Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-03-15
TROOPS CALLED OUT.
NEGRO PRISONER AT WINCHESTER
THREATENED WITH LYNCHING.
-Four Companies Ordered by the
Governor to the support of the
Civil AuthOrities-The Negroes
Crime Outrageous.

WINCHESTER. VA, March Twin
chester is tonight practically under mill
tary rule. Some days ago Thornton Park
er (colored) was arrested for an attempted
criminal assault on Mrs. Melton, highly
respected lady. near Middletown. this
county. Parker. after being fully identi-
ned as the assailant, was lodged in the
Winchester jail. He was indicted Monday
and his trial Is set for tomorrow Nu-
merous threats OF lynchng have been
made. and the negroes of this city have
expressed their intention to rescue the
prisoner. Suppressed excitement and in
dignation have been manifested for seve-
raj days, consequently the officers decided
to place the prisoner the Jail, and the
city under military protection. Tonight
three companies Of the Second Virginia
regiment. Colonel James c. Baker COM
manding. arrived from Harrisonburg.
woods. Woodstock. and Toms Brook re-
spectiVeiy. Everything is quiet at S
o CLOCK tonight, and the presence OF the
troops Will probably prevent any dis
tuTbance tomorrow
ADDITIONAL FACTS.
STACNTON. VA. March l4-Considera-
Die excitement prevails at Winchester,
va over the arrest of a negro named
thornton Parker for attempting a crimi-
nal assault upon "A Mrs. Melton. Feeling
runs high and lynching may be the
result. Governor OFerrall has ordered
four military companies TO the scene TO
uphold the law. The companies ordered
are those from Harrisonburg. Woodstock,
Toms Brook, and Winchester. Every pre-
ha IA lsn to th..r
from mob-law
On last Tuesday the negro violently
assaulted Mrs. Melton, a married woman
living In Middletown, Frederick county.
The lady's husband was not at home.
The woman closed and bolter her door
In the negrOs face, but he broke i'm at
window, and when Mrs Melton went to
the yard he followed her and knocked
her down twice. and was only foled I'm his
purpose by the desperate screams and
struggles of his intended victim. He made
his escape for the time being He was
afterwards arrested and fully Identified
by Mrs Melton.
Feeling ran high against the negro.
and he was landed safely in jail only
with the greatest difficulty. The officers
who had the prisoner In charge were
followed by mob, and cries OF Lynch
him." Get a rope" Swing him up"
etc. were heard.
PUBLIC INDIGNATION.
Such was the public Indignation that as
a precautionary measure he was taken
to the Berryville jail. When it became
apparent that he was I'm imminent danger
Of being lynched he was quietly removed
again. this time to Front Royal.
In the mean time a special grand jury
was summoned Uhe County Court OF
iii. l..f,, f., ND
prisoner was indicted and his trial set
for tomorrow II he is found guilty he
will, under the new law. be punished by
death. The Indications are that he Will
swing
The negroes, a special just received
says, sympathlze with the accused, are
sullen and defiant, and declare they VIII
liberate the negro. The white people nave
quleted down. and no disturbance is likely
to happen unless the negroes attempt
to rescue the prisoner.
The Governor Notified.
The news that call had been made
for the troops TO preserve order AT WIN
chester occasioned a good deal OF excite.
ment here. as II was not known Wha'
the trouble was. The Intelligence was
received by the Governor In the follow
ing telegram that came To hand about
p NJ:
WOODSTOCK. VA. March II, 1885.
Governor c. r. O'Ferrall:
"Order from Sheriff OF Frederick
county 10 parade three companies OF my
command In Winchester at 7:20 this eve
ming Just received Have issued neces-
sary orders, and will send you letter
by mail
Governor O'Ferrall Immediately sent
for Adjutant-General Charles j. Ander-
son, and. after n conference. the follow
ing teipgrams were sent out.
Colonel Baker, Woodstock Va:
"Order no larger force than is neces-
sary. Uphold the law strictly. acting
with all discretion. Telegraph particulars.
CHARLES j. ANDERSON
Sheriff Frederick County:
call only force actually needed, but
maintain the law at all hazards.
CHARLES J. ANDERSON
At late hour last night the Governor
had heard nothing from the Sheriff In
reply 10 his telegram and was practical
ly in the dark as to what was going on.