Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1876-11-18
Letter from Charleston, :. &.
Nov. 18th, 1876.

Nov. 18th, 1876.
John H, little, Esq.,-Dear Sir
With your permission l will attempt to
relate about the election, aud my visit
to this place. A bright and balmy morn
ushered in day that will ever be mem.
orable i'll the history of this State as re-
cording the issue of determined strug-
gle between the corrupt administration
that has ruled and ruined South Caro-.
lina, and the people who have combined
to institute in its stead good govern
ment, honesty and reform.
AT all early hour the different pre-
cincts were throngcd with eager voters,
and long lines were formed, the citizens
of both races waiting patiently their
turn to deposit their ballots. Every
precaution had been taken by the Uni
ted States, State and City officials to
preserve the peace, and the moderation
and forbearance of the white citizens,
prevented any undue exercise of author
ity, and kept the unruly spirit in check.
AT every poll the working members Of
the ward were active in securing and
seeing that no illegal ballots were cast.
a great many attempts were made to
repeat and vote minors, but these were
generally discovered, and with the ex-
ception of some effort on the part OF the
! Republican officials 10 intimidate color
! ed democrat voters, no disturbance &C.
Cured during the day. Toward the
close of the evening, attachments OF
L. S. Troops were marched in the VI
cinity Of the polls, but their presence
was not needed, as the good order that
prevailed during the day was maintain
ed to the closing of the polls. 1t was
in all respects quiet election, an agree
able surprise to the timorous portion OF
the community, who were apprehenslve
of some serious outbreak. The polls
were duly closed at o clock =. NJ, and
the counting OF votes continued from
that time until the full return was made
to the commissioners Of the election.
From the earliest hours of day tErongs
OF pedestrians were tramping the side
walks, all earnestly determined to cast
their ballots at once thus at ten o'clock
a. NJ, ee-fourths of the votes were
cast. The vote was heavy one, the
oldest and most reserved of the citizens
combined to a man with the young and
middle-aged, and together they formed
! solid column for Hampton and Re
form. AS early as twelve o'clock Mon
day night, a party Of about two hundred
colored Republicans assembled around
one of the polling precincts of ward
eight, on Spring street, until daylight;
they sung and fired their pistols, dis
turbing the neighborhood generally.
At about daylight, when the white Dem
ocrats began to assemble around the
polls. the negroes blocked up the door
way, drew their pistols and ordered
them not to approach but the whites
were determined to maintain their rights
and displayed their determinalion,so the
Yahoos gave away.
There has been intense excitement
here over the tardy returns from other
States. Tonight there is intense en-
element over the news from Louisiana,
showing that she has gone for Illden
by large majority. The widest en-
thusiasm and most vociterous cheering
by thousands of people who crowded
! around The bulletin boards, to get news
affecting the result. The people have
decreed that Samuel j. Tilden will be
our next President, and enter the White
House on the 4th day of next March, or
rather the 9TH day, the 4th Icing Sun
dav. Hampton has been elected Gov
ernor of 5. &. and has been presented
before the people as Il candidate for the
Senate of the United States.
South Carolina is again free, and you
cannot imagine how the people have
been prosecuted by the carpet baggers
and negroes. | have heard old. gray
headed men, who have passed three
score wears and ten, shouting for Ill
den, Hampton and Reform.
In spite OF bayonet rule and carpet
baggers. South Carolina has elected a
Democratic State Ticket.
Allow me TO congratulate you on the
success of the Democratic party in JET
terson county, and the defeat Of the in
dependent Democrat candidates, or Boil
tiers from the Democratic party. | was
happy to hear of The election of &. i.
Butler, Esq, for State Senate. He is a
gentleman of sound judgment, and will
discharge his duties faithfully, and with
honor to the party who has given him
such large majority.
| attended the funeral of Mr.. Elliot
II. Walter. The services were perform
ed in Grace Church, Rev. c. E. Pick
ney officiating. The church was crowd
ed to its utmost extent with the friends
of the deceased Mr. Walter was cru
ely murdered by the so-called friends
OF the peace, the sworn police of the
city of Charleston. His death was uni
versally regretted. Few young men
were so deservedly popular.
In conclusion, permit me to apologize
for ,respassny on your time aud your
many intelligent readers OF your valua-
bic Democratic paper.
Yours truly, j. E.. H., L. S. A.