Pleasant Surprises by Wesley Moor

Author:Wesley Moor [Moor, Wesley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2022-07-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

February 11, 1846

Lexington Observer and Reporter p. 3, col. 3

Missing Fayette County Sheriff Found Dead – Murder Suspected!

More than five months after the horse of Fayette County Sheriff Joseph Carr was found wandering alone on the streets of Lexington, the remains of Carr himself have finally been discovered. The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Carr has been the fodder of much talk and speculation in Lexington since last fall, and now county officials say they have reason to believe he was heinously murdered.

On Tuesday morning, about day-light, Mr. Thomas Hardin, the new owner of the sprawling estate surrounding Russell Cave, was exploring his property with his brother when he discovered a tattered jacket bearing Carr’s badge caught in the weeds near the mouth of the aforementioned cave. Upon inspecting the small chambers within, the two gentlemen happened upon a most grisly scene. The corrupted remains of the late sheriff lay torn apart by scavenging animals upon the floor of the chamber. The sheriff was identified by the coroner based upon the clothes and pistol remaining on his person.

Scrawled upon the chamber wall at the point of a knife was the number 29. Investigators believe this number was a reference to the bounty placed on the fugitive Pleasant Driscoll’s head by Carr just hours before the latter went missing. The number was likely a message from Sheriff Carr meant to reach from beyond the grave to identify his murderer. The now infamous Driscoll, former pride of the community, fled Lexington last September after a servant witnessed him viciously murder his wife, Anna Driscoll, by strangulation. Also found within the cave was Driscoll’s waistcoat, indicating his presence with the sheriff before his demise. The timing of Carr’s disappearance in light of his heated pursuit of Driscoll led many to believe the latter had a hand in the death of the good sheriff, even before he was found. The incriminating inscription on the cave wall and waistcoat removed all doubt.

Despite this gruesome and terrible discovery, Lexington citizens have no reason to fear for their safety. As was recently reported by this newspaper, officials in the state of Louisiana have confirmed that Driscoll was killed in a New Orleans saloon three weeks ago. Lexington citizens agree that Driscoll’s ignominious demise was far too easy a punishment for the inhuman wretch.

A special election will be held in one month’s time to officially fill the office vacated by Carr. Deputy Sheriff David Hickman, who has been the acting sheriff since Carr’s disappearance, is the only man who has yet announced his candidacy.

Funeral services for Carr will be held Friday morning at 10:00 at the First Presbyterian Church. Following the services, he will be laid to rest in Lexington Cemetery.

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