Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1897-04-24

How a Negro Justice of the Peace Held a
British Vessel With a Writ of "Ne Excat
Republicum"-The Writ Was Dissolved
In Liquor and Laugh Went Around.
During the reign of the carpetbag-
gers in Georgia a very black but brainy
old negro named Tunis G. Campbell
came down from the north and became
one of the leaders of his race.
In the course of time Campbell was
made a justice of the peace at the port
of Darien. Then the trouble began in
earnest
Justice Campbell had no use for the
whites because he knew that they cor
daily hated him.
But he did not confine his animosity
to Georgians or to Democrats. He en-
ployed number of negro constables,
authorized them to carry weapons and
in a short time made his court a terror
to the community.
So much by way of introduction. One
summer British sailing vessel came to
Darien and took on cargo of naval
stores. Before getting ready to sail the
captain settled everything due from him
and his crew-that is, everything in the
way Of a just account. He secured his
papers, when several negro traders of
the lowest class unexpectedly put in
claims for goods that had never been
purchased.
These cormorants alleged that the
captain and his sailors were indebted to
them for meals, merchandise, lodging
and other things.
1t was evident that these claims were
fraudulent, and the captain continued
his preparations for his departure.
The afternoon he was to weigh anchor
Justice Campbell held a consultation
with shyster lawyer.
81 want to hold that --- foreigner
here, said Campbell, until he settles
these billsl''
In England, replied the lawyer
when you want to prevent people from
leaving the country, you issue writ of
ne exeat regnum.
Justice Campbell came near falling to
the floor
"Just say that again. he said ex-
citedly.
81 see-I see, /" said Campbell. "Well,
I want you to draw up one and keep
that fellow here. -
The shyster's resources were limited,
and he explained to his friend that reg
mum meant kingdom, and as this coun-
try was a republic there would have to
be a change in the verbiage.
"Change it, commanded the black
justice.
The lawyer then admitted that he
knew very little Latin, and for that rea-
son was somewhat embarrassed.
"This is a republic, I" he said.
"All right, " was the prompt reply Of
Campbell. "Draw up a writ of ne exeat
republican,.
II am afraid it is bad Latin, " object
ed the lawyer.
"I'll make it stick" answered the
justice. "I'll sign the paper and swear
in six special constables to enforce it. A."
This was enough, and the lawyer pro
ceeded to draw up the most remarkable
document ever seen i'll America
The writ covered 30 pages of foolscap
and ordered the Englishman, under the
severest pains and penalties, to remain
with his ship at Darien until he settled
all claims
1t was a sultry August afternoon, and
the vessel was about ready to depart,
when it was boarded by Justice Camp
bell and six negro constables armed with
guns.
The justice read the writ to the cap
tain, and after informing him that tho
constables would remain until the mat
ter was adjusted the Judicial tyrant
went ashore again.
The captain retired to the cabin with
the mate and talked it over.
Finally plan Of action was agreed
upon, and when the ships officers reap
peared they Were apparently in a good
humor. They told the constables that
they were welcome as the representa-
tives of the law and requested them to
enjoy the freedom of the vessel.
The constables were overwhelmed
with tobacco and cigars and an occa-
sional dram until their suspicious van
ished.
Then the captain and his crew dis
played still more hospitality, and the
bottle was freely passed around
Atmidnight six negro constables were
in drunken slumber, the effect of their
drugged liquor, and the captain and his
men were wide awake and perfectly
sober.