The Sweetwater forerunner. [volume] (Sweetwater, Tenn.) 1867-1869, 1868-08-13
Torch and Turpentine.

From the Union and Dispatch.l
The following facts came into our poses
sion yesterday, through a source so relia-
BILE that we cannot withhold it from the
public. Taken in connection with the
well-known fact that hordes of negroes
have been drilling nightly in various SUI
burbs of the town, it assumes a shape and
Importance not only startling, but such as
demands immediate action on the part of
those who are charged with the protection
of the city and its people.
A person we'll known in this community
for his extreme opinions, and his procivi-
ty to express them, Radical without re-
proach as such, living on Market street be-
tween Church and the Square, has declar-
ed repeatedly that there are organizations
already perfected, for the sole and special
purpose of destroying the towns of Frank
lin, Columbia, Pulaski, Murfreesboro and
Nashville, whenever the slightest occasion
presents itself, or whenever collision of
any kind shall occur in either Of the places
named. Signals have been agreed upon
and lines of communication established.
This organization is now measurably COM
plete, and is progressing daily. This
person states that he is engaged in this
organization, and that when it enters upon
the execution of its purposes, that it will
spare neither age, sex nor condition-that
the houses of all Rebels shall be burned,
that women shall be ravished and their
children tossed into the flames.
From other sources we are creditably
informed that negroes now in the employ
of the corporation have prepared turpen-
tine balls and other combustibles to DIES.
troy the city whenever the signal is given
and that these materials are now stored in
house occupied by the city and used for
public purposes.
We further learn that these organiza.
lions are led and controlled by five white
men, whose names are in our possession
some of them now occupying official posi-
tions of Importance in the city govern
ment.
We have purposely refrained from men
tioning any names, for the reason that We
think it is due that the matter should be
Immediately brought before the appropri.
ate authorities, in such manner as shall
bring about an investigation. 1t is moi
the purpose of this oppressed community
to aid in bringing on a war, but the contra
ry. The facts above stated, however, have
come to us in such shape and upon sucl
authority as cannot be disregarded. w
call upon the Mayor of the city, who's,
duty is to protect the people, to take cog
nizance of this matter. We are prepared
to furnish him with the names of witnesses
If he refuses to act we shall call upon thu
citizens to organize for their own defens
against this diabolical plan of destruction
and outrage, and be ready to sweep iron
the community all who are engaged in thi
atrocious and savage villainy.
Unless prompt action is taken by tn
lawful authorities, we shall consider then
as the allies of this hellish conspiracy, an,
appeal to the people to resort to the onl
remedy, self-protection, left to them ii
the premises.
James r. Hood, who was the Brownlov
candidate for Speaker of the House Q
Representatives of the first Legislator
after the Reconstruction" of Tennessee
but was defeated, and subsequently be
came a Conservative, has turned up i
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