Cavan Herald
Published in Cavan, county Cavan
July 14, 1818

A murder of a most premeditated and horrible description was perpetuated on the 26th June, in the neighborhood of Cootehill, in this County, the particulars of which we believe, are nearly as follows --- Mr. Thomas MAYNE of Lisnalong in the County of Monaghan, a gentleman of much respectability and highly esteemed, went, accompanied by Mr. FITZPATRICK, of Cootehill, a Coroner of the County, and Mr. SLOAN, to receive, under an order of Law, possession of the House and Ground of Mr. SIMPSON, of Drumshield, near Cootehill, which was quietly given. When on the eve of returning, and after Messrs. FITZPATRICK and SLOAN had got on horseback, Mr. SIMPSON addressed Mr. MAYNE, "Tom MAYNE, I want to speak with thee," immediately ran into his house, brought out a loaded blunderbuss, and said, "Tom, thou has brought the Coroner here and 'tis fit he should have a job," presented his blunderbuss at Mr. MAYNE, who had just got on his horse, and was stooping forward, fixing his foot in the stirrup, and lodged its contents in the head of that unfortunate gentleman and of his horse, both of whom fell. SIMPSON, exulting in his murderous success, then addressed the Coroner, and told him he had no blame to him, as he only did his duty, drew out a case of pistols, and called to Mr. SLOAN, saying, he wished to speak to him, but would do him no injury; bur Mr. S. did not think it prudent to rely on his assertions, and those gentlemen considered it necessary in their own defence, to retire with precipitation. When they reached Cootehill a party of the military immediately proceeded in quest of the murderer, who fled, and we regret to say has, for the present, eluded justice. When the party went to the house, their attention was directed to the unfortunate Mr. MAYNE, who was brought into Cootehill, where he expired on Wednesday the 1st. Inst. An inquest was held on the Body, by Mr. FITZPATRICK, Coroner, and a Verdict returned according to the circumstances we have stated. What aggravates the crime, if aggravation can be applied in a case of such enormity, was, that the deceased and SIMPSON dined together a few days before, and parted on perfectly good terms, since when they had not met until the day of the murder when there was not the smallest difference between them. We understand a large Reward either has, or will be immediately offered for the apprehension of the murderer.

SINGULAR OCCURRENCE
On Friday last, in James' River, (America,) an eagle was seen to plunge into the water and bring up a fish about three feet long. The weight of his prey took him into the water a second and a third time, after which he did not re-appear; from which circumstance it was supposed that the eagle could not disentangle his talons, and was therefore drowned by the fish.

County Cavan Newspaper Transcription Project

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