The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1868-10-02
GEORGIA M.tSSiCRE.

On the 18th Of Sept Capt. Vim. p. Pierce ,
Kcntuckian by birth, an officer Of the Uniol
army during the late war, and Mr.. John Muir
| phy native Of Indiana, addressed the Republi
cans at Americas. After speaking they wer'
invited to the house Of H. X. Mccoy, a republi-
can and associate Chief Justic Of that State
While there. the eolOrcd Republicans attempted
to march through the public square with drums
and fife. anarmed. They were ordered by tn
Judge Of the Superior Court, then in session. II
stop the noise. Not hearing the order, they
continued the music, whercupOn the whites drew
their pistols. knives, and shot guns and drove
the colorcd men from the square. Messers
Pierce and Murphy, knowing nothing Of this
approached the square when they were told by
some Of the colorcd people that tho whites has
sworn to kill them. The Mayor addressing thu
mob,was informed by angry men, that thu
blacks should not be harmed, but the "t,rt
ID rhiie seoundrsis" should die. Pierce and
Murphy learning the state Of things, turned,
and by circuitous route reached the Office OF
W. c. Morrill, agent Of the Fredmen's Bureau.
They remained until nightfall. when they were
conducted through the fields outside the town,
where Mr.. Morrill, met them with a Wagon and
assisted them to escape into Lee County. MIR.
Morrill, returning by the road found Il picksted
by half dozen armed men. Also allsthe roads
leading from Americas were picketcd by armed
men who made no secret Of their intention Of
numbering the two white speakers
On the 10Th, Messrs. Pierce and Murphy, &C
eompanisd by Rev. =. =. Putnsy. Philip Junin,
(colorrd) and about ssventy-dvc colorcd men,
approached the town Of Camilla, Mitchell coun-
", where Mcssrs. rierve, Murphy and Jsnin
were to address the colorcd Republicans. -Four
miles from Camilla they met u man named
James Johns. who declared himself courier
sent to notify Mr.. Murphy that the people Of
Camilla would permit no Radical speaking there,
that the county was theirs, and they intended
to rule t.
The party. not believing that the people would
use force to prevents political speech, novel
on. sending note by frcciman to the Sheriff
Of the county, asking for protection. About
two miles from the town, the party was met by
the Sheriff and posse. and requested not to
enter the town. Mr.. Pierce answered that no
was violating no law Of the County, or right Of
the people, and should proceed to town. Upon
that the Sheriff and posse, all being armed,
turned and dashed OF to town. Mr.. Pierce, In
buggy with Mr.. Putncy, proceeded, followed
at some distance by the rest Of the party. With
the latter was plantation wagon drawn by
four mules, containing the colorcd band.
At hundred yards from the Court House
the band was met by Johns with double load
cd shot gun, which he discharged into the wag-
on wounding two men. Upon this there rose
from either side Of the road. largo number Of
white men, who had concealed themselves, and
who openad cross fire upon the party in the
road. A few Of the colorcd people having pis-
tolls endeavorcd to defend themselves, but most
Of them aei. Mcssrs. Pierce and Putney rush.
Cd towards the scene calling 10 the freedmen to
stop, saying "donf do that" upon this the
whites hrsd upon Pierce and Putney. wounding
Pierce In the lega and Putney in the elbow. Both
however escaped 70 the woods and reached the
plantation Of Messrs. Flags and Fisk from Mas
sachusetts. at o'clock In the morning. The
eoiorcd people hcd pursued by the whites firing
upon them, killing some and wOundins others.
Some Of the wounded were pierced by several
shots afscr they had fallen. Up to eight O'Clock
the next morning the whites were still in pur-
suit with horses and bloodhounds.
The above Is compiled from the official report
ofthe government officer sent to investigate the
matter. What comment upon Democratic Re
construction We arc told by the copperhcads
and rebels that "the South accepts the situs-
tion," which mems, as shown by the reign Of
terror in Georgia, Mississippi and Texas, "the
situation" to massacre and assassinate all who
differ from rebel sentiments, and such Arc the
fruits Of Democratic teachings and . Democrat
ie Administration. Perhaps these hounds Of
rebellion win be allowed under President Grant
to waste the lives Of loyal men, but We doubt
Il.