April 14, 1862
An Exciting Scene:The United States Marshal and United States Senator Carlile Have a Fight.:On Saturday morning about 11 o'clock, E. M. Norton, United States Marshal, and John S. Carlile, United States Senator, met near the Merchant's and Mechanic's Bank, when the former struck the latter with his fist. The two distinguished gentlemen then clinched and proceeded to strike and wool one another for about two consecutive minutes, when some gentlemen interfered and they were separated. The affair created a ripple of excitement upon the quiet Rialto where it occurred, and there was some running to and fro on the part of the populace.
The cause of the difficulty, as far as we are able to learn, is about as follows: Some time ago Marshal Norton addressed Senator Carlile a letter, charging him with acting in bad faith in the procurement of certain military appointments desired by deserving young men of this section of country. Mr. Carlile feeling offended at Marshal Norton's letter, wrote a reply in which he intimated that the Marshal had not acted the gentleman, and didn't understand or appreciate the relations which one gentleman should sustain toward another. Mr. Carlile procured the publication in the Press newspaper of both the letter of Mr. Norton and his reply. Some other letters passed between the parties and a protracted effort was made on the part of the Marshal to induce Mr. Carlile to withdraw the offensive language which appeared in the published letter. This, we understand, Mr. Carlile refused to do. Accordingly on Saturday morning Mr. Norton sought Mr. Carlile upon the street and asked him if he intended to withdraw the offensive language. Mr. Carlile replied that he would not, whereupon he was assaulted by Mr. Norton, and the scrimmage took place as aforesaid.
A warrant was served upon Mr. Norton by the City Sergeant which he is to answer to-day, before Ald. Dulty
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: April 1862