Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-10-04
CAssIus N. CLAY.
How ne Was Compelled 20 XIII a
Negro.

LLUA nv YVES OAAAEGAAuA ~ - =
Negro.
Cassius II. Clay has been a lifelong
AbOlitionist. he is now in bis seventy
seventh year, a stern Kentuckian of the
old school. A correspondent Of the
Courier Journal writing from Richmond
tells how the distinguished old man was
compelledtO kill a negro whom he nur.
tured but too we'll;
For several months General CAssius
NJ. Clay has had in his employ a negro
woman (Sarah) as cook. General Clay
lived alone seven miles from town, aud
not nearer than a mile to his nearest
neighbor. This negro woman had two
or more sons-one Perry, tie unfortu-
nate victim herein mentioned. General
Clay, 10 consequence Of the impotence,
thievery, etc., of these negroes, was
compelled, in self-defense, to discharge
the woman, Sarah. She was impudent
and violent, and threatened him with
the fact that she had sons aud other
friends who could and would protect
her. General Clay was even informed
by other and reliable parties that the
aforesaid Perry (Sarah's SOM had said
that he was as good as old Cash Clay
or any other white man, and if he fooled
with him as be did with other negroes
he would kill him" or words of that i'm.
port. General Clay paid little attention
to these threats, bat quietly discharged
ard sent this whole family from his
place. Some months ago the negro,
Perry left the county, and during that
time wrote several times to his mother.
In these letters he distinctly stated that
he did not care for Cash Clay, aud il he
ever got a chance he intended to kill
him" These letters the general, by ac-
cident, intercepted, and became aware
of these threats. He was consequently
forewarned, and was consequently on
the lookout. The negro Perry was Tor
hidden General Clay place.
Now comes the 6uale. On yesterday
morning. about ii o'clock, General Clay
mounted upon his mule, with a boy some
ten years old behind him, and started
out in search of q cook, his negroes,
through the persuasion of these hostiles,
all left him, and when approach
ing his stable, about $50 yards from his
house, be discovered concealed in the
woods, and behind what was apparently
a loose horse, the negro Perry. OWNING
the scoundreps object, the general at
once dismounted, and, with pistol in
hand, rapidly advanced upon the would
be assassin, and before he had time to
fire or even draw his weapon confronted
him face to face at but a few feet dis.
lance, calling on him at the same time
to hold up his hands, all OF which the
said Perry complied with instantly. No
sooner, however, had this occurred than
General Clay commenced TO question
him about bis causes Of grievances
agAinst him, and to inquire why be had
threatened bis life, and Perry sprang to
his feet and attempted to draw his
weapons, At this demonstration Gene
raj Clay fred, striking him in the neck,
and Immediately siterward a second shot,
which passed through his heart and pro-
duced instant death.
General Clay rode at once TO Fox
town and there informed Mr.. Green
Samuels Of the affair, and sent for his
son, Major Green Clay, with directions
to 90 at once and examine the body.
When Major Clay arrived, about three.
quarters Of an hour after the killing, the
negro's friends and kinsfolk, a dozen or
more in number, had already arrived
and bad possession Of the body. As no
one was present or anywhere in sight,
save General Clay, the little boy and the
negro killed, and as they had no means
Of knowing of the occurrence, unless
privy thereto, it is plain that these people
were a party to the whole affair, and were
at the time either watching, or we're at
least within hsiling distance. Such in
brief are the particulars OF this unfortu-
nate affair. General Clay came up at
to Richmond and surrendered him
self to the proper authorities. he was
yesterday, at his own request, placed
under guard, and this morning appeared
IN court, end having waived an examina.
ton vas held to bail, and that being
promptly given be was released.