The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-03-24
THE TOWN IN A FER MEN I
Cotton Captured at Stony Creek After
an All Night Chase.
RICHMOND BLUES SENT TO EMPORIA
Go in Response to Telegram From There to the
Governor. Mobs Gather at a Late Hour
Near the Jail. Major Cutchins
Wo.a. Tbon,
Warns Them.
(By The Associated Press.)

Richmond, Va, March 23.-The negro
who, with a white man, was engaged in
the killing of Justice of the Peace Saun-
ders and Mr.. Welton at Shippers, in
Greensville county, Thursday, was, after
an all night chase, captured at Stoney
Creek, Sussex county.
He confessed to the shooting of Saun-
ders and Welton, and to several robber-
les, among them that of the Gizzards at
Emporia, but denied the killing of George
w. Black, who was murdered in his store
some weeks ago, and of which he was also
suspected.
He is the negro Cotton, who escaped
from the Portsmouth, Va, Jail some
months ago, while, under sentence of
death.
posse Immediately started from EN-
poria, the county seat of Greensville.
In the meantime a large crowd of in
furiated citizens of Greensville had gath
cred at Emporia, bent on lynching Cot
ton. County Judge Goodwin wired the
Governor a request for troops, and the
Governor promptly ordered Company b,
Richmond Blues, to report at the Coast
Line depot, where a special had been Sc
cured, and queried the sheriff of Green's
vile to know if he endorsed the judges
request. Later the Governor received
from the judge telegram stating that
it was said his life would be in danger,
if the troops were sent The Governor
asked if he must construe this as with
drawal of the request, but subsequently
the sheriff's endorsement came, and the
troops were dispatched. They arrived at
the scene early in the afternoon and forth
with surrounded the jail, to which Cot
ton had been taken, and where the white
man who was with him when the killing
occurred, is also confined.
Cotton gave the names of several part
les who, he said, were engaged in the
Black robbery and murderer, and posses
have been sent after them.
At 8 o'clock tonight it was represented
to the judge that if the troops remained
at Emporia the mob would attack them.
1t was then agreed that the sheriff should
order the troops back and a local guard
be placed at the jail, the citizens agree
ing that the law should take it's course
and the sheriff, in speech pledging him
self that Cotton should never leave tho
county alive.
The other company of the Blues mas
been held here under arms ready to re-
inforce their comrades, but Major
Cutchins, who is in command on the
scene of the trouble, telegraphed that
they were not needed.
THE GATHERING OF MOBS.
At 1925 D. m. the Jail was in charge of
the local guards, and the military were
auartered in the court house. 1t was re-
ported, however, that mob was ap-
preaching from Pleasant Hill and another
from along the Atlantic and Danvlle
railroad Despite the assurances of the
sheriff. it is feared there will be lynch
ing before morning.
TROOPS CALLED TO THE JAIL.
Later-1:40 a. m Saturday 1.-The
military have again been called upon TO
take charge of the jail, it being reported
that a lynch mob is forming on the edge
of town. Major Cutchins has wired the
Governor for another company
A MAJOR WITH BACKBONE.
Richmond, Va, March 24.-(Saturday.)
"A special from Emporia, sent at 2:05
a. M, says Major Cutchins has notified
the leaders of the mob that he will pro-
tect the prisoners as long as he has man
standing and means to shoot to kill. This
has had the effect of dampening the zeal
of the wouldbe lynchers and it is thought
J,x,