The daily gazette., 1880-07-28
SECOND EDITION
JUDGE LYNCH.
MRS. TSCHIFFELY'S ASSAIL-
ANT HANGED BY UNMASKED
MEN.

ANT HANGED BY UNMASKED
MEN.
THE STRUGGLE Al THE JAIL.
DESPERATE RESISTANCE OF THE sHER-
IFF AND HIS DEPUTIEs-A HoRRI-
BILE CRIME AVENGED.
ROCKVILLE, Md, July 27, 1880.
The negro ravisher of Mrs. Tschif-
fely-John Diggs, alias Dorsey alias
Williams-was taken forcibly from
the Jail at that place this morning
at few minutes before four O'Clock
and hanged to q tree by band of
unmasked men. Diggs was brought
to Rockville about eleven O'Clock
last night by z. J. Davis, a resident
Of Montgomery, who captured him
near Mechanicsville, in Montgomery
county. After being lodged in jail
the news of his arrest spread rapid
ly, and a courier was despatched
post haste to Jamestown to inform
Mr.. Tschiffely and his neighbors.-
Meanwhile the people of Rockville
began to gather, and on every corner
could be seen knots of men convers-
ing in low but earnest tones. I'm
precautions were showered on the
head of the negro, and it soon be-
came manifest that he would never
be tried before the courts of the
State, but that a summary hanging
would be the result of these spon-
taneous gatherings.
A. COUNCIL OF WAR.
They were met by delegation Of the
citizens of Rockville and a consultation
was held. The unanimous verdict was
that Diggs should suffer death, and that
too, before sunrise. There was not the
slightest attempt at concealment, it not
being deemed necessary, as the verdict
of the entire community, man, woman
and child, ,was:- cath to the ravisher."
In response TO an inquiry for rope a
farmer produced from The recesses of bis
pockets a new coil of rope, (which showed
that he was prepared. The next move
was to select a leader for the lynchers.
Whereupon sturdy, six-foot, wealthy
farmer responded, sayiDg:-"You need
look no further. Follow me and will
lead YOU" At twenty minutes to four
A. NJ, the arrangements for the lynchiDg
having been complete, thirty-two stall
wart and determined men started for
the Jail, which is situated in the out
skirts of the town and is strongly built
of Maryland granite.
DEMANDING THE KEYS.
The gate was opened and the. men
entered the Jail yard. As they neared
the steps they were halted by the Sher-
i'll, who asked them what they wanted
"Mr. Tschiffely is here and wants to
identify the prisoner" spoke the leader.
"Mr. Tschiffely can go In if he wants,
but rot until all the rest go outside OF
the Jail enclosure" answered the Sher-
iff.
This was not what they had como for,
and the leader spoke, saying that they
all wanted to enter the Jail, and that
they demanded the keys. Sheriff Kelch-
ner told him in determined voice that
they could not enter until they had
overcome him and his men.
"Then we will do that" said the
leaders, and turning to the men and
saying, "Come on, boys. down with
themP' he seized Deputy Sheriff Kings
bury and in a twinkling had possessed
himself of the keys to the Jail. The
Sheriff and his deputies made furious
resistance, but the posse comitatus, as
was expected, mingled with the crowd
and soon became identified with the
lynchers. A desperate stuggle ensued,
the Sheriff and his deputies fighting like
tigers, but in vain, as the odds were
against him.
A STRUGGLE IN THE DARK.
The lynchers could not in the dark
ness distinguish friend from toe, and,
fearful of hurting some of their friends,
decided on halt until light could be
obtained. A small kerosene lamp was
soon brought and the light revealed the
presence Of Deputy Sheriff Kingsbury.
"Gentlemen," he shouted, 81 protest
against this thing. You cannot pass this
gate unless you do SO ever my body"
A rush was made for the brave officer,
and a struggle short but fierce ensued,
during which the lamp went out. The
mob by this time had secured the deputy,
whom they hustled toward the door, he
fighting fiercely all the while. To open
the large iron door was the work Of only
a moment. Then the leader, accom-
panied by Mr.. James Tschiffely, went
direct to the cell OF tho outrager. The
cell door was opened and light having
been procured Mr.. Tschiffely entered the
cell. Diggs, anticipating his fate, was
covering closely in ore corner of the
cell.
"Get up," SAID the leader, and the
affrighted wretch arose to his feet. The
light was held close to his face, and Mr..
Tschifely, recognizing the brute's slouch
hat, peered closely into his face. But
one look suf1iced, and turning, he said :
ssThat is the scoundrel." Then Diggs'
hat was replaced and he was taken by
either arm and led from the Jail.
ON THE ROAD TO DEATH.
As he reached the yard the mob closed
in on him on all sides, and thus he was
through the lane to winding
road which led to the Darnestown road.
His captors seemed in hurry and,
as he was, their victim was
L t. D..f