Edwardsville Spectator

Singular Exploit.—A singular conflict with a large Panther, is related to have taken place a few days since, in Jefferson county. Mr. Rich, formerly the conductor of a newspaper in Watertown, went out to examine some traps which had been set for wolves, and found a panther caught in one of them. He returned, and procured a friend to accompany him, for bringing in the animal alive. When they arrived at the trap, they found that the panther had disengaged itself and escaped. They soon discovered it at no great distance. Mr. Rich advanced towards it, and his companion retired and left him. Mr. R. fired and shot the panther through the head. Having discovered what he supposed to be another, he instantly loaded and fired again, but found that he had mistaken his object. Immediately, however, he perceived a large one advancing towards him, which he shot through the head; but before he could load his piece, the panther sprang upon him with open mouth. He thrust his hand into the mouth of the panther, and caught hold of his tongue. The panther scratched him furiously, but Mr. R. kept his hold, until he took from his pocket a jack-knife, which he opened with the assistance of his teeth, and cut the throat of the panther. Both the panthers were afterwards brought into Watertown. Mr. R. was badly scratched, and his clothes nearly torn off. Putnam's exploit with the wolf was a fool to this.

Utica Patriot.