New Hampshire Statesman

From the Winchester (Va.) Republican.

DESPERATE ENCOUNTER.

The following circumstances were lately detailed to the editor by a gentleman who lives near the place where they occurred. They exhibit a ferocity, and at the same time fidelity of character, that has few parallels.

On the 6th inst. a negro called at the house of Mr. Lloyd Ward, on the Alleghany Mountain, in Hampshire county, and asked for something to eat. Upon being interrogated as to his name, &c. he produced a pass, which Mr. W. on examination told him he would do well to be cautious about showing; for if the person who gave it to him was discovered, he would certainly be hung. Upon this, the negro tore the pass in pieces, saying he never would betray his friend, and confessed that he belonged to a person on Big Capon. Mr. Ward then determined to apprehend him if possible, and upon the negro's asking if he would hire or buy him, replied that he was not able to do either himself, but that his neighbor probably would, and offered to accompany him thither. They went off together, Ward taking his gun, which was loaded, and the negro talking freely by the way, without, however, exciting in the breast of W. the least suspicion that he had any base design. When advanced some distance from the house, the negro suddenly faced round, sprung at W. and by a violent effort wrested the gun from his hand, immediately cocking and levelling it to shoot. Most fortunately, the triggers were not set, (it being double barrelled) and while the ruffian was doing this, Ward gained a tree a few yards distant, and stood the fire unhurt. He then drew his hunting hatchet, rushed upon his adversary, who was armed with a large butcher knife, and a dreadful combat (both being large men) ensued. Ward was assisted in the onset by a powerful dog, which was soon despatched, however, by a skilful stroke upon the neck, and the conflict maintained single handed. It was a horrible affray. Victory for a long time remained doubtful, but at last decided for Ward; the negro being exhausted from the loss of blood, and surrendered at mercy. A deep, though not dangerous wound in the breast was the only severe hurt that Ward had sustained, although his clothes were literally torn in pieces. Receiving a promise from the negro to remain where he was until aid could be procured, he departed for that purpose, but on returning found him gone: although from the number and severity of his wounds, it is highly improbable that he will survive.

Our informant adds, that he never saw the ground torn as much by a bull fight; the bushes were all spattered with blood, and in many places there was as much blood on the ground as if some animal had been butchered.