The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-07-06
FRIGHTFUL TRAGEDY IN ARKAN sAS.
Daring Robbery and Murder-FIve Mem
Shot Down in Cold Bl0Od-A Plan tatiOn
DeVastatsd.
Devastated


From TIE MenlphtS Buuettni 9OR,
Information has Just reached Memphis of a
dreadful tragedy which was enacted on the
Tecumseh plantation, located in Chico county,
Arkansas, few nights ago, which resulted in
the death of five men, who were shot down in
cold blood by band of marauders The
plantation is situated on the Mississippi, about
seven miles above Grand Lake, and is owned
by Mr.. E. +. johnson, and is tarmed by Briga-
dier-General Adams, formerly of the 8lst Ohio
Infantry and Messrs. Van Pelt and jerks, under
the firm of Adams, Van Pelt & o.. About
o'clock on the morning OF Tuesday week, while
the rain was descending in torrents, and when
General Adams Captain johnson, Captain Van
Pelt and Captain jerks, the owners, were
asleep in a small dwelling on the plantation,
the door suddenly opened, and four stalwart
men, with blackened faces and otherwise dis
guised, rushed into the room. seized the sleep
ing men as they lay in their beds, and, with
pistols pointed at their beads, demanded their
money.
The inmates of the room were powerless in
the grasp of these night marauders, for in an
instant they bad secured the pistols of their
victims, which had been placed under their
pillows. Threats OF instant death we're made If
any resistance was offered, and General Adams
was compelled to rise from his bed and point
out the trunk IN which the money belonging to
the finn was deposited. In an instant the trunk
was forced open, and three thousand dollars
secured by the robbers. This, however, did not
seem to satisfy them, as they Immediately after
wards rihed the pockets of the gentlemen above
referred to, and took away whatever valuables
they could lay their hands on. After making
various threats IN case they were interfered
with, two left the cabin, the others remaining
10 prevent the owners of the plantation from
leaving the cabin.
Meanwhile a dreadful tragedy had been en-
acted at the quarters of the men, situated
short distance IRON the dwelling occupied by
the,owners. Another party of the marauders,
in the darkness of the night, and in the midst
of the storm of wind and rain, had made an
attack on the quarters Entering the stable in
which the stock had bnnn Dlaped for shpIinr
they in the most wanton manner commenced
killing the poor animals by shooting them with
their pistols. The firing had the effect Of
arousing the laborers on the plantation, many
OF whom we're old soldiers, who quickly armed
themselves with muskets, revolVers, and what
ever they could lay their hands on. The
majority OF them did not take time to dress, but
sailed out, not knowing the meaning of the
| attack. As they were marching towards the
stable the marauders fred a volley killing five
of the laborers and wounding nine. The others
fire, but in the darkness of the night it was i'm
| possible 10 rsceTtain whether any of the
marauders were killed or wounded.
OverpOweTed by numbers, the laborers re
| treated 10 their quarters. The maTauders, bent
on destruction, then set the stable on fire, and
| the engine and cotton gin we're completely de
stroyed. Having completed their work of de-
| structiOn, the marauders assembled their forces
| and lett the place.
When morning at lenet tn broke, the bodies OF
| the five men who we're Killed we're found lying
about twenty yards from the burned stable, and
arrangements were made for their decent in
| terment.
AS they had only arrived at the plantation a
| couple of days before from Cincinnati, our in
| foImant, Captain jerks, could not give their
| names. After the burial of their late comrades
| the owners OF the plantation, accompanied by
| several of their hands, followed the track OF
| their assailants for considerable distance and
| from the tracks made In the mud, IL was com
| puted that the band was composed of thirty
| men at least. The traces of blood were to be
seen all along the road which they travelled
| and it was quite evident that one or more had
| been wounded by the vollsy which the laborers
| fred in selfdefense. A consultation then took
| place, and as it was considered that they would
| be unable to cope with the murdereTs, even II
| they came up with them, the chase was given
| up. Fearful of a second attack when night came
| on the men resolved TO separate and make Their
way TO the n6 Arrest canebrake for security, trust
ing they would be able TO hail a steamer passing
| up the Mississippi.
Captain jerks went out towards a small islanC
! in the river for the purpose Of awaiting th'