Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1900-03-31
THE STORY
OF 4 LYNCHING
HORRIBLE SCENES.
The Last Moment of the
Victims.


oEFIoRRs OF TEE Law, WITNESSES.
Intense excitement has prevailed in
this city, due to the lynehiDg OF WAL
ter Cotton (colore6) and 6rsndt o
Grady (wbite) at Fpporis, Va, Sat-
urday, March oath, 1890, after the
troops sent to uphold the majesty of
the law had been ordered away by the
Judge and sheriff whose lives were
threatened, and this too with the con
sent and approval OF the Governor of
Virginia
The reports from the scene OF the
trouble show o most astounding condi-
ton OF affairs. Friday morning, much
excitement existed st Emporis. The
Blues from Richmond were uuder
command Of Major Sol. Cutchins.
THE MOB UNEASY.
The mob was unessy. The leader of
it fosnd out that the only way to lynch
the prisoners was to secure the remov-
al of the troops and accordingly con-
ference OF the 'citizens OF the town"
was held Saturd sy morning, 24sh inst.
Major Cutchine was invited to attend
and Judge Goodwin is quoted as fol-
lsws:
here in order that might consult with
you as 80 your wishes. i sent for
these troops because / believed them
necessary 10 preserve law and order.
/ am informed that you are incensad
At my action. and / now desire to have
you express your wishes"
A number of those present spoke
and all were in favor of having the
troops sent away. Major Cutchins
vas invited to speak he informed
them that he had wired the Governor
for instructions and had been told to
obey the orders OF the Sheriff and
would do SO, SO far ss those orders al
fected his movements.
WOULD DO BIS DUTY.
he continued:
"If stay, gentlemen, shall request
msre troops to be sent here. do not
want to have to fire upon you, and /
believe
lean best aviod doing so by bringing
sufficient troops here TO render an at
tack improbable. III CD attack is made
upon the Jail while i am in charge i
will order my men to fire, and / will
stop any meb, no matter how large it
be, thai attempts to take those prison.
ers.S
This did not suit the mob. They
wanted him to indicate that he would
fire over their heads or use blank cart
ridges, but il was eyide that the Ma
jor meant business
The following was the telegram sent
TO the Gov ernor and the reply thereto:
"ExPoRIA, VA, z 80 A. NJ.
Governor ]. Hoge Tyler, Richmond
"Rold company at Armory. Every.
thing quie, this morning. We will
soon be discharged. Without protec-
tion, the prisoner will be lSnched to-
night. Shall obey order and leavef
Sol. CCToHINs."
REMARKABLE oRDER.
"Msjor Sol. Cutchins. Emporia, Va:
"The sole responsibility is ON the
Sheriff. II he orders you to withdraw
you can DO nothing but obey. We
have done everything possible to up
hold law and prevent mob violence,
and are still prepared to render any
aid necessary. Have recalled train
with Captain Cheatwood's company,
and will sgain dismiss them. Will or.
range with railroad to bring your men
back. The promptness and soldierly
coBduct of your battalion is commend
ed and your own efficient services are
appreciated.
j. HoaR TYLER, Governor.
These were the kilograms which
sealed the fate OF the two prisoners.
The Governor insisted upon forcing
Major Cutchins to Cbey the order OF
the Sheriff, although he had been in
formed by that cool-bea6ed officer
that such q course would result in Q
murder.
PARLRYNe WITH LYNCHRRs.
rhe conference was called upon by
Judge Goodwin as follows:
What 10 your pleasure. geDtlemen7
Shall this order be aligned? All favor
ing il hold mp their hands,"
All voted for it lowing or
der, duly signed, was then handed to
Major Cutchins. 1t Was 40 follows:
''EkPoRIA, Va, March "a, 1900.
1O:l6 A. n.
Major Sol. Outchins, Commanding
Virginia Volunteers at Emporis, Va.
Sir,-Ths services of your command
are no longer required, and you are
hereby discharged from further duty
and directed to withdraw your troops
from this county % soon ss prsctics-
BILE. Respectfully,
B. w. LEE, Sheriff"
81 approve the Abovs action of 8. W.
Lee, Sheriff OF the county of Greenes-
Vile, Va. ~ W. SAMUEL GooDWYN.
Judg go of the County Court of Greanas-