From the Richmond Dispatch, Saturday, 4/25/1863, p. 1, c. 4

Fatal shooting case. – A fatal shooting affray occurred in this city yesterday, about two o’clock, resulting in the almost instant death of R. E. Dixon, of Georgia, Clerk of the Confederate House of Representatives, by the hands of R. S. Ford, of Kentucky, Journal Clerk of the House. – It appears that Mr. Ford was informed by Mr. Dixon, on Thursday, that his services were dispensed with. On getting this information on Thursday, Ford wrote a letter to Dixon telling him that unless he was reinstated into his former position by 5 o’clock, he would kill him on sight. --The letter of dismissal from Dixon stated that Ford was dismissed for inattention to his business. Dixon made no reply to Ford’s letter, but on the advice of his friends kept within doors after receiving Ford’s letter.

About half past 1 o’clock yesterday, Dixon said to those around him he felt that his duty called him to the House of Representatives, and he intended to go. He stopped in a restaurant at the corner of 10th and Bank streets, on his way to the Capitol, and after a few minutes’ conversation, with friends started on his way to the Capitol. While crossing the street on the flag-stone, nearly in front of the saloon, he was hailed from the opposite side by Ford, who, it is said, inquired if he was armed; the reply is said to have been in the affirmative, when Ford drew a navy Colt’s pistol and commenced a rapid fire. Dixon drew a Derringer pistol and fired once. The fourth shot fired by Ford took effect and Dixon staggered to the pavement and fell. He was moved a short distance by bystanders, and in three minutes expired. A crowd surrounded Ford, who had discharged five barrels of his revolver and a policeman appearing he was taken in custody and carried to the cage. -- After the death of Dixon, Dr. G. L. Wager, who had been summoned, ordered that the body should be taken into the passage of the Madison House, which was done. The event caused great excitement in the lower House of Congress, of which deceased was a officer, and a large number of the members came to view the remains. Acting Coroner Sanxay being informed of the affair, caused a jury to be summoned to inquire into the circumstances attending the sad affair, who were convened at an early hour as possible at the scene of the tragedy by Constable Freeman. At this time, Coroner Peachey being present, an inquest was deemed advisable, and the body was removed to Belvin’s Block, where a post mortem examination look place under the auspices of Dr. Peachey, (the Coroner), and Drs. Wager and Beal, attending surgeons. The examination disclosed the fact that a conical ball, from the pistol of Ford, had entered Dixon’s breast and pierced the heart, making its way nearly to the skin of the left side. The examination being concluded, the inquiry by the inquest was adjourned until 1 o’clock to day, at Belvin’s Block. The following are the names of the jurors: Wm. O. Taylor., Paul Bargamin, Jas. P. Duval, Thos. W. McKenna, C. G. Barney, Wm. M. Allen, W. Zimmerman. T. B. Reese, W. C. Hebner, Frank Hablestor, Wm. H. Clemmitt, and Tho, W. Goff.

The deceased, Mr. Dixon, was from Columbus, Ga., and leaves a wife and three children. Mr. Ford is a Kentuckian, and is a married man, and had been Journal Clerk since the House was organized. Any further circumstances attending the affair will be developed to day before the jury of inquest.

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