Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-08-21
7. G. DAWSON, ]. p

| kolbhNRJ l. VI Ia IoO4a3 II, L
| lido certify, that was on board the keel
| boat Nlasaac, as passenger from ST. Geneyieve
| to Belle F3ntaine, and that Banks Finch was
killed by David II. Campbell, in a riot, which
took place about seven or eight miles above
ST. Genevieyc, on the 26th of july 1919 The
| riot commenced about two miles below where
Finch was killed. The hands were walking
on the bank cordc,lng the boat, where they
cane to a small creek, at which they intended
TO take dinner. The bottom of the creek was
very muddy; 4 when the men came lott, captain
Wilcox told them not to wade through-tbat
he would send Or take the skff. Finch, who
was foremost, went on, not paving any ate1l-
ton to what captain Wilcox said % him; ana
as socn as he got cut of the water and mud,
began cursing the PATRON, bowsmAn, boat, and
owner, wishing them in hell--and demanded
his wages, saying he wolilti leave the boat.
Captain Wilcox aid him his wages, and dis
charged him. He then got bottle of whis-
KEY and, as | thought, took his leave of the
boat and crew, though he continued with tho
hands, who were walking on the bank corde-
ling and tals ing-when the hands began to
stop, one at time, until there was not suf-
hciency TO go on with the boat Captain VIII
cox ordered the boat put to shore, and came
to the cabin and asked lieutenant David IL,
Campbell, Mr.. William B. Eddy, and myself,
who were passengers, to assist him in getting.
on to where he could get more hands, Lieut..
Campbell and myself vent with captain Wilcox
and Mr.. Harlem, who was the PATRON, to the
cordelle. Mr.. Eddy took the place of patroon
when we went on shore Finch, and some of
the hands, sitting ON a log, talking. We went
on with the boat After going about mile
we stopped at spring to take a drink, when
Finch and his party came up, and one of them
began quarrelling with one Of those who had
been at work, whorefused to quarrel with him.
He then went to smother, who also refused.
Finch encouraged the one, who had been with
him, andmade him pull off his clothes and took
off his own coat to shew fair play, as he termed
it. Finchs man, and the other whom he had
been quarrelling with, began boxing Finch
attempted, or did assist his friend; when capt.
Wilcox, who had been endeavoring to keep
peace by talking, took hold of Finch; at which
time heard Finch dare him to draw his dirk
or pistol-he disre garded him, or his pistol op
dirk either; that he had kicked him, and
would kick him again, (meaning one OF those
who were boxing, as | supposedly at the same
time showed captain Wilcox from him, and
turned into the crowd. Immediately after
saw Finch and lieutenant Campbell engaged.
saw Campbell strike several times. As Camp
bell turned off from Finch, discovered he had
a dirk in his hand Finch fell Immediately, and
expired Immediately, being stabbed in seven
or eight places, one Of which was below the
left nipple, which to every apre.rance struck
his heart,
There appeared to be a great confusion on
board of the boat when came to her, and I
have heard some of the men say Campbell's
life was in danger before Finch was killed,
though did not understand whether he was
| in danger Of Finch or not. Captain Wilcox
was dong ali in his power to keep peace on
board the boat, from the time he came ON board
the boat, which was at ST. Genevieve, until
Finch was killed, though he was not able to
suppress quarrelling and threatening of lives.
(Signed) G. MARSHALL.