The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1878-06-21
FIVE AssAssINs LYNCHED.
A Dtd60iicd[ Plot to Establish Neoro
pren,dcy an Louisiana,

Prenadcy an Louisiana.
A special to the New Orleans Democrat,
dated Bayou Sara, June 6, tells that on
Sunday night last, June 2, as Dr. VIM. b,
Archer was returning to his home from the
house of his neighbor, Major Burton, about
10 p. NJ, about midway between the resi-.
dcnce of Capt 0 Lejcunc and his own, ho
was hrcd on by six negro men, who were
ying In ambush waiting for him. Five of
tho negroes had double. .barrelled guns and
one musket Or. Archer was on horse.
back and riding nlnflnR af. .thasRree.-
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very large cotton W6d 3, stas2II Sith.
in a few feet Of the levce, and all6f the
negroes fred as ha do6tSr Hns passing these
trees, his clothes being ridd,ed with bullet
holes and he was thrcwn from his horse, but
fortunately not much injured.
Inc assassins took to their heels. running
N different directions, but it was ascertained
who the parties were who had attempted
the foul act, and on Tuesday morning a
large number of citizens collected together
at Raccourci, where the act was committed.
A jury Of twelve Of our best citizens, tho
most of them gray haired men, was chosen,
who after lengthy AMI thorough examina-
tion found the prisoners, five in number,
one having made his escape, guilty of hav-
ing shot at DIR. VIM. B. Archer with intent
to kill.
Many witnesses were examined, all COL
ored, and two Of the prisoners were
allowed to make their statements, having
requested permission to do So They stated
that they intended to kill DIR. Archer on
Sunday night, and after making away with
him they were to kill Mr.. o. Lejeune, Mr.
William Pcquct and Mr. Frank Burton
They stated also that they belonged to an
organized club, the object of which was to
ill the leading white men in the county
and establish nation of their own they
gave the names of many members, the
names of their president, vicc.presidcnt
and general expose of their plans.
After the examination closed the prison
ers were conducted to shady grove, bv
all the citizens present, and after mature
dc!ibcratlon 1t was resolved to turn them
over to the law The prisoners were placed
in charge Of party and started in the d.
rection of the Court House, but hud not
proceeded far before they were interrupted,
taken BY force and hung, all five of them
WORDS OF WIsDoM.-A great deal has
been said in the public prints on the sub
jcct Of amnesty to the public plunderers,
who for so long time held high carnival
in the State. Governor Hampton, even,
has not escaped the animadversions of some
Of the newspapers. We have no associa-
ton or connection with Governor Hampton,
except that which results from agreement
in principle, and desire to promote . the
best interests of the State. What we say
on the subject is, therefore, without author
ity, and only expresses our own opinion.
The Legislature, at its late session, by its
action left to the discretion Of Governor
Hampton the prosecution of individuals
who were charged with fraud. We think
this action was proper and wise. We have
not the least doubt that the Governor will
exercise the discretion committed to him to
the advantage Of the State and its citizens
AS TO- what he is willing to do, or proposes
to do, We have no knowledge or information
But for ourself VIC say, that, if he is able
to carry out plan by which he will free
citizens Of the prosecutions for offences
growing out of the political condition of
things in the past, and deliver from prison
those who are now suffering from the same
cause, and by which the State will forever
get ! id of the villains who were the authors
Of this crime, it would be a happy thing
for our people. These thieves and robbers
have fed the State, and will probably never
return within her borders, except by re-
QUESTION from the Governor. BY bringing
them back, they would probably be convic-
ted and sentenced to the penitentiary.-
This, they undoubtedly deserve as individ.
uals, responsible to the law for their crimes
But if Governor Hampton, by wise cxer.
else cf his discretion, is able to relieve our
own citizens from persecution and imprison
mcnt, by a wise exercise of clemency Oh his
part, why should t not be done? We do
not understand that he favors universal
amnesty; neither do we. But all amnesty
by which he can secure the ends Of justice
for our own people, and get rid of the
scoundrcls who so long infested tho State
We do favor, And, in the proper exercise
of the discretion rcposed in him by the
Legislature, we have entire confidence; anC
are willing to say to him, "Usc the power
conferred upon you according to your bcs
judgement for tho interests Of the State.
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