Lamentable affair
--We learn that
Capt. Charles H. Axson, of
South Carolina, was killed last Tuesday evening, near
Wilson, North Carolina, on the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, by
Arthur B. Davis, of the Second Georgia Regiment.
The main particulars of the affair, as we learn from eyewitnesses, are as follows:
‘
Capt. Axson, en route for
Richmond, was bringing with him some watermelons and fine tropical fruits, as a present to distinguished friends in
Richmond.
davis while intoxicated, cut open several of the melons and crushed others.
He afterwards approached the
Captain and offered as an apology the remark that he was drunk, to which the
Captain replied that being drunk was no excuse for stealing.
During the day
Davis again approached the
Captain, and declared that he was sorry for what he had done while intoxicated, and was willing to make any apology for it. The
Captain replied that he was satisfied, shook his hand and joined him in a drink. --They appeared afterwards to be friendly for some hours.
In the afternoon,
Davis being again under the influence of liquor, was making a rather careless exhibition of side-arms, when the
Captain, in a good humor, and apparently remonstrating, held him for a moment.
Being released,
Davis withdrew for a moment to another car; but soon returned, with pistol in hand, demanding to know where was the man who had imposed on him. Captain A. supposing at once that he was the person alluded to, stepped forward, and was shot in the breast by
Davis when very near him.
Capt. A. died instantly.
Davis was arrested.
’
Capt. Axson was the commander of Company ‘"M, "’ First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, which returned home a few weeks since.
He was returning with his company again to enter the service.
He was a true Southern man and a gallant officer.
His company were warmly devoted to him, and are much afflicted by his untimely death.
