Viewing page 234 of 310

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

asked him if he had permission to carry arms. There are two reports as to what the stranger's answer was. Some say he answered affirmatively, and some, negatively. The soldier demanded his arms, or evidence of his permission to carry them. The soldier had his pistol in his hand, and some say, pointed at the stranger. The [[strikethrough]] soldier [[/strikethrough]] stranger made as though he would give up his arms, but as he drew his pistol he cocked it and fired at the soldier's face, and had the ball ranged one inch further to the right, the soldier's death must have been instantaneous. As it was he fell; but I do not think the wound is mortal.

I write in haste, and keep no copy  Yours &c
W A S-

P.S. The [[strikethrough]] rebels [[/strikethrough]] post office and mail [[strikethrough]] carriers [[/strikethrough]] matters are under the control of rebels and their sympathizers, and I do not want my mail matter to pass through their hands. I dressed the soldier's wound this morning, and he is gone to his home in the country. I am satisfied the wound is not mortal, but it is very ugly and painful. I shall send this to Bridgeport, 12 miles from here, by a colored citizen, and will say no more now, except that I must have military aid, as I find nearly all, or many of the rebel citizens have arms of some sort, and being largely in the majority, I am powerless.

W A S-