Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1876-12-06
III. v. Rcdfield's Version Of the
riDkstOn Murder.

We give herewith in full the dis
patch of H. V. Redfeld, Republi-
can) Of the Cincinnati CONNER
cial, concerning the story OF the
colored woman Eliza Pinkston
which is probably the worst that
can be said of the affair:
New Orleans, Nov. ga II m.
The Returning Board took up
Ouachita Parish to-day, and the
investigation az to numerous MUIR
ders and systematic intimidation
there, led 10 profound sensation.
The woman, Eliza Pinkston. was
brought in. although so badly
wounded that her recovery i. a
matter OF doubt.
Her testimony is that her hus-
band vas taken out Of bed by bull
dozers, Saturday night before the
election, and murdered in the most
cold-blooded and brutal manner.
Her child was slaughtered at the
same time, so as TO make way with
the stock. She was cut and shot
and left for dead. Her wounds tell
the story Of the savage assault, the
gunshot wound and the stab in the
breast presenting sickening sight ;
head and thigh cut with an ak, the
latter wound being about a foot
long; both heels, throat and jaw
badly cut. To-day, while giving
evidence, she tainted away. Being
revived, she finished her testimony.
She is very black. uneducated and
Of only ordinary intelligence. Her
story as told to-day before the
Board was straightforward and
without observation-disclosures. Her
husband had voted the Democratic
ticket two years ago, and joined
the Democratic club this year, but
did it for self-protection. He at
tended Democratic meeting few
DAYS before his murder, but left,
saying he would not vote that tick
ct, and picked one hundred pounds
of cotton the same day, which he
alleged was better than hearing
Democratic speeches. Then he at
tended a Republican meeting and
cheered the speakers. The bull
dozers, when they killed him, told
him that that was his ofense. Her
appearance and story was very af-
fecting, and made great sensation.
The Democrats were bewildered
and Mortified. Governor Palmer
said it was the most horrible revel-
alton he bad ever known, and that
the whole truth must come out, and
the matter sifted, regardless of con-
sequences. He said he had come
here as spectator, with no ex-
pectation that the testimony would
bring out such horrible revelations.
The question was above politics
it was above the Presidency. The
people owed il to themselves and
to humanity TO sift this thing to the
bottom. He had seen thousands
of men lying dead upon the field
Of battle, but the simple story OF
this black woman and her gaping
wounds affected him more than the
sight Of any battlefield, or any
thing he had experienced in his
life. 1t was not the Presidency
which was at stake it was civil
cation. The most rigid investiga-
ton must be made in the name OF
humanity. 1t could not rest here
IL must be sustained or disapproved.
Governor Palmer was greatly af-
fected, and spoke with warmth
IL is stated that George w. Julian
was sickened by the sight, and
could not look upon the gaping
wounds OF the woman. All were
greatly shocked, and the scene was
so tragic that Mr.. Sherman, Mr..
Stoughton and General White pa
ced the floor, and gave vent to
their feelings In quiet CALCULATIONS.
Lyman Trumbulll was not present.
The Democratic managers when
they recovered from their bewilder-
ment, cross-examined the witness,
but without materially weakening
her story. They claimed to be ia
ken by surprise, although her