The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-11-01
Mislfllanfon5.
THE ESCAPE.

We make the following extract from late
ENGLISH publication. The reader will readily per-
ceiye that the sHyenas' and Tigers referred to
arc the Regulators and Lynchers of the South
West. The Herod referred to had been, previous
to the adventure pirate. These lawlcss bands
are now seldom heard of, though the early set
Elements of Texas and the South western States
have been the theatre of numerous Instances OF
the most heart-rending tragedies:
was over in Washington county, arranging
s,me business connected with my marriage with
Lucy. when l heard that Herod had turned out
with the Hyenas to regulate the country. lie
announced that every man found with counter
felt notes in bis possession should be tried by
Lynch law and hung. Iput up at a small inn
one night near wood yard. The hut OF the
wood chopper was within 80 yards OF the tavern
slept in. About daybreak was awoke by
GREAT noise, and looking out saw the llyenas
were upon us. They were all mounted and well
armed, with Herod, in green banketcoat, at
their head. pcepcd cautiously through 4 loop,
and discovered fifty prisoners, their hands tied
with cords behind their backs. One of the Uyc-
mas knocked at the door of the wood choppers
hut, and called out:
Jim Brown, turn up:
.Iook out. YOU regulating scoundrcls,' was
the only reply followed by nile shot, and the
sneaker fell dead beside Hcrod.
Two pistol shots followed, and, 1t a short IN
teryal, another discharge of gun. The wood
chopper, aided by his wife, was defending him
self taaainst the IIyenas. They flew tocover, and,
uuswinning their rifles, set to work. but brown
kent close. and while all his shots told, theirs
were useless. Herod stormcd with rage, and
amid bl,sphemous oaths bade his men break
the woodman's door open. Two advanced eau
tiouslv, with heavy logs in their hands, and cast
;ng them simultaneously, the door yielded A
General rush was made, and in five minutes more
the old wood chopper and his wfc were PrlSo
ners. Herod grinned horld smile and had
the three dead uyenas and the i've wounded
carried into the inn, i'll the room OF which now
stood. | and the landlord submitted to be search
cd but as no counterfeit money was found on
either him or me, we were not included among
the prisoners. But Herod hadc me in fierce
voice, to stay to the trial in order that might
report to the Tigers how properly to regulate
Lots were drawn and Lynch's Jury of thirteen
we're soon chosen, IIerod being the Judge, aud
the trial at once commenced. Old Brown, of
Siytv-siy Island, as he was called, was the first
prisoner summoned, his wife being put to the
bar beside him. The sturdy old wood cutter
boldly told them that they were set OF brig
ands and thieves, worse than Merle, the Watno
pirate: and that he had every right to defend
his house against their invasion. The wife re-
fused to answer word. The jury brought in
verdict of guilty, and Herod ordered them to
A c}p bn IN md
over the boughs of this several ropes had been
thrown The unfortuqatc couple made no re-
s!stance, and in ten minutes they had ceased to
breathe.
Then took place one of the most fearful scenes
I ever witnessed or heard Of. The scoundrelS,
under Hcrod's orders, took log, nailed q board
in the centre, and on this fastened the several
heads of the husband and wife; their bodies
being strapped to the extremites OF the log
The whole was sent ahoat in the stream, to be
pickcd up next day at Montgomcry's Point and
make the whole world ring with horror against
Americans generally, because Of the inhuman act
of a band Of monsters.
| need only add, that q men were found gull
ty that day and hung, their only crime being
their incapacity to distinguish bad from good
paper money. | WIS grateful when llcrod let
me ro with message for Judge l., to the
effect that if next day he did not turn out with
the Tigers and regulate White county, the Hyc
mas would come over and do it for him.
You may jist tell the old badger he added
1that we'll pay him a visit tomorrow, and 1t
will clear my score against him, his daughter
and the Britshcr who wants to marry her. lie
had better raise good stake to buy me of.
Though considerably startled, intimateI my
readiness to carry his message and five minutes
later was on my roal, mounted on 4 good horse
ard moving along towards a ferry some miles
off.
l had not got very far away, when heard the
nalloping Of horses behind me, and | distinctly
saw iIcrod and halfa-dozen lIyen;,s in chase OF
me. Doubtless some ono had told him who |
WAS. | looked to my PISTOLS prircl my rifle,
and then gave whip to my horse, which was
fresh and strong. [ moved at Il rattine pace
bnt still heard the vagabonds behind me, though
could tell they were not gaining ground My
cole chance of safety was the ferry boat. Ifthat
was on the other side was lost. Still re-
solved to sell my life dearly. Away | flew
keeping my good stccd up to mark, and soon
was in SIGHT of the ferry The boat was about
10 start with several passengers and one horse
now knew that if old Jerry saw llerod in chase
he would be afraid to take me. made des
nerate dash, therefore, down to the ford, entered
The boat. drew my horse after me, and then badc
the ferrvman strike out. Quick for your life
man. lam friend Of JUDI" L-* llcrod