Daily Gazette & Comet [Baton Rouge , LA], April 11, 1860
Deeply do we deplore the duty off recording a sad and melancholy occurrence that took place in this parish on last night (Friday) at the residence of Mr. William Barfield about 16 miles south of Mansfield. The circumstances are these Mr. Williams and several other gentlemen went to the house of Mr. Barfield for the purpose of arresting him under at indictment for shooting with intent to kill, having no idea that he would resist the execution of the writ although he had previously said that he would not be taken.—They reached his house in the evening and awaited until dark before proceeding to the arrest. Mr. Barfield hearing some noise in the woods near the house started in that direction with two shot guns, and met Mr. Williams and Sam Quarles in the road about one hundred yards from the house when he fired upon them, the load taking effect in Mr. Williams abdomen and thighs. Eleven buck-shot taking effect, but only seven entered the flesh any distance. When the shooting commenced the parties were some twenty steps from each other. It is strange that Sam Quarles was not shot as he was standing by the side of Mr. Williams when the first gun was fired. Mr. Barfield was fired at eight times during the evening and was not wounded.—Mr. B was arrested brought to town this morning and lodged in jail and will be examined on Monday next before Esquire’s Munday, and Tibbets.
P.S. Since writing the above we have seen Mr. Williams and talked with Dr. R. Gibbs, his physician and learn that Mr. W. stands a very good chance to recover.—Eagle Mansfield.