Peninsula Enterprise, February 6, 1886

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Transportation -- Railroad - SteamboatsWeather -- Freezes

The steamer Cape Charles continues to ply daily, despite snow storms, ice blockades, &c.

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Weather -- Snow stormsTransportation -- Water - Steamboats

The steamer Tangier reached Crisfield on her downward trip last Tuesday, but was prevented from making the rest of her trip by the snow storm.

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Weather -- Snow storms

Snow commenced falling at Accomac C. H., on Tuesday night and continued with some intermissions until Thursday night. Its average depth here is about 8 inches.

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Transportation -- Railroad - Steamboats

The Wilmington Morning News says that the steamer Cassatt, being built for the New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Railroad Co., to run between Cape Charles City and Norfolk is about ready to launch.

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Infrastructure -- Public - Government : Postal serviceInfrastructure -- Commercial - NewspapersTransportation -- Railroad - Freight

Mails are now received at Accomac C. H., on the express train due at Tasley station at 3.17 p. m. Under the present mail arrangement the ENTERPRISE can now be delivered promptly to all points South in Accomac and Northampton, on Saturday.

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Infrastructure -- Public : ChurchesFields -- Livestock - Horses

Belle Haven.

The erection of a handsome dwelling for Rev. C. D. Crawley is in progress on a lot near the Presbyterian church.

Mr. George W. Abdell has sold his fast 3 year old Morrell colt (Fred Waddy) to Dr. John W. Kellam of Locustville.

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Fields -- Livestock - Cattle Weather -- Northeast stormsFields -- Livestock - SheepTransportation -- Road - Maintenance

Marsh Market.

Eighteen cattle were drowned on Tunnell's island during the January storm.

Capt. Thos. Stant had a narrow escape from drowning during the storm. While on Hammock Wharf, endeavoring to get aboard of his schooner, a line was thrown to him which he caught, just as the wharf was swept away by the tide.

Considerable property was destroyed in this section by tides in January. Very many living on the water courses suffered loss, but especially the following: Messrs. Witham Bros., large quantity of valuable lumber; Mr. Pecor, all his sheep; Mr. Wm. Knight, merchant, groceries of the value of $400.

Our roads usually so good, have become almost impassable during the protracted bad weather.

Sturgis' Trial Ended, Prisoner Sentenced.

Moral -- Murder

The trial of John R. Sturgis which commenced on Wednesday of last week was closed on Saturday. The jury failed to agree on that day and was adjourned over until Monday, when a verdict was rendered of voluntary manslaughter, and the term of his imprisonment fixed at five years in the penitentiary. The announcement did not seem to affect Sturgis, and he was heard to say shortly afterwards "he had not gone in penitentiary yet." His attorneys, after a brief conference with him, notified the judge they had no motions to make, but Sturgis, when asked if he had anything to say why sentence should not be pronounced on him, arose and delivered a lengthy harangue, of the following purport: that he was an innocent man and had been convicted through the efforts of his persecutors, who did not "want blood but his money," that had he gambled away and wasted his money by drinking he would not have received the sentence, so humiliating to his family. He said he had no complaint to make of the jury, but condemned severely several of his neighbors. Among other things, he said he was not aware that he was suspected of killing Smith Mears until he was arrested. His reference to his boy, for whom he said he had been laboring for years to obtain the means to educate and give a start in the world, and the tears of his wife who sat by him, elicited the sympathy of all present. The judge in pronouncing the sentence, complimented the jury saying, he had never seen a better or more intelligent one, or one which he believed had labored more honestly to render a just verdict. He said to Sturgis that in his opinion the jury dealt mercifully with him. The jury was certainly a very excellent one and their verdict is generally approved. It is fair to the prisoner to state that he was not convicted as reported in the Baltimore Sun of murder (either in 1st or 2nd degree) but voluntary manslaughter. The jury meant to say in other words by their verdict that Sturgis was guilty of the killing, (done while in a passion or under the influence of liquor) but without malice.

The Baltimore Sun is also in error in stating that "an altercation was imminent while Sturgis was delivering his harangue" because of interference of any one with him in any way whatever. No one molested him in any way, either by word or act.

We are informed by Mr. Oldham, the clerk that he has made out the record in the case and the sheriff will be a few days in all probability take Sturgis to the penitentiary.