FATAL AFFRAY AT HARPERS FERRY —
Patrick Hagan Shot and Instantly Killed by Capt. George Chambers.–
This community was startled on Monday evening last by the intelligence that Patrick Hagan, an Irish citizen of our neighboring town of Harper’s Ferry, had been shot and instantly killed by Capt. George Chambers, a well known citizen of this county. The facts in the case, as far as we are able to judge from the many conflicting rumors, are that Hagan, on Monday afternoon, entered the liquor saloon of Capt. Chambers, when an altercation from some cause ensued, and Hagan was ejected from the establishment. Chambers then returned into the house and secured a revolver, when he came out and grabbed Hagan with one hand and with the other fired three shots at him, two of which took effect, and either of which would have been fatal. Hagan expired within five or ten minutes after he was shot. After some time had elapsed Chambers, who had made no effort to escape, was arrested by Sheriff Tearney, and was brought before Justice Avis of Harper’s Ferry for a hearing on Wednesday, when he waived an examination and was committed to jail. As there was only sufficient evidence heard before the coroner’s inquest held over the body of Hagan to show that he came to his death at the hands of Chambers, and as there has been no other sworn testimony elicited by any tribunal authorized to hear the case we forbear comment on the matter. Suffice it to say that it is a most deplorable affair, and has created considerable excitement in all parts of the county, various versions of the shocking tragedy having gone afloat. For the present, Madam Rumor is busily engaged at her old occupation, and we await the action of the Grand Jury in the matter, ere we can arrive at a truthful conclusion as to the measure of guilt of the alleged criminal– whether it be murder, manslaughter, or a lesser crime.
“Capt. Chambers” as the Free Press says, “is by birth a Marylander, though for a number of years a resident of Harper’s Ferry,– at one time editor of a paper at that place, and subsequently in the upper Valley. He is a man of intelligence, of quick impulses, the husband of a most estimable lady and the father of a family of interesting children.”
The victim of this unfortunate occurrence was a native of Ireland, and had settled at Harper’s Ferry many years ago. At the time of his death he resided on a farm near the town, and is said to have been a generally well disposed man and a good citizen. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and has a son who is a priest at Norfolk, Va. Another, Neal Hagan, was bugler of the 12th Va. Cavalry, C. S. A. during the late war.
