The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-08-24
Our Alabama Correspondence.

MoVIx Ala Aug. 16, 1855.
The Ineendiary Publcations-The Case Of Strickland
C,.-Action Of the Vigilance Commiase-Fli9M Of III.
Gully Parties, de-, dc.
In my letter OF the l4th inst you were informed OF
the ieverish excitement pervading the public mind In
documents had been circulated among the slaves from
Messrs. Strickland 4 Co. IS book store
Every effort has been made by the Vigilance Committee
to keep The matter secret until they could ascertain the
real facts OF the case and II has been quite difficult
matter to get reliable information respecting their pro.
ceedings Meantime all rumors have prevailed
and it has required all the tact and energy OF Mayor
Withers, and our efficient City Marshal Captain Moury
to prevent violence upon the persons and property OF the
offenders.
Nothing has yet been made public, but your CORES
pondent has been favored by the chairman Of the CON-
mttee with the following facts, addition to those al
ready communicated to you.
fon OF Dr. Woodcock called at the store OF William
Strickland and Edwin Upson-hrm OF Strickland Co..
On wednesday, and after considerable searching found
the "fe and Writings Of Frederick Douglass for which
Mr. Epson charged the exorbant price OF 50 So which
Mr.. Woodcock promptly paid. Committee Of Vigilance
consisting OF twenty FIVE of leading men, met at
the Battle House FOR Messrs Strickland and Unson and
after giving them fair hearing required them TO give
bonds In the sum o sS 900 each r their appearance be
Iore tae tohhee the next day. for further examination
sieantime examination Of their stock and account
books proved the statements OF Strickland and Upon to
bave been utterly false Instead of these two three
copies having accidentally got in their store with lot Of
second band books stated by them their press letter
book contained order in Mrs Stricklands handwriting
for fifty copies Of said work. On Thursday the cuprts
appeared before the committee and were ordered to
seitle up and leave town within five days after which
lime the committee would not be answerable for their
iIvs-
The p>unty OF the law here in such case provided Is
DEATH or ao less than ten years. Imprisonment in the
.reIitentiary."
Thursday night rarfy started for the residence Of Mr.
Strickland armed and equipped Tor tghrope perform
ance but by the prompt nteposition Of the more mode
rate portion OF the Vigilance the performance
postponed" Mr. Upson has not been since Thursday
Mr.. Strickland in his store yesterday and passed
through streets unmolesed Though the proofs OF his
guilt not then known, two OF his friends meeting
him, sccosted him in this wse:-
Strickland, If believed what is reported of you to
be true would hang you as high as Haman." eyes"
said the other, if half of it true, would help to
lynch you the spot" Sentiments like these in
every mouth, and great dissats action is felt among
many at the lenient course OF their committee
Strickland has not been In the city to-day, and
has been ascerained that he left sail boat yes
terday evening" after the warning he received from
bs friends. 1t Is supposed he has gone North by the
underground route. Great excitement prevails since II
has become generally known that he has made his
cape, and indignation meeting called for O'Clock
TO day. but owing to the exeruons Of the committee and
a heavy fall of rain, postponed 10 this evening"
when large crowd gathered about the Court House. and
aally succeeded In calling Mayor withers who made
able, calm and d2nihsd law aud order speech, recon-
mendng ell good oaoas IN refrain from any of wless
violence and Unite In preserving order una the good
or the South This had the desired eject and the
assembage dispersed without disturbance.
The chairman Of the committee says the books and
evidence before them are or such character that they
"dare not make them public at present" They and the
city authorities determined to preserve the peace Of
The city and prevent violence ai all hazards, and are
equally determined that Northerners or foreigners com
iig here shall abide by laws or suffer the con,c-
Quences.
Mr.. Strickland Is Englishman; Mr.. Epson, Scotch
man. They have made fortune Of $50, 600 here.