Robert G. Letson shot and killed Rev. J. M. Pickens and severely if not fatally wounded Wm.. Davidson, at Mountain Home, on Thursday morning of last week. Letson immediately repaired to Courtland and surrendered himself to the authorities, stating that he had killed Pickens and Davidson—Davidson for slandering his daughter, and Pickens in self-defense. He was given a preliminary trial at Courtland on Saturday and Monday last, and the following card tells the result:

Courtland, Ala., Feb. 7th, 1881.

Maj. D. C. WHITE:

Dear Sir: Letson's trial was concluded this evening. The attorneys submitted the case without argument. The verdict was to send him to the Tuscumbia jail, there to await his trial in Circuit Court. Letson preferred jail to giving bond. The Sheriff will take him there to-morrow. No other news.

Your friend,

D. SIMMONS.

As this matter is to undergo judicial investigation we withhold comment.

From the Moulton Advertiser (Lawrence County, AL), Thursday, February 10, 1881, p. 3.

If we had the selection of an epitaph for the grave of Bro. Jas. M. Pickens, we would write the following: "Blessed are the Peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God." He lost his life in his unselfish efforts to save that of a friend.

From the Moulton Advertiser (Lawrence County, AL), Thursday, November 10, 1881, p. 3.