The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1893-02-22
The CAPTURE of the Convict.

MEssRs. EDITORS: As there are 30
many reports concerning the capture OF
the escaped convict and the motives which
actuated the people of this community
who attempted his capture, think it nee
essary that the truth be made public, and
If you will kindly give ME space in your
paper I will endeavor to give you the
facts of the case.
On Monday, tbe 30th of January, the
negro came into this settlement, followed
by six or eight men. They asked the
writer to go with them. did so until
near night. Myself and two negroes
followed him part of Tuesday, but did not
find him. We went home to work, and
did not exp xpect to hunt him any more, and
would not have been after him the day OF
the shooting but for q circumstance l will
relate. Messrs. Bud Wilson, h. A. Cum.
mings and my self had been appointed spe'
cial Com missioners to select route for
public road. Mr.. R. e. Parker, j. X.
Clement, J. S Ragsdale and Others were
with u.s. About IL o'clock Mrs. Davis
came running toward US, calling at the top
of her voice for us to come quick, saying
that the negro convict was at Mr.. Rags
dale's house. We went TO Mr.. Rsgsdale's
house, but the negro was gone, aud we
followed bis tracks about four hundred
yards and lost them. We then separated
hunting for them. In short time James
Mattison found him, and said, "here zig,
boys," and started to run oil. OIL. Rags.
dale was near by, and turned to look in
the direction Matison was running, and
did not see the negro until after he was
shot. Mr.. Parker and others were near
and saw all that took place. The convict
then turned and shot twice at John Rags.
dale. | will here state that the negro's
statement made in Court was nearly all
false, and I stand ready to prove it After
shooting at John Ragsda!e, he began
shooting at every white man he saw
shooting at some who were unarmed, and
at Charley Cobb. who had not been after
him. Sume of us thought we would sur.
round him aud keep him i'll the pines un.
til we could get better guns, soule going
one way and some the other. In doing
this Grant Mattison, negro, was shot
through the body by the convict. Luther
Smith and myself having gained a posi-
ton where We thought we could see him If
he attempted to escape, the negro walked
out in the road about ninety yards below
us. As soon rs he saw us he dropped his
gun on US and fred, but missed US. We
got behind a pine. He then followed us
nearly to our homes, staying IN sight of
my house one hour and half, as he after
wards said to get to kill me. He then
went to house near by and stayed until
dark, and then went home with the negro
that captured him. saying that evening
that he went to Ragsdale's that morning
to kill john and Oh. and then come and
kill me and the two negroes living with
me. He also intended 10 kill all the men
who had followed him. suppose it is
understood that lie mad gun that would
kill one thousand yards. We had shot
guns, loaded with bird shot. So, Mr..
Editor, the next convict that gets out
hope some Of the brave men who know so
well how to capture them will get the job.
G. c. GRUBBs.
ns- The Adrocotc and the Journal are
requested 10 copy.