The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1882-07-13
THE CAMDEN HOMICIDE.
Another Account OF tho Killing of ISlalr-
Tho Evidence ut tho Inquest.

Othor accounts Of the killing of Major
l.. w. r. Blair, at Cnmdon, agree in tho
main with tho facts already published in
tho Nrlrs and Courier. A correspondent of
the Grocnvillo Ncws gives the following
statement Of the origin OF tho difficulty |:
1t scoms that oil Saturday, the 1st in
stnnt, Col. Blair went to II meeting Of the
Beulali Democratic Club, (of which he
was onco n member and from which ho
withdrew In lSS0,) armed with n Win
chester rifle.
In order to avoid any argument or un-
ploasantnoss, Mr.. Halle, who was called
TO tho chair, caused tho persons who de-
sired to enroll themselves as members of
tho club to como apart from the genera!
crowd, among which Col. Blair was ono,
as all parties agree, for tho purpose OF
preserving the unanimity OF tho meeting;
and did by that means succeed in organ
izing the club peacefully and quietly.
l have been informed to-day that Col.
Blair knowing that sir. Halle, who lives
somo miles south Of this town, was in
Camden, was seen by gentleman on the
road by which MIR. Halle must return to
his homo late on Sunday evening, and
that ho then expressed himself as feeling
aggrieved at tho treatment ne had re-
ceived the day before at Heulnh.
a meeting of the so.called Peoples
Rights party was advertised to take
place to-day at the Courthouse, ut which
Col. Blair was to speak. About 1915 this
morning Col. Blair and MIR. Halle met at
tho door of the oilico of the county audit
or and treasurer, when some conversation
ensued, III which Col. Blair said to Mr..
Halo, that he (iiailel would havo to
back down, ~ he (Bluir) was ''cock of the
walk" to-day, and afterwards cursed
Capt. Halle Tor 80 Id liar'' and attempt-
cd to strike him with heavy hickory
stick, which he habituaily carried. Capt.
Halle was unarmed at tho time, but
utn hnrl t,<e. l,n t,.ar nrtu <.ffl lAn
and spoke to several parties saying,
"Blair is aftor mo to-day" or something
70 that effect, Col. Blair waiting ut tho
door in the meanwhile. Capt Halo
then took up Spencer repeating rifle
and walked TO tho door. Col. Blair ran
his hand in his breast apparently in the
act e drawing pistol, whereupon Capt.
Hal. fired upon him.
THE INQUEST.
The following Is summary of tho avi-
dence taken ut the coroner's inquest rs
given in the Camden pnpors:
j. u. McDowall, being sworn, says:
was going to the express office. / saw
deceased on the stroot. san him attack
James l.. Halle by speaking to him in u
rude manner nnd shaking his finger in
his fnco. Deceasod said to Halo, I un-
derstana You have been circulating
rumors that havo boon holding night
meetings with negroes, aud you arc {.
damn liar. am cock OF tho walk and
ruler, and intend TO rulo. Mr.. Halle
then went in the. tax of1ice. Deceased
followed hifa to tho door. Hale shut
the door. saw Halle como out. De-
ceased was standing at tho door with his
hand In his breast. Deceased said Ga
Halle, beforo he went In the tax Office,
am armed. saw Halle como out OF the
tax offlce with rife in his hand he
stood on the street in front OF deceasod.
Halle was walking backward and de-
ceased coming towards him. saw Halle
shoot deceased.
Jesse NIcLendon being sworn. says he