The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-09-28
Arkansas.

BUTCHERY OF NEGRoES-Two WITNESSES
SHOT DOWN BY THE MURDERER IN
COURTROOM
The Memphis Post gives the following al
most incredible narrative of a series OF ter
1ble murders near Mariana, Arkansas The
facts furnished US are stated to be derived
from white persons who witnessed the muir
ders on the plantation and in the Courtroom.
The statements are corroborated by colored
people and the evidence elected on the cor
oner's inquest. .' '.''
On Monday, preceding the outrage Brad
ley swore on the plantation that he would
"kill some damned niger before Saturday
night" When expostulated with, he replied
" it would not be the first time he had run
off for killing damned scoundrel" On
Friday morning he quarreled with crippled
negro, who was not field hand and not
subject to his orders, and ended by beating
the invalid over the head with a club A
brother of the man demonstrated with Brad
ley when Bradley instantly menaced him
with revolver. Another brother, some 40
yards distant, and the only negro in the field
that was armed, called to Bradley, telling
him it was an outrage to beat the cripple
and demanding that he cease. Bradley turn
ed upon him, and instantly commenced fir
ing The first shot brought down one of
the women, the ball piercing the BRAIN
After the second shot, the armed negro drew
his revolver and returned the fire, advancing
on Bradley. The latter, distressing his sue
cess in such contest, retired few PAGES to
the house, caught up afowling-piece, return
ed, and resting it upon the fence or gate,
aimed deliberately at the negro, then not
more than ten PAGES distant. In this atti-
tude both caps missed fire. He then pre-
cipitately fled, pursued by the colored men,
who, however returned promptly and peace
fully at the request of the lady of the plan
tation, who witnessed the entire affray.-
Bradley proceeded to Mariana, secured a
warrant and posse, returning the same eve
ming for the arrest of four of the men. The
officer was informed by the lady of the plan
tation of what bad been done, and Bradley
was charged in his presence with the MUIR
der OF the woman. The men, however, were
arrested and confined. On Saturday morn
ing they were put upon trial; Bradley ap-
pearing, heavily armed, as the witness for
the prosecution. When his statement was
made, the, Court informed the prisoners they
could ask the witness any question they
wished. In the cross-examination of the
witness, one OF the men contradicted, in
respectful manner, statement of Bradley.
Immediately he displayed his, arms. Tie
magistrate commanded the peace, and di-
rected the prisoner to proceed. He attempt
ed to do so, by repeating what he had said,
and called upon one of the other men to
confirm what he said. Bradley then drew
his revolver, knocked one of the prisoners
down, and fired at second, who saved him.
self by striking the assassin's arm and throw
ing off the ball. A third one attempted to
escape through back door. He was shot
through the head, and fell. While down
the murderer stood over him, firing two balls
through his body. Returning to the first
man, still down, he aimed and fired a ball
through his brain, killing him instantly, and
then retired from the scene. 49,
= The people of Phillips County held
public meeting to take action regarding
these foul murders, at which they put forth
a series of resolutions declaring that no
adequate efforts has been put forth by the
civil authorities and the citizens for the ar
rest of the murderers, and that we have no
confidence in the existing civil authorities
protecting the persons and lives of the citi-
zens, either for want of ability or inclina-
tion.'