The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-04-18

VI St0 - -
tile. They were ordered to march as
soon as possible. but were greatly
delayed in getting their meals at the
hotel, and it was late 10 the afternoon
before they all reported at the depot,
to 6ud that the special train which l
had held to carry us had backed off the
switch with two coaches. which had to be
replaced b,.ore we could start. | tele-
graphed to the Central Hotel, Mr. Bar
ringer, to be ready to feed one hundred
men, and at about 8 80 or 9 o'clock.
having landed at a side street to avoid
excitement and confusion, We marched
quitely into town and halted the COM
mand 10 front Of the hotel.
The citizens here, as at Darlington,
showed great willingness to provide
quarters for the.troops, offering halls
and even private houses. but after con-
sultation with Major. Wardlaw, upon
finding that we would have to divide
our force, it was agreed that it would
be best to keep the whole force 10 the
armory. a long. large hall, where the
msn could be kept together, the arms
properly guarded and the force formed
at a moments notice Having 20
tents, cooking utensils, blankets or
provisions Of any kind, We we're forced
to make arrangements to feed and bed
the troops, a large guard being kept in
the armory at uight, aud secured the
best terms possible. thinking that We
would not remain longer than twenty
four or forty-eigbt hours. This ar
rangement was continued during our
stay, and worked admirably as the
men we're kept in barracks during the
day, marched regularly to their meals,
lodged and guarded at night 10 the
hotel. and drilled and exercised at pro-
per times during the day, Maj. Ward
law proved himself a prompt aud
efficient officer and deserves especial
praise at my hands
Before leaving Darlington | had call
ed Lieut.. N. G. Evans, of the Edge6eld
Hussars, to act as my assistant and
aide-decamp. aud I found his services
invaluable. particularly on account Of
my physical condition.
Immediately after my arrival, and as
soon as tee troops. were quartered. i
held conferences with representative
citizens, representing both factions
and after telling them as much as
was proper az to my mission to Flor
ence. asked their cooperation in a sue
cessful accomplishment of the same,
aud in restoring perfect peace and or
der. II is but due to all Of these gen.
tlemen to say that they evioced the ut
most readiness to second our efforts,
and assured Us that I should have all
the information in their reach, even
guaranteeing that if arrests were ne
cessary, they would lend their assis-
tauce, and assuring me that there
would be no resistance.
The next morning | received the fol-
lowing telegram from you:
COLUMBIA, S. C. April 3, 1894.
Adjt. B.. L.. Farley, Florence:
The investigation by yourself of the
footing Of dispeusary will look to locating
responsible parties aud their names and
whether the citizens endeavored to prevent
it. B. r. T1LLMAN.
Governor.
And shortly after | sent the follow
ing to you:
Telegram incomplete.
FLORENCE, S. c., April 3, 1891.
Governor B. R. Tillman:
Proceeding with Investigations; all quiet.
Citizens DO. only willing to submit TO reason
able actions, but offer to assist in arrests il
any are to be made, etc. H.. L.. FARLEY,
Adjt. and Insp. General.
On Tuesday morning | had ordered
Col. Wardlaw to report to the court
house with "a lieutenant and squad Of
ten men, aud accompanied by my as
sistaut lieutenant, N. G.. Evans, | ap-
peared there about 9 80 a. NJ, and in
the Office Of the sheriff | opened the in-
vestigatiou into the lootiug of the dis
pensary, and the taking of the arms Of
the Florence Rifles, as directed in your
general orders, and in dispatch all as
shown above The evidence was taken
down 10 writing by Lieut.. Evans, and
is herewith handed you. | need not &c
Into details. as the following kilograms
No. Is and IA which passed between
US just as | was nearly through COD
tain all the important particulars:
Gen. H. l.. Farley, Florence:
Sir: 1t is absolutely necessary for yo'
to make an example of the leaders of the moi
AID a good portion of the men themselve:
who looted the dispensary and broke into tn
armory. Mr.. WilIoughby assures me that TIT
names can be obtained from perfectly reliable
witnesses. Ultra conservatism on your part
| which I somewhat fear, will not do. Iol
will obtain the facts and arrest the culprits Il
be turned over to the civil authorities wher
the troops are Withdraw and the charge
proven, and do the same at Timmonsville
NJ - ,alos : h, ratorortnrU