Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1876-12-05
IFron the baltimore Americas j
AN UNPROVOKED OUPRAgE
SUMMIT Po1sr.

ten unoHending colored people at this place.
The attack occurred inSthe store of Messrs.
Wilson, Bros where about eighteen or TWEEN
" people were assembled and black.
One colored man, Richard Moore, narrowly
escaped being killed by weight thrown at
his head following them with shot pun. 4
threatening to kill ..any id Radical son Of
q BIB that dared to take 1t up.s Il was a
witness to this affair. In common with several
other gentlemen, but no Democrat in any
way even expressed disapproval, while four
or i've called Justify for the killing of the
Odd niggers."
Is the shot gum policy to be inaugursted
IN the State of West Virginia as IL has been
IN Louisiana, South Carolina and other South-
err States? $500
Twas asoidier in the late war in the South
ern army (was color>bearer of the First Reg
iment Maryland Cavalry. Since that time,
like Col. John Mosby. have been eiti,
zen of the United States, and heart and soul
opposed to the mob Law and rebellion, which
is IS much in existence to-day as it was
when South Carolina seeded, and am ready
today to serve my country whenever my SER
vices may be needed. IF Mr.. Tilden can be
fairly elected, 1 say amen.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
r. REDDELL GRoGAN.
The following is a copy of communities
ton to prominent Republican and citizen
of Harper's Ferry:
SUMMIT POINT, JETF. Co.. w. Va.
November Fl, 1876.
We, the undersigned citizens of the county
of Jefferson. State of West Virginia, having
held meeting tonight 10 express our views
and opinions, and to adopt the best means for
FIPn harS L.. 4. n
crats, with shot guns in their hands, threat
ening our lives. George S. Bonham and
Charles Hardesty, being the leaders in this
unproyoked attack. and that we do solemnly
swear that said assault was made upon US
without proyocation; and further, that said
parties threatened our lives with shot guns in
hands. declaring ''thst they would kill every
Radical son - who dared to open their
heads to them. white or black Fearing a
similar attack, and that violence may be used
against US at any moment, we earnestly ask
that Upited States troops be sent here, that
violence and bioodshed may be prevented,
which we most earnestly desire to avoid. Mr.
4. Grogan was in the store of Messrs.
Wilson Bros when the assault was made upon
US. and made what efforts he could to sup
press and keep down this conflict, aud has
done all in his power since the nomination
of Hayes and Wheeler to preserve peace,
harmony and good order. But now that the
shot gun policy has been insugurated, we
make this appeal to yen to advise us what
course to pursue, feeling that we are lawab;d>
ing citizens. and only ask that protection
which is guaranteed to every citizen of the
United States. Please answer without delay.
Very Respectfully,
Richard Moore, Glare nee Wood.
james +. Newman, Jessie Berry,
George ". Berry. Thomas Robertson,
Henry w. Staley. Frank Washington
The Baltimore American, claiming to be
governed By decency, and we believe gener-
ally controlled by it to as great an extent as
psrti2au newspaper can be, is, the vehicle
used by one Grosan to disseminate talsehood.
In regard to an occurrence at Summit Point
Our understanding is that Mr. George
Bonham, large stuck dealer, remarked in
the presence Of some negroes in the store of
Wilson Brothers that would kill any dog
that he saw killing sheep Ills remark was
addressed to some white gentlemen. A negro
thrust his lip in and wanted to tuow wheth-
er he would kill Republican dog. He WAS
told that the remark was not addressed to him
and that he would be obliged to him if he
would bold his tongue. This brought on
other words. and Ratchet was seized BY
Bonham to defend himself against negro as
sauit The negroes were armed and Mr.
Hsrdesty, another stock dealer. seized gun
TO defend MIR Bonhsm against the negroes
which, from his known character, he would
have used freely in just cause.
We suppose that the negro was excited
by apprehension that his dog would he killed
Sheep>raising is large and growing interest
IN this county and sheep stealing is one of its
greatest obstacles. 1t is not unlikely there
are dogs trained to the business.
We understand that the creature who sent
the letter has been, because of his known
low character, spurned from association by
his family. aud has been living at times
among triaing negroes in their novels
Free Press.
The above from the Free Press has been
corroborated to US from other sources as SUBJ
stautiAlly correct. The whole thing, SO far as
this GrOgan. whoever he may be, is con-
cerned, would require neither notice nor COM
ment, but the letter purpOrting to be addressed
by eight colored citizens of Summit Point to
$50 Prominent Citizen and Republican" of
Harper's Ferry, is fair illustration of the
msnner in which uuprincipled men for their
own advancement are seeking to poison the
minds of our usually we'll behaved colored
population. and SO to infiame their fears and
passions that mere accidental rencounter
between two men. is magnifed into an onset
by Democrats with 'tshOt>guns" and request
is made for U s. soldiers.
We have only to say that we rather pity
than blame the eight dupss who put their
names to that paper, and we would advise
them and all other cOiored citizens of this
county that the sooner they cut loose from
such advisers as Grogan and the prominent
Citizen and Republican of Harpcr's Ferry"
provided the latter was instrumental in pub,