The Osceola times., 1875-07-31

] hOfllDIc. ne weather having Dcen
very warm, the body had already
commenced to decomposc, other
wise it was quito natural, and the
posse had no trouble in identifying
tho remains as those of poor Frank
Williams, who had left them only
II few hours before so iull of life
and spirit. A jury was impaneled
/ by the magistrate in the absence of
the coroner, and after again listen
ing to the statements Of the MUIR
dcrcr, they roturned a verdict in
accordance with the facts. The
body was decentiy inferred near by
where it fell, on DR.. M'Gavock's
land, the place being marked so
that the relatives of the unfortunate
young man can find the remains,
should they wish to remove them.
The magistrate ana party then re-
turned to the mills, and the prison
ers were put under a strong guard,
partly to hold them, but more es-
peclally to protect them from tho
vengeance of tho trends of vii.
hams, who were uttering deep
threats fspecdy retribution against
the assasslns. During tho afternoon
of Thursday tho excitement was at
fever heat, and the officers feared
that their prisoners would bo taken
from them in spite of their precau.
tons. Up to this time Burton and
the negro, Carter, had not had a
preliminary examination, and late
Thursday evening the magistrate
told the assembled crowd that he
would defer examining them until
the next (Friday) morning. Salts
fed with this, ard thinking that no
attempt would be made to remove
the prisoners, the crowd separated
and sought their homes. AS soon
as eve tything was quiet, Burton
and Carter informed the magistrate
that they would waive an cXamina-
ton, and asked to be sent to Osce-
ola to Jail. THIS was the safest
plan for all parties, and toward
nightfall, Deputy-ShcritfS. A. Beall
accompanied by a guard, among
whom was Mr.. Hancock, started
with the prisoners to Crowells
landing to take the steamer Forest
for the county seat (Osceola). AS
they proceeded through the lonely
bottom at the head of Golding's
lake, a party Of horsemen rode up
behind them, but did not como up
close enough to show their faces, or
, let it be known who they were.
{ They made no attempt to interfere
with tho sheriff, and about nine
clock the posse, with tho prisoners,
reached the landing. A fire was
built, and Mr.. Hancock, having
/ been up for three nights, went to
the warehouse and went to bed
, While the prisoners were standing
p by the fire, tied 1.-TWO and two,
some one stepped out Of the gloom
at the edge Of the circle Of freight
and discharged n double-barrcled ed
gun ot Randolph and Phillips
Both fell, falling directly into the
fire, but the guards rushed to theii
| aid and drew them out before they
were burned. An examination
| showed that Phillips was unhurt
9 but Randolph was pretty badly
D wounded about the head and face
| On this, the prisoners were united
: and tho guards made preparations
4 for a fight; an hour passed and nc
{ further attack was mado. a recon
0 noitering party, who searched the
1 woods around, could see no signs
/ of any body, and things gradually
:, quieted down again. Suddenly Mr.
@ Beall heard n noise as If some on,
e was trying to stampede tho horses
T. of tho party, and went to'whert
they were tied to examine INTO tho
y matter. They were hitched abou'
+ a hundred yards from the fire, anC
e he had barely reached them wher
c he heard q row IN camp, and before
|, he had got half way back on tul
Q run, a body of men had rushed II
a mast the puard. seized tho two pris