Alexandria Gazette

A Western Merchant Choked to Death.--Thaddeus Scott, a country merchant, was choked to death on the 29th ult., at Taylor's saloon, at the corner of Broadway and Franklin streets. He was from Naperville, Illinois, and came here to buy goods. It is understood he arrived to-day. Mr. Scott entered the saloon at about two o'clock with Mr. Matthews, of the firm of Matthews & Taylor, and calling, it is reported, for beefsteaks, the two began their meal. Scott ate rapidly and soon he began to choke. The alarm spread, and as Scott grew black in the face a crowd gathered and the excitement soon became intense. A surgeon of the New York Hospital was sent for, but the persons in the saloon, fearing that Scott would die, took him, some by the legs and others by the body and arms, to the hospital. He was apparently in convulsions when he arrived there. An incision was at once made in his throat, and the meat was removed, but there were only three respirations and he died. His age was about thirty-five years. An inquest will be held. In the meantime his friends have been telegraphed for, and some of them are expected to arrive here. His connections are said to be highly respectable.--New York Post, 29th.