Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-05-05
JUDGE RUSSELL.
EXTRACTS FROM HIS TIES TIMON Y
BEFORE THE SENATE "OUTRAGE''
COMMITTEE.

After the usual questions and answers
IS to the residence and occupation of the
witness, Judge Russell gave an account OF
the troubles in Robson county. The ex
animation then proceeded as follows:
Questiun-Is there any other portion OF
your district in which there has been any
disturbance of the public peace?
Answer-There have been crimes com
| mitted in some of the counties-in at least
two Of them, to my knowledge; aud have
reason to believe that in one of them, at
least, they were political.
Question-Wbich county is that
Answer-Sampson.
Question-What was the character Of
that =?
Answer--The most striking instance have
heard of was that of colored man. who
was said to have been a prominent gen
item an and republican in the county, who
was called out to his door just after dark,
aud shot dead by party of men at the
fence. That occurred in the year 1868,
Immediately after or during the presiden-
tian campaign There has been no indict-
ment, and, so far as have been informed.
no attempt to indiot. That occurred with
in short distance of the county town, al
most within the corporate limits
Question-Were the men in disguise who
COmm1Gt6U the Ou6nS0
Answer have never heard that they
were. took the trouble myself to in
quire privately Of negroes, and with one
or two Union men in that county, if they
knew anything about the facts connected
with that murder. The invariable answer
was, if they had any knowledge it would
not be safe for them to reveal it.
Question it the subject of inve2ti-
cation before any magistrate
Answer never heard that it vas
Whether 1t was before O coroner's jury or
not, [ cannot say. It is usual to have such
jury, and the usual verdict in such case
is, death by some person unknown to the
jury. Whether an inquest took place in
that case, do not remember. There has
been no presentment OF Indictment before
the grand jury.
Question-Was the occurrence given in
charge to the jury to investigate
Answer-Tlle occurrence was given in
common with all other offences against the
criminal law in the county. I do not re-
collect whether particular attention was
directed to that murder or not. It was
we'll known in the community. and the
grand jury knew it as we'll as anybody else:
that is. the fact that the murder had oc,
CURED.
Question-What was the political COM
H1~AO] "a HdnU SOuAIy Atc
Answer-Democratic.
Question-In cases arising out of in
nrles alleged to have been inflicted by |
this secret. disguised organization, do you |
believe that there is any difficulty in the |
administration of justice in the courts in |
OF q existence of the organi- |
zatione
Answer-Well, do not remember that
here has been any indictment in any
,ourt over which I have presided against
hese masked marauders. I have very
decided opinion On that question, but I
'annot speak from any positive personal
observation.
Question-We would be glad to have
CUR opinion, as a judicial officer of the
ounty, OF the state Of things in your dis
riot
Answer-Do you desire me to speak
pecially with reference to my district, or
lsewhere in the State?
Observation-Disclosures in the State, if
our information is such as to have form
d an opinion upon it? Il
AnsWer-Well, sir, my information ex- Z