Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-03-20
Tbc lEiss,ssippi Outrages.

Mr.. j. A. Moore, a member of the Mississippi
legislature, who lives near Meridian, and was
one Of those against whom the fury of the mob
was directed, gives the most ineligible account of
the outrages that has yet been received. A meet
ing of colored people, as mentioned in the letter
of Mayor Sturges, to which we referred on Sat
urday, was the pretext for the subsequent pro-
ceedings. Moore and two others, colored men,
were arrested for making incendialy speeches at
this meeting, and at their examination on this
charge before Judge Bramlette, the slaughter
took place. Mr.. Moore says:
At the examination, where / arrived about
three P. M, Judge Bramlette was presiding. The
charge of making speeches on Saturday was be-
ing examined. The defendants were Warren
Tyler, VIM. CloptOn, alias Dennis, and myself.
all colored. Mr.. Ford, the prosecuting attorney,
asked what l had to say. l said
was not guilty and did not know anything
of it. | needed no attorney, for had done
nothing. The witnesses were then examined
They seemed to agree that Tyler and Clopton
had made flaming speeches, but that mine was
on the side of peace and good order. Mr. Brant-
ly, white man, gave his testimony. At this
time all the colored policemen were called in.
The mayor had been in the room, but only re-
manned few minutes. The prosecuting attor-
ney asked Brantly what he had heard Tyler say
on the street that (Monday) morning. He an
swered that he was passing along the street
when he heard "this boy here" (he did not know
his namel say that "the democrats were getting
frightened" Brantly testified that he called w.
Ter id liar, and that he had a great mind TO
| shoot him down or blow his brains out on the
| spot. At this, Tyler said he desired Branty to
| keep the noor Tor moment, until he could 90
| out and get two men who would impeach his
| (Brantly's) testimony. Brautly replied: "Wbat
| didyou say?' Tyler repeated his remark, when
| Brantly caught up the hickory stick of the city
marshal, from a table near, and with il
started for Tyler. The last / remember of
| it, Tyler was retreating backward toward the
sheriff's room. | heard several say, "Shoot
himl shoot himP | had just got behind Judge
Bramlette when / heard the shot, and the Judge
fell to the floor. | fell with him, he falling di.
reetly upon my left shoulder. l was not hit
but the blood from Judge Bramlette covered my
clothing and arm. The firing became general
| cannot say who fred the shot at Judge Braun
lette. | was at the time of the mind that it had
been aimed at me and hit him. There was soon
firing all over the room. / heard the marshal
shout out for the firing to cease, as the magis-
trate was killed. saw that he was dead and
remained quiet When the crowd was dispersed
looked up and saw Copton also dead. Deputy
Sheriff Belt was nigh, with pistol in his hand,
and sought his protection. He averred that
he could not protect anybody.
soon thereafter picked up my hat and walk
Cd away covered with blood, and everybody sup
posed that was MORALLY wounded / only told
one person mat was not hurt. ! reached home,
told my wife she must take care of the children
and herself, gave her what money / had, and
left. only went about three-quarters Of A mile
when sent friend back. He soon returned IN
tell me that 100 men were at my house looking
for me. / Travelled all that night and until two
o'clock Tuesday morning, when | reached !
friends house. | stayed there all that dav,
Another friend came there and told me that my
home and all had in it, with the church. wa,
burned up. Then left that place and Travelled
on foot day and night, and got here this morn
ing at nine o'clock.