Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-05-11
DUEL ON HORSEBACK.
Mack Williams FIees from Custody,
and Being Pursued Makes De-
teTmIned Resistance-fhOugh
Wounded He Shoots q
Sherihr's Horse.

This morning there was considerable
excitement at the court house on account
of the escape of Mack Williams, a mar
whose bold deeds north of this city have
brought him into some noteriety. Some
time ago a ieud originated between q
number Of colored persons and Mack
Williams and his friends 10 one Of the
civil districts a few miles north of this
city. Two negroes we're killed aud a few
wounded ere order was restored, and
Mack Williams, the alleged originator Of
the troubles, arrested. When FIRST ar
rested he was taken before q magis-
trAte, but for want Of proof the &C
cused was discharged from custody.
Through the vigilance of Sheriff Ander-
son and his efficient Deputies sufficient
evidence was secured to cause the indict.
meat Ct Mack Williams, who was &C.
cordingly arrested on a cspias. His trial
for murder soon took place, aud the jury
returned q verdict for m~anslaughter,
prescribing two years as the term Of i'm
%prisenment. Tbereupon a motion for a
new trial was made by defendant, who,
in the meantime, was released on bail to
appear this morning before Judge Log
wood, Of the Criminal Court. About 10
o'clock this morning Judge Logwood an.
nounced his opinion, overruliug the mo.
ton for a new trial, and sentenced Mack
Williams t. the penitentisry for two
years. Thereupon notice Of appeal
was entered by defendants attorney.
10 a few minutes Mack Williams
arose to leave the courtroom
but Deputy Sheriff Dreyfus made him
take bis seat. In less than ten minuteI
Mack Williams slipped out Of the Crimi
nal Courtroom aud mounting a horse
which was awaiting him, dashed at head
long speed down Poplar street. The hu,
and cry was immediately raised, for Dep
uties Mcmahon, John Powell, Pop Can
non and W.. q, Broaddus, of the shriey
atty corps, we're soon on horse and il
pursuit Of the fugitive. Both the fugit
i've and the pursuers rode good horses
and although tho former had an advan
tageous start, the officers we're determ
iued to overtake him. They wentin dir
ferent directions, but BY good manage
ment all four struck the trail of Williams
who fed out Poplar and thence to Ia,
new Raleigh road. When about two
miles out, the party came up will
Williams at q grocery, DEPUTY
Sheriff Powell being the FIRST il
the lead. AS be approached, Viii
liams said, DO not come nearer
if you do, | will certainly kill you
About this time Deputy Sheriff McMa
hon had spurred up and dashed forward
and thereupon Williams began to fire
one Of the balls striking Deputy Sheriff
McMahon's horse and inaieiing a Sigh.
wound. Mr.. Mcmahon now had to u.s.
bis pistol, which be did with accurate
aim, for one Of the shots struck Macl
Williams just above the hip, inaictiDg I
serious aud probably fatal wound. This
ended the short but determined 6ght,anC
the officers had still some difficulty il
securing their prisoner. Williams free
six shots and then endeavored to use
a second pistol, when overcome by tht
officers. The officers could easily have
killed Williams, but desired to capture
him alive. Williams hid himself behind
his horse, firing three times at Powell
once ct Broaddus and twice at McMa
hon, the parties being within ten OIL
twenty steps of the desperate. While
Deputy Sheriff Cannon Covered vii
liams with his pistol, Deputy Sheriff
Powell jumped OF his horse and seized
the fugitive. The officers deserve grea'
credit for the safe aud efficient manner
in which they overcame and secured
Mack Williams, who is now ia Jail, DR.
Thornton examined the wound, which b
says is slight.