The Savannah Morning
August 31, 1869

     Assassination of Dr. H.H. Harley.  Our community was shocked on Wednesday morning, upon the circulation of the act of the cruel and dasterdly assassination of the gentleman whose name heads this article.
     From the findings of the empanelled jury we glean these particulars:  Dr. H. was in charge of the business of Mr. Babcock, cutting and hauling cross ties for the Brunswick and Albany Railroad, with headquarters at College plantation, about two miles from Bethel.  On Tuesday night about ten o'clock while Dr. H. was sitting in his cabin, an open log house, writing at his desk, with one or two others present, a gun was passed through the logs and discharged, the murderous fire terribly mutilating his head, his brains staining the walls of the house.  He survived the fatal wound but a few brief moments.
     As there are dozens of rumors as regards the probable cause of this assassination and as it is and as it is probable that the affair will be thoroughly sifted, and, if possible, the guilty party or parties brought to punishment, we refrain from publishing any of the unpleasant details.
      Dr. H. was a young man, lately a resident of Camden county, in this State, but a native of South Carolina where he has a father, brothers and sisters now residing.  He served during the late was in the C.S.A. as Assistant Surgeon, with Maxwell's Battery.  Since the war he has been connected with the timber business in this vicinity.
     His remains were brought to our city Thursday and interred with Masonic honors by ______ Lodge, of which he was a member.
Brunswick Appeal.


Presented to Cheyenne County, NE Historical Society at Dalton, NE
by E.S. Sutton

Following the Civil War, Anne Palmer became engaged to Captain H.H. Harley of the Confederate Army.  The bans published, the wedding date planned, and all social activities were in full swing, when Anne broke the engagement with no explanations offered.

      However, Herbert felt his sister's reputation had been compromised and challenged Captain Harley to a duel, swords or pistols.  The dare was lightly dismissed by the gentleman as the irresponsible heroics of an immature youngster: "I think too highly of the lady to drag her name through a scandal."  One morning Captain Harley was found dead in his bedroom.  Someone had shot through a window.  William Herbert Palmer disappeared, and of course became a prime suspect.  His clothing was found at riverside, some saying Palmer had drowned.  Others as staunchly stated he had gone West - just anywhere West, as many others did to escape troubles or to profit by free land and opportunities.  A warrant was issued for the apprehension of Palmer [?], and knowing the close attachment between brother and sister, the authorities watched Anne Palmer in hopes she would in time betray his whereabouts. 

About this time [1872] two lawmen from Georgia drifted in with a warrant for the arrest of one William Palmer and offered a reward of $250 for his apprehension.  Not a person interviewed had the least knowledge of a William Palmer, and in all honesty could swear that name never had been hard before, but what they suspected was no other's business.  The bounty-hunters were sternly informed that this was no place for ex-Confederate soldiers and only slightly less so for such lawmen.  The Georgians took the hint and left before sunset."

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