OF neigh5oring
town, who also belonged TO promin
ent family In the best society OF the
Old Dominion. This young gentle
man was wont to make visits at brief
intervals to the elegant country home
of this rural belle
During one of these visits his host
asked him the loan OF a thousand dol
lars. which was promptly granted, and
for which the young man took the
proper note. II was seen that the note,
or bond, as II was called at that day.
was placed by Goodloe In an old-fash-
oined portmanteua in which business
men and state officials carried their
important papers as well as their
money, as safes and bank vaults were
then but little known. On subse-
quet visit he was invited by Winthrop
to Join him in a turkey hunt as the
forest on the plantation abounded In
game. To this the young merchant and
devoted admirer OF Miss Eleanor read.
lily assented, as he was good shot
and fond of sport. From this hunting
Winthrop returned alone. and explain
ed TO his family that urgent business
away, and that he sent his excuses to
the ladies. which story was corroborat-
ed by old Dan. Winthrop's body ser.
want, who had accompanied the pair.
few days later Winthrop received
n letter from Goodloe's brother inquir-
ing II Robert was sick, as he was
making q very protracted stay. Win.
throp replied thtat his guest had gone
to st. Louis on a business errand and a
short time afterward the young man s
hat was picked up near that city on
the bank OF the Mississippi.
Good heavens, madam, where did
you get this watch?" The remark came
from the leading jeweler in Petersburg
and was addressed to a lady who had
brought him for some slight repairs a
unique and costly watch. why. my
husband gave II to me" And where
did he get IT." responded the jeweler.
HE brought 1t to me on his return
from a trip east. But why are you so
inquisitive? Have you ever seen 1t be-
fore?" yes. madam. ! sold that
watch to young man who was drown
ed a year OF so ago In the Mississippi
river" II must learn something more
about IT," The lady was visitor from
the far west and to trace the purchase
was, In those stage coach days. a work
OF time, and weeks went by before the
object was accomplished.
But the result OF the investigation
was that one night Ben Jones, the
sheriff OF Dinwiddie county. accom-
panied by a party OF friends. called
upon Mr.. Winthrop, only to learn that
he had gone north on visit of some
duration. Daniel, howver. was at home
and was called on for an account OF his
master and Mr.. Goodloe. His recital
OF the story told the ladies at the time
was cut short by firm order TO stoT
his lying" and his memory being re
freshed by the application OF a cold
pistol barrel to his head. Dan remem
bered that "Marse Goodloc done met
up wild a bad accident dat day" and
that him and Marse David buried him
in a pine thicket" And with that sug
gestive pistol still pointed at his head
Dan led the way, with bullying eyes
ind trembling limbs, to the scene OF
the tragedy and pointed out the grave
II was a motley gathering which one
night assembled for dance in the
little town of lei Paso. Old Indian
fighters and youthful disciples OF
Blackstone and Galen, tough cowboys
and callow "tenderfeet," uncouth des
peradoes and courtly gentlemen, deli
cate daughters of newly arrived set
tiers and native lassies, brown. sun
burned and buxom, were mingled
cheek by jowl.
Judge Shelby the violinist and
master of ceremonies, entered full,
into the excitement OF the scene
Swifter and louder came the shouted
calls OF Ladies change" Gentlemen
TO the right" Swing corners" and
other figures Of the "cotillion," follow
ed by Promenade ALI and Seat your
,..tua~o And M tho paufiuQ vin