The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-08-10
NEGRO TROUBLES IN UNION.
poISes OF THE LEAeuEs-MnITARY oReAN1zA-
T1os AND DRILLS THREATENING MOVEMENTS
AN APPEAL TO GOVERNOR SCOTT AND ITS
RESULT.

From the Unionvilie Times OF Friday, Angus. ~
The threatened riot did not come off on
Saturday last. The whole district expected it,
and we're prepared for it, but no dlstur 6ance
occurred. Our promptness hos ayerted the
conflict for once; We dare not say forever.
Bands Of armed negroes have Deen organized
and drilling for some time past. They COM
menced Immediately after the election for dis
trict officers, when one June Mobley, a mulat-
to- unknown beyond the hills which skirt the
horizon of his plantation cabin, suddenly felt
the danger which attached to Radical legls-
lator in Democratic District. To save his
precious lfe June Mobley organized his oody-
Guard. Wherever June went, his guard were
s.sure to CO." Rto Santuc to get notice OF the
meeting of the Legislature, there went, too,
ths armed guard. If to Union, toreport to thu
Bureau, on the outskirts Of the town the guard
could be seen, waiting his lordshlp's return.
And so, night and day, week after week, June
panione. But June at last left us for higher
field of glory, and John Bates became his sue
cessor. We have not time for all the particu-
lars, Suffice it to say that the battalion rolled
on like q snow ball, increasing at every turn,
Excitement enticed some intimidation drew
on others. Courts were organized, Offenders
punished, fines imposed AT last, IT we may be-
upon him the high Office Of detective, and it was
made his "business to repote all threatens from
the Dimocratic party" against his League or
Club.
AM these matters were represented to Gen.
Candy before the Legislature met by three
gentlemen of the neighborhood, whose re-
spectability was vouched for by magistrate
OF the district. OF this communication no no.
tice has ever been taken.
On Saturday, July 25, 1868, the battalion, well
armed, and four or five hundred strong, held
their meeting on Mr.. George Hills plantation,
against his express orders. mcendiary har-
angues we're made, military evolutions per-
formed, and a series CT general orders pub
Ished, said to be from Gov. Scott. 1t was an
nounced that a mass meeting would take place
at Unionville on the following Saturday, and
John Bates said he wished oil his men to at
tend. A negro woman said their object was to
release Sam Glenn, who is confined on charge
OF assault and battery, with intent to kill, un-
able to give bail for his appearance at court
Information received from other sources con-
| frmed the woman's story.
Saturday afternoon was wet and rainy. Early
on the quiet Sabbath morning, meeting OF
the citizens was convened, and these matters
we're all reported. A preamble, setting forth
the impossib;lity Of checking these riots by
civil process, and resolutions appointing q
committee.ct four to confer with Gov. Scott,
we're passed. On Monday the committee left !,
and on Wednesday returned. Gen. Scott,
protesting full credence in their statements,
sent an agent to-stop it. The agent
arrived, and sent for Bates. Next day
Bates came with his body-gurd, but not
armed on this occasion. The agent took
Some of our citizens desired to be present at
the interview. The agent said his instructions
to Bates would be delivered publicly; but he
wished to have private conference with him.
In the presence OF these citizens Bates denied
that he was armed; denied any intention to
bring arms on Saturday; denied any design OF
attempting jail delivery OF any unlawful act;
denied the drilling and military eyolutions; de-
MED that he was, or pretended to be, military
officer. In short, John Bates and his fellow
| leaguers we're the most quiet and inofensive
people in Union District. The upshot OF 1t oil
was an order that the meeting should not
assemble on Saturday. On the morning OF
that day the agent lett in company with John
Bates, who travelled without even verbal
arrest. Now we know that this Broad River
battalion we're to have been reinforced by simi-
lar bands from SpartanburG, Chester and New
berry, We know that the New5erry party cross
ed Tiger River, well armed, On Friday night,
and having heard OF the orders from Scott.
recrossed We feel certain that they intended
to attempt the release Of Sam Glenn, and that
many OF them we're determined to rob the
stores. We are sure that two thousand ne
eroes would have been here, many OF them
armed and provided with ammunition.
In face of oil this, Gen. Scott lectures John,
paws his way to Columbia, gives him the op--
pportunity Of consulting with june Mobley and
others as to the best plan for future operations
tells him, no doubt, that he has been mali
ciously slandered, and sends him back confirm
| ed in his vilany
We were prepared on Saturday for John Bates
and his followers We will be prepared again.
We have exercised forbearance. II any dis
turbance occurs, it will commence with tie ne
gro, or some Of his Acknowledgements. The white
people do not desire q collision; but they do
not shrink from it. The next time the leaguers
threaten, Gen. Scott must seek information
from other sources than that which gave him
the intelligence last week.
We will act with prudence, avoiding q con-
| fict if possible We care to have 20 more
agents to administer publicly gentle rebuke,
and whisper privately re know not what.