The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1877-10-25
The State House Plot.

Shannon, the signer of the commu-
nication in relation to "Furniture"
Dennis & Co.. published a day or
two ago. Mr.. Shannon gives an iu-
interesting narrative of his adven-
Tures from the time that he received
his discharge from the United States
navy, July 21, 1876, until his arrival
in this State. He says that he made
his way in search Of work from
Brooklyn across the country until he
reached Darlington on the 9Th Of
November last. Upon his arrival
there, he accidently came into con-
tact with Baruch, thon trial justice,
and now the sheriff Of that county.
Through him he was introduced to
Whittemore as one who could, pro,
badly, procure him employment.--
Whittemore seemed to think that he
had found in Mr.. Shannon man
with nerve and recklessness enough
to do the work which he, himself,
said that his "niggers" lacked the
courage to do. He accordingly prom
ised him a situation as United States
deputy marshal, to execute warrants
which he was thon preparing to issue.
Mr.. Shannon witnessed much of the
process of manufacturing atlidavits
against some Of the most prominent
and respectable white men in the
county who were marked out for ar
rest and persecution. lie describes
the modus operandi quite minutcly.
He says that Whittemoro kept his
blank af1idavits ready, and sent out
his agents to drum up negro intimi-
dation witnesses. A negro who
made his appearance was invariably
given to understand about what he
was to swear to, and against whom
When he was too stupid or too con-
scientious, Qhis latter rarely hap
pened,) his language was twisted and
contorted to suit. About forty of
these were prepared; one, he remem
bers, against Col. Law, prominent
Democrat of that county. The man,
ufacture was continued until the time
arrived for the convening Of the
Legislature, when Whittemore left
for Columbia. Almost Immediately
upon his arrival there he sent down
an urgent message for Mr.. Shannon
to come up, rendering him the posi-
tion of "Arresting Sergeant" of the
Legislature, ard offering at the same
time to defray all expenses. His
idea evidently was that be had got
ten hold Of desperate and courage
Ous man who would hesitate at moth.
ing. On the morning Of Mr.. Shan
mons arrival, he was met by Whit
temore, who went into the eStatehonse,
and returned in few minutes bear
ing q commission as deputy sergeant
0L al LIS "ulCu uS ntduucu ululs MI.
Shannon Immediately went on duty,
and was given virtual command OF
the negro constabulary about the
doors. Hero he remained until the
storming the House by the Demo-
cratic members. lie states that that
movement was complete surprise.
He was the only man at the door at
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, Mackoy told him to call at
his Office next morning. He did SO,
and was handed @ fine Colts six
barrelled revolver, with the signlf-
cant remark that she knew how to
use it," The force of negroes was
increased, all of them being armed
and under Mr.. Shannon's orders.--
On the first or second night that the
Democrats were in the hall of the
House, six cases containing ono huns