The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-10-18
The Negro Troubles at Waterproof La.
Some Particulars About the AnalF.


| NArcHgz, Miss, October 1.-THE fol
lowing account OF the troubles in Tensas
parish will appear tomorrow morning In
the Natchez Democrat:
We have what we believe to be accurate
information in reference to the disturb
an" in Tensas parish. The reports which
have been circulated so extensively have
been extrayagantly exaggerated. On Mon
dav last negroes in large numbers passed
through Waterproof on their way to q
mass meeting some miles above town, and
in passing through some Of them were
very insulting and threatening in their
language. .sf.l -el
The citizens of Waterproof doubtless
had good cause for their apprehension. And
message was sent to this city asking aid
to save the lives and honor OF the women
and children and the property Of fthetown.
A meeting at once assembled at the armory
OF the Light Infantry, and under the ad-
vice OF the most prudent men OF the coun-
try number OF persons numbering about
one hundred, volunteered to 60 to Water
proof and learn the true state OF affairs,
and prepared, II necessary, TO protect
lives and property. The steam ierryboat
was procured and the party left about
twelve o'clock and reached Largent
landing about daybreak. Here can.
non was fired to announce their ap-
proach to the people Of Waterproof, some
three miles distant. Several persons from
the shore came to the boat, and the pleas
ing information was obtained that II was
probable there would be no need for arm
ed assistance. To thoroughly satisfy them.
selves, however, the party proceeded to
Waterproof with their boat, where they
were met by the authorities OF the town,
and the information received at Largent
was confirmed. At the urgent invitation
Of the people of the town the party
went on shore and were entertained
during portion OF the day and returned
last night about u o'clock. The editor Of
this paper used every effort to satisfy him
self in regard to the facts and he found
nothing to induce him to believe that any
negroes had been killed. Three persons
were found in the house OF Fairfax on
Saturday afternoon last when Capt. Peck
was fired upon and killed, two OF whom
are thought to be mortally wounded.
There is no evidence that any conflict had
occurred other than the one which took
place at Fairfax's house. The gin house,
on Cuens. place, was burned, and with
some 60 or 70 bales Of cotton. When the
party from this city arrived and blank
charge was fired from q pounder, the
greatest CONSERVATION prevailed among
the negros in the parish, but when they
found out who composed the party and
from whence they came, they seemed
much relieved, and seemed very glad to
find that they were from Natchez. Our
conclusion from what we have personally
seen, is that while the colored people OF
Tensas parish and some Of the adjoining
parishes, have acted in such an imprudent
and threatening manner Us to cause SER
ious apprehension on the part Of the peo.
pie of the parish. There has been no
probability at any time ola dangerous out
break.
Gov. Nichols tonight received dispatch
from the District Attorney OF Tensas par
ish, saying, the Sheriff has force OF 500
or 100 men, mostly militia from adjoining
parishes, and needs no more force at pres
ent to maintain peace and yindicate the
law. The Governor says the troops will
remain under orders to answer the signal
agreed upon, twenty blows on the fire
bells, to reassemble at the armory for
marching orders, but thinks their services
will not be required. No mention is made
in the dispatch to the Governor Of any
conflict having occurred. ttGI