The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1880-08-28
THE coFFEEvILLE AFFAIR.


! The following particulars of the ori-
gin of the difficulty at Coffeeville, we
copy from the Memphis Appeal. The
report is endorsed by Gov. Stone, and
Hon. II, G. Myers, who were at Cof-
feeville recently, as a correct report of
the affair, as given by those who were
present at the time of the troubles
CoFFEEvILLE, Aug. GA street
night occurred here last evening, in
which four persons were wounded and
learS were entertained for IL time that
the whole town would become in
VOWED. The difficulty originated be-
tween IL. V. Pearson, the Greenback
candidate for Sheriff, and w. ~. Shear
man, colored, the Republican election
commissioner for this county. A
Democratic ratification meeting and
pole-ralslng was in progress, having
been appointed several weeks previ-
Gus. The day before the Greenback
leaders sent out runners, and held a
meeting the same time the Democratic
ratification meeting was being held.
The speaking had closed and Demo-
cratic procession was marching
through the streets when Pearson
made the attack on .Spcarman. Sew
eral shots were exchanged, and Pear
son was seriously and Spearman
slightly wounded. r. b. Riddick,
and b. G. Kelly, who We're marching
at the head of the Democratic process
sion, were innocently drawn into the
and both received slight
wounds. A high state of excitement
prevailed for time, but quiet
was soon restored. Under the exist
ing excitement kilograms were sent
to Governor Stone, who, with Cap
tain Myers, Secretary Of State, came |
up on the first train and found every
hing quiet They will return to the
capital on this evenings train, per-
ectly assured that there is no danger
IF further trouble. There is consider
lble political excitement in this coun-
y, in consequence of the special cleo
ion for sheriff, to be held on Tuesday,
he twenty-fourth instant. The Dem
Ocrats of the county deplore the diff
'ulty of yesterday, and are doing ev.
rything in their power to have
,eaceable and fair election.
Spearman's letter hereto appended
will explain the cause of the difficulty.
sPEARMAN's CARD.
COFFEEvILLE, Miss,
August 10, 1880.
IDITOR CENTRAL:
SIR take this method of setting
lyself right before the people of Yalo-
uslla county. / address this letter
lost especially to the colored people of
bis county. am not in the habit of
to printers ink to vindicate
ny character. l am charged by men
Tho belong to the Greenback party of
aving sold myself, or rather have
cen bought by the Democratic party.
hese charges are brought against me
have seen fit to announce
~ intention to vote for the Republi-
IN candidates for President and Vice
resident further announce my in
,ntion of voting for Jennings for Sher-
|, and any charge that may be
rought against me as having sold out
, the Democratic party dcnounce as
eng utterly false, without even the
ightest scmblance of truth. | advise
! men, irrespective of past political
,rty affiliations, that want to see the :
tterness OF feeling engendered by the G
,litical muddle that has disgraced
alobusha for the past six months to I
Dte for Jennings, as | believe him TO
, the man entitled to the support of
! good men. | hope the people of
county will understand my 7,
,sition. / am going to support the N
publican candidates for President 70
ID Vice-President, and Buchanan for at At
,ngress, il | am the only man in this 4
unity that votes for them; and be-
les expect to do all / can to organ
! the party. My fellow-citizens, CON M
Ter well the condition OF our county,
ID vote intelligently for Jennings for
eriff. In conclusion let me say to n
Y people (the colored people,, when L
II are met with the charge that l re
We been bought by Democracy, I ."
thoriZe you to denOunce it mali a
'us, slanderous and unconditional v
school. Very respectfully,
w. II. SPEARMAN.