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Story
June 10, 1800
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
In Petersburg, Virginia, on May 18, 1800, editor Thomas Field shot and killed Thomas Cross during a physical altercation stemming from a prior dispute. Field surrendered and was committed for trial.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
FREDERICKSBURG, Virginia, May 23.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Petersburg to the Editor, dated May 20, 1800.
"On Sunday last, an unlucky accident occurred in this town, between Mr. Thomas Field, editor of the Republican, and Mr. Thomas Cross. The latter gentleman was killed. The circumstances as far as I can learn them, are as follows: Some days before this, Mr. Field and Mr. Cross had a trifling difference. On this the latter provided himself with a pair of pistols, and a loaded horsewhip. He declared that on sight he would give Mr. Field a drubbing, at the muzzle of a pistol. Mr. Field was informed of this; and, as a necessary consequence, he provided himself with a pair of pistols. On Sunday morning he was met in the Market-house by Mr. Cross, and, after a few words, the latter struck Mr. Field, and continued his blows for several minutes. Mr. Field repeatedly called out to the bystanders to take him away; but as no person either interfered, or showed a disposition for interfering, he drew out one of his pistols from his pocket and shot Mr. Cross. The ball entered just below the left breast, and Cross expired in about fifteen minutes. Mr. Field immediately surrendered himself to the magistrates; and an examination took place, when he was committed for further trial, on Friday next."
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Petersburg to the Editor, dated May 20, 1800.
"On Sunday last, an unlucky accident occurred in this town, between Mr. Thomas Field, editor of the Republican, and Mr. Thomas Cross. The latter gentleman was killed. The circumstances as far as I can learn them, are as follows: Some days before this, Mr. Field and Mr. Cross had a trifling difference. On this the latter provided himself with a pair of pistols, and a loaded horsewhip. He declared that on sight he would give Mr. Field a drubbing, at the muzzle of a pistol. Mr. Field was informed of this; and, as a necessary consequence, he provided himself with a pair of pistols. On Sunday morning he was met in the Market-house by Mr. Cross, and, after a few words, the latter struck Mr. Field, and continued his blows for several minutes. Mr. Field repeatedly called out to the bystanders to take him away; but as no person either interfered, or showed a disposition for interfering, he drew out one of his pistols from his pocket and shot Mr. Cross. The ball entered just below the left breast, and Cross expired in about fifteen minutes. Mr. Field immediately surrendered himself to the magistrates; and an examination took place, when he was committed for further trial, on Friday next."
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Tragedy
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Justice
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Fatal Shooting
Self Defense
Altercation
Pistol Duel
Editor Killing
What entities or persons were involved?
Thomas Field
Thomas Cross
Where did it happen?
Petersburg, Virginia
Story Details
Key Persons
Thomas Field
Thomas Cross
Location
Petersburg, Virginia
Event Date
Sunday Last, May 1800
Story Details
Thomas Cross, armed with pistols and a loaded horsewhip after a prior dispute, attacked Thomas Field in the market-house. Field, also armed, shot Cross in self-defense after bystanders failed to intervene, killing him. Field surrendered and was committed for trial.