William Smith's Final Hours
The men brought a quart of gin, taking two or three swigs along the way. In anticipation of seeing some rabbits in the woods, William also brought his musket.
When they arrived at Wright's home, William placed his musket in the corner and sent for a pint of brandy. The drinking continued.
Three unknown Irishmen arrived at Wright's house. The men had been drinking. As one of the men picked up the gun, Brooks said, "Smith, you better take care of your musket. It is loaded."
As William started towards the man to retrieve his gun, it fired. The charge hit William's side, just below his arm, killing him instantly. Everyone was so drunk that they did not realize what had happened, except for the Irishmen, who fled, taking the musket with them.
On Monday afternoon, someone discovered William's stiff body lying on the floor.
Following an inquest into his death, a verdict of "accidental discharge of a gun in the hands of an Irishman whose name is unknown" was returned even though it was impossible to confirm if the shooting was intentional or not. They based their final decision on the fact that the men did not quarrel before the shooting.
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