The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-11-03
THE TROOPS IN POLITICS.
The Outrages in tho Parishes.
Frantic Efforts to Carry the State by
Arrest and Imprisonment Of
Innocent Planters.
New ORLEANS. Nov. 2, 1874.

70 the Editor OF the N. o. Bulletin:
The inclosed letter from Mr.. L. N. Lane
YOU are at liberty to use for publication, thu
Gentleman to whom it is addressed, with Other
members and employees of his firm, being
ready to testify that Mr.. Lane was in this city
at the time the Coushatta affair transpired, aa
well as short time before and after, and
he did not credit the news when first an
nounced by the wires. Mr.. Lane is no
stranger in the community, and his letter will
not be devoid of interest.
Respectfully, etc..
PAYNE, KENNEDY & Co.
In CAMP NEAR NArcH1rocHEs, Oct. q, "a.
Mr. J. U. Payne
Dear Sir-On the 2lst inst. I was arrested
by U. S. Marshal, backed by some twenty
u. s. troops, on the charge of conspiracy and
murder in the matter of the Coushatta affair
of the Both of August last I knew Of the ap-
proach of the troops some hours before they
arrived, but proceeded with my work as usual
and when arrested was at my gin baling COT
ton took the troops to my house and treeted
them as Hospitality as my means permitted
until 10 o'clock at night, when we left for this
place. They had already taken Mr.. Martin
and Mr.. Lowe, and on the way arrested w.
W. Breageale. They also went up to Truetts
but he was too ill to move, and no doubt the
excitement fastened if it did not cause his
death on the Oath.
necessary for me to make denial Of the charge
made against me, and to those who do not,
the fact that left here on the 18th August q
delegate to the Baton Rouge Convention OF
the Oath then went to New Orleans, remained
there until the I'd Of September, left on the
steamer Fleta, and did not reach home until
the 14th of September, is sufficient answer.
/ do not know q single person in COushatta,
and have never been in Red River parish five
miles above my place. (the parish lines are on
ly mile above me,) except when passing on
q steamer to Shreveport. The motive of my
arrest is solely to cut off my influence with the
believe it will have Q contrary effect, for the
negroes were very indignant and all told me
they would vote the white ticket, and state
they did SO because of my arrest and unless
their ignorance and fear is worked upon, they
am sure will do so.
The other gentlemen arrested no doubt are
as innocent as myself of the charge made
against them. I desire your community,
among whom I have lived over thirty years, to
know these facts, and you will much oblige me
by giving them publicly. The Marshal states
that he has warrants for IVY persons IN thus
parish, but so far has arrested only seven, viz:
w. w. Breazeale, Jno. Martin, J. H. Cosgrove,
proprietor of the indicator newspaper, 4. w.
Taylor. Messrs. Loine, Hopkins and myself.
Personally, we are comfortable enough; the
troops are very kind and the citizens Of Match
itoches do not permit US to want for anything.
although they all are in hourly expectation Of
arrest
We know nothing of our future movements
/ had twenty-nine bales of cotton to ship
when left, and, but for my arrest, it would
have gone on the Bryarly she passed while
the troops were at my house.
Very sincerely,
T. NJ LANE.