Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1876-10-26
AFFAIRS I'M sOUTR CAROLINA.

respondent OF Inc New 4Ofk HERALD
telsgrapbs the following particulars
OF the brutal shooting Of white men
by the colored militia in Edgefield
county on Wednesday, heretofore
brie fly reported:
From Edge6eld comes the story of
another ambush and assassination by
negroes which, but for the presence
and control exercised by the demo-
cratic leaders would probably have
resuited-im an indisrri1ninate massacre
of negroes. Wednesday, morning
large assemblage of citizens, white
and colored, was addressed by Gen
Hampton ana other speakers at
Edgeficld Court House, Gen. Hamp
ton counseled forbearance even un-
der the most fragrant oppression, and
earnestly entreated the people to
maintai;l peace and good order
throughout he county.
Judge 7. ] Mackey urged obedi-
ence to every process of the court,
national and State, and prompt sub
mission to any war; ant, even though
the party accused knew himself to be
innocent and that the citizens should
look to the courts for redress Of all
wrongs, but stated that citizen who
had not committed an offense or was
not engaged in the commission of an
ofense should resist arrest as a pub,
lie duty unless warrant was exhibi-
ted. The meeting was most peace-
able and orderly, the greatest good
humor prevailing, and it adjourned
about four p. Nj.
AT five o'clock P. M, six gentlemen,
who had attended the meeting, were
riding along on their way homeward
in the public road, about two and a
half miles from Edge6eM Court
House, when they were fred upon b.
several of the black militia, who have
been Notwithstanding new State
arms in that vicinity. The FIRE, which
was from an ambush, killed Mr.. John
Gilmore, and shattered the arm of
Mr.. Edward Yeodell. The remainder
of the party drew their weapons,
which were small belt pistols, and
two more shots were fired at them
from The bushes by their unseen
enemies, but without effect. They
discovered black man as he reached
the field about $50 yards from the
road, who, at the instant he was seen,
discharged rifle at the party in the
road. They returned the fire without
effect. Two Of the party returned to
Eege6eld Court House and reported
the fact, while the others remained
with the corpse.
Major Jacob Kline, United States
army, eonmandant of the post at
Edgeield, and several other officers
of the army post at Edgefcld, pro
ceedcd to the spot where the body of
Gilmore lay, as did also General Gary
and others While the officers were
viewing the body it was suggested
that the coroner should be sent for,
and a Mr. James Oultz, a citizen,
started from the place where the
corpse lay to summon that official.
When Mr.. Ou,tz reached a point
within mile of the court house he
also was fred upon from ambush, one
shot striking him, SCATTERING his leg
and severely wounding his horse. The
citizens as the news OF these bloody
deeds spread, collected from many
points in the county to the number Of
nearly 10 0 men, and it required the
restraining influence of Generals But
er and Gary, which was actively
excrted, to prevent swift retaliation
upon the parties believed to le
implicated in the deed of blood.
Major Kline denounced the act as one
Of the most bloody and monstrous
within his experience, and it excited
the utmost Indignation of the soldiers
of the garris n. who openly declared
that it should not be submitted to.
The deceased Mr., Gilmore leaves
widow and SIX children. All of the
parties fired upon are men of good
social standing, and neither of them
is aware of having given any cause to
white or black that would warrant an
attempt against his lie
1t is universally believed III Edge
field, from the recent movements of
the local leaders who have been go
ing to and firm Edge6eld and Colum.
bia during the past week, that those
who committed tins crime were but
carrying out the instructions OF Gov.
Chamberlain and his immediate poli,i-
cal associates. Gov. Chamberlain's
proclamation, which is practically
declaration OF outlawry against the
whole white population of South
Carolina who support the democra.
tic nominees, has impressed the he
groes generally with the idea that the
white democrat is public enemy, IT
open war with the government, and
may be lawfully slain. This great
crime at Edge6eld, so utterly wanton,
and done with the arms of the State,
whose Governor has virtually declar-
ed war against nearly one-half of its
citizens, is fast driving the people to
assert their inalienable right of self
defense for the protection of their
lives.
Hundreds of colo red republicans
attend their political meetings mounts
ed, organized, armed and in process
sion, and yet the white men OF South
Carolina seem to be the only objects
of solicitude and attack. 1t is at this
juncture, when the white citizens of
this State are being Systematically
ambushed and slain by the arganized
black militia of the State, to whom
arms and ammunition are being oon-
stantlo issued, that the proclamation
of the President commands. in effect,
that two or more whites shall be