Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-04-09

A New statement of Facts, which
Puts the Killing I'm tho Light of
"A Murder.

Puts the Killing I'm tho Light of
a Murder.
From parties residing in Crittenden
county, near the scene Of the killing OF
Colonel Balch by Sheriff Hardin, a
startling history of the homicide has
been brought to light. Colonel Balch
owned one-half Of the Ware plantation.
The other half was claimed by Sheriff
Hardin, between whom and the Colonel
lawsuit for the possession Of the en-
tire plantation, has been progressing
for some time. This controversy pro-
duced bad blood between the parties,
which resulted in the terrible deed com
mitted last Saturday.
On Saturday last Hardin got out a
writ of possession, which was placed in
the hands of Ed. Lewis for execution.
Hardin, Lewis, Luke Hardin and a
posse of negroes went to Balch's place
to execute the writ Lewis proceeded to
take possession and put all the Colonels
effects out of doors. While this was
going on the two Hardins and several
negroes entered the house and com
menced abusing Colonel Balch. On
the latter replying William Hardin, the
sheriff, struck him heavy blow in the
face with some heavy instrument which
he held in his hand. Two negroes, as
if by preconcerted plan, Immediately
seized Colonel Balch and held him while
William Hardin drew his revolver and
shot him twice. Luke Hardin fred
once, the three shots MORALLY wounding
the Colonel, who was covered with blood
and still struggling with the negroes.
Colonel Balch fell dead as he drew his
pistol and fred in the air, not being able
to see his cowardly assailants. Charley
Balch, seeing that his brother was be-
ing murdered, ran up and fred one shot
without effect, but he was Immediately
surrounded and threatened with death.
Luke Hardin drew his pistol and was
about to kill Charley Balch, when he
was prevented by William Hardin, the
sheriff.
An inquest was held on the body of
Colonel Balch, but no testimony was
taken, except that Of the negroes who
aided and assisted in the killing. Sew
eral white men were present at the time,
but we're not summoned as witnesses.
THE PARTIES.
Col. r. W. Balch was well known in
this city, where he had host Of friends.
He has been residing in Arkansas about
a year, ord remained on the plantation
in ordet> -ybe in possession at all times.
He served with great distinction in the
cavalry service during the war, and was
noted for his reckless courage. An ele-
CANT gentleman, kind and generous, he
was dolzed by his friends.
William Hardin, the sheriff of Critten-
den county, Arkansas, served in the
Confederate army during the war. After
the war had closed and the political
troubles commenced in Arkansas, he
identified himself with the ultra Radicals
in that State. Becoming the frmest
advocate of negro equality in every par
ticular, he was elected Sheriff of Critten-
den county. He is noted for his hostil-
ity to the ex-Confederates residing in
that county, and takes every occasion to
Cypress them. During the recent troubles
he sided with the militia and negroes
against the white citizens, his former
comrades in arms.
The remains of the deceased were
brought to this city yesterday and placed
in Elmwood Cemetery, our City of the
Dead, which contains the dust OF no
drawer soldier or more chivalric gentle
man than the lamented Robert NJ. Balch.