Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-12-07
Ham burg Ma ssacre Butler,

The Maine Standard is tremendously
shocked at the admission of Kellogg to
a seat in the United States Senate. bu,
has not the least objection to the admis-
sion of Hamburg Massacre Butler. Kel-
logg was admitted after an examination
OF his claims by the committee on cleo
tons and favorable report, but Butler
was admitted without any investigation OF
his case, by the democratic vote OF the
Senate REINFORCED by the votes OF the two
carpet-baggers, Patterson and Conover.
A letter in late number OF the Boston
Daily Advertiser gives an account OF But
ler's connection with the Hamburg Mas
sacre, and exposes the fraudulent charac-
ter of his claim to the seat which he ha,
obtained. After relating The history oi the
difficulty which occurred between the ne
groes and whites. leading to the bloody
massacre which followed, the writer saws ;
Efforts were made to adjust the misunderstood.
ing with Robert and Henry Butler, but they re-
fefred all propositions to General NJ. G., Butler
saying that ne was their counsel aud the whole
matter was in his hands. As a last resort, and ia
save bloodshed General Butler was asked if be
would guarantee the safety of the town if the
arms were given up to which his only reply was
that would depend on how the negroes behaved
themselves aiterward, Impatient at the DELAY.
Butler again demanded the surrender of the arms.
threatening as an alternative that he would Law
the id town in ashes. AT last the maraudinp
aud lswless whites opened fire upon the armory.
IN which were the doomed negroes and their arm.
Having a small e
oil which was issued five years before Captain
Adams directed his men not to fire until he rave
the order. Outnumbeied six to one and su,-
rounded on all sides the fire was at last returned
ana one OIL the auacklng party was killed. A
heldpece was then procured nom Augusta trained
on the armory, loaded with Canister and "A reg,l.r
assault began. by tins time night had fallen and
the negroes were seeking for the best means ot
safety and escape from the armoiy. MANY nassed
through the lines of the besegers Others md nm.
der floors OF neighboring buildings but in soite
OF all their efforts twenty five negroes were can
tured-not one with arms 10 his hands, and some
who were never members Of the company. Ah,ut
two O'Clock 10 the morning the horrid butchery
began. The first victim was A. +. Attorney, 4
young colored man OF 81, first leutenat of th,
company, commissioner of Aiken county, who
was taken alitte distance apart and, despite hi
own entreatles and bis mothers prayers for biz
life. shot in cold blood After him, David Phil
lips, Pompey Cuuey, Albert Vineyard Nose
NJ ne anu iiaHhptoh Att'ehs were calltu OUT one
by one and shot Ike dogs. ln the cool gray o.
tins Sabbath morning, these xix young American
citizens were there cruelty ami savagey slgugh.
ieres for no offence, without trial, without sc
tence, without prayers d without mercy.
GENERAL BUTLEKs RESPONSIBILITY.
Butler denies bis responsibility for the massa.
ere, but Senator Angus Cameron's committee
which last winter made thorough investigation nj
the affair and all the circumstances leading TO il
viii soon report, and will place upyn Hutler Al,
blame and the guilt OF this bloody transaction
bear too, what unimpeached aud undisctedited
Witnesses participants and survivors Of that DIRE ad
full night say Of Butler aud bis presence there
When Corporal Parker was arrested and brough
10 the other prisoners he appealed TO the August
gentlemen whom be recognized, for protection
General Butler then asked II be was one of th