Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1866-09-29
from tho Bronhnm Enquirer
The Fire at Brenham! Full par.
licuiarSl


Just rs the Presidents proclama,
ton declaring that peace existed
from the Rio Grande to the ST. Law
renee had been circulated through
ourscountry-iust MS the countcnan-
ces of our citizens were Frightening
up little, and men were beginning
to congratulate each other on the
fact that so far rs State laws were
concerned, We were about once more
to have them administered by OIL
GERS Of our own choice, our quiet
little town has become the victim Of
war in the most rcpulsive feature.
The midnight incendiary has
done his work, and the faircst por-
tion of the town (thc West side of
the publies1nare) lies in ashes.
A plain history of the circum-
stances we endcavor. to give.
On Friday night the 7th inst,
there was anegro ball in town, also
party Of whites at Dukes Dane
ing Saloon. Some Federal soldiers
went to the negro ball, pay was de-
manded of them, they forced them
selves in, danced. about the room,
passed BOTTLE around and finally.
broke up the ball. They then pur-
sued some negroes to Dukes Dane
ing Saloon, having beaten and
cholled several of them. They had
some fun with q drunken Indian on
the street-finally advanced to the
door Of the saloon making great
noise and pursuing negro up the
steps. They were demonstrated
Withdrew their knives, whercup-
on two Of the soldiers were knocked
down and one Of them wounded.
The wounded man was then talk
on to camp. Capt. Smith, of the
18th, Infantry, commanding at this
post, came to town, whether his
company or a guard of eight or ten
men the statement is conflicting
went first to Compton's store, where
he found Il. Compton and Henry
Curry. He demanded Oscar Comp
ton-said if he was not delivered
to him in an hour the town would
suffer for it. He then went to Mrs.
Crumplers Hotel and demanded
Capt. Wyatt, and was told by the
foTter and the clerk that Wyatt
had not returned. lie arrested
Thomas Lusll, a boy about 16 years
old, and sent him to camp with two
men, giving them instructions to
"shoot the young rascal if he runs"
lie told Mr.. Welch, clerk at the
Crumpler house, that if the citizens
did not surrender Capt. Wyatt to
him in one hour, the town would
suffer for it, This was about mid
night. Capt. Smith returned then
to Wyatt's grocery, near which he
met Lewis Compton with his broth
er Oscar. He offered to give sccu-
rity for his appearance whenever
called for, but Capt. Smith sent him
to camp under guard.
Wyatt's grocery was then broken
open, the furniture, billiard tables,
and a portion Of the liquors destroy
ed; the rest Of the drinkabes were
taken to camp. Capt. Smith admits
that this was done by him.
Shortly after this, party of six
or eight soldiers returned to Comp
tons store, fred a shot or. two at
Mr.. ii. Curry, who escaped up the
steps leading to the Offices above,
and several shots into the Banner
Office Immediately over Compton S
store. They then broke into the
store and pillaged it. About half
an hour or throe-quarters after, the
same or.another party returned, en-
tered the store, made good deal Of
noise breaking boxes, and fred the
house, the last man leaving remark
ing, "All hell can't save it," Capt.
Smith was seen sitting on his horse
on the opposite side Of the square
whilst the last party were at work.
He rode round in front of the build
ing and asked if it was well doife,
and was told that it was. SO well
was it done that Mr.. Il. Compton,
who arrived Immediately after the
soldiers left, was unable to enter the
front door, and on breaking the
window in the rear, was Immediate
ly knocked back by the smoke and
flame. The fire occurred little be-
fore 3 o'clock, and by daylight the
entire block, containing three dry
goods stores, one drug store, two
groceries, one saddler shop, one
warehouse and one printing Office,
were consumed. The loss will prob
ably reach $4,000. The greatest
sufferers are Dr. J. Il. Norris. p. w.
McNeese, &. Compton, Hcllman,
Watkins & Stevenson, J. A. VIII
kins and Mr.. Allen. The precise
amounts not yet ascertained with
sufficient certainly to be stated.
We think that il this event had
occurred during the first year Of
the war, it would have been regard
ed as one Of inhuman barbarity by
both the North and South. Aiter-
wards itwould have been regarded
as a matter of smaH moment IL
remains to be seen whether now,
with peace restored, there las been
any violation of law, or only an adj
vance payment Of just rewards TO
stiff neckcd rebels.
During the fire several portions
Of the town were in imminent das-
ger. The Cumpler house was often
on fire. Mr.. Simon's house and the
hotel stable were each. a one time
IN a blaze, but the timely arrival Of
water promptly arrested the flames.
Too many devoted thor energies 10
saving goods rather than TO arrest
ing the flames, but most of tboso
present. white and black. acted as
well or better than persons general