Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-11-08


RoB1NsoN.--On Mondayan Investigation of the case
of Alfred Robinson and John Robinsin (colorad),
charged with the murder of Ahram Robinson, in
April 1865, was investigated before John j. Con
OBEY, Esq, Special Magistrate. Five witnesses
Jacob Robinson, Abram Moore, Robert Brown,
Easter Robinson and Benz Ashe, all colorcd-were
examined. The testimony of the several witness
es is substantially the same differing only in some
minor particulars. 1t is too lengthy to give in
detail and we deem it only necessary to lay be-
fore our readers mere statement of the facts as
they occurred, according to the testimony.
It appears that short time previous to the
commission of this murder, Abram Robinson. the
deceased, had loaned to his uncles Alfred and
John Robinson, the parties charged with the MUIR
der, fiat which he had in his possession, and
which they promised to return. Having occasion
to use his fiat, and the parties to whom he had
loaned it not returning, Abram Robinson had 1t
conveyed from the landing where it had been left
by these parties to the landing athe plantation OF
the late Duncan Moore, Esq, about six miles above
the city where he was then cutting wood. On
the morning Of the first of April Alfred and John
Robinson came to this landing where Abram was
then at work. in company with the witnesses IN
this case, and several other negroes. They were
accompanied by he or two others. Alfred Robin
son, who had served in the army for short Pc
Rod, had with him all army mpsket and bayonet
which he had retained on being mustered out
Abram Robinson was then engaged in cutting
wood near the river bank. On the approach Of
the party John Robinson cried out to know why
Abram had taken the fiat. Abram answered that
the fla was his and having occasion to use it,
he had taken it !; Furthermore they had promised
to return it and did not do John Robinson
said they wanted the fiat, had come to get it and
meant to carry it away. In reply to this Abram
remarked that whoever took it would have to take
him with it. The party then up and John
Robinson entered the flat and commenced untying
the rope whi2h secured it to the shore Abram
objected to this and finally approached axe in
hand, to prevent the fiat being united. John
Robinson caught the and scuie ensued.-
Alfred Robinson then approached with his gun in
hand. At this poiut Jack Robinson, brother-in-
law Of the deceased interfered and caught hold Of
the axe and endeaVored to calm the Combatants.
Abram Robinson then desisted and turned away
leaving the axe i'll the handa o: John and Jack
Robinson. Jack endcavorcd to make John Loose
his hold OH tho axe, when Il scutte ensued between
them, during which Jack was thrown overheard
In his fall, however, he pulled John Robinson
after him. The axe was dropped in the flat
Robinson made an effort to assist John in getting
cut, and while doing Alfred Robinson came up
behind and struck him blow upon the head with
the butt OF the gun, which knocked him into the
water, After Jack ard John Robinson got out of
the water John seized q stick with which he
struck Jack, and Alfred Robinson running up Ee-
hind him, stuck a bayonet in his back. When
Abram Robinson got out of the water he ap-
bod ToIr ,,,tl ol,o
endeayored to make him desist from beating Jack
Catching up all oar he struck at him. but the blow
did not take effect. John Robinson then ran up
the hill and posted himself behind Alfred. being
followed by Abram. Alfred then lowered his gun
and ordered Abram to halt, and told him that he
would shoot him if he moved another step farther.
Abram halted John then cried out to Alfred to
shoot Abraham, whereupon Alfred fired and
Abram fell to the ground. The distance which
separated the parties at this juncture was but
about fifteen twenty PAGES. Alfred and John
Robinson and party then got into the fiat and
moved down the river. The ball took effect in the
left shoulder of Abram Robinson, and passed
through his arm. As soon as the shot was fired
Alfred Robinson, it being remarked that he had
killed Abram said that he had as we'll kill Abram
as for Abram to kill him. The wounded man was
placed i'll boat and brought to the city, in order
that he might receive medical attention. Before
reaching here. however, he died in the boat.
The witnesses stated that Abraham Robinson
had on during the aflray large sailors knife,
which he made no attempt to use. Neither did he
make all attempt to the axe. The above is
the substance of the testimony of the Witnesses
comprising ali the material facts Of the case
The prisoners were committed to jail in default
n ha ia SIN Of for tboir
ance at the next term of the Criminal Court.
Empire, Esq, appeared for the prosecution, and
Maj. Chas. NJ. Stoadman for the defence