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Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Virginia
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, 1865 - 1869
National Archives Microfilm Publication No. 1048, Roll 59
"Records Relating to Murders and Outrages "
Register of Outrages Committed on Freedmen Jan. - Dec. 1868
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No. of case: 61. On whom committed: Lizzie Harper. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Civil authorities. White or colored: -----. Where: Lexington, Virginia. When: August 1868. By whom reported: Douglas Frazar, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in the case: Report under Cir. 6, for month ending Aug. 31st/68. Reports that Q. M. Ruff, Mayor of Lexington, allowed and assisted at the escape of a student named Misver who attempted a rape of an aggravated character upon the person of Lizzie Harper.
No. of case: 62. On whom committed: Douglas Frazar, A. S. A. C. White or colored: white. By whom committed: Young men. White or colored: white. Where: Rockbridge County, Virginia. When: August 1868. By whom reported: Douglas Frazar, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: (In same report as Case 61). Reports that when returning from speaking at C. H. a few nights since, he was abused & threatened with an attack by about 6 or 7 young men, but upon presenting his pistols they finally allowed him to proceed home. It was afterwards ascertained that 3 of the young men were armed & had bragged that they would shoot him. Copy of report forwarded to General Stoneman September 10th, 1868. See case 21 in this book.
No. of case: 63. On whom committed: Unknown. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Unknown. Where: Washington Co., Virginia. When: August 21st, 1868. By whom reported: T. J. Dunn, Lt. & Mil. Com. Character of the outrage and action in this case: D. 71, R. F. & A. L., Va. 1868, dated Aug. 21st, 1868. Reports finding of a Freedman with his skull badly fractured. Referred to Bvt. Brig. Genl. H. J. Thomas, S. A. C., 25th August 1868 for investigation and report.
Received back Sept. 11th, 1868 with the information that the perpetrator had not been discovered. Filed.
No. of case: 64. On whom committed: Wm. Reed. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Geo. W. Staples. White or colored: white. Where: Concord Depot, Campbell Co., Va. When: August 20th, 1868. By whom reported: L. A. Nesmith, Lt. & A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: L. 186, R. F. & A. L., Va. 1868, dated Aug. 23, 1868. Reports shooting of Reed by Staples, and that Reed was slightly wounded by bird shot. It appears that Staples had hired Reed's wife, and that the former considered the latter's frequent visits to his wife as preventing her from the proper performance of her duties, and ordered Reed not to come upon the premises at all. Reed went again to see his wife & was halted by Staples who had a gun in his hands, which he fired at Reed as he turned to go back. Parties summoned to appear before the Mil. Comr. Filed.
No. of case: 65. On whom committed: Alvin Varner, (white), Anderson Snoddy, (colored). By whom committed: Men in disguise. White or colored: -----. Where: 1 1/2 miles from Maysville, Buckingham Co., Va. When: August 28, 1868. By whom reported: Thos. P. Jackson, S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: J. 219, R. F. & A. L. Va., 1868. August 31, 1868. Reports that Alvin Varner was taken from bed at night by disguised men, that he was taken to a gully and preparations made to hang him. That at the same time a colored man named Anderson Snoddy was taken with Varner, and that while the men were flogging Anderson, Varner escaped and while running had several shots fired at him. Filed.
E. M. Webber, Inspector - L. S. 541, R. F. & A. L. Va., 1868, dated Sept. 1st/69. Addresses Thos. P. Jackson S. A. C. and directs him to push the case of Varner and Snoddy with the utmost rigor. Encloses letter for Mr. Varner.
E. M. Webber, Inspector. L. S. 542, R. F. & A. L., Va., dated Sept. 1st/68. Addresses Alvin Varner and requests him to call upon the Asst. Comr. early next week.
T. P. Jackson, S. A. C. J. 225 R. F. & A. L., Va. 1868, dated Sept. 7th, 1868. Reports his attendance at the hearing in the complaint of Varner against citizens of Buckingham Co., Va. for assault &c. no positive proof being shown against any of the prisoners, alibis being proven in all their cases, they were discharged. Has instructed the A. S. A. C. to pursue diligent inquiry so as to bring the parties to justice. Filed.
No. of case: 66. On whom committed: W. W. Lewis. White or colored: white. By whom committed: Civil authorities. White or colored: -----. Where: Brunswick Co., Va. When: Aug. 27th, 1868. Character of the outrage and action in this case: S. 228, R. F. & A. L., Va., 1868, dated Aug. 28th, 1868. Reports trial of Lewis for conspiring with others to incite colored people to insurrection. Lewis sentenced to seven years in Penitentiary. Sentence entirely against evidence. Mr. Kimble believes him innocent and the sentence a gross outrage. Filed.
O. Brown, Asst. Comr., L. S. 555. R. F. & A. L., Va. 1868, dated Sept. 7th, 1868. Addresses His Ex. Gov. H. H. Wells and encloses copy of above report, and recommends the pardon of Dr. W. W. Lewis, believing him to be a proper subject for executive clemency.
No. of case: 67. On whom committed: David Crawford. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: R. F. Reese. White or colored: white. Where: Pr. George Co., Va. When: March 1868. By whom reported: J. R. Stone S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Report under Cir. 10, for mo. ending Aug. 31st, 1868. Encloses copy of letter addressed to Mil. Comr. reporting that in March last, Reese attacked Crawford with a gun, halting him and demanding to see what he had in his basket. In a struggle which ensued by reason of Crawford's refusing to let Reese open his basket, the former wrested the gun out of the hands of the latter & struck him wit it, and Reese finished the assault by stabbing Crawford dangerously. Recently Reese has obtained a warrant for Crawford's arrest for assault & he is now in jail in Petersburg. Requests that he be at once released.
No. of case: 68. On whom committed: Albert Davis. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Alfred Payne, John Payne, Jacob Payne. White or colored: white. Where: Prince Wm. Co., Va. When: July 18th, 1868. By whom reported: W. S. Chase, A. S. A .C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Report under Cir. 10 for mo. ending Aug. 31st/68. Reports assault on Davis by the three Paynes. Davis left in a dying condition. The Paynes were arrested and bailed in the sum of $50 each. They are now at large having left the court room without permission. The case is expected to come up at the September term. Davis has recovered so as to be able to do light work.
No. of case: 69. On whom committed: Simon Jones. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Jno. O. Basham, Con. & Dep. Sher. White or colored: white. Where: Greenville Co., Va. When: Aug. 7, 1868. By whom reported: F. M. Kimball, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: S. 234, R. F. & A. L., Va. 1868, dated Sept. 2nd, 1868. Reports case of assault on Jones by Basham, with a stick for carrying a letter to him from Mr. Kimball, requesting an explanation of Basham's refusing to grant Jones a license to keep a candy store.
Returned to J. R. Stone, S. A. C., 2nd Sub. Dist., Sept. 12th, 1868, directing that the case be brought to the notice of the Military Commissioner.
No. of case: 70. On whom committed: Several colored persons & two white persons. By whom committed: Henry Lewis and others. White or colored: white. Where: Accomack Co., Va. When: Aug. 31st, 1868. By whom reported: L. B. White, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: A. 260 R. F. & A. L. Va., 1868, dated Sept. 5th, 1868. Reports riot at Drummondtown. Attack on blacks by whites and wounding of several by pistol shots, knives and sticks. Two white men wounded by pistol shots. Copy of this report to be sent to Mil. Comr. Filed.
Will A. Coulter, Bvt. Capt. & A. A. A. Genl., L. S. 560, R. F. & A. L., Va., 1868, dated Sept. 11/68. Addresses D. B. White, A. S. A. C. and directs him to observe the progress of the case, and that after a sufficient time for proper action, to report result of is appeal to the Mil. Comr.
D. B. White, A. S. A. C. A. 285, R. F. & A. L., Va., 1868, dated Oct. 3d, 1868. Reports that no steps have been taken by civil or military authorities in case of Drummondtown riot. Filed.
D. B. White, A. S. A. C. Report under Cir. 6 for mo. ending Nov. 30/68. Reports that no steps have been taken to punish rioters at Drummondtown.
No. of case: 71. On whom committed: Henry Smith. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Fleming Binns. White or colored: white. Where: Charles City Co., Va. When: May 1868. By whom reported: B. C. Cook, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: H. 243, R. F. & A. L., Va., 1868, dated Sept. 8th, 1868. Reports that in May last, at a fish fry, after some angry words, Binns threw a piece of iron at Smith, causing instant death. Binns was arrested and bailed for the sum of $1,500 in the face of evidence that the murder was willful. At a regular meeting of the County Court in August last, the case was called and the prisoner placed on trial & acquitted. During the trial a most disgraceful scene ensued. The Counsel for the prisoner was drunk, as also was several of the jury. One of them (the jury) actually arose in open court and commenced arguing the case for the prisoner. Witnesses were given the lie by the prisoner. The Court utterly failed to preserve order, and finally adjourned. Official copy furnished General Geo. Stoneman, Comdg. 1st Mil. Dist., Va., Sept. 10th, 1868.
Filed.
No. of case: 72. On whom committed: Arthur Lee. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Three or four persons unknown. White or colored: ----------. Where: Rappahannock Co., Va. When: Sept. 14th, 1868. By whom reported: W. A. McNulty, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: No. 259, R. F. & A. L., Va., 1868, dated Sept. 24th, 1868. Reports that Lee was taken from his house about 11 or 12 o'clock at night on the night of Sept. 14th, 1868, and was found dead next morning, having been beaten to death. A. S. A. C. and Civ. Aut. are making all efforts in their power to find the murderers, but without avail so far. Will report any further information. Filed.
W. A. McNulty, A. S. A. C. No. 293, R. F. & A. L., Va. 1868, dated Oct. 20th, 1868. States that after an examination of a number of persons living in the neighborhood of the murder before the Circuit Court, nothing was elicited. Filed.
No. of case: 73. On whom committed: Morton Roberts and others. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Civil authorities. White or colored: -----. Where: Campbell Co., Va. When. Sept. 1868. By whom reported: J. T. Wilson, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: L. 231, R. F. & A. L., Va., dated Sept. 30, 1868. Reports that Nelson Rosser (colored) instigated by whites and being reported as weak minded, commenced an action against Morton Roberts et al for damages at $10,000 for alleged assault committed on him by them. Pltf. & Defend'ts are members of U. L. A. It was understood that Rosser divulged their secrets. He was requested to attend a meeting for the purpose of investigating the charges, but failed to attend and was waited upon by two members and accompanied them to the meeting, no force being used. The League decided to expel him, which he pleaded them not to do, and himself proposed to take a certain number of stripes. He was taken into an (ineligible) room and his hands tied loosely for a few moments, but was not whipped. He was finally admitted with full fellowship and all went home satisfied. This case was hurried
through, only taking twenty-five minutes. The defendants were not present during most of the evidence although only on C. H. Green. Jury told to retire by Com. Attorney immediately after closing of prosecution testimony, just as tho there was no defence. Retiring of Jury momentarily checked by one of defendants requesting to ask a question. Request met with opposition from Com. Attorney and indifference by Court. Defendants advised by Mil. Comr. and A. S. A. C. to let the Courts &c have their own way. Damages assessed against Roberts at $500, Macajah Bryant, $150, and some 8 or 10 others at $50 each. Recommends that the parties in this case be brought before the Military Commissioner. Filed.
No. of case: 74. On whom committed: Reuben Jackson. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Civ. authorities. White or colored: -----. Where: Lynchburg, Va. When: Sept. 1868. By whom reported: J. T. Wilson, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: L. 231, R. F. & A. L., Va. 1868, dated Sept. 30th, 1868. In reporting Case 73, alludes to case of a colored man, tried in the Hustings Court of Lynchburg, who sued two white men for cutting his throat (this case had been on the docket nearly one year and a half) confining the colored man to Doctors constant care for about four months, and a longer time from support of his family. There was no (illegible) circumstances. Judgement against one man for $100 and the other $50. Filed.
J. T. Wilson A. S. A. C. Report under Cir. 10 for mo. endg. Sept. 30/68. Gives names of parties in above case. The white men were Castletone and Sprague.
No. of case: 75. On whom committed: Freedmen's Church. White or colored: -----. By whom committed: Unknown. White or colored: -----. Where: Modesttown, Va. When: Sept. 1868. By whom reported: L. B. White, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Report under Cir. 6 for mo. ending Sept. 30/68. Reports burning of Freedmen's Church.
Will A. Coulter, Bvt. Capt. & A. A. A. Genl. L.S.C.C. R. F & A. L., Va., 1868, dated Oct. 6th, 1868. Addresses D. B. White A. S. A. C. and directs him to investigate burning of church.
D. B. White, A. S. A. C. Returns communication No. 606, Oct. 29, 1868 and states that there was evidence to show that the building had been set on fire, as straw and other combustible material were traced to the building on the following morning. Filed.
No. of case: 76. On whom committed: Scott Wilson. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Civil authorities. White or colored: -----. Where: Lunenburg Co., Va. When: Sept. 1868. By whom reported: W. P. Austin A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Report under Cir. 6 for month ending Sept. 30th, 1868. Wilson had contracted with Spot Thompson (white) to work for himself & brother. Wilson not to leave the plantation without permission. He left plantation Sept. 14th to attend Court, without permission, and was driven off plantation & his life threatened if he returned. The Magistrate, J. D. Tinsdale, was requested to hear complaint and if facts were as stated to bind Thompson over to keep the peace. Thompson admitted the driving & threatening and justified his action on the ground of violation of contract and the right to keep Wilson off his premises. In this the Magistrate concurred and Thompson was released. Thompson complained of
Wilson for assault and battery for which he was held to appear at the next term of the Grand Jury and in default of bail was committed to jail.
No. of case: 77. On whom committed: Sandy Stokes. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Civil authorities. White or colored: -----. Where: Lunenburg Co., Va. When: Sept. 1868. By whom reported: W. P. Austin, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Report under Cir. 6 for mo. ending Sept. 30/68. Stokes was laboring under contract with another colored man named Wm. Stokes for a share of crops. Harrison Winn (white) drove Sandy off the farm and threatened his life if he returned. E. C. Scott, Magistrate, was requested to hear complaint & hold Winn to keep the peace. The driving off & threatening was admitted by Winn, but justified on the ground that Wm. Stokes had (as per contract) no right to employ anyone objectionable to Winn, and that Winn had a right to drive Sandy off from his premises, and threaten him if he did not comply. In this the Magistrate concurred and released Winn. Sandy was
advised to look to Wm. Stokes for his pay.
No. of case: 78. On whom committed: Anthony Pierce. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Civ. authorities. White or colored: -----. Where: Hanover Co., Va. When: Sept. 1868. By whom reported: Ira Ayer Jr., A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Report under Cir. 6 for mo. ending Sept. 30th, 1868. Reports that James D. Benson (white) was sentenced to one hour in Jail and $50 fine for stabbing Pierce.
Jany. 1867. Ira Ayer Jr. Report under Cir. 6 for mo. ending Feb. 28, 1867. Reports stabbing of Anthony Pierce (colored) by James D. Benson (white). Wound about 3 inches long and 4 inches deep. Assault unprovoked. Pierce formerly belonged to the 1st US C. C. which fact was known, and is believed to have been the cause of the assault. Filed.
No. of case: 79. On whom committed: Milton Runnells. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: E. H. Cook. White or colored: white. Where: Pittsylvania Co., Va. When: Oct. 8, 1868. By whom reported: Wm. Leakey, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: L. 239, R. F. & A. L., Va., 1868, dated Oct. 12th, 1868. Reports whipping of Runnells by Cook for alleged lies told about Cook by Milton. Thirty licks given on bare back with a switch, hands tied together &c. Cook acknowledges to have whipped Runnells.
Returned to Wm. Leakey, A. S. A. C. (thro. Hd. Qrs. 7th Sub. Dist.) October 21st, 1868 with directions to bring the case before and urge upon the Civil Authorities, and if justice is not obtained from them the result should be reported in full to the Military Commissioner and to these Hd. Quarters.
No. of case: 80. On whom committed: S. Parham. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Armstead Blick. White or colored: white. Where: Dinwiddie Co., Va. When: Oct. 3, 1868. By whom reported: J. R. Stone, S. A. Comr. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Report under Cir. 10 for mo. endg. Oct. 31st, 1868. Encloses letter addressed to Col. T. S. Dunn, Military Commissioner, reporting that Parham alleges that as he was passing Blick's house in Dinwiddie, Blick, who had a grudge against him, came out with a gun and deliberately shot him in the head. Not a word passed between them. A warrant was issued but no officer would serve
it.
J. R. Stone, S. A. C. Reports under Cir. 6 for mo. end. Nov. 30th/68. Reports that Blick has not been arrested. Mil. Comr. seems reluctant to enforce justice, has again verbally called his attention to case, and he promised to see to the arrest of Blick.
No. of case: 81. On whom committed: Jacob Cash. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: James Snead. White or colored: white. Where: Bedford Co., Va. When: Nov. 1st, 1868. By whom reported: T. F. Wilcox, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Report under Cir. 10 for mo. end. Nov. 30th, 1868. Encloses copy of letter addressed to the Military Commissioner at Lynchburg, Va. stating the grand jury of Bedford Co. Court failed to find a true bill against Snead from the murder of Cash. It appears that Cash and a colored man named Gardner had a row on board a canal boat on which Snead was a passenger, that Snead told Cash to hush his damned noise or he would make him; Cash replied that the boat did not belong to him (Snead),
that he was only a passenger, that he (Cash) was not afraid of him or any other damned man; whereupon Snead took up a hatchet and threw it at Cash, hitting him and causing him to fall off the boat into the water with his head upon a sand bar. When taken up he was dead. The hatchet appeared to have struck him behind the ear.
No. of case: 82. On whom committed: James Taylor, Teacher. White or colored: white. By whom committed: John & Mark Hawkins, John and Joseph Wilson. White or colored: white. Where: Bacon's Castle, Surrey Co., Va. When: Oct. 30th, 1868. By whom reported: P. H. McLaughlin, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: S. 318, R. F. & A. L., Va., 1868, dated Nov. 23rd, 1868. Reports that about 11 O'clock on the night of Oct. 30th, 1868, four men named John & Mark Hawkins and John & Joseph Wilson went to Mr. Taylor's house and demanded admittance which being refused they broke the door down and John Hawkins and John Wilson entered. They proceeded to beat Mr. Taylor unmercifully and
ordered him to leave the County at once. Jno. Hawkins presenting a pistol to his breast, threatened to shoot him if he did not promise to leave. After remaining about one hour the assailants left. Mr. Taylor went as well as he was able to the house of a Mr. Scott, 2 1/2 miles distant, where he remained long enough to procure a conveyance to leave the County. Before leaving the County, Mr. Taylor went before a Magistrate (name not given) and made complaint, but the Magistrate refused to act in the case. It is reported that Mr. Taylor went to Norfolk and from there to NY, that he died while on the way to NY of the injuries received.
The night after Mr. Taylor was beaten his dwelling and outhouse were burnt down. Filed.
Copy of this report forwarded to Genl. Stoneman Dec. 7th, 1868.
J. R. Stone, S. A. C. Ordered to proceed to Bacon Castle and investigate and report upon case by S. O. 156, par. 1, C. S., H. Q., A. C., Va.
Lt. P. R. Hambrick, S. A. C., ordered to make inquiries on NY Steamship for Mr. Taylor by L. S. 792, R. F. & A. L., Va., 1868.
R. M. Manly, Supt. Ed., instructed verbally to make inquiries about Mr. Taylor, from Society employing him.
J. R. Stone, S. A. Comr., R. F. & A. L., Va., dated Dec. 15th, 1868. Reports personal investigation of above case. Filed.
P. R. Hambrick, Bvt. Maj. & S. A. C., H., R. F. & A. L, Va. Hambrick returns letter 792 with the information that no person died on the NY Steamer at or about the date named. Filed.
No. of case: 83. On whom committed: Anthony Pollard. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Grand Jury. White or colored: white. Where: Stafford Co., Va. When: Nov. 1868. By whom reported: Hector Sears, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Report under Cir. 6 for mo. end. Nov. 30/68. Reports that Anthony Pollard, colored, appeared before the Grand Jury of Stafford County last court, and entered complaint against a Mr. Armstrong, white, for an assault upon his (Pollard's) wife. The Grand Jury failed to indict
Armstrong because, as the foreman of the Jury afterwards informed him (Sears), they thought that Armstrong only wanted to do the same to her as a husband would." Mr. Sears reports that he instructed Pollard to get a warrant for Armstrong's arrest and have him bound over to appear before next Grand Jury, and steps would be taken to have the facts properly brought before the Jury. The warrant has been issued and is in hands of Constable but Armstrong has left the County & not yet been arrested. Filed.
No. of case: 84. On whom committed: Morton Witcher. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Civil authorities. White or colored: white. Where: Pittsylvania Co., Va. When: Nov. 1868. By whom reported: Wm. Leahey, A. S. A. C., L. 287, R. F. & A. L., Va., 1868, dated Dec. 1st, 1868. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Reports that on the 24th Aug. 1868 Morton Witcher (colored) shot Alexander Dodson (white) from the effects of which he afterwards died. The son of deceased testified that he and deceased went to
Morton's house on the morning of Aug. 24th to see him relative to the melon patch, as Morton's tracks had been found therein. (Morton worked the farm on shares with Dodson). That when near Morton's house, Dodson (the deceased) hollowed to Morton and told him "they would not get on in that way," that he (M) would have to go and have the contract read - that Morton then said "do what, do what" and took his gun down and shot deceased and then made motion to load his gun; that the deceased then rushed into house at Morton with a dogwood stick, that the son took up an axe to assist his father and made a lick at Morton. The deceased appeared to grow weak and ran out of house followed by son; that before the shooting, the prisoner's wife made some remark to deceased, who said to her "you dam bitch, shut up, I am not talking to you."
Lucy Witcher, aged about 14 years, the daughter of the prisoner, testified that she and her sister about 2 years younger, were out a short distance from the house on Sunday morning, the day before the shooting, and while there heard loud cursing at the house, and heard the deceased say "he wished them in hell." Found Mr. Dodson in the garden, and father and Aunt Becky near him; Mr. D repeated several times "he wished them both in hell," that M and Aunt B asked what they had done, D said it matters not, and pulled a stick from the paling and raised
it over father's head and said he had a mind to knock his brains out. Father told him not to strike. Mr. D then went away, cursing them as he went.
Next morning after she had started a fire, and before her father and Aunt B were up, it being just day break, Mr. D came and opened the door and said "Morton I am ready for you." Mr. D's son was with him; father said "ready for what?" Mr. D said "I have come to kill or be killed," father said "he was not ready for any such business." Mr. D said "when I undertake anything I generally go thro with it," father then got up and put on his pantaloons and stood by the bed. Aunt B stood near the fire place. Mr. D cursed father,
and jumped into fighting him with a large stick, dogwood, as large as my wrist. When D jumped at father he hollowed to his son "get an axe & split his damned head open." D's son got an axe and struck at father, they got him down on the floor and Aunt B. beat Mr. D's son off with a stick of wood; father jumped up and took down his gun and shot Mr. D - after he was shot he again jumped at father, they fought for a little while, Mr. D then ran out and was followed by his son. Eliza Witcher, aged about 12 years, testified substantially the same as her sister Lucy. Wm. Leahy, A. S. A. C., testified that the prisoner came to him on Monday, Aug. 24th, 1868 and made a statement of the case, and he (L) turned him over to a Magistrate. The prisoner had his gun powder and shot with him.
R. S. Lacey, S. A. C. L. 289, R. F. & A. L., Va. 1868, dated Dec. 9th, 1868. Forward copy of Bill of Indictment of Grand Jury against Morton Witcher (c) for shooting Alex Dodson (w). Also copy of sentence of court, which found Morton guilty of murder in 2nd degree, and put the penalty at 15 years in Penitentiary & on motion of Witcher, who desires to present a petition for a writ of error to said judgement, the execution was suspended for 60
days.
L. 287 & 289. Forwarded to Governor H. H. Wells Dec. 14th, 1868, requesting that he will pardon Morton Witcher.
No. of case: 85. On whom committed: Wm. Vaughn. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Civil authorities. White or colored: white. Where: Henrico Co., Va. When: Dec. 9, 1868. By whom reported: B. C. Cook, A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: H. 344, R. F. & A. L., Va. 1868, dated Dec. 12, 1868. Reports case of Vaughn, col'd, ex-Union soldier, and Thomas Isaacs, white, ex-Confederate
soldier; both tried for the same offence, (i.e. for removing sand from the public road) and by the same court - Vaughn was fined $20.03, costs included & Isaacs $12.16 fine and costs.
Forwarded to Bvt. Col. Chalfin, A. A. Genl. 1st Mil. Dist., Dec. 17th, 1868.
No. of case: 86. On whom committed: Robt. Winston. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Civil authorities. White or colored: white. Where: Hanover Co., Va. When: Dec. 12th, 1868. By whom reported: Ira Ayer Jr., A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: H. 33, R. F. & A. L., Va. 1868, dated Dec. 12th, 1868. Reports that in January last,
Winston rented a house and lot of Thos. Stanley at $30 per year - he also rented of the same person some land, he to pay 1/4 of crop and find one horse. A Mr. Mark Harlow had been renting some land from Stanley, occupying a house & lot, for which he paid no extra rent, each finding a horse and dividing the crop equally. After Winston had entered into the contract, Stanley sent him word by Harlow that if Winston was willing they would annul first contract, and he might cultivate the place on the same terms as Harlow. To this proposition Winston agreed & each found a horse & the crop was satisfactorily divided about December 1st, 1868. Winston states that up to that time he understood he was to pay no extra rent for the house and that Stanley had never called on him for rent, altho by the first contract $15 was due the latter part of June. Stanley demanded rent and was refused. When asked why he charged rent he told Winston that it was because he had not made as large a crop as anticipated. Stanley brought suit for $15, which was given against Winston. The property of Winston has been attached by the Constable and he appeals to the Military for protection. Forwarded to Col. Chalfin, A. A. Genl. 1st Mil. Dist., Dec. 17th, 1868 requesting reference of the within to the proper Mil. Comr.
No. of case: 87. On whom committed: Jacob Powell. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Robert F. Rice. White or colored: white. Where: Hanover Co., Va. When: Nov. 23rd, 1868. By whom reported: Ira Ayer Jr. A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: Reports under Cir. 6, Series 1866 for mo. end. Nov. 30/68. Reports that
Rice shot two colored men, one on purpose the other accidentally, that he afterwards gave himself up, and was committed in default of bail for $500. Extract of report returned to Ira Ayer Jr. Dec. 3rd, 1868 for the names of the colored men injured and a more explicit report of the within case.
Ira Ayer Jr., A. S. A. C. H. 346, R. F. & A. L. Va. 1868, dated Dec. 10/68. Reports fully on above case, and states that Rice was employed by Major Archer, that he went to the kitchen premises to eat his breakfast, that after eating he was sitting by the kitchen fire, preparing to smoke, when Jacob Powell, colored, entered and kneeling down between a
col'd man & woman presently remarked in a jocular way that he could "knock down any man in the room." Rice got up, walked into middle of room and said "come out here" - after a few passes Powell knocked Rice against the wall, when the latter became enraged, seized an axe and drew it as if to strike Powell - here the other colored men interfered and begged Rice not to strike. Rice went out to a pile of bricks and took up one and threw it at Powell; he then went to a building where he procured a shot gun, which was loaded. Returning with this, he saw Powell standing in the door of the kitchen and immediately drew and fired at him. Several shot struck Powell, one in the eye destroying his sight - with this exception he has recovered. The other colored man was also hit, but not materially injured. After the shooting Rice went immediately and gave himself up to Dr. T. G. Lumpkins, J. P., stating that he had shot Powell intentionally &c. At the November term of the County Court that Grand Jury found a true bill against Rice for shooting Powell. At the trial the counsel for the defence appealed to the prejudices of the Jury-Rice was "an ex-confederate soldier," a "Virginia Gentleman," a "white man," that Powell was a "nigger" &c. The jury found Rice guilty of unlawful shooting and sentenced him to one cent fine and 12 hours confinement in the County
jail.
W. A. Coulter, A. A. A. Genl. L. S. 813, R. F. & A. L., Va., dated Dec. 17, 1868. Addresses Ira Ayer Jr., A. S. A. C. and calls for a report of full names of Justices trying this case, and their disqualification, if any, under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the U.
S.
No. of case: 88. On whom committed: Chas. Brooks. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: John Chapman. White or colored: white. Where: Warwick Co., Va. When: July 1868. By whom reported: S. C. Armstrong, S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: A., R. F.
& A. L., Va. 1868, dated Dec. 17th/68. Returns letter 735 from these Hd. Qrs. with report that Chapman shot Brooks in July last, that in Oct. the Mil. Comr. informed H. K. W. Ayres, A. S. A. C., personally that he had reported the case to the attorney for the Commonwealth of Warwick Co., who said he would immediately commence prosecution. Chapman is still at large.
Forwarded Dec. 19th, 1868 to Genl. Stoneman soliciting the interference of the Mil. Comr. in this
case.
No. of case: 89. On whom committed: Jack Parker. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Civil auth. White or colored: -----. Where: Hanover Co., Va. When: Nov. 1868. By whom reported: Ira Ayer Jr. A. S. A. C. Character of
the outrage and action in this case: H. 349, R. F. & A. L. Va., dated Dec. 14th, 1868. Civil authorities at November term of Court refused to find a true bill against Peter McGhee (white) for stabbing Parker. Gives particulars of case. Forwarded to Col. Chalfin A. A. Genl. 1st Mil. Dist., Va., Dec. 23rd, 1868.
No. of case: 90. On whom committed: Andrew Jackson. White or colored: colored. By whom committed: Calvin Bullock. White or colored: white. Where: Hanover Co., Va. When: Dec. 1868. By whom reported: Ira
Ayer Jr., A. S. A. C. Character of the outrage and action in this case: H. 350, R. F. & A. L., Va., dated Dec. 15th, 1868. Reports beating of Jackson by Bullock over the head with a stick. Case has been referred to a Magistrate. Filed.
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