Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser. — 1861-05-10 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

ATTEMPTED MURDER IN SHEFFIELD.  On Saturday afternoon, a murderous outrage was committed on an old tnan named Ralph Barber, who resides in Brook street, near St George's Church, , Sheffield. Mr Barber is in his 78th year, and is out of business. For some time past he has lived alone. A woman who resides in the neighbourhood goes into his house every day for the purpose of making the bed sod performing other little household duties. Mrs Mason, the woman who has attended to Mr Barber's wants, has the misfortune to be aunt to a young man named Samuel Mitchell, a fellow who has, on previous oceasions, misconducted himself, and, by so doing, become known to the police. About three weeks ago, Mitchell went to Mr Barber's house, and, with the aid of a deliberate lie, obtained possession of a sovereign. On Saturday afternoon, about five o'clock, Samuel Mitchell again went to Barber's house. The old gentleman was again alone. Mitchell entered the kitchen, and, when he had closed the door behind him, he commenced with the vilest hypocrisy to ask Mr Barber's pardon for what he had previously done. The poor old gentleman was proceeding with the greatest kindness to tell him that it was all over, that his brother had been and settled the matter, when the wretch suddenly attacked him with his fists, striking him heavily about the face, and then resorted to the poker. with which he struck him with great violence on different parts of the head, severing the scalp, and laying bare the scull in several places. The ruffian then forced the okl man upstairs, and, throwing him on the bed, demanded his money. Mr Barber had the key of his desk in one oLins pockets, and the key of a safe which he had in a Mall closet was in the desk. Mitchell - rifled the old man's pockets, and with the key which he found in one of them, proceeded to attempt to unlock some drawers there are in the room, and all of which were unlocked. At this time poor Mr Barber lay weltering in his blood, and gradually becoming more al-ol more insensible. Mitchell stuck close to his victim, and prevented any alarm being given, and, after aearch:ne about the room, appears suddenly to have left the Louse. In all probability he left Mr Barber on the side of tlie bed, but he managed by some means—he  does not know how—to get downstairs, and to make an alarm through the front room window. As soon as the neighbours heard the alarm they went to Mr Barber's assistance. He was literally covered with blood, and his head and face bore the marks of brutal violence. A large tea-tray was found covered with blood ; the paper on the walls was soiled with large patches and innumerable spots, the floor gave evidence of struggling and bleeding, the clean white linen of the bed was soiled, and all over there were signs of a sanguinary conflict having taken place. Mr Allanson, the surgeon, was promptly sent for, and he immediately arrived. He at once perceived the serious and very dangerous nature of the injuries that had been inflicted, and sent ' for Mr Jackson, the chief constable, in order that steps might be taken for securing the injured man's depositions. J. J. Smith, Esq., attended, and in his presence Mr Thorpe wrote down, at the dictation of Mr Barber, a statement of the circumstances of the case. This statement so distinctly inculpated Samuel Mitchell, that the police were quickly on the alert to apprehend him. Shortly before ten o'clock Mitchell went home, seemingly the worse for liquor, and his brother to whom we have alluded above, very properly took him to the Town Hall, and gave him into custody. The depositions of Mr Barber has been taken, and the prisoner stands remanded.