Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-08-08
SLAUGHTER OF THE IN
NOCENTs.
A Negro Thief shot I'm a Potato
Patch.
A Negro burglar shot and InssansIy
Killed.
SHOT IN rnE,Acr.


SHOT ~ rnE'AcT.
Between one and two o'clock this
morning, negro known as Charles (his
full name being unknown), was shot and
instantly killed by Mr.. James Harris, q
white man, at what Is known as the big
trestle on the Mississippi and Tennessee
railroad. about mile and a half below
the city. The following seem to have
been the circumstances Of the case :
Mr.. Harris, in company with q member
of the county patrol, was in the vicinity
Of the trestle, when they discovered two
negroes coming up from csrnfeld and
potato patch, just of the road. with
sacks upon their shoulders, evidently
filed with roasting ears and sweet pota'
toes which they had stolen and were in
the act of making of with. As soon as
the dusky pair had come within bearing,
they were peremptorily ordered to halt.
Instead of doing as directed, however,
they both drew their pistols and mani
tested disposition to fight sooner than
surrender. Mr.. Harris again called
to them to halt and put up
their weapons, failing to do which
he leveled his gun at them and
fred. The sail from his weapon pene-
trated the head Of the negro Charles,
producing instant death. Seeing which
his companion dropped his sack and took
across the field, escaping apprehension.
On going up to where the negro had
fallen, Mr.. Harris and the patrolman
found life to be extinct, and on examing
the sacks found, as they had suspected,
their contents to be stolen corn and po-
tatoes, from the patch adjoining.
BURGLAR SHOT.
About week since, the little con-
fectionery, No. 81 Jefferson street, which
is kept by Daniel Garibaldi, an old
Italian, was visited by thieves and the
till rifled of its contents, some $50 in cur
rency. Since then Mr.. G. has kept close
watch about the premises at night, with
the determination of giving the thieves a
warm reception should they return. Last
night his vigilance was repaid. Mr.. G..
had retired to his sleeping room, in the
rear of the confectionery, and was sleep
ing soundly when he was awakened by a
noise which he took to be that of some one
trying to pry open the door of his apart
ment He remained quiet and listened.
The prying operation was kept up,
at length the door yielded, was
pushed gently ejar and in popped
the kinky head of burly negro.
Waiting then no longer, Mr.. G. de-
manded Of the intruder what he wanted,
and at the same time sprang from his
bed and seized carbine sitting in cor
ner of the room. So unexpected a
demand for an explanation Of his awk-
ward situation evidently staggered
the black scoundrel. He attempted
to muV'ble out reply, at the
same time Withdrawing his head from
the door and taking to his heels. Mr.
g., losing no time, sprang after
and on reaching the yard, leveled
his carbine at him and fired. His
aim was fatal. The ball penetrated
the fugitive's ear, lodging in his
brain, and he fell lifeless to the ground.
Having thus disposed of the gentleman,
Mr.. G. surrendered himself to the police
a. the first district station, and was re-
leased on his own recognizance. A cor
oners inquest was held on the body OF
the deceased this morning and verdict
rendered in accordance with the facts as
above narrated. The name of the defunct
voter it transpires was Geo. Bullitin, a
customer who has fallen frequently into
the hands of the police since his emanci-
patton.