The Portland daily press., 1875-08-20
NEGRO "SCARE" IN GEORGIA.
Silly Letters Made Pretext for Whole.
sale Arrest of Negroes.

NEW YORK, Aug, 19.-The Times special
from Augusta, Ca, gives the following partic-
ularS of the reported insurrection by negroes:
Two days since letter was found in William
sons store, in Washington county, place
where a colored militia company drills, order
ing a massacre of whites on the Goth inst. The
stated that Rivers, colored militia general Of
South Carolina, would be present and direct
the movement. The order read, Skill every
white man, and take every gun you can get
Have all your companies ready. Kill with
axes, hoes, pitchforks and get gunpowder and
shot as you KILL.
After commencing the work in Washington
county, the negroes were directed to move
toward Barlow, in Jefferson county, where
they would be Joined by Gen. Rivers At first
many thought this was a hoax gotten up for
soaring the whites, but yesterday letter was
found in Jefferson county directed to the COL
ored companies of this county, and giving SUBJ
stant!ally the same instructions. A lady liv-
ing in Jefferson county was also warned by a
I faithful servant that she had better not be at
home on Friday or she might come to harm.
The whites apprehending danger telegraphed
| to Macon for ammunition, which was promptly
| furnished and distributed to the local compa-
| MES. Every preparation was made for the
conflict, but measures were also taken to pre-
vent collision.
Today Gov. Smith was informed of the situa-
| ton and telegraphed to Sandersville and Ten
mile, in Washington county. and to Louisville
in Jefferson county, ordering the white mill
tary companies in those places to report to the
sheriffs for duty but cautioning the sheriffs to
be caletul in the exercise of their powers. At
once the work of making arrests commenced,
and by dusk this evening eighty negroes
charged with being the ringleaders in the
movement had been arrested. None Of the
accused offered resistance. Some were sent to
jail in Sandersville and others in Wrightsvile.
1t is alleged that the correspondence captured
indicates conspiracy among the negroes ex-
tending through the counties of Washington,
Jefferson, johnson and Burke. 1t is thought
made by the whites will prevent an outbreak.
1t is now feared the whites will not await the
process of the law, but will lynch the prison.
ers now in Jail Moderation is counseled. bat
fears for their fate are entertained. Many be-
leve the affair has been greatly exaggerated
and hat no mischief was intended.
A letter somewhat similar to the above men,
toned was intercepted in Hancock county
some time ago, and the whites then armed for
conflict, but none came. The greatest ex.
element is prevailing in the counties threat
ended. and the slightest impr ldence may
cause disastrous consequences.
Later,
AUGUSTA, Aug. 19.-The arrests of alleged
negro insurrectioni its in johnson, Washington
and Jefferson counties continued today. Thir-
teen armed negroes came into Wrighthall and
surrendered themselves. In Burk county a
collision between whites and blacks seems
hourly emminent Both races are under arms
and negroes are reported massed a few miles
from Aaynesboro'. White scouts were fired on
by the negroes this morning. The Burke
county people sent here today for troops. but
Gov. Smith declined to let,apy companies 90.
A number of volunteers left for. Waynesboro'
tonight and it is feared fight will soon take
place.
About 100 arrests have thus far been made ih
the different counties.
Latest.
The latest accounts are that the excitement
is subsiding. and no fears are entertained of an
outbreak. The trouble was caused by few
worthless blacks. The ringleaders will be
punished,