A SPARRING BOUT HOMICIDE.

How Young Charles Archibald Got Out of a Very Serious Affair.

Charles Archibald, a young weaver, yesterday pleaded guilty before Judge Peirce [sic] to manslaughter in causing the death of John Cameron on the 15th of May, and Robert Hamilton, indicted for complicity in the offence, was acquitted. It was in evidence that Archibald and Cameron, while in an intoxicated condition, engaged in a sparring bout for fun on a hill near Hartwell street and Indiana avenue, and that Hamilton, who had been drinking with them, was a witness to the encounter. The contestants, it was said, were so drunk “that they fell all over each other,” and in the last round Cameron received an injury in the head which caused death a few hours later. District Attorney Graham said that it was but fair to say that Archibald was a hard-working young man, who had borne a previous good character, and that in view of all the circumstances of the case he would recommend him to his Honor’s clemency.

“Sparring in fun in this case proved to death in earnest,” said Judge Peirce to the prisoner. “I am sure you regret it. The root of the whole matter lies in the drinking custom of this city. It is a pity that you and other hard-working young men like you should spend all your wages for that which is not bread or strength, but which leads to so much misery. I have taken into consideration your previous good character and the recommendation of the District Attorney, and the sentence of the Court is, that you undergo an imprisonment of four months and two weeks, from the 14th day of May last.” This had the effect of discharging the prisoner yesterday.

Culled from the collection of The Comtesse DeSpair – 1886 Morbid Scrapbook