Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1851-09-27
The Christiana Murders.

The ChriStiana Murders.
The Philadelphia papers of the 18th furnish
various details respecting the late reasonable
riot and murder in Lancaster County. W.
subjoin them:
On Saturday morning, the United States
Marshall, MIR. Roberts, accompanied by Mr.
COMMISSIONS Ingram, John w. Ashmead Esq.
United States District Attorney, Recorder Lee
and several other gentlemen, left the city tor
the scene of the late outrage in Christiana
Lancaster county, with the view of fully en-.
forcing the laws of the United States, relative
10 the rescue of several fugitive slaves. the
murder of the elder Mr.. Gorsuch, and the
wounding of his son and nephew. The Off
GERS were accompanied by some IS Z. S. Ma
rines, under command of Lieutenants Watson
and Jones, with a civil posse Of some fifty men.
Marshal Roberts having made 4 requisition to
that effect.
The party, upon reaching Christiana, imme-
diately proceeded to discharge tneir duty, by
securing the woods and surrounding villages
for miles. They labored Eincessantlv the
greater portion Of the day and night, and sue
ceeded in making twenty-four arrests in all-all
coiored.
In the possession, or rather upon the premi-
ses, from which some of the parties were ia
ken several guns, dirks, and huge clubs, were
found. Some Of the guns were heavily charg-
ed, and are now in the hands of the proper off.
GERS.
There was but one disposition manifested
on the part of the authorities from the city,
who were promptly seconded by the Prosecu-
ting Attorney from Lancaster, Mr.. Thompson,
and a portion of the police from that city, who
had the day before, made some eleven arrests,
and secured their prisoners in Lancaster jail.
The excitement about Christiana and the
neighborhood was intense, and hundreds of
people were in attendance during the examina-
'lon OF the prisoners on Saturday afternoon
and evening. 1t was after nine o'clock, before
the officers of the United States concluded
their arduous duties, the heat being intense and
almost suffocating throughout.
There is no doubt but that several of the
prominent actors in this lamentable affair have
been secured, and, if found guilty, they will be
severely punished.
When our reporter left the scene of the out
rage, young Gorsuch was yet alive, as was also
the nephew of the elder Gorsuch, but there
was little hope of the recovery of the former.
In addition to the above, several other arrests
were made at an early hour on Sunday morn-
ing.
At two o'clock on Sunday afternoon the
United States Marshal, Mr.. Roberts, United
States District Attorney, J. w. Ashmead, Esq,
Mr.. COMMISSIONS lngraham and Recorder Lee,
accompanied by the United States Marines,
returned to Philadelphia, bringing with them
the prisoners, who were safely lodged in Moy-
amensing prison.
Altogether, some thirty arrests have been
made. A number were discharged, and upon
each occasion a certificate to that effect was
given to them to prevent a second arrest, in
case they should encounter any of the officers.
There are a number now in custody who have
had no hearing, but that will be given them to-
day.
The excitement attending the conveying of
the prisoners in Moyamensing was tremendous,
an immense crowd of people following the
officers and Marines. Lieuts. Watson and
Jones, who commanded the Marines, deserve
much credit for the manner in which they per-
formed their duty.
In connection with this subject, we notice
that on the 18th the United States Marshal and
Commissioner Ingraham, with about 40 po-
lice, repaired again to the scene Of the outrage,
with a view Of making further arrests. Go
vernon Johnston has issued a Proclamation Of
fering a reward of $1,000 for the arrest and
conviction of the offenders.