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own hands. It was meet that you should have been
defended by an executive officer of the court assailed
in your person. For doubtless Terry, and
the hag who was on the hunt with him, were minded
to murder you.
Convey my cordial felicitations
to Mrs. Field, and believe me
ever, my dear Mr. Justice,
Your faithful friend,
JAMES C. WELLING.
Mr. Justice FIELD.
Letter from Right Rev. B. Wistar Morris, Episcopal Bishop of Oregon:
BISHOPCROFT, PORTLAND, OREGON,
August 22, 1889.
MY DEAR JUDGE FIELD:
I hope a word of congratulation from your Oregon friends for your escape in the recent tragedy will not be considered an intrusion. Of course we have all been deeply interested in its history, and proud that you were found as you were, without the defenses of a bully.
I will not trespass further
on your time than to subscribe
myself,
Very truly your friend,
B. WISTAR MORRIS.
Mr. Justice FIELD.
A copy of the following card was enclosed in this letter:
AN UNARMED JUSTICE.
PORTLAND OREGON, August
19.
To the Editor of the Oregonian:
There is one circumstance in the history of the Field and Terry tragedy that seems to me is worthy of more emphatic comment than it has yet received. I mean the fact that Judge Field had about his person no weapon of defense whatever, though he knew that this miserable villain was dogging his steps for the purpose of assaulting him, perhaps of taking his life. His brother, Mr. Cyrus W. Field, says:
“It was common talk in the East here, among my brother’s friends, that Terry’s threats to do him bodily harm were made with the full intent to follow them up. Terry threatened openly to shoot the Justice, and we, who knew him, were convinced he would certainly do it if he ever got a chance.
“I endeavored to dissuade my brother from making the trip West this year, but to no purpose, and he said, ’I have a duty to perform there, and this sort of thing can’t frighten me away. I know Terry will do me harm if he gets a chance, and as I shall be in California some time, he will have chances enough. Let him take them.’
“When urged to arm himself he made the same reply. He said that when it came to such a pass in this country that judges find it necessary to go armed, it will be time to close the courts themselves.”
This was a manly and noble reply and must recall to many minds that familiar sentiment: “He is thrice armed who has his quarrel just.” With the daily and hourly knowledge that this assassin was ever upon his track, this brave judge goes about his duty and scorns to
