Phenix Gazette

New York, Nov. 18.

Yesterday, an affair which at first appeared somewhat mysterious, underwent an investigation before the magistrates. A Mr. Joseph Prime, a mason, residing at 100 King street, accompanied by a young man named Nehemiah Trie, his apprentice, came into the office and made the following statement:—On Friday evening, his wife desired the apprentice to go to the grocery of Mr Evan Lewis, 78 Charlton street, and procure some flour, indian meal and a jug of beer. This was done—the beer was brought in and set on the table, when Mr. Prime noticed something white floating upon its surface, and asked what it was: his wife replied that some of the flour might have blown upon it—this answer satisfied the inquiry and part of it was drunk for supper, the apprentice refusing to partake of it. After Mr. P. and his wife had retired for the night they were both taken very sick with vomiting and violent pains. The apprentice was desired to go for Dr. Quackenbush, and having been absent for a long time he returned, and said that the doctor had just been called out. He was again sent for some one else, but returned without procuring the assistance of any physician. On the following morning they were something recovered, and Mr. P. sent for his sister, who in undertaking the management of the house had to make some bread. She found that there was not sufficient yeast with the flour, and she threw in the remainder of the beer. The bread was made and baked, and in the evening the sister took some of it, and a short time after she became sick and remained in a wretched state during the whole of Sunday. Medical attendance was procured and on inspecting the remains of the beer and subjecting it to chemical tests, it was pronounced to contain in solution a large quantity of arsenic. The apprentice was examined, he denied knowing anything relative to the affair, but when his master requested him to go with him to the police, he informed him that Mr. Lewis had put something into the beer, and told him not to say anything about it. Mr. Lewis attended and denied having drawn the beer, and produced persons who were in attendance at his store, also the druggist who sold arsenic to the apprentice, who when he purchased it said he wanted it to kill rats.— The lad underwent an examination, in the course of which he equivocated considerably, and threw the whole transaction on Mr. Lewis, who he accused of having sent him for the poison, and gave him money to purchase it.— The examination being concluded, he signed his name to it; but just as he was about to be removed to Bridewell, he acknowledged that he purchased the arsenic when he was sent for the beer, put it into the pitcher and Mr. Lewis knew nothing of the affair. It did not appear that there was any motive to induce him to act in so depraved a manner; as he admitted that his master invariably treated him with great kindness, but it is believed that he committed the diabolical attempt through the instigation of an abandoned relative of Mr. Prime.

Jour. of Com.