The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-08-21
THE INCENDIARY oUTRAGEs I'M
TEXAS fN's :

here from a reliable source that % negroes have
been arrested and are to be hung in Waxahatchie.
! Our fellow-citiZen, Mr. H. i. Cotton, informs
us that letter received by Thursdays mail,
by his neice in thisplace, from Mrs Bennett, of
Austin, giving an account of fearful attempt
made about the I'D inst, to reduce our State
| Capitol to q heap of ashes. The daring exper1-
ment was made to set fire to some twenty-f of
the principal edfces of the city; fortunately, how
ever the flames were discovered before any serious
damage had been sustained. .v
In all the counties visited lately by fires, CON-
mittees to investigate the subject have been ap-
pointed, and efficient citizen patrols have been
established In Grimes county, meeting of the
citizens resolved:
"That there is among the negroes in the county
disposition to revolt and be insubordinate; that
this feeling is produced by the influence of GER
tain white persons in the county, that it is time
steps be taken to rid the community of these men;
that preaching to the negroes in the county be
stopped, at least for one year; that Northerners
coming into the county under pretence of being
ministers, teachers drummers, &c. are to be re-
garded with suspicion, and received with caution;
that vigilance committee be appointed, patrols
organized and other measures for safety be taken"
A couple of suspicious strangers from Kansas
are recollected as having been seen in Dallas two
days before the fire, and day or two afterwards.
They are thought to have had some agency in the
work of destruction -
The Matagorda Gazette gives currency to the
following We copy, though believing part of
the statement exaggerated:
Mr. G. H. Chees!nan, from Wharton, informs
the Matagorda Gazette that report had reached
that place that reported nsurrection had been
discovered in Grimes County, in which two al boli-
tion preachers and about eighty negroes were
cerned; the report further that the preachers
made full confession, corr0borating the belief
that tharp laid .-,ittf dIraa
revolt among the negroes Of the State. The
preachers were then hung, and the negroes put in
Jail. .
A letter from Independence, Washington coun-
ty, to Rev. K. G.. Burleson, of LAGRANGE, says
that white man had been taken up, and with
him several negro men, suspected with being
nected with the present insurrectonary movement.
Great excitement prevailed and yigilant commit
tees were formed. .-a
On the 18th inst, was found the body of man
by the name of VIM. II. Crawford, suspended to
pecan tree, about three-quarters of mile from
town. large number of persons visited the
body during the day. At meeting of the cti-
zens the same evening" strong evidence was ad-
duced, proving him to have been an Abolitionist.
The meeting endorsed the action Of the party who
hung him.
We copy from the Austin State Gazette, the
following notice of the action of the citizens of
The excitement consequent upon the revela-
tlons made by negroes under examination, contin-
ues unabated. Already a hundred blacks have
been arrested and examined separately before
committee of vigilance, appointed for that purpose.
This committee consists of the most respectable
and responsible of this county, whose pro-
ceedings have been characterized by the utmost
prudence and moderation. ...
Crowds of men are in Dallas, anxious and eager
n lend their assistance and raadv In nuell avaru
disturbance that threatens the peace of the State.
The developments are Of the most startling char
acter, unfolding the most dabolical plot that the
wickedness of man could invent, to destroy this
whole section of country ....
At the town of Lancaster the same general plot
was revealed-to burn the town; to poison the in
habtants; to assassinate the aged females, and to
seize and appropriate the young and handsome for
their villalnous purposes
MONDAY, July 23--An immense concourse of
people from all parts Of the country are here,
awaiting the action of the committee of vigilance.
The stage in from Waxahachie, yesterday,
bringing news of the high state of excitement in
that town. The conspiracy and insurrectionary
spirit extend to that place in all the horrd forms
contemplated at this place Throughout the coun-
try so far we can learn, the same thing exists.
That town destined to be burned, the people
to be poisoned and slaug atered, and the remain
ing property 10 De ulstflDuCeu amongst the VlcJO-
rious blacks. On red Oak Creek the chief pris-
oner had been arrested and executed. Negroes at
Waxahachie have been detected with the poison
in their possession, and runner in town, yester-
day. reports that there have been several execu-
tions at that place. We have not yet received the
particulars.
The committee Of vigilance have been in session
all day, and this evening they announced that
three Of the ring leaders ofthe insurrection to
be hung tomorrow
Investigations still going on throughout the
country, all Of which tend to confirm the facts
elected at this place. The evidence obtained be-
fore the committee will be published in due time.
A VOLCANO IN Polk COUNTY, WIs,-One of
the most strange phenomena in nature has re-
Gently developed itself near the Horse Lake, Polk
county, Wis, Flames OF fire came up through the
earth in several localities. aud mans barn has
bao, hnrnad down Inv II STRANGE tn say the fire.