Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1872-08-03
MARYLAND LYNCH LAW.
Colored Men Endeavor 10 Burn Down a
House---0ne Of them Hung BY Mob.

From Cecil county comes news Of the
following horrible attempt at the gratih-
cation of fiendish spite and Its subsequent
terrible punishment, which, while we
cannot vouch for It's entire accuracy, we
readily suppose 10 be mainly true On
Tuesday morning, rs gentleman of this
city WIS driving along the road neaf Pivot
Bridge, on his way TO market here, with a
load of peaches, he suddenly came across
large and excited crowd, which blocked
up the roadway, evidently awaiting the
appearance of the Coroner to cut down
the body of negro, which was hanging to
tree in the woods, short distance from
the road. From the various and excited
answers which were given TO his questions
in regard 10 the origin of the affair he
gathered the following particulars, though,
unfortunately, be was unable to obtain
the names of any Of the parties.
A short time ago Il farmer In Sassairas
Neck had negro In his employ whom be,
/ for some reason or other. discharged. The
negro became deeply incensed at this, aud
l declared that he would be revenged. On
1 Monday night he persuaded two Other
l negroes TO assist him, and together they
started out to accomplish their hendlsh
design. Arriving at the house OF this
/ farmer they first went all around and
attempted TO fasten the doors ON the out
side, so "a 10 prevent escape, and then
deliberately fired the building. The in
mates were aroused, but fortunately Tho
attempt of the hends to add murder tt
their heinous crime failed, and all th,
inmates escaped with their lives and such
clothing rs they were enabled TO hastllJ
grasp in their flight. The house, with al
II
But the citizens of the surrounding
neighborhoOd were aroused by the con
1agration and hurried to the spot. Before
negroes could get sufficient distanc,
frem the burning building TO prevent sus
picion of their completely in the affair
they were discovered, and hurried off e
to tho nearest magistrate, at Cecilton, II
is supposed, for trial. Here an instant
trial was held, and one of the negroes
turned States evidence, and confessed all
The magistrate committed all three Il
Jail, and shortly after midnight, the con
stable, with the prisoners in charge, start
ed for Elkton.
While driving along the road between
Back Greek and Pivot Bridge, the consta
ble was oveTtaken by party Of iniuriate'
citizens, who demanded that the prisoner
| should he delivered into their custody
lie refused and attempting TO resist wa
severely injured. Thl crowd toen tool
the negroes into the woods, aud there dis
posed summary justice after the most ap
4 proved manner of Judge Lynch.
From private letter handed to one Q
/ the editors of EVERY EVENING, we lear
| that the injured gentleman's name Is Wa
ter Griffith, and he had great difficulty !
| getting the rest of the family out Of door
in doing so badly burning his feet.
was with difficulty the inmates could |
, l awakened and by the time they were u
lire had made great Roadway. The lett
, | says the officers started with the incel
iiaries 10 Ekton hut on the morning
: i the 3Oth one was found hung to a tree
i, 1 the woods, and the others were missin
: / IL is said that the one who was hung WI
the ringleader and was informed on by B
brother-in-law who saw him touch .
match. Mr. Griffith had some trout
with the men before.