Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1878-11-30
NLOh Law in Kentucky.

LEXINGTON, Nov, 0.--Breathtt county, in
this State, is in a state of civil war. A letter
written from Jackson en- Wednesday says:
The town is under control of mob. Good
citizens are fleeing for their lives. Women and
children arc seeking shelter from any who will
protect them. The officers OF the law arc de-
fed, and havoc and desolatioa prevail. Men;
drunk ADD wild With frenzy, armed to the teeth
with pistols and guns, arc walking the streets,
yelling at the top Of their voices, proclaiming
who they intcpd to kill. Ia fact it is as much
az your life is worth to appear upon the streets,
for you Gre liable 10 be attacked by either or
both parties ut any moment. This IL the third
daY of this terrible condition of affairs. This
people have been sorey sfll,tcd in he past,
but the outrages and laalessness then arc not
to be compared with tho terrible crimes Of this
week.
Judge VIM. Randall convened the Breathitt
Circuit Court on Monday morning., Instructed
the grand jury and adjourned till afternoon
During tho afternoon Johu Aikman, leading
about dozen men, dashed into town on horse
back, armed with pistols and guns dismounted
and iuriousIy attacked Captain BI Srong's
clan, who wero standing on the street in front
of Breeding store. Thirty or forty shots wero
discharged, Two taking effect On William and
Daniel Freeman, the former shot through the
body, the latter through the head. They were
removed late in the evening 10 their homes
several miles up the river, and it is reported
to day that Daniel freeman Is recovering, bat
William is dead.
Strong and his followers received no injuries,
but bsrricaded themselves in little leg cabin
about 100 yards from the Court House. where
they had previously stacked their arms. Ak
man and his party sought shelter in the Court
kept up during tha afternoon. Oae ofthe Free
mans who fell in the middle of the street when
shot. was forced to lie there for two hours, his
friends fearing to attempt his removal during
this strife. Hideous yell, and shouts Of deli
ance could DO heard from both parties.
The court was puzzled, and officers OF the law
dumbfounded. The citizens watched from 6
distance, and not single effort was made to
quell the bloody ri:t. at last with light came
hope, and all was quiet save the bedlam Whoop
of the drunken rshble. There was no sleep or
rest, everybody living in dread expectancy of
the morrow. and slowly next morning Tuesday,
as light was thrown upon the scene it was dis
covered that Aikmsn and party had withdrawn
from the Court House and chartered themselves
near the river bank, while strong and his clan
held their fort still. One by one the citizens
made their appearance in the street, conqratula-
ting themselves that the war was over. About
ten O'Clock Strong retired and soon thereafter
struggling drunken men we'll armed began to
parade the streets in deisnce of all law and or.
der. 1t was whispered that the guard which |
had been sent to Lexington under charge of the |
Sheriff to bring back Jason Little would soon |
return, and On effort would be make to release |
the prisoner. Deputy Little and guard had re-.
turned, and to the credit however. Of John |
Altman. be 1t said, he refused 10 participate in |
this crime, and left for home.