Murderous Assault

On Saturday last (June 15) one of the most brutal, unprovoked and wanton assaults that ever disgraces the town of Whitby took place in the clear light of day in the public streets. Mr. Higgins, the editor of this paper, was proceeding from his office to the Court House, and when nearly opposite Dr. Gunn’s on Byron Street, he was knocked down senseless from behind with a club, by the most notorious of outrageous scoundrels, James Wallace. While his poor victim was prostrate on the ground cowardly ruffian kicked and battered him without mercy, and in all probability would have murdered poor Higgins but for Dr. Gunn’s lady, who cried out in the most alarmed manner, and compelled the ruffianly assailant to desist. Subsequently Wallace was brought before the Magistrates and was fully committed to stand his trial at the next assizes. An outrage so brutal and unprovoked could not fail to cause great excitement in the town, and warm sympathy for the sufferer. Measurers were taken to lynch Wallace, and it is required all that Mr. Higgins’s friends could do to prevent the populace carrying the intention into effect. As it was it took a posse of constables to protect him through the streets from the fury of the crowd, and as he was marched to gaol, he was greeted with the hootings and exerations of the mob which escorted him through the streets to the Court House. Late at night, bail was given in – Wallace himself $800, and two sureties of $400 each, to take his trial at the next assizes. Articles of the Peace were also entered into – Wallace in $1,200 and two sureties in $600 each, binding him over to keep the peace for twelve months. Thomas Dow Esq. and Mr. John Agnew, the Insurance Agent became Wallace’s bondmen. Mr. Higgins is still confined to his bed from the effects of the injuries received, but we are happy to state that under the skillful treatment of his physician, Dr. Gunn, they are not likely to prove of a very serious character. In all probability this scoundrel Wallace will this time get what his deserves long ago entitled him to – a term in the Provincial Penitentiary. Wallace was the projector of that infamous concern, the Whitby “Watchman,” so happily designated by Mr. Higgins as the “Smut – Machine” and ager at its failure, as well as personal malice, are the only causes that can be assigned for the commission of the dastardly outrage.