Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-01-02
The Vicksburg, Miss, Investiga-
ton.
Testimony Of Col. Horace Miller
{ ov. Ames and Adjt.Gen'l Packer to be
Called to Testify.

Nicksburg, January l. The Congressional
committe continued the examination Of Colonel
Horace Miller to-day. He testified that after the
war many unsuccessful attempts were made to in
dnce the negroes to vote with the whites by NOM
mating some of them for office, but the blacks
were continually infamed against the whites by
appeals of carpet -baggers. Every element of dis
cord WAS constantly kept before them, and the re-
suit was that in every election for series of years
the negroes voted in almost solid mass and were
often carried to the polls in military array under
leaders, where they remained until tue whole col
umn had voted, their leaders handing them their
tickets or else deposl ing the ballots for them
This state Of affairs produced the color line, the
whites being satisfied that it was useless to at
tempt to coale.ce with negroes in voting. The
whites of Mississippi accept in good faith the con-
stitutional amendments and laws passed by Con-
gress in relation TO negroes. The only opposition
to the blacks being free to vote as they pleased
con es from tn. ir race, and such is the intim
idation used in this case that they dare not vote
against the republican party.
Col. Miller further testified that Crosby could
not perfect his bond and that an attempt was
made which failed to induce Crosby to appoint q
deputy who could obtain bonds and would be ac-
ceptable to the tax payers. The taxes have in
creased enormously and real estate decreased in
value from 80 to rs per cent. since 1860. Knew
of no intimidation towards the officers charged
with conducting the late election.
He knew that arms were brought here about that
were generally Winchester rifles or calbnes, not
over Is in number, and were brought here in the
month preceding election. All the militia COM
panies had needed guns. The colored company
had about so only. Knew of guns being sent here
on consignment and afterwards distributed to the
citizens.
Furongs assertion in the legislature that 100
negroes were killed dear Pemberton Monument
was untrue. General disorder and insecurity of
life were not worse here than in any other por-
~. IL.
punished here as elsewhere. Colored jurors were
probably more prompt to punish men Of their own
color thar white jurors would. Citizens believed
there was a conspiracy between Crosby and other
officials to defraud the people Several nights be-
fore the August election Halls colored company
had pockets out on the streets, and stopped gen
tlemen in carriage and searched them. Among
the searched was Horace Marshall and Chas. Prime
and wife. This caused much Indignation and
some of the citizens purchased arms.
From conversation with Crosby he thought
Governor Ames and CORDOBA had advised him to
gain the sheriff office; in fact, saw the follow
ing letter on official letter paper
coffee of the Sept. CT Public Education,
jackson, Miss, Dec. 6, 1874.
Dear Crosby-Do not make any compromise
with these fellows. The government is at your
back steps will be taken for your relief they
will be ample and you need not fear. do not
care to say now what they will be, but you will
be all right. We are opposed to any ind all COM
promise.
(Signed), Your friend,
CORDOBA.
Colonel Miller said the statements in Governor
Ames proclamation Of December 5, in regard to
the condition of affairs in Vicksburg, were untrue
Two of the governors staff were here that day and
knew they were untrue. Adjutant General Pack
err had afterwards told him that he saw no riotous
demonstrations whatever that day, and while the
governor was not liked by the white people of any
party here, his presence as goverdor and DISPOSE
ton to act fairly would have settled the whole
matter without bloodshed.
DR. Harvey Sherman was the next witness. He
testified that he was in charge of the cavalry on
the fight He went on scout in the morning
with a few men on the Cheny street road and was
fired on by negroes. They returned to town.
Col. VIM. Fieuch testified that he believed il
was the intention of the negroes on the 7th Of
December to plumber the town.
The court adjourned till Tomorrow
The democratic members of the committee will
request that Gov Ames and Adjutant General
Packer be summoned to testify. The investigation
will probably continue until Friday next.