Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1877-07-19
THE STATE HOUSE. PLOT.

Several days ago, one James Shannon
dropped note to the editors of the News and
Courier, informing them that he could give
some of the inside history of the latter days
of the Chamberlain administration in this
State, he having been one of the men who
guarded the State House doors. Upon the
reception of this communication, the reporter
of the Ne,rs and Courier was directed to seek
Mr.. Shannon and obtain his statement, which
is as follows:
Mr.. Shannon gives an interesting narrative
of his adventures from the time that he re-
ceived his dicharge from the United States
navy, July 81, 1875, until his arrival in this
State. He says that he made his way in
search of work from Brookland across the
country until be reached Darlington on the
9th of November last. Upon his arrival
there, he accidently came into contact with
Buruch, then Trial Justice, and now
Sheriff of that county. Through him he was
introduced to Whittemore as one who could,
probably, procure him employment. Whit
temore seemed to think he found in Mr.. Shan
non man with nerve and recklessness enough
to do the work which he himself said that his
"niggers" lacked the courage to do. He ac-
cordingly promised him situation as United
States deputy marshal, to execute warrants
which he was prepared to issue. Mr.. Shan
non witnessed much of the process of manufac-
turing afidavits against some Of the most
prominent and respectable white men in the
county, who were marked out for arrest and
persecution.
He described the modus operandi quite
minutely. He says that Whittemore kept
his blank affidavits ready, and sent out his
agents to drum up negro intimidation wit
nesses. A negro who made bis appearance
was invariably given to understand about
what he was to swear to, and against whom.
When he was too stupid or too conscientious.
(this latter rarely happened, his language was
twisted and contorted to suit. About forty
of these were prepared one, he remembers.
against Col. Law, prominent Democrat of
that county. The manufacture was continued
until the time arrived for the convening OF the
Legislature, when Whittemore left for Co.
lumbia. Almost Immediately upon his arri-
val there, he sent down an urgent message for
Mr. Shannon to come up, rendering him the
position of "Arresting Sergeant" of the Legis-
iature, and offering at the same time to defray
all expenses His idea evidently was that he
had gotten hold of desperate ard courage
Gus man who would hesitate at nothing.
On the morning of Mr.. Shannou's arrival,
he was met by Whittemore, who went into
the State I-vuse, and returned in a few min
utes bearing commission as Deputy Ser
geant-at.Arms, which he handed him. Mr..
Shannon Immediately went on duty, and was
given virtual command Of the negro constab.
ulary about the doors. Here he remained
until the storming of the House by the Dem
ocratic members. He states that that move
ment was complete surprise. He was the
only man at the door al the time, and was
swept out of the way, despite his resistance.
On that day, about three hours after the en-
trance of the Democrats, Mackey came to Mr..
Shannon and asked rather abruptly If he did
not have pistol. Upon his replying in the
negative, Mackey told him to call at his Office