The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1893-08-10
A FALSE ALARM,
THE REPORTED UPRISING OF NE.
GROES DID NOT TAKE PLACE.

Track of the Raplst and He Cannot
. Escape.
: COLUMBIA, S. c., July 28.-.Columbia
was greatly excited last night when it be-
came rumored that Thompson, the Gas
ton liend, had been run down to the CITY
; by two of his pursuers. The report
quickly spread and soon the sheriff had
orSanizcda posse to assist in his capture.
The posse rendezvoused about Fishers
pond, where negro answering to
Ihompson's description had been seen.
There appears to be little doubt that he
was the right man. His two pursuers
had been after him night and day since
Monday night and once or twice the
negro was almost within their grasp,
hut he cludcd them. When they saw
ms tracks last night in field near the
pOnd LheY lmmcLiateIV said "that's
MN. The tracks where fresh aud tbs
search was pursued with renewed vlgor.
Notwithstanding a large crowd had COL
lected from the city all armed and ready
tor the fry, the negro agaln got away.
The search was continued all night.
guards being DlCkcted at the various tres
ties and bridges and along different
roads. IL was thought that the negro
was making his way to his home about
eighteen miles north OF this city, n Lex.
nGtOu county.
Whim all this was taking place tele-
gram was received at the Governors
Mao 4'on stating that armed negroes
were "n t!'r 'vly to Castor to rescue
Handy, the alleged partner of Thomp-
son, and asking Tor help. The Cover
nor beng absent the telegram was
turned ov"rto General Farley, wao sent
II Telegram for definite Information. His
worse fears were confirmed aud he inn
mc'llaLcly set about 10 send the COlum-
hla troops down. Notwithstanding the
latcncSS ut the hour Captain Batemau
had his company ready by 2:30 o'clock
ahI later Il call was made Tor the Volun-
leetS and L)uaVCs. In tie meantime
Colonel john Gary Watts and George
IL. Np'slrr We're sent as COuries to Jas
ton and Mr.. Glass, Of the South Bound,
had ordered out a special train. The
Governors Guards went to the depot in
. unl1orm wit their guns and ammuni-
. tlon and all in readiness, when a tele.
y "ram was received from Colonel Watts
. stating that there would be no necessity
, tor the troops, as everything was quiet.
! Abut : 80 o'clock this morning the
g Guards were marched back to Their
>
II compan'es.
The way i'll which the Governors
Z Guards responded to the call has called
:; forth uai ycrsal praise. In an incredibly
- short time, about an hour, in the dead
, OF night, the members were notified.
| reached the armorY and were ready to
, go. IhcY went to the depot forty
, strong, only four members failing TO re-
spond. Every man took upon himself
10 wake mp some other and all responded
promptly. The boys were much dis.
appointed when they had to come back.
a large party was out all morning work
ing with much more system than las.
night to capture Thompson. A mum.
Der of squads are watching different
roads. railroads, bridges etc., and others
are searching swamps aud roads.
Two gentlemen from CASTOR arrived
IN the city this morning for the purpose
OF sending kilograms to different points
To keep sharp lookout tor the negro.
Ihey have been among the pursuing
party. They say that there was great
excitement and uneasiness about CASTOR
last night. The report got out that the
negroes were arming and would attempt
TO rescue Handy. They were seen ID
large squads in different places, though
seen openly armed. But the mere fact
tAat they were seen in groups after such
Il report had spread was sufficient to
confirm the white peoples fears.
The country was secured by couriers
Summoning every white man to come to
the rescue. They readily responded.
tclcgrams were sent to the neighboring
towns and large bodies of men were
quickly formed and marched or rode to
Castor. a sufficient company was soon
present, equipped and prepared for any
emergency. They felt able to repel any
attack the heroes might make, and
hence the request for aid was withdrawn.
:,incc the collection OF this large body
OF men about CASTOR, The people have no
lea OF attack and there ls no disorder.
The action OF the negroes, If they really
intended to 60 anything, does not make
1t any better tor Handy. The CASTOR
people have shown a disposition TO give
hlm the benefit of every reasonable
doubt, but they do not intend to allow
any guilty man to escape.
Ar"uud this city the searching party
was still on The hunt this morning. It
was rep portcd at various times that the
negro had been seen at certain places.
but these reports were either false or the
| h'SI' N"ililbS'S SuCCccuCQ IN avoiding
| arrest
The crowd at CASTOR was very anx-
lous to hear whether he had been cap.
Iurcd here. Early this morning tele.
cram was received by the Journal from
swansea lnquirinS whether he had been
captured, TO which a negative answer
had to be sent.
The negro cannot possibly escape, for
a ,tnr
w"o were in Columbia last night had
slept but little since Monday night.
Night aud day they have been on his
track wadiug through swamps and rid
ing over the country. Wednesday night
they were in a swamp during the heavy
rain, but still they pursued the negro
without stopping until late last night
when, being near the city, they came in
and took their first meal for over twenty