The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-05-07
STATEMENT OF BENNETT AND
SEARLE.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark, May 9, 1874
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD
After our capture on the train we were taken
from the railroad platform at Argenta across the
river in skIn and thence. after waiting for orders
from the Baxter authorities to our captors, we
were taken to St. Johns College. We wanted to
know Of what crime we were guilty. Bennett
commenced to write at the college a letter to
Governor Baxter. Williams, on seeing me thus
occupied, said -
II suppose you would rather see Baxter himself
II you will come with me you shall see him."
He then took us in q contrary direction to that
In which he intimated we should 90 to the out
skirts of the city, and kept us there till daylight.
We then went back to the college and were soon
put on horses and, guarded by four horsemen under
command Of Watkins, we were taken out on the
Benton road fourteen miles to the house OF Mr..
kins told Us that he had information that the
United states troops were searching for US to pro-
cure our release, and he took US on. We asked 10
be shown the orders which he mad. They were as
fonows:-
To ARMED GUARD ON BENTON ROAD
You will Immediately remove your command and
those you have in charge back towards Benton.
WILLIAM A. CRAWFORD, Brigadier General
We started towards Benton and soon met a
force commanded by Crawford who took charge Of
us and took us to Benton. We were taken to
hotel and treated kindly. We found the town
guarded and picketed. The Sheriff Of the county
said that the county was not under martial
law, and that he would. we wished
get posse OF citizens and put US
on the train TO Little Rock. We told him that we
preferred to be released by the authority which
arrested Us, as we would endanger the lives and
property Of citizens by attempting to assert our
authority. Crawford was not seen any more by
US. Somerhill now had charge OF ne, and
told us soon that he had orders from Blocker
by telegraph saying he was to protect our personal
safety and lives to the fullest extent provided he
could do SO and avoid recapture or rescue; a
all hazards he was not to let us be rescued alive
He told that he had information that the fedora
troops ana the Brooks troops were on the way "a
he did 1t would be with view to release
us. The Sheriff accompanied us out OF
the town a short way. summerhin told the
Sheriff that he was prepared to release us and
assist to reach the federal troops at Little Rock
wedemanded arms as evidence Of good faith. The
demand was compiled with and we then
started for Little Rock. On arriving at
Ten Mile Greek at two or three O'Clock
In the morning, we halted. hearing
mounted force coming toward us. Summerhtll
halted the command. Judge Bennett here took
TO the woods, not knowing who the soldiers were.
On arriving near the town Bennett was taken to
the arsenal, dressed In sui: of blue, and then
came into Little Rock. Bennett travelled through
the woods all night towards Little Rock and
stopped at negro's cabin at daylight
The colored man guided him through the woods
to point within three miles OF Little Rock and
he sent by him note to Colonel Rose, asking him
for an oficer and guard to bring him into the
federal lines E. J. SEARLE,
JOHN E. BENNETT.