Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-10-28
HORRIBLE TRAGEDYAT ARTEsIA
An Innocent White Man Butchered
by Radical Devils.

All lunOtGnN w ~
BY Radical Devils.
From the Coiumb6s CNiss. Index. 2ith,l
The people of Mississippi have wit
messed another terrible example Of the
teachings of carpet-baggery, and of what
they may continue to expect if the native
and imported scoundrels who direct the
passions of the negroes are not hurled,
BY united effort, from the eminenee
they disgrace to the hell Of a people
condemnation they deserve.
On Saturday evening last, little be-
fore dark, there was perpetrated one Of
the most cold-blooded murders that ever
blackened the annals of crime. A harm
less citizen was taken by an infuriated
mob of blacks, who have been taught by
such men as Lewis, Bliss, Gleed and
Whitfield, and butchered like a dog to
satisfy their hate and malice. But we
will not pass judgment for our readers
before giving the facts as presented by
witnesses:
It appears that on the evening in ques-
ton, large number of Radical negroes,
varionsly estimated at from 800 to 1000,
assembled in Artesia, short distance
from the depot, to hear speeches from
two carpetbaggers, Lewis and Bliss.
They came to the station more like a
troup Of soldiers than as body Of citi-
zens gathered to hear public addresses.
Hundreds we're mounted, and armed
with swords, guns, pistols aud sticks.
Many came on foot, most Of whom were
armed. There seemed to be officers in
charge, who ever and anon gave out the
orders; close upl halt, and the like
commands The rostrum was wagon,
aud Lewis had poured out his bile and
poison, and Bliss was In the midst Of q
harangue, when white man, named
Lee, walked from the hotel TO the speak
er's stand as an idle listener, with no
interest in the gathering more than that
Of ordinary curiosity. II was known that
he had arrived at Artesia that day was
a carpenter in fhe employ Of the Mobile
and Ohio railroad-and was waiting for
the down train 10 20 to Meridian. he
had not left the crowd Eve minutes be-
fors shot was fred in the crowd, fol-
lowed by four others in rapid succession.
Il is not given positively how the first
shot was fred-whether by accident or
design. But the gun was in the hands
Of a negro. A physician Of Artesia saw
it raised at an angle Of forty-fye degrees
and fred, but he can not nov identify
the negro. Lee turned TO leave the
crowd at this momont, fearing trouble,
and as be did so, some Of this crowd az
l>ctee attention to him by shouting,
White man white man kill him shoot
him. and they attacked him with their
guns and pistols. One blow Of a sabre
cut fearful cash in the back Of his head,
which alone would have killed him.
Only one Of the shots fred at him took
effect, but that was enough. A hole was
blown into bis back beneath the left
shoulder blade, which reached his heart,
causing almostinstant death You could
have put three fingers in the place. Not
satisfied with this, the cowardly Eretches
actually kicked and trampled upon the
body after il was liieless, and there was
no carpet bagEers hand TO prevent the
doubly infamous deed When the muir
/ der was done, the whole mob iied with
the speed Of guilt In every direction,
Z Lewis taking the road to CraEfordville
with portion of the crowd; the body
being left to the charge Of the few white
citizens who were on the ground.