The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-08-11
Fierce Conte.t with Runaway Slaves.


WASHINGTON, August 9.-For several weeks past
the police of this city have had reason to believe
that person by the maine OF VIM. L.. Chaplin, (to-
getheI with some others in this city who il is not
now deemed proper to MENTION has been the prin-
cipa agent in running off ALL nearly all, the run
away slaves from this District. The plan seemed
TO be for him To have IA lwo-horse carryall or
rage, and start early in The night lie would take
Two three, and proceed through Mary land by the
way of Sandy Spring TO Pennsylvania, they paying
him $50 or s25 apiece.
A few days since particularly constructed two
horse carriage arrived nhis city, and put up, about
IL clock at night, at Smthey Il Sheckell's livery
stable. Suspicion Immediately attached itself 10
the affair; and tho officers were intent on watching
every movement. 1t was ascertained that Chaplin
coDtemI lated moving on Tuesday night, The 9th
instant; accordingly he paid his bill, and his
rage was driven away by free yellow man, by the
name OF Warner Harris, of the LIST ward. Harris
played around the city, gong at number OF p aces,
until 10 O'Clock, when he took in in the neigbor-
hood of u and & Streets two runaway slaves be-
longing 10 the Hon. Mr.. Toombs and the H@p Mr..
Stephens, both of Georgia In tina meantime party
had left The city and proceeded 10 IA suitable place
up the road leading TO Montgomery county, for the
purpose OF lntercepng Chepin and his stolen prs
petty. After waiting until one o'clock, they coR-
cluded that something had happened, and they
turned TO the city IL appeared that the negro Har-
ms, alter taking IN the two slaves referred to- drove
of at such furious rate that he ran his horse into
n dfay, In the rear of Browns Hotel, and instantly
killed hlm-ihe slaves jumped out aud cleared
The mselves, which stopped the expedition for that
night.
On the Sth, Chaplin bought another horse, and
settled his bull about ten O'Clock in the morning,
and Harris drove oil again. After going round the
city good deal, he brought up at his own house
and took out the horses, which are a very fleet
pair, and put them III his stable, close 10 the
house. They remained there until night,
when Harris hiched up again and began to drive
Ground the city. AT this lime the party of police,
and other citizens, consisting of Captain Goddard,
officers Handy, Cox, Wollard, Davis, William
Smhey, John Cook, and Richard Butt, of the
county, repaired to the District line leading TO
Montgomery, and there awaited the arrival of
Chaplin, who arrived at that place about h ali past
eleven O'clock
The police being posted in proper manner, at the
appointed moment fence rail Was run throu IA the
hind wheel Of the carriage by Captain Goddard,
which brought it up and al the same time two per-
sons, Siniihey and Cox, caught the horses by the
head the balance of the party being At the sides of
the caIiiage. Chaplin, whowas driving, whipped the
horses and fired d pistol al Smithey, who had hold
Of the near horse, which bullet went through his
hat. Al that time Davis and Handy pulled him off
the seat on TO the ground ard herce contest took
place TO secure him. The slaves inside (who were
furnished with reyovers,) Were, during this time,
playing quick game in fring at Goddard, Butt,
Wollald and Cook, who were on each side and in
front, endesvoriDg to prevent their escape. IL was
almost pitch dark, and great caution had TO be OBJ
served To keep them from shooting each other.
Mr.. Toombs' servant Bade his escape, supposed
TO be badly wounded irons the fact Of ms leaving his
coat some distance On IN the road, win much blood
on il. Mr.. Stephens man was shot ia the back,
and bullet went through his watch in his fob, and
lodged under the face which no doubt saved hs life
lie fired hve Of his barrels, and Toomhs man fired
his whole six. Chaplin fired but once. The wonder
is. that they did no more damage than they did TO
the officers which consisted Of Mr. Butts receiving
a bullet in the arm; Smithey one through his Lat;
Capt GOddard's eyebrow scorched with the tire OF
Ste ,hens' man; Cox slight wound in the right
cheek.
The white man and Mr.. Stephens slave were
brought To the city, and committed by Capt. God
dard before day light. The free man, Harris, was
arrested, and committed for further examination.