North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-07-20
n egro Murdered,

Our usually quiet town was throws into
fit Of intense excitement on Thursday Of last
week, by the murder of negro, said to be
from Canada, by the name Of George Holmes.
The circumstances, as we have learned, are
as follows. Holmes with another negro, and
four or five white men, or boys, were brought
here, under arrangement with some substi-
tute brokers, to be disposed of as substitutes.
Ut is said that the negroes were to receive
$50 and the white men 800 each All
above these sums, respectively was to be re-
ceved by the brokers. The two negroes
were secure d by Mr.. Geo. D. JACKSON of
Sullivan Go, OF $3.50, each examined accepted,
clothed and sworn IN, for two men drafted
from that County. Two or three Of the
white substitutes were also accepted, and
sworn in for men drafted from this County
at $500 each. $500, ofthis money, in each
case was left on deposit with the Provost
Marshal, as collateral security for the safe ap-
pearance Of these men at Carlisle the place
of rendezvous, where the amounts agreed to
be paid to them, were 10 be paid, and the
remainder to the substitute agent As The
board of examination had not finished their
labors they would not take personal charge
OF these men rntil the close of the e1amina.
ton which was en- Friday. On Thursday
at about IL o'clock, George Holmes the mur-
dered man. started from Wallis Hotel, where
his guards had kept him rather closely, and
ran rapidly down the street towards the riv-
er, closely pursued by three of those having
them ia charge, and one Of the white substi-
tutes. When nearly opposite c. NJ. Rooms
Groceryy some ten or twelve rods from the
HotOls one of them fired pistol at him, from
abost, four RODS behind. Another shot was
fired after running few rods further-ius st
before ne reached the canal bridge below
Whsoleek's store-neisher shot took effect
nor stopped the fugitive negro. lie and his
pursuers dashed through the toll gate and
across the river bridge never stopping to pay
toll, though hailed and commanded to do So,
by the trusty guardian of that portal. The
distance between the negro and his pursuers,
was not materially lessened in the race
across the bridge. The white substitute be
ing ahead OF all others, tried his hand at
himand fred two more shots at his fleeing
brother soldier, neither taking effect. Upon
arriving near DR.. Dana's residence the negro
threw of his coat, and shoes, and ran into
the woods, where for ten or fifteen rods o
regular chase ensued and several shots were
fred at him one of them hitting him near
the backbone passed between the ribs into
his right lung Still continuing to run, he
was struck upon the head with the pistol,
which was broken iD three pieces. He was
then pushed or fell down, exhausted bleed
ing and dying. To add still more to the
atrocity of this crime, the murderer caught
up cub lying near by, and beat him over
the head Another one of the party came
up at his time. threw stone at him cutting
severe cash in his head. DR.. Dana who
was-on the spot, in minute or two after,
found him speechless and in q minute or
t@o more he died.
The mufderers returned with apparent
nonchaianee. to town, where the whole par
~ repaired to The Provost Marshal's office
as it seemed, forprotection against the irdig-
nation of the citizens who by this time sur
rounded the Office. "A warrant was imme
diataly procured, and they 4. we're lodged in
Jail to await examination. yss. sd So
The Coroner summoned jury of Inquest
where the facts above stated were elected.
Two Of the parties arrested, who seemed 10
have no participation in the affair were re-
leased and the three directly implicated
were on aslght hearing before. the justice
recosnmitted foFtriaiq EoE Hoszf-l ~
E The illness q one Of our principal psI ncairpl
sompositors has delayed US somewhat in get
ting mp our paper and must excuse any defi-