Dobbs County, NC - Strong Sentiments - New Constitution, 1788

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Wilmington, NC - April 16

We learn from Dobbs County in this state that on Sunday the 13th 
inst., a fracas happened between Col. Benjamin Shepard and Mr. 
William Barfield which originated in a dispute relative to the 
proposed constitution, the particulars of which are as follows:

Col. Shepard not agreeing in sentiments with Mr. Barfield with 
respect to the new constitution and while discussing the subject 
(being irritated with Mr. Barfield) proceded to chastise him with
a whip, which an apprentice boy of Mr. Barfield's perceiving, took 
up a broad ax and struck Col. Shepard on the cheek and thereby cut 
off a side of his face and broke his collar bone. 

A nephew of Col. Shepard, who happened to be present, rescued the
ax from the youth, upon which he took his master's rifle, it being
then loaded, and shot at Col. Shepard's nephew, but providentially 
only wounded him in both arms, one of which has since been amputated.

Our information adds that Col. Shepard has since died of his wounds.

Source: Middlesex Gazette, May 26, 1788

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by
Guy Potts - gpotts1@nc.rr.com
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