Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-09-25
Further Particulars in Regard to the
Camilla Georgia. Riot.


| The following report is from Judge Vason and
MIR. johnson, who were requested by Lieutenant
Howard, of the Freedmen's Bureau, TO investigate
the matter:
TO the Committee of the Senate and House of Rep
reSentdtipeS Of the State of Georgia:
We left Camilla this day at noon. Ill quiet,
and there is no apprehension Of further trouble.
The act OF the citizens was under the orders of
the Sheriff. They acted as his posse in the whole
affair. The negroes in the country are all quiet,
and no bad feeling exists between them and the
whites growing out OF the affair. There were but
few negroes present, except those in the process
sion There is no necessity for any additional force
to protect white or black.
4 he wounded negroes will be cared for and
have the sympathy OF the whites.
The whole difficulty originated in the right
claimed by Murphy, Iearce and Company, to
carry negroes into political meeting with arms
in their hands. The Sheriff disputed this right,
and insisted that under the proclamation Of the
Governor and the law, it was his duty civil
officer to prevent
There has been no excitement in Albany since
the appearance OF u. A. Vason and T. H. John.
SON.
Vason and Johnson and Mr.. Clark, northern
man, who came south since the war, certify to
the good character of the parties making the
sworn statements, and with Vasons and John
sons report were laid before both Houses of the
Legislature, and which determined their decision
relative to the Governors message, and refused
to ask the President for aid to assist in maintain
ing order.
LATER
ATLANTA, Sept. 22-P. NJ.
The rencontre at Camilla, Ca. between the
whites and blacks. creates much excitement here
and throughout the State. Yesterday afternoon
the Governor sent communication to both
houses relative to the disturbances in Mitchell
county, recommending that the President of the
United States be petitioned for military aid suffi
cient to preserve order in that county. The Gov
ernor says, that disregardful of the proclamation
issued the 14th instant, the right of the people
peacefully to assemble has been violently and
how borC off
wholly unable to protect the citizens maintain
the peace, and earnestly recommends the Legis-
lature to make immediate application to the
President for sufficient military force to be sta
toned in Mitchell county to maintain the peace
and protect the property of citizens. and have the
guilty punished after a due process of the law
determination publicly expressed by irresponsible
persons of one political party, that the other po-
iitical party shall not hold meetings, is too we'll
known, and it is gratifying that this sentiment
is confined to a class not countenanced or sup
ported by responsible citizens
The misfortune is that these outrages were not
prevented; and unless physical force is added to
the honest efforts of the officers of the law, we
shall be thrown into state of inetficency, when
neither life or property will be regarded.
On the reading of this report resolution was
offered in the Senate to refer the message of the
Governor to the Committee on the State OF the
Republic.
Considerable debate arose on proposition to
telegraph to the President the matter under con-
A resolution was offered that the Senate had
heard the statement of the negro through the
Governor that the account from the white man
be read. Agreed to.
Subsequently substitute was offered for the
whole that d Special Committee be appointed to
investigate the whole matter, aid report forth
with all The facts relative to the subject that
be obtained.
The House also appointed committee of i've
to investigate the affair and lay correct account
before the Assembly.
At the request of Major Howard, agent of the
Bureau, Judg &c Vason and Captain Johnson will
investigate the matter and furnish the necessary
papers for information this afternoon.
The Senate committee, appolUte d to take into
consideration the message OF the Governor, re
ernor was untrue, and accompanying the Same
with sworn testimony.
The report gave rise to much discussion, but
was adopted by vote of yeas 70, nays 10
The House passed the bill, by a vote of 1l2 to
30, appointing the first Tuesday in November for
the Congressional election
The majority report was adopted, which is that
they find the evidence preferred by the Governor
not sustained in the evidence produced before the
committee, and which Is herewith returned -
They have come to the conclusion that the whole
difficulty occurred and on igi atod from determ
nation of the parties referred to in the Governors
message to wit Pierce, Murphy and Putney
were known to be at Camilla at the head Of an
armed company of freedmen, which right was
disputed by the Sheriff of the county. The per-
sietence of one and the determination OF the other
caused the disturbance. They find that the civil
authorities arc able to execute the law, and that
there is no necessity for military interference.
The report signed by one Senator and four
members Of the House. One Senator dissented to
the report but said !: [ agree with the committee,
but believe that thorough legislation IS necessary
to preserve order and protect persons and prop
erty,