The Woodville Republican. [volume] (Woodville, Miss.) 1847-1853, 1852-07-27
The Cathahoula Homicide


especially when private character is at
Stake, should give publicity only to
facts. we have forehorne to copy the
various erroneous statements OF the
late occurrences on Black River. New
that a court of inquiry has Investigated
the charges against Major ST. John r.
Liddell, we will endeavor TO give a
synopsis ofthe facts,
In ls4e. Charles Jones, residing on Black
River about four mile, below Major lad.
die; was seriously wounded by lady whose
character he had assailed. Lidde at the
request OF Jones aud his wife, waa presen,
at the lalter's residence when this occurred
and was charged by Jones with firing one
OF the shots which took effect upon him.
This was denied by Liddel, aud by the on.
Iy other person who could have known who
fired. After an abstence Of four years from
his plantation, Jones in April last, returned.
lie found the neighborhood in peace, but
IN the language Of a witness, his return was
like casting firebrand into the quiet com.
munity. He brought with him one Richard
Pryor, sometimes called Col. Pryor. noted
blackleg, without means or character In
a short time. on the day Of an election at
Trinity, at which Liddellwas present, Jones
Pryor. aud one Samuel Smith, nephew OF
Jones, were known to have been standing
behind trees in the woods, near the road side
at place convenient for intercep,ing Lid
dell on his reiurn An accident disturbed
them before Liddell made his appearance.
The impression became general that assas.
sination had been contemplated. Jones
denied it. but made contradictory explana.
tons of the very strong circumstances which
bore against him. From that day forward
il became apparent that LiddelI's life was In
danger. Warned by his friends, and anxi.
Gus to settle all difficulties, he, through those
friends, OH three different occasions, propos.
ed to Jones peaceabe settlement, and II
that were impossible, then an honorable
combat. jones declined both. His refusal
10 accept either impressed even his friends
with the belief that he in ended to take
some dishonarable advantage OF Liddell (;
one them. indeed, exacted from him pedg
that he would not; Others refused him any
further counienance in the matter. He was
enabled however, in short time to enlist
IN his behalf several dangerous men in the
neighborhood. (among them Samuel GLENN
all of whom became identified with him 10
his hostility to LiddeIl. The latter by the
States evidence proven to be gentleman
peaceabie and retireing in his habits, devo.
ted to his family and the management of his
plantation, found IL necessary TO remain
constantly at home, with three or four
friends who visited him for the purpose of
protecting him against the superior force OF
his enemies. BY the same evidence he ut.
tered no threats, but preserved defensive
attitude.
In May, Liddell, in front of his house,
disarmed white servant of one OF Jones
frieuds. Fhis was done after the master
had been requested TO cause his servant to
cease carrying and firing arms near Liddell's
premises :--The course Of the servant hav-
ing annoyed Liddell and alarmed his family.
The result was an insulting letter from the
master and challenge from LiddeI. The
challenge was accepted. Glenn and Pryor
then hostile to Liddell, were designated as
seconds Of the accepior. They proposed
fight three miles within the Texas line, on
the Ft Jessup road. dictated the time at
which Liddell should leave home, and that
oniy principals, seconds surgeons aud a
servant apiece. should be present. To
accomplish the distance in time but one
road could be travelled.
The terms were thought TO be unusual,
and as no Others would be agreed upon by
Glenn. Liddell under the advice OF his
friends, declined them, by letter, as an eva
sion OF fair fight, and minated the belief
that he would be intercepted on the route.
The acceptor thereupon threatened TO use
his own language) "to take him ILidde'l, |
wherever he could find him." and announc-
ed. soon after that he had released Jones
from the pledge he had exacted, as before
stated. Such was the proof.
About the first OF June, Jones with his
friends. Pryor. Smith. Glenn. Henry and
Samuel Huntington, and Doct. Emerson,
made his appearance on the streets of TIT
nifty. Most Of the party were armed with
double barreIed shot guns and all with side
arms, and Pryor after threatening in loud
tone Of voice, 10 usa his own language) TO
blow the top OF the head OF any fighting
friend Of LiddelTs who show himself" pro-
posed in the same public manner to bet one
thousand dollars, and 10 give premium Of
one hundred dollars TO any one who would
take the bet, tina, LiddeIl would not be alive
twelve months, or II he should be. il would
be because he fed the country. and he
would be fool il he did not flee and thai
# LiddeIl knew as much as he, Pryor did
he would leave at once. At this time skif
coming from the direction Of LiddelI's house
was approached hnd watched by three Of
the party until the ascertained that LiddeII
was not in it. On the same or next day, the
sauze Marty zvcerfin0 q ~, a vrs,s.a ~ hafx.