The Richmond Compiler - Murder of David Bradford Submitted by: Billie Grunden bilfre64@yahoo.com May 2008 USGenWeb NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. ************************************************************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. ************************************************************************************************ RICHMOND COMPILER March 15 1844 FATAL RENCOUNTER -- Day before yesterday the streets of our town were the scene of one of the most melancholy occurrences it has ever been our lot to behold. It seems that for some time past a misunderstanding had existed between John T. Mason and David Bradford, Esq.'s. On Wednesday last the parties met upon the street. The result of that meeting was the instant death of Mr. Bradford, occasioned by the discharge of a double-barreled shotgun in the hands of Mr. Mason. How awful and sublime in death -- and in how many instances does it literally overtake us in the "midst of life!" -- On the day of the above occurrence, Mr. B. sat with us at the same table, enjoying his usual good health and spirits; little did we then think that in the space of two brief hours we should be called upon to perform the sad office of arraying his remains in the apparel of the grave, Most sincerely do we condole with the friends of Mr. B. in his untimely death ? in his decease our Parish has lost one of its most estimable and accomplished citizens ? his wife a kind and affectionate husband -- and his family of small and helpless children, a fond and doating father. We forbear from referring to the circumstances which lead to this sad and deplorable event, as the matter will doubtless undergo investigation before the tribunals of the country. The remains of the deceased will be followed to the grave this afternoon (14th inst.,) from the residence of J. M. Downes, Esq., at 3 o'clock P.M. The friends of the family are invited to attend. An obituary notice of the deceased will appear in our next.