Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1921-05-13

S. Jones at Charlottesville, Va, last
week, has been a fruitful and pro-
lific theme, upon which Louisians
editors-probably not a Corporal.
Guard" Of whom have any persona
cognizance or knowledge of the fact.
have been dilating, expatiating and
expounding since the death of the
young man was announced. n is need
less to apprise the public that every
such account has been characterized
by the most glaring distortions Of
history, perversions Of fact and ir.
reconcilable inaccuracies.
The writer hereof was a resident
of Catahoula parish, contempora.
neous with this blood tragedy, and
believes that his recollections Of the
events Immediately preceding and
following II, are sufficient and accu-
rate to justify him in attempting to
rectify the many inaccuracies and to
give the public the benefit Of his
version as he remembers If after the
lapse Of so many years.
In doing SO, we. shall confine our
corrections exclusively to the mistakes
of our esteemed confere, the Monroe
Daily Star, Of September goth. Our
esteemed neighbor, while attempting
! to correct one mistake very triv-
ial, if not actually venial one-has
been guilty Of several others him.
self.
General Eiddell lived one mile be-
low Troyville-since called Jones
vile by the postoffice department, in
honor Of the Jones family-on his
magnificent cotton plantation, Lllan-
ada, on Black River.
Col. Jones and family resided four
| miles below him, on the same river,
on another plantation, equally pro-
ductive, but, scarcely as large.
1t is well enough to remark here
that the Jones family expended no
blood or treasure in behalf of the
Confederacy and Immediately after
It's collapse, Joined their fortunes
with those Of the Republican party.
General Liddell was as true after,
to the fallen fortunes Of the South,
as he was before and during the
fratricidal contest.
On that fateful day, on which q
gallant soldier, knightly, chivalrous
and courtly gentleman Of the old
school, was to be assassinated with
out any notice, warning or premon-
ition whatever, General Lddell
boarded the steamboat St. Mary al
his landing en- route to New Orleans
on business connected with his plant
alton and varied interests, with no
conception or anticipation even that
he was to be waylaid and assassi-
mated before Ne had finished his
midday meal.
Col. Jones had intended to 60 70
New Orleans on the same trip Of
the boat and naturally would have
to embark at his own landing, four
miles below Liddell's. But some
friend advised him that General Lid
dell was aboard and that it might be
unpleasant, if not actually dangerous,
for them to be fellow-passengers to
New Orleans. This notification had
the effect Of changing the plans Of
Jones completely. He Immediately
abandoned his contemplated trip to
New Orleans. He thereupon sought
his sons, William and Cuthbert, who,
all three heavily armed, boarded the
steamer st. Mary at CARROTS land
ing, several miles below their own.
Fortunately, for them, General Lid
dell was eating dinner and had his
back to them, entirely oblivious OF
their presence when they entered the
cabin and approached him, otherwise
the mortuary satisfies might have
been different on that occasion. Col.
Chas. H. Morrison was sitting on his
left at the time and happening to
look in the direction Of the clerks
office, saw the approach Of the elder
Jones and his sons with drawn re-
volvers. He at once OWNED their mis-
sion and Immediately exclaimed
General, the Jones are going to kill
you" Liddell at once rose to stand
ing posture, faced his adversaries and
drew his revolver from his hip pocket,
but before he could bring it TO po-
sition to fire, the assassins had ac-
complished their deadly work and he
fell to the floor, riddled with bullets,
with the unexploded pistol in his hand
Jones and his sons then went to
Harrisonburg and surrendered to the
then Republican sheriff, Oliver Bal.
lard, who is still living in Catahoula
The sheriff did not incarcerate them
they being wealthy and distinguished
Republicans, but made them hii
special guests and gave them the
best that bic sstablishmsnt afforded
We shall sesr ~ WHIST became d
shsm.