The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1864-08-09

house, where two OF them had been guard
ing my dear little children. They spoke to
my eldest daughter, Laura, pged fourteen
years, telling her to get up and follow her
damned old daddy, at the same time pre-
senling a.pistol to her temple. The chill
dren then were driven TO the waters edge,
where their father and grand father hat
been murdered, and then they were put to
death in the most cruel manner. The
youngest, Richard, aged two and half
years, was thrown Into the water alive
Laura jumped in and attempted to rescue
him, and, whilst 10 the water, waist deep
begging FOR mercy, she was Knocked on the
head with the but end Of gun, entirely
separating her forehead, and then stabbed
in the side. Kate Ida, eleven years of age,
was then disposed OF. She was beaten with
guns until her head and shoulders were
perfectly soft her body was bruised all
over. Caroline, seven years Of age, was
shot through the head, and 20 dishgnred
that she dad not look like human. Alter
they had murdered them all aud thrown
their bodies into the river, they returned to
the house, taking everything valuable and
all the clothing ihey could carry.
Then they started for Island No. 10.
thinking or knowing they would be protec.
ted il they reached there in safety. There
happened to be n Federal cavalry force
from Columbus, Kentucky, conscriptng the
negroes in the cavalry, and on their being
informed, they Immediately started in pur.
suit and overlook them near the island and
arrested all. Ten OF them were taken to
Columbus, where they were tried aud six
sentenced, and 1t is said, even hung. the
others with the exception of one sentenced
to the peDitcntiary for life. One was left
unpuaished. knew there is a just God
above. aud tha! they will have justice melted
out to them in his own good time, in the
next world il not 10 this. have three
children eft and now living at home. Va.
rious threats. were made against nv life if |
came home, but | came aud could not tell
the number Of times the Federas have
searched my house both night and day.
| reported 10 the authorities at No. 10.
but it did no good. was told that the
lieutenant who arrested the negroes was
wearing my husbands watch. InaSe been
robbed five times since the murder Of my
fcmily, and if this war con tinues much lon.
ger do net know how | will live. The
negroes that murdered nv family are
strange negroe. trained by Union soldiers
To commit such deeds. Ny f,ther.B. laws
brother was the first man murdered at the
time Of John Browns insurrection at liar
pers Ferry. wonder what was the cause
uf that1
! have no earthly assurance when retire
at night, that will be alive in the morning.
] look pIons to Providence for protection
II seems rs if his plying love was hover
ing over us even in that dark hour, tor the
bodies Of all Of them were recovered from
the mighty Mississippi for many To- see III
what n cruel manner they " ere killed. Ny
happiness is gone forever 10 this world, but
| have been educated with hopes that travel
beyond il, and | iooS there for re union
with those whom an earthly fate has div.
ded frop mu. j believe, feel, tina, will
meet those loved ones in happier world
Than this where the wicked cease from
troubling and The weary ars-at rest"
MARY BECKHAM.