Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-05-09

To the editor Of the Alexandria Gazette:
As there has been several incorrect accounts
published as to what party Of negroes from
Baltimore did 10 this county, the writer prayes
that you will admit correct statement to be
made 10 the Gazette. The party, consisting of
Levi Rogers, Washington Pullet, William
Henry Barnes, Charles Brookes, Edmund
Satchel, Ebencz>r Moore aud William Dorsey
came from Baltimore about the first Of March
to Westmoreland county to cut timber. When
they arrived there they found they had been
deceived and being without money and with
out friends they endeavored to walk home the
best way they knew how. Your writer does
not Intend to offer any apology for Levi Rng-
ers, whose sentence Is regarded as just, II not
on account of what he was condemned tor, still
for his behaviour elsewhere. The course, how
ever, of the negroes was quiet and orderly,
notwithstanding many wild reports to the con-
trary, until they met in the marsh VIM. O%eus,
who was setting musk rat traps this side OF
Brick House laudlng, when Levi ordered
Ovens out Of the marsh. took his gun away
from him and made him show them out OF The
marsh; told him he was lost and made Owens
direct him to the WHAT. The other seven made
no threats against Mr.. O,geus, nor any de-
monstrations, nor gave him any impudcnce
When they came TO place where their paths
diverged the gun was given back to Owens. aud
he was dismissed uoharmed aud told no harm
was meant him. Owens went home aid re-
manned quietly there until the negroes were ar.
rested upon other charges that were trumpcd
up against them. Alter leaving Owcus they
passed by the fish house oil MessrS. j. Z. Il
w. Ii. Washington, when Que of the men
left the rest aud went near the lsh mouse. From
the evidence on the witness stand It was most
likely Levi After an hour or such matter
a man employed to watch the house went 10
and found oue pair Of boots gone, though meat
meal fish aud five other pair Of boots were
untouched Mcssrs Washington alarmed the
neighborhood and had the men arrested. Then
Oweus brought the charge that they had rob-
bed him Of his gun. The seven we're arrested
by the officer without any trouble, but Levi,
who had separated from them before the arrest
was apprcneudcd with difficulty. The men were
indicted for robbery, house break1g and lar
ceDy OF the two last charges they were fully
acquitted For robbery Of Oweus gun, where
he was not hurt pins scratch, Levi was sent
to the penitentiary for eight years. As his
WnOlC oUuuuCt Has Uceil desperate w uuc lecio
for him; the other five for five years each.
Moore aud Dorsey were acquitted ofall charges.
The two last named have worked on the farm
of gentleman Of this county as long as they
were required by their lawyer to pay his fee,
and their conduct has been unrxceptionabe.
Those seven negroes have been represented Us
band of desperadoes, whereas they were only
poor strangers eudeavoring to find their way
home At the time Of their trial great pre-
udice existed against them, but DOW an im-
mense reaction has taken place. The writer of
this article has taken the pains to ascertain the
facts contained 10 it and has proof of every as
sertion. Though they we're negroes, he hopes
you will admit this correction Of previous &C
counts to be published 10 your paper
A &C
KING GEORGE Co., April 30, 1874.