Alexandria Gazette

Police Case in Boston.

There was an unusual stir about the Police Court room this morning, from the fact becoming known that the Rev. John Gillespie, a Catholic priest who officiates at a church in Endicott street, was in the lock-up on charges of assaulting with a heavy cane Mr. Towle and his wife. The facts related by the persons assaulted, are in substance as follows:-

It seems that between 10 and 11 o'clock last evening, Mr. Towle and wife returned from an evening ride in the country, and according to his usual custom drove his horse to a stable on Sotoury street. Stopping at the entrance of the stable, Mr. Towle assisted his wife to alight from the carriage, and while he stopped a moment or two for the purpose of giving directions to the ostler, his wife started down the street on the direct way homeward. Mr. Towle soon followed, and just as he overtook her they met the accused, who seized hold of Mrs. Towle in a rude and indelicate manner, causing her to cry out and become very faint. Mr. Towle instantly asked Gillespie what he meant, when the latter replied, "Don't you say word-I know you-l right just as I'm a mind to." Other words ensued, when the Rev. Mr. Towle cried "Stop him," and Gillesple struck Mr. Towle, and started upon the run. Watchman Cloutman, being close at hand, gave chase. Just as he came up with Gillespie, Mr. Cloutman sang out "Heave to-I'm a watchman." At this, Gillespie turned and struck Mr. Cloutman a violent blow, which took effect on his shoulder. Mr. Cloutman caught hold of Gillespie, again telling him that he was a watchman, when he received another blow on the right cheek from Gillespie's fist. Watchman Pease coming up at this time, he assisted Mr. Cloutman in securing the accused, and conducting him to the West watch-house. The cane with which the blows were inflicted upon Messrs. Cloutman and Towle, is mounted with a cast-iron head, and weighs four pounds. Gilespie was brought before the Police Court this afternoon, and for the assault upon Mr. and Mrs. Towle was ordered to recognize in the sum of $500 for his appearance at the December term of the Municipal Court for trial. It appeared in evidence that when running from Mr. Towle he fell upon the pavement, and when watchman Cloutman caught him, his face was besmeared with blood. The blood came from a wound in the nose, and upon examination this morning, by Dr. B. H. C. Greene the bridge of the nose was found to be fractured. He probably received the wound at the time of his fall. He stoutly denies any intention of committing an assault upon Mrs. Towle, or any one else, and frequently appealed to the Almighty to witness the truth of his declaration. His examination upon the charge of assaulting watchman Cloutman with a heavy cane, while in the discharge of his duty, is progressing as we go to press,-Boston Jour.