About 11 o'clock last Saturday night Tommy Gorton was taken to the office of Drs. Baker & Topliff unconscious, covered with blood, and apparently in dying condition, having been struck over the head with a beer bottle in the hands of Dick Howlett while in a drunken brawl at the "Morgue," the saloon located just west of town. Tommy was among a number of men who had been drinking for several days.

Dick Howlett appeared with several friends and drank around a time or two. Howlett sat down near Gorton who was standing near a fence outside. Gorton was seen in pursuit of Howlett, apparently in anger. Anthony Dell caught Gorton and attempted quiet him, holding him with both hands under him. Just then Howlett ran up with a beer bottle and dealt Gorton a terrible blow over his head. After being taken to the Doctors, Gorton was taken home and "with the exception of weakness from the loss of blood and a swollen nose, besides the gashes in his head, he is in a fair condition, being able at present to be about town."

Warrant issued for Howlett Saturday night; placed on bond of $00. Charged with assault with deadly weapon. 9Barry Adage, Sep 1881). The trial took one afternoon after a change of venue under Justice Brown. H owlett apparently took a bottle of beer Gorton was guarding near the fence, and Gorton ran after him. Howlett did strike Gorton, but it was not proven that he had "intention of committing murder.. He escaped a lighter though well merited punishment."