The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-10-28
THE MURDERS IN MISSOURI.

A Missourian writing from Tupelo, Miss to
the Mobile Advertiser, gives list Of the recent
murders in Missouri by Federal soldiers. In the
roll of martyrs are one minister of the Gospel, an
ex member of Congress, one Judge, and two Con-
tederate commissioned ed officers. lie says:
Hon. W. II. Field, formerly of Kentucky, and
Representative from that State at one time in
the old Congress, high toned Christian, gentle
man, and patriot, was inhumanly murdered by a
band of Federal soldiers under one Lieut.. Nash
No crime could be laid to Mr.. Fields charge
He had lived in peace ard harmony with his
neighbors, had conducted himself as law-abiding
citizen toward the Government, had trodden the
path of the conscientious and God-fearing Chris
tian Yet he was shot down at mid day, for no
cause, save that he dared to differ with the ma
rauders who we're teastng on the blood of his
friends. .-... .~
Messrs. Lasley, Price, and Ridgway were shot
down by another band of these hell hounds, right
in the presence of Mr.. Lasley's family, and while
his wife begged and impored them to spare the
life of her husband And for this triple murder
not even palliating circumstance could be found
Price was boy. Lasley and Ridgway had both
taken the oath of allegiance to the Gamble dynas-
ty and were under heavy bonds. There was no
pretence that they had forfeited their lives or
their bonds. They were simply murdered where
they were found in the midst of their female rela
tives and friends
l. Col Owen, of Marion county, was surrounded
by Glovcr's marauders and surrendered himself
a prisoner of wa-. He bore commission from
the Confederate Government. Arrested on his
own premises, he was permitted to go to his resi-
dence only that the barbed arrow that was about
to strike might be tipped also with the most viru
lent poison. Coming home under arrest his fam
ily knew too well the character of the fends who
had him in possession TO repose any confidence in
their honor Yet his wife was assured Of his en-
tire safety, and told that he would return again.
Less than quarter of mile from where they had
given these pledges, the commander of the forces
told Col Owen he must prepare to die. 1t was in
vain he asked for time-only five minutes were
granted him. He was then placed before file of
soldiers and pierced with eight balls, One of the
demons took pleasure in bearing the news to Col
O's wife, saying, as he tossed Minnie bali car
fridge to her. ave put eight like that through
him" H. was a Confederate soldier, who had
surrendered to regularly licensed Federal bandits.
Col McCullough-a brave, chivalrie, and no.
ble man--was hunted day and night until found
! out mercy.
| Hon Robert Smart, Judge of the Lafayette
Judicial Circuit, who had left his home in Inde-
pendence that he might dwell in peace with his
family In Saline county, was also hunted down by
these cut-throats. He had not been connected
with the rebellion-he had left his business only
because the civil courts could not be held-he was
endeavoring to live quietly in the seclusion of a
country home Yet night after night and day af-
ter day, the armed uinions of Lincoln searched
his residence and his premises. Every hour was
to him one of terror At length he was found in
the ward near his residence. No sooner was he
found than volley of balls whistled past him.
He started to run and another volley was fred