Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-08-24
Some High-handed Measures of the
NegrOes-Interferenee of the Uni
ted States Marshal-Intense
Excitement of the People.
From the Memphla Appsal. Aug. p

| from the Memphis Appeal, Aug. Y.
We are indebted to Mr.. James Meals
ter, of ColliervilIe, for the particulars of a
rather mysterious, high. handed and bloody
transaction which took place in that vicini-
| ty on Monday last. The following are the
particulars as related by the above namea
| gentleman:
1t appears that sometime during the
night OF last Saturday negro known in
the neighbOrhood of Colervile as John
Brown was found, under plai.Ay suspicious
circumstances, concealed in a bed-chamher
ID the house Of Mr.. James Arlington, occu-
pea as sleeping apartment by some
young ladies of his, Abington's, household.
DE was promptly arrested and placed in
jan. The next morning being the Sabbath,
no further or immediate steps were taken
In the matter, It being considered that the
bird being raged, he was in perfectly safe
keeping.
Thus matters remained until Monday
morning, when it was found that the prison
doors were mysteriously opened during
Sunday night, and the prisoner gone.
Brown, not having been arrested upon a
warrant, and not having been properly be-
fore the law, it became question in the
minds of the authorities, what were the
next proper steps to pursue. While this
matter was being agitated, little boy ap-
peared upon the scene, and stated that a
dying man was in patch of woods situated
about quarter of mile southeast of the
town. Parties Immediately repaired to the
spot Indicted, and found that the dy-
ing man was the prisoner of the day
before, with bis head bearing unmistak-
able marks of bis having been badly
beaten, and in an insensible condition.
He was Immediately carried in a wagon
to his wife's residence, where he expired in
a few moments without having uttered
word. jury was then called, an inquest
held, and a verdict rendered ''that the de-
ceased, John Brown, came to his death
from blows from some hard substance in
the hands Of parties unknown" Upon the
verdict being made public, the excitement
of the negroes became intense, aud threats
became rife that the parties In whose custo-
dy the Jail keys were kept stood in danger
of being lynched. However, on the early
up train Tuesday morning, the Deputy
United States Marshal, in company with
several officers of the colored Benevo-
lent Society, arrived, and immediate
ly proceeded TO arrest Mr.. James
Arlington. The negroes then procured
horses and started some miles into tie
country, where, without the shadow of
authority, they 6ndeavored to compel Mr..
James Tomlins, blacksmith, who hap
pened to be in that locality on business, to
return to town with them. After great
deal of explanation on the part of Mr..
Tomlin, they agreed to release him
During the night the Marshal returned to
the city with Mr.. Arlington as prisoner.
Following up their high-handsd and ille-
gal course, a party Of infuriated negroes
attempted to arrest a Mr.. Brooks,
who resides q few miles from Col
lierville, but, through some means
unknown TO our informant, failed
in their unlawful project. Again,
about daylight yesterday morning, another
band Of these desperadoes started in quest
of Mr.. Brooks. The result of this last ex-
petition in search of this gentleman is still
mystery, but it is said that the report Of
firearms was distinctly heard in that diree-
ton, sometime after the negroes had taken
their departure. All good citizens, both
white and black, depiore the whole affair,
and while they, in the strongest imaginable
terms, censured the supposed n4farious pur-
poses of John Brown, they cannot but de-
precate the unfortunate and lamentable
turn the matter has taken, and fearlessly
express their wishes that the innocent may
be protected and the guilty brought to JUS
tice. The preliminary examination of
Arlington was being held yesterday
morning in Collierville, and it is Eni-
versally believed that he is innocent Of
the terrible deed laid at bis door. He is an
old citizens, the father of respectable fam
lily, in good circumstances, aud is generally
well thought of by his nelghbOrs, whose
deep sympathies he fails not to elicit in this
| bis hour of trouble.
Since writing the above, we learn that
the examination of Mr.. Abingdon has been
postponed until Monday next. Mr.. Abing-
ton has given bond of two thousand dol
| lars for his appearance.
| BY Telegraph to the Associated Press.
MEMPHIS, Tenn, Aug. % = The latest
ady:ces from Colliersvie states that Sheriff
Curry, had met an armed body of negroes
and after showing them what would be the
result if they did not disband, aud had sue
ceeded in persuading them TO return to their
houses. Excitement rapidly quited down