Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1860-05-09
A Master Murdered by his Slaves

The Avoyelclles Louisiana Organ OF the 2sth
gives tho following account of the murder Of o
planter in that parish by his negroes, who were
tried AMI summarily executed:
Considerable excitement has prevailed In our
parish during the past few duys, in consequence
OF the sudden and mysterious disa ppcarance Of Chr
isopher Elelcn whose plantation is on Bayou du
Lac, some twelve miles distant from Marksvillc.
llc was last seen by one Of his acquaintances on
Sunday morning, 18Th inst, on horseback en- route
Tor home. The negroes at his residences stated
that bis horse had returned home about twelve u
clock NJ. of that day, alone with tho saddle on,
without The bride. Search made tho
strength of this information by his friends who
examined the routes in every direction but not
the slightest Information could be gained of the
deceased.
These facts having become generally known by
the neighbors and friends of Mr.. Edelen, companies
were organized the country about was thoroughly
searched,and the bayou dragged. but all 10 no pur-
pose. Strict search was continued up to Monday
night last, when of the negroes made confcs.
sion of the fact OF his being one Of the four ser.
wants Of Mr.. Edelen who had murdered their mas
ter; Thcreupon tho other three confessed their
guilt, making known all the facts in the premi-
ses. The gentlemen in attendance Immediately
dispatched message to Henderson Taylor, Esq,
requesting bis immediate presence and advice. Up
on his arrival o legal Court was organized, and
the following facts were elicted from the confss-
sion Of the guilty parties;
They stated that upon the arrival Of Mr.. Edelen,
at his house, his horse was taken by his servant
Bailey, to the stable. Mr.. Il. soon followed him
and in an unguarded moment Bailey caught de-
ceased by one arm, and presenting six barrel.
led pistol. loaded with shot. at is head, fred
twice full in the face. " A stsuggle cnsued, and
the deceased, being powerful man, threw the
negro, who called the other negroes to aid him.
The girl Patience hearing the calls,went to cabin
where Jim was asleep, and told him to hurry to
assist Bailey. On coming out Of the cabin Bar
ley told him to bring him an axe. Upon arriving
with the weapon, Bailey having recovered, seized
it and struck his master three blows upon the
head. which. with the wounds already received,
proved fatal The two men then covered the body
with boards in the stable, where it remained until
night After dark three boys, the two named to-
gelhcr with another named Batse took the body
20 the bayou, about one hundred yards distant,
and towed it, fastened by rope to the skif. to the
mouth Of the bayou whore it empties into Lake
Pearl, and there sunk it. -
On Thursday night following they visited the
place whero the body had been sunk, and finding
it floating. they took 1t lower down tho bay, and
again sunk it under some brush in the lake.
Being shown by the murderers where they had
concealed the body. the friends Of the deceased
recovered a portion of it, mutilated and decayed.
After hearing the full confession Of those con-
cerncd In the murder, the jury found tho three
boys and woman guilty, aud they were executed