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Assassination of Col. Thomas B. Dunn
The Frederick Citizen gives the following additional particulars relative to the assassination of Col. Thomas B.
Dunn, Superintendent of the Armory at Harper's Ferry, by one Ebenezer Cox. It appears Cox for his worthlessness had been discharged from employment by Col. Dunn, who
persisted in his refusal to give him employment again; in consequence of which Cox made bitter threats of vengeance,
which however were disregarded. Previous to the time of the fatal occurrence, Cox was seen going into Col. Dunn's
office, and soon after the report of a musket was heard. Those who repaired to the office to enquire into the cause,
found Col. Dunn sifting in his chair lifeless, and the gun leaning against the wall. Suspicion immediately fixed
upon Cox, and after a short search he was found concealed in the water wheel of the works. On being taken into
custody he acknowledged he had murdered Col. Dunn, and expressed a regret that he had not an opportunity to wreak
his vengeance on others who had incurred his enmity; his conduct was that of a demon, uttering the most horrid
imprecations, and evincing a total destitution of compunction or remorse. He was carried to Charlestown and committed
to prison to await his trial. Thus has fallen in the very prime of life by the hand of an assassin, Thos. B. Dunn,
a man of sterling merit, and an officer whose devotion to his duty was always exemplary and praise-worthy. He has
left a mother and sister who were wholly dependent upon him for support.
[3 Feb 1830, The Baltimore Patriot - Submitted by K. Torp]
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