The Morristown Gazette

THE MOORESBURG HOMICIDE.—On Saturday afternoon, the 14th inst., Elias Simpson, colored, was shot and killed by Thomas Moore, white, at Mooresburg. It appears that there had been a difficulty between the parties some weeks previous, which was resumed by the negro immediately upon their meeting. After some words had passed, Simpson attempted to draw his pistol, and succeeded in getting it partly out of his pocket, when Moore fired four shots in rapid succession, killing him instantly. Moore subsequently surrendered himself to Deputy Sheriff J. M. Williams, and on Thursday last an examination was had before S. E. Dotson, Esq., the State being represented by John M. Netherland, Esq., of Rogersville, and the defendant by W. S. Dickson, Esq., of this city. After an investigation of the facts, the court was of the opinion that the killing was done in self defence and the defendant was discharged.