The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-06-26
IN HONOR OF TURNER.
Joe Turner's Reception at HiIIsboro,
August 10Th, 1870, Upon His Re-
turn From Prison.


To the Editor: 1 send you copy Of
a letter relating the circumstances:
I'VE have been having grand times
in the ancient town of Ii over the
return of Turner. Last Friday we had
a meeting to prepare for the recep-
ton of the King of the Ku-KluX, so
called.
After remarks from several per-
sons committee of arrangements
was appointed Cone of which l was).
We went Immediately to work and got
everything ready (torch lights, etc.,,
brought the cannon in town from the
barracks and by 10 o'clock everything
was in readiness to start to the depot,
which we reached about 1880, q
half hour before train time. The cars
came at last and such cheering you
never heard; so many fellows had
hold OF the king, pulling him about
that II ana not look like there would
be enough of him left to bring to
town. FINALLY we seated him and
Gov. Graham in the latter's carriage,
from which the horses had been
taken and after a salute from the
cannon, started for town with about
forty men pulling the carriage. Gus
was seated on the boot with his
line on Alex. Curtis, who was the lead
horse. Alex, Tom Green and Davie
Jones, three Conservative darkies, led
the team. We came to town at double
quick, up hill and down, yelling at
every step, firing guns, throwing
lighted turpentine balls and doing
everything that would make a fuss
and create excitement; in about ten
minutes we reached the courthouse,
out of breath, dripping with perspira-
ton and red with dust Here we
found the tar barrels lighted up, the
front of the courthouse Illuminated
and the cannon belching forth thun-
der. AS soon as we could get breath
enough to "holler," the cry was for
Strudwick Of. NJ, who had been Sc
lected to welcome Turned back. He
made a very pretty speech, at its
close we made the air ring with cheers
for Turner and a fire from the cam
non. The King related all that had
happened to him while in the hands
of Kirk and thanked the people for
their welcome home. Then there
were three cheers for the King, three
groans for Holden, three cheers for
Brooks, three groanS for Pearson anu
as many for Kirk.
Gov Graham was then called for
but he had gone Immediately home
upon his arrival in town, as he was
much exhausted by the labors and
travel of the day.
"Col. Bingham and Maj. John Ora
ham then mace snort addresses WHeIl
the crowd began to dispense, but the
cannoneers kept up the firing until
twenty-seven rounds had been dis
posed of.
1t was the grandest time that was
ever known in Hillsboro or that ever
will be known. Hurrah for Orange
county, who would live anywhere
else.
Report from Raleigh says that
Burgin, Kinks lieutenant colonel, has
been arrested by orders of Judge
Brooks for his conduct towards the
prisoners, and that Kirk will be next
Tuesday, unless he can show good
cause for not talking the other prison.
ers before Judge Brooks last week.
This motion was made by Gov. Ora
ham before Judge Brooks at Sails
bury Friday. 1t is thought that Kirk
will run away before that time; it is
to be hoped that he will not. / would
like to see him in jail"
Yours truly,
w. A. GRAHAM.
Machpelah. N. c., June Fl, 1904