The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-09-04
THE BARKsDALE-DIXON TRAGEDY.
Particulars of the Killing of III. NJ. Dixon
by James A. Barksdale, at Nazoo City'
Miss,

Particulars of the Killing of III. NJ. Dixon
by James A. Barksdale, at YazoO City
Miss.
from the vicksburg (Miss.) Herald, Aug. 81
From the officers of the steamer Car
RE Hogan, which arrived from YazOo River
last evening. we learn that the funeral OF
Henry NJ. Dixon, which took place at 1aZoo
City on Wednesday, was one of the largest
that has been known in that place for long
while. We also learn the following partlcu-
lars of the killing: Barksdale, the slayer OF
Dixon, was standing on the main
street of YazoO City, when he OBJ
served Dixon coming up the opposite
side of the street. RemarkinS to some
persons standing near him, that There
comes that -, nOw," Barksdaie Waiked
back into the store in front of which he was
standing, and soon after came out with
shotgun in his hand. By this time Dixon
was nearly opposite to him, passing up the
other side of the street. Barksdale called
out, ''DiXOnl Dixon" twice, but Dixon
paid no attention to the call, apparently not
hearing his name called. when Barksdale
again said, ''DiXOn, defend Yourself"
Dixon then turned, and throwing his hand
behind him, attempted to draw his pistol.
As he did so Barksdale raised his gun and
fired.
Dixon's pistol caught in some way so that
he did not at first succeed i'll drawing 1t, and
and ran back in the direction from which he
came. crying Murder" After retreatinS
a short distance he ran into doorway lead
inc to the upper StOry of building, and
having drawn his pistol, fired five times at
Barksdale. but neither shot took effect.
Barksdae discharged the other barrel of his
gun. and Dixon fell over mOrtally wounded.
We could not learn, for the boats officers
did not know. whether DiXOn's pistol WAS
fired before or after Barksdale's second shot,
or whether il was the first or second shot OF
Bark>dale that gave Dixon his death
wound.
From all we can learn it appears that Dix
on had used very violent and abusive IAN
ouagc in reference to Il large number of the
white people of YazOO City, and that very
MANY of them were so inccnsed against him
that his fate was sealed, and that even if
BarksdaIe had not killed him some one else
would certainly have done so.
One of our mformants says he was told by
a prominent Democrat of laZOO that If the
INDEPENDENTS desired to nominate a ticket
they could do so, and elect it if they could,
without any bulldOZin. interference from
the Democrats, but that certain men could
not traduce and SANDER the people of the
county without being held to accountability
for il.
Mr.. Roland Flanagan. who was an init
mate friend and supporter of Dixon, left
Yazoo City Wednesday night. it is said,
through fear of his personal safety.
The situation at IazOO il said to be very
quiet now, and no more trouble Is antici-
pated Though there is yet Il smoldcrin9 fire,
which NAV at any moment shoot into a
flame.
The Independents held their meeting on
Wednesday, and nominated a full county
ticket, about 200 members of that party
being present. The proceedings were very
quiet and orderly, and there was no disturb
ancc from the outside.
Barksdale, the slayer of Dixon, was up
for a preliminary examination Yesterday
morning. and was admitted to bail in the
sum of s II. 900, which bond he gave, and
he is now ut liberty.
There is considerable excitement in lazoO
over the Dixon tragedy and the Independ-
ent movement, but it is gradually dying
out, and it is thought the canvass from this
time on will be conducted peaceably and
quietly.