The Daily Dispatch: December 17, 1861., [Electronic resource]

A bloody tragedy.

‘ We learn from passengers who arrived on the New Orleans train yesterday morning that a most cold-blooded murder was committed at Gentry Station on Monday last, which was followed by the death of the murderer. The circumstances, as we learned them, were as follows: A man named Talbott, who resided near Lynchburg, dined that day with James Lynch. After dinner, the two were seen at Lynch's corner, talking and drinking together apparently in the most friendly manner. Soon after Lynch was found dead by his counter, literally cut to pieces. Talbott's hat, spectacles, pocketbook with money in it, and a portion of his cravat were found on the counter near the dead man; and Talbott himself was soon after discovered near by, his clothes torn and ragged, as if in a severe struggle, and covered with blood. He was at once arrested and a guard placed over him. At the first relaxation of vigilance on the part of the guard, after dark, he broke from them and ran — The guard pursued, and repeatedly ordered him to stop, threatening to shoot if he did not. He continued to run, and at length the guard fired killing him instantly.

’ Such are the circumstances as we learn them. No cause has been assigned for the awful deed.