The New York herald., 1879-08-11
A TEXAS VENDETTA.

Hampstead lTexas) correspondent of the st.
Louis Globe Democrat writes to that journal :-One
result of the corruption of the courts and the
execution of the criminal laws in Texas Is the
springing up of deadly feuds between families in
some sections Of Texas. One OF these vendettas-
and. far most bloody one-is just commencing in
this (Waer county. The thrilling tragedies it has
already engendered have shocked the entire State,
used as its people are to scenes of blood.
In neighborhood four fve miles west of
Hampstead and near the Brazcs in the midst of rich
lands fertile plantations and wealthy farmers there
are and have long time been two promine mt and
leading families-the Logginses and the Morrises.
The former is probably the most numerous, about
hundred and nifty persons belonging to the con-
nection in different parts or the State. number
OF the family have heretofore resided near Hemp
stead and in the same neighborhood with the Nor
rises Some OF them Here. related to the former
by marriage Both families fact mixed up.
Some time during 1877 Thomas Loggins for time
found it necessary to be absent from his residence
the midst of large plantation. His absence was lot
only somewhat prolonged. but indefinite. and he
suddenly returned to his home to find his cousin
OF the Morrlsesin his house and in close prox-
unity to his wife, Mrs. Loggins The enraged nus
band. IN true Texan style, drew his revolver and.
evelng 1t at the head of the Lotharo, drew trigger
but the cap burst and the barrel failed Morris
arose and fed through back door into the fields
and escaped. Loggins, finding he could not "get mis-
man." slot down Morris horse which he iound
hitched ut the gate After this Morris fed the coun
try. Loggns threatened that IL ever they met the
distrrber of his domestic peace must die. A short
while ago Morris returned, ana hearing of the
threats armed himself with double-barrelied shot
gun and proceeded to wayiay Loggins the latter
rode out of Hampstead his return to his home
He was accompanied by friend, and as the two ap-
preached u large postoak tree, fence Morr
sprany from behind IL. raised the gun ana shot Log
gins dead The murderer, having no fear whatever
of kangaroo courts FASTENED to deliver himself
up to the authorities, knowing that he would
never be punished. An Investigation had and
the murderer renianded to Jail without bail. Some
OF the Loggins connection vengeance at the
time and shortly aferward Reuben Ioppius- aop
Henry and nephew, wilford Loggins, held con-
death of their kinsnah. The bloody resolve was
farmer and excellent citizen anu Justice OF the
Peace-a brother of the murderer-was riding home
not long since from Hampstead As ho was passing
through long lane in the Loggins plantation, and
just he neared an old GIN house, he suddenly
confronted by "old man" Reuben Loggns and the
two young men mentioned, who deliberately shot
him of his horse. he falling to the ground corpse.
The three murderers were arrested on the evidence
of negro who the murder and had long been
in one of the contending families. They in
Jail awaiting action by the courts. They also have
10 fear OF the courts, and what with continuances
and delays, new trials and Executive clemency are
pretty certain to escape puni hment The people of
the town and me- gbborhood being forced TO take
sides with one party the other and the prospects
long and bloody vendetta of assassination and
murder. which the courts either too weak or too
corrupt to nip in the bud aud put down in the be-
ginning.