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Richmond Enquirer
Richmond, Richmond County, Virginia
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On July 7, 1826, a drunken sergeant deliberately shot and killed Major Donoho of the 4th Infantry during evening drill at a military post near Pensacola, Florida, after being dismissed from ranks. The major died calmly within 1.5 hours.
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New Orleans papers received on Tuesday last, stated, that it was rumoured a sergeant had killed Major Donoho, and we regret to find that the report turns out to be too true. The following letter received at this office, contains the particulars of this truly lamentable circumstance, written by a gentleman who was present : [Balt. Gaz.
Extract of a letter, dated
"Fort Montgomery, (Pensacola,)
July 13th, 1826.
" I was witness on the evening of the 7th this month, to one of the most outrageous, and, in its effects, the most melancholy occurrences that has ever fallen under my observation; it was the murder, as I may properly call it, of Major Donoho, of the 4th Infantry. I was sitting at the door of my quarters, about 9 o'clock (tattoo) when I saw a flash and heard the report of a gun; I immediately ran to the spot and was informed that one of the Sergeants had stepped out of the ranks and deliberately shot the Major through the body- I followed him to his quarters, where he died in the course of an hour and an half. The Sergeant had been drunk on drill, and had been sent off by the Major, which was the only provocation for this atrocious act.
This occurrence is the more astonishing as the Major was considered a favourite with both officers and men.
I have seen men die, but never did I see one part with more calmness and composure, and I may add fortitude. Had he been lingering for twelve months, he could not have been more resigned. His only regret was that he was absent from his mother, and the exclamation " My poor old Mother," several times escaped him He was about forty-two years of age. His death and the manner of it has thrown a gloom around us which will not soon be dissipated.""
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Fort Montgomery, Pensacola
Event Date
July 7, 1826
Key Persons
Outcome
major donoho shot through the body and died within an hour and a half; he was about 42 years old.
Event Details
A sergeant, drunk during drill, was sent off by Major Donoho; the sergeant then stepped out of ranks and deliberately shot the major through the body at about 9 o'clock in the evening. The major died calmly in his quarters, expressing regret for being away from his mother.