SWEETWATER FORERUNNER March 13, 1868 Pardons---The following named convicts have been pardoned from the Penitentiary by Gov. Brownlow: John H. Casey, Grainger County, larceny, ten years; Green Isler, Obion County, larceny, one year; Aqualla Orr, McMinn County, five years; Alphonso Whitley, larceny; Samuel Fleming, Hardeman County, larceny, five years; James Upton, Knox County, three years; William Bell, Davidson County, larceny, five years; J.H. Wilson, Hamilton County, larceny, three years; John Scott, Coffee County, larceny, three years; Solomon Parrish, Hamilton County, obtaining money under false pretences, three years; Milton Fox, Sevier County, larceny, one year; Thomas McCrory, Davidson County, larceny, three years; William Puin, Knox County, larceny, two years; Thomas Harrison, Blount County, larceny, three years; William Huggins, Roane County, robbery, ten years. ---Press & Times, March 2. Murder In Lawrence Co. From the Nashville Press & Times, March 2.---On Saturday a gentleman from the town of Columbia gave the police of our city a description of a man named Walker, the perpetrator of the horrible crime of murder ten miles from Mt. Pleasant, in Lawrence County last Friday. It appears from the statement received from this person that a young man, Mr. John Bicknell, son of Samuel T. Bicknell, of Columbia, who formerly resided in East Tennessee, started out in the morning to solicit subscriptions to recent publications of which he was the agent. In the afternoon he was found lying dead in the road, his brain pierced by two bullets, and his horse, revolvers and boots gone. Early that morning a stranger of very rough appearance passed through the little town of Henryville, traveling on foot in the direction of Columbia. To parties who had some conversation with him he gave his name as Walker, and said he was from West Tennessee. A short time after he had passed out of the town, young Bicknell had mounted his horse and started in the same direction. A few hours afterward a citizen of the neighborhood, in passing along the pike near Summertown, discovered the body of young Bicknell. Information being given, parties started immediately in search of the murderer. The footman, Walker, had been seen on the road, riding the horse of the murdered man and wearing his boots. When last seen was passing through Mt. Pleasant, taking the road leading toward Nashville. The news of the murder created intense excitement in Columbia, where the young man was highly esteemed, and a subscription was immediately started to raise means for the capture of the murderer. The object of the murderer was, without doubt, simple robbery, and he doubtless hoped to find a considerable amount of money upon the person of his victim. In this, however, he was disappointed. Walker is about twenty-five years of age, with sandy hair and unshorn beard of similar color. He is about five feet, ten inches in height, and had a dark sack coat and dark pants, well worn. His hat is drab, and he carries a brace of pistols. The mare is a fine bay. [The murderer was soon overtaken, arrested, tried, convicted, and placed in the Columbia jail, from which he was taken by a party of horsemen numbering from sixty to a hundred and conducted about one mile from town, on the Pulaski Pike, where he was found the next day morning dangling from the limb of a tree. The following particulars are from the Nashville Banner.] From a gentleman who witnessed the execution of Powel, alias Walker, alias Watts, we get the following interesting particulars with regard to his last moments: Having arrived at the spot which was to end his career in this world, he requested a few minutes to engage in prayer, which of course was granted. His prayer was fervent. He said he was not prepared to meet his God, and invoked the Great I Am to have mercy on his wicked soul, and to save his last victim "that poor boy I so cruelly murdered, and to save the souls of all others that fell by my wicked hand." After this prayer, and when the rope was being arranged to a limb, he desired to make a clean confession, which he partly did. He said when he saw Bicknell coming he placed himself behind a tree and let him pass on a few yards, then taking deliberate aim, shot him through the head near the ear. His victim reeled and fell, and commenced begging for his life, telling him to take everything he had, but to spare his life. The assassin told him no; that dead men told no tales. He confessed to having killed a man in Edgefield, one in Maury County in 1862, in West Tennessee several years ago, and one in South Carolina. He desired to tell more, but the "boys" told him to mount a horse that was brought up and stood under the limb, so that the rope could be put around his neck, as they did want to hear any more. They were in a hurry to give him the justice he deserved in this world, and knew that God would mete it to him in the next. As the horse was about to be led out from beneath him he exclaimed, "God have mercy!" One of the "boys" replied, "God may, but we won't." The next instant he was dangling between Heaven and earth. A Horrid Crime---On Monday afternoon, March 9th, between three and four o'clock, as Mrs. Robert Rodgers, who lives four miles northeast of Concord Station, was returning with her two young children from a visit to a friend who lives about a quarter of a mile from Mrs. Rodgers' residence, she was accosted by a big, buck Negro who made insulting proposals to her, and at once attempted to commit a rape upon her person. Mrs. Rodgers entreated him to spare her, and attempted to deter him from his damnable purpose by telling the villain that her husband was just down in the next field, to which he replied; "It's a damned lie. I have watched around here for four hours, and there is not a man about here." Mrs. Rodgers continued her entreaties, to which he paid no attention. Her children began crying and the brute knocked them down and then throwing Mrs. Rodgers down, he accomplished his hellish purpose. The scoundrel then made his escape and Mrs. Rodgers returned to her home and gave the alarm. The neighborhood was at once aroused and pursuit was made. The villain was arrested at Campbell's Station by Squire John Roberts, who conducted him back to Concord, and held an examination. The prisoner said that he could prove that he was at work at the time the affair took place. Squire Roberts suspended the examination and issued subpoenas for the witnesses the prisoner mentioned. They testified that they "had never seen the villainous dog, in all their lives before." Mrs. Rodgers being called to the stand, described the prisoner and identified him, when he was brought before her, by a scar on his face, which scar he received while attempting an unlawful entrance to the store of a merchant, by the testimony of the merchant himself, whose name we did not learn. The evidence being conclusive, the villain was committed to jail for trial at the next term of the Circuit Court, and was brought to Knoxville last night and placed in jail. No punishment can be too severe for such an infamous outrage. ---Press & Herald. March 20, 1868 [Poem in memory of James Sheldon] April 16, 1868 Negro Killed---We learn from a gentleman, who witnessed the scene, that on Monday, the 13th inst., a Negro was arrested in Mouse Creek, Tennessee, on the charge of stealing a watch. After starting to jail, by some means or other, he managed to escape from those having charge of him, but was pursued and overtaken before getting very far. He now swore that he would not be retaken, and commenced preparing for battle by gathering stones, rails, etc. When closed upon, he knocked one man down and made an effort to escape, but at this moment was shot down and died almost immediately. This should be a sufficient warning to all those who have any propensity for stealing watches. Dead In His Chair---The morning train of the Memphis & Ohio Railroad arriving yesterday at McKenzie, where that road forms a junction with the Nashville & Northwestern, brought down among its passengers a man named John Wharton. He stopped at McKenzie for breakfast, and was apparently waiting for the Nashville bound train. Seating himself in a chair at the railroad eating house, his head began to droop, and he was soon to appearances fast asleep. In a few minutes the shrill signal of the approaching train started all the waiting passengers to their feet except Wharton, who seemed wrapped in a deep sleep, and a brakeman fearing he might be left, went up to him and giving him a rough shake, said with a laugh, "Wake up! Wake up! Old fellow, and pay for your lodging, and go to bed." To the astonishment of the rude prompter, the apparently sleeping man so roughly jostled fell heavily to the floor, and when some of the curious crowd that immediately gathered around him lifted him up, he was found to be stone dead. No information, save that his name was John Wharton, had been gleaned in regard to him up to the time our informant left.---Union & Dispatch. April 30, 1868 A telegram was received here on Wednesday night that Thomas Steele, one of the railroad employees at Chattanooga, had been badly crushed while engaged in coupling cars. May 7, 1868 Fatal Accident---On Wednesday morning a Negro boy named Henry Pettitt, aged about thirteen years, was found lying dead on the railroad track, nearly in front of the depot at this place. His body was in a terribly mangled condition. Two or three days ago he had endeavored to stow himself on one of the trucks of a passing train and thus secure a free ride to Knoxville, but he was discovered and removed. Doubtless in trying the same experiment on Tuesday night he met his terrible fate. We sincerely trust that it will be an efficient warning to the reckless boys about Sweetwater. May 14, 1868 Information Wanted---I lost a brother during the war, or at least have not heard from him since October, 1864. He belonged to Vaughn's brigade of cavalry, and was in the quartermaster's department; was at Jacksboro, Tenn. His description---Thomas R. Orr, Pontotoc, Miss., twenty-five years old, five feet, eight or nine inches high, dark skin, black hair and whiskers and very heavy. Address me at Pontotoc, Miss. V.B. Orr. We learn from Mr. J.M. Black, who lives in the vicinity of Ten Mile Stand, in Meigs County, that on the 5th instant a Miss Fitz was struck by lightning and instantly killed. A tree, under which she had taken shelter, was first struck, the current running down to the height of the unfortunate lady, when it seems to have left it entirely. A hole was burned in the lady's bonnet and her hair considerably singed. It is supposed she was killed instantly. A Mrs. Smith, who lived some four or five miles from town, was found dead in her bed on Saturday morning last. She had retired the evening before in apparently better health than usual. Infanticide---The body of an infant boy was found in the Barren Fork at McMinnville on the 5th inst. The clothes were identified by Mr. Robert Randolph as those furnished by his wife to a Negro woman who gave birth to a child at his house some three weeks since. The Negro had left Randolph's some eight or ten days ago, taking with her the child. Her whereabouts was ascertained, and she was immediately arrested, and is now in jail awaiting an examination before the Circuit Court under the charge of murder. She confesses her guilt, and gives as a reason for the foul deed, that she could not support the child. She seems unmoved by the heinousness of her offense. ---McMinnville New Era, May 7. Suicide---On Tuesday night of last week, Ernst Bailetz, a German, residing eight miles northwest of Knoxville, in the direction of Ball Camp, committed suicide by shooting his brains out with an old musket. He has been residing there for two years past, which time he has lived entirely alone, seeming to shun society as far as possible. He was found on Wednesday morning with his head horribly mangled, indicating that he had placed the muzzle of the piece under his chin, and when it was discharged it tore away nearly one-half of his head. ---Knoxville Whig, May 6. May 21, 1868 Attempt To Poison A Young Lady---On Tuesday morning last, an attempt was made to poison a young lady, Miss Fanny Padgett, a daughter of Elijah Padgett, on Rocky Creek, in this county [Sumner]. Our informant states that she was alone in her father's house, the male members all being out on the farm, and was surprised at the entrance of a man, blacked, who seized her and compelled her to swallow poison, and immediately left. She was greatly frightened and unable to resist. She forthwith walked to a neighbor's house and told of the outrage, and Dr. T.W. Fitts, who resides three or four miles distant, was sent for and administered antidotes. We learn that she is recovering. We hear she has well-grounded suspicions that the villain is a rejected lover, who took this cowardly method of revenge by attempting murder. The matter will be thoroughly investigated. The young lady is about 18 years of age, and highly respectable. ---Gallatin Examiner. May 28, 1868 A young man named Edwards, formerly of Georgia, was murdered by a carpenter called Texas McElroy, at McKenzie, Tenn., Saturday, who shot him through the heart and escaped. There were a number of distinguished arrivals in Sweetwater on Friday last, all on their way to Nashville. William Nichols, convicted at the late session of our Circuit Court, of horse stealing, was sent up for fifteen years; John Prince, for Grand Larceny, three years; Monroe Land, for arson, two years, and a colored woman, whose name we did not learn, for Grand Larceny, five years. We should not be surprised to see them all back in a few weeks. June 11, 1868 Execution In North Carolina---Reuben Wright, a white man of sixty, was executed at Lanbury, North Carolina, on the 21st ult., for the murder of a Negro named Silas Harstein. Wright and Harstein's wife, a mulatto woman of twenty-one, were engaged in an illicit amour to which Harstein was an obstruction, and, with the assistance of two Negroes, they murdered him. The Negro girl has been respited until September. Bound Over---Mrs. Nancy Highlander, who lives about one mile east of town on the Chattanooga road, was arrested on the charge of assault with intent to commit murder upon the body of her new born infant on last Friday morning, and bound over in the sum of five hundred dollars to make her appearance before the present term of the Circuit Court. The facts in the above case are that she gave birth to her babe early on the morning of Friday, and left it lying in an open field, devoid of clothing or shelter, where it was fortunately found in time to save life by a party who were passing and attracted by the cries of the little deserted stranger. The woman persistently denied her offspring until confronted by the officers of the law, and then gave as an explanation of her strange and inhuman conduct, that she had no means by which to support the child of her indiscretion, coupled with the dire vengeance of her parents. ---McMinnville New Era. A Fearful Retribution---About a month ago, there lived on Lincoln alley, in this city, in the second house from Wilson's Spring, a man named Seburn Jones. He was about sixty years of age, professed to be pious and belonged to the Sons of Temperance. Three years since, he married a widow of moderate means and respectable family connections. She had two daughters, who were at that time, aged respectively eight and ten years. On the 4th of February last, the mother died. Her remains were put in a vault, and, two weeks later, they were interred in the usual manner. The night following the funeral, Jones took the elder daughter, then thirteen years of age, into his room and, by threatening to kill her if she resisted or subsequently divulged what took place, violated her person. For nearly three months he compelled her to share his couch, ever keeping vividly before her mind the terrible penalty that would attend the slightest hint on her part as to what was going on. Her misery at last became greater than she could bear, and the monstrous crime was revealed to a lady who lived nearby. The latter confronted Jones with this confession, but he earnestly protested his innocence. In the meantime, neighbors had got wind of the matter which became all the more horrible for investigation. Not only did the girl give the most minute details of the step-father's infamy, but her statement was fully borne out by a Negro servant and by a blind man, both of whom had lived for some time with the family. The latter said that what he had heard was than sufficient to prove Jones guilty. When the old reprobate was accused of what he had done, he swore that he was innocent, but at once prepared for flight, and left the city by the first outgoing train, taking with him his child, a little baby girl only three months old, and giving out Missouri as his place of destination. A few days before his guilt became generally known, he placed his two step-daughters in one of the charitable institutions of this city. Instead of going to Missouri, however, he got aboard a train of the Nashville and Decatur Railroad, getting off at Hurricane Station, between Columbia and Pleasant Grove, where he had a sister residing, and until yesterday nothing more was heard of him in this city. News now comes from Maury County that the body of the poor old wretch was found dangling from a tree near Columbia on Saturday morning, a party of unknown persons, supposed to be members of the avenging Ku-Klux-Klan, having taken him out on the night previous and hanged him. A strange circumstance of the case is, that the tree on which he was found, was the identical one from which he notorious Walker, the murderer of young Bicknell, was hanged by the ghostly Klan. A little over a week ago, the dead body of a female infant was found floating in Duck River, near Columbia. The top of the skull was broken and gone, evidencing that it had been murdered before it had been thrown into the stream. This child from subsequent development proved to be the one Jones had taken with him from Nashville, and so satisfactory was the evidence of his guilt that the Ku-Klux-Klan are said to have taken it upon themselves to mete justice to the soulless perpetrator of so fearful and unnatural a crime. ---Union And Dispatch. July 16, 1868 Article about the murder of Col. Henry M. Ashby by E.C. Camp in Knoxville, Tennessee. A difficulty occurred near Riceville on Friday last between John Knox and Sam Womack in which the latter lost his life. The statements as to the origin and particulars of the killing are conflicting. July 23, 1868 Article about the hanging of Rufus Ludwig in Salisbury, North Carolina. A Negro Devil---Yesterday morning between eight and ten o'clock, a terrible outrage was perpetrated in Williamson County, about six miles beyond Franklin on the Carter's Creek turnpike. Miss Ezell, step-daughter of Mr. Henry King, at that hour was returning to her home from a visit to her brother-in-law, where she had spent the night before. When within some six hundred yards of her home, she was met by a Negro man who is employed on the farm of Thomas F. Perkins, who seized her and violently outraged her person. He grasped her by the throat and choked her till she was senseless. No one was near, and her cries were suppressed by the grasp of the fiend. In addition to the above, it is stated that this Negro devil had observed her as she passed along the road the night previous, and was laying in wait, like the lion for his helpless prey; that he succeeded is too well known. He left the young lady in a state of unconsciousness and fled. A citizen, coming along soon after, saw her; and after her mind was restored, she recited the story of her wrongs. A party of neighboring gentlemen immediately armed themselves and started on the track of the devil. They came up with his trail where he had left the pike and turned off into a farm. That they have succeeded in capturing the villain we are half assured. Let his blackened soul be launched into eternity! No mercy to such hellish villains! No doubt this will be termed a Rebel sentiment, and a Rebel act; if such it be, we do not attempt to shirk or discard the title. ---Union And Dispatch, July 18th. The difficulty in McMinn County between Knox and Womack, in which the latter lost his life, was caused, it is said, by disparaging remarks made by Womack about the mother of Knox. The latter demanded a retraction and a dispute ensued, finally resulting in a fight. Knox is said to have severed Womack's jugular vein with a large drawing knife and then to have stabbed him several times in the breast and stomach, causing instant death. Knox has fled the country. He is a mere youth, not being more than seventeen or eighteen years of age. The deceased leaves a family. July 30, 1868 Terrible State Of Affairs In Middle Tennessee---A terrible state of affairs exists in Williamson and Maury Counties, in this State, which is the direct result of the radical policy and more particularly of the infamous abuse of the pardoning power by Governor Brownlow, by which loyal men are permitted to commit all kind of crime and impunity. The latest phase of the Negro war in Williamson, is thus related by the Nashville Banner of the 21st: In Sunday morning's issue we gave the particulars of the shooting of a Negro named William Gustine, at Franklin, for brutally outraging the person of a young white girl named Ezell, aged about thirteen years, and also for committing outrages upon the persons of two small colored girls. His execution took place on Friday night at midnight, and was supposed to have been done by the Klu-Klux, or at least by persons in disguise and unknown to our informant. The bloody sequel to this tragic affair, it is our painful duty to have to record this morning. At half past twelve o'clock on the Saturday night succeeding the summary execution of the black fiend, a young man by the name of Jeremiah Ezell, a half brother, we believe, to the young lady who was outraged, was shot and killed near Franklin, in the Carter's Creek Pike, by a band of Negroes in ambush. The Negroes, it is thought, were led by white men, and numbered about fifty. Young Ezell with a party of other young men were returning from Franklin. The party numbered eight persons and were not disguised, and were proceeding quietly along the road. The following are the particulars, so far as we have been able to gather them up to the hour of going to press: On last Saturday it was reported in Franklin that the Negroes in the vicinity, incensed at the killing of Gustine, were threatening mob violence toward the white citizens, and that they intended to burn the town. A correspondent who furnishes these particulars, informs us that some of the citizens from the suburbs and around the place, came to him and asked him if he thought they would be needed. He told them to send in about thirty men to hold as reserve, and that he would come and meet them. At ten o'clock p.m. Saturday night he rode out about three miles, passing a squad of Negroes. A short distance beyond this point the met the citizens, selected eight of them, and rode into town, disturbing no one, and saying not a word to anybody. They remained in town on the watch for an attack for little better than an hour, when, believing there would be no difficulty, our informant told them they had as well go home to their families. Accordingly, they started, and had got about a mile and a half from town, when they were fired upon by a party of Negroes and a white man concealed in ambush. The abuseade consisted of sixteen Negroes and two white men, making eighteen in all. Young Ezell was shot by the assassins and mortally wounded. A young man named Beasley was also shot through the foot and his horse was badly hurt. We have since learned that young Ezell died on Saturday night. The citizens of Franklin were up all night Sunday night, guarding the town, and no little excitement prevailed, in apprehension of further hostile demonstrations on the part of the Negro assassins and their white leaders. There was no disturbance yesterday, though the inhabitants were ready for an emergency and abundantly prepared for the worst. The Columbia Herald gives the following information of how the Negroes are conducting themselves in Maury County: "Last Sunday night the family of James Freeland, deceased, were awakened by a sudden scream, and the violent entering of the room from the room upstairs. After striking a light it was discovered to be Mr. Tink Freeland, bleeding profusely and unable to speak. He narrowly escaped being shot while in the dark. He knew not what had occurred, and appeared even unconscious of being dangerously wounded. On going upstairs the would-be assassin was discovered, a Negro boy about 14 years old. He is presented as having been a very ferocious looking Negro---having a very particularly shaped head. He afterwards confessed to the deed, and gave his plans in detail. Several weeks previous he asked someone on the place whether sticking in the throat with a knife would produce death, and was answered in the affirmative. A short time thereafter he desired to know of the same person whether an axe would prove a more serious weapon than a knife, and again received an affirmative answer. He crept upstairs stealthily with an axe, got down upon his knees beside the sleeper, and cut Mr. Freeland across the throat, inflicting a dangerous and probably fatal wound. It seems that a party started with the prisoner for Columbia to put him in jail, and were met on the road by another party who took the prisoner forcibly from them and immediately hung and shot him. In this confession he implicated several other Negroes, who were immediately arrested. No convicting evidence could be brought against one of them, a woman, and she was released. Another one, a young Negro man, arrested as an accomplice, was brought to town and lodged in jail. On Tuesday he was ordered to be tried in his own district, by Esquire Harries, but before the trial came off he was taken from his guard by a party of men, unknown, and has not since been heard from." The same paper also has the following: "Last Sunday morning, on the Colin Campbell place, 3 miles southwest of Bigbyville, a foul murder was committed upon Isaac McCulloch, by Henry Stubbs, both Negroes. Stubbs' wife had told him that McCulloch had attempted to whip her. Without waiting to find out whether the story was true or not, he loaded his gun, an army gun, with shot and balls, and on Sunday morning went "gunning" after the said McCulloch. He found him walking in his watermelon patch, and went towards him, but the latter, on seeing the gun, made an effort to escape, when Stubbs shot him in the back, some ten or twelve shots taking effect." August 6, 1868 Terrible Coal Oil Accident---We have to record this morning another terrible coal oil accident, arising from the careless use of that dangerous illuminating fluid, which resulted in the loss of three lives. On last Thursday night, Mrs. Eams, wife of Colonel C.A. Eams, living a quarter of a mile from Telford's Station, [Washington Co. TN] on the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad, was sitting up waiting on a sick child. We understand, that several times during the night, when she arose to give the child its medicine, she had poured oil on some ember in the fireplace, for the purpose of making a blaze and lighting up the room. The result was that at last the oil in the can took fire as she was stooping down over it with the child in her arms. The can exploded and the burning contents were thrown over her and her child. With frantic screams, Mrs. Eams rushed into another room where her husband had been sleeping. He, aroused by her cries, wrapped blankets and quilts around her, endeavoring to put out the flames, burning himself severely, but, alas, too late to save the mother or child. The former was terribly burned about the head and upper part of the body, and the latter was burned from head to foot, expiring shortly afterwards. Mrs. Eams, while in the agonies of her tortures, gave birth to another child and on Sunday morning, the mother and both children were buried in the one coffin. The friends and neighbors of Col. Eams deeply sympathize with him in his great affliction. ---Press & Herald. August 13, 1868 We learn that on Monday last, several pieces of rocks, the largest of which it is estimated will weigh twelve tons, broke loose from the side of Lookout Mountain, near Peep's Springs, Walker County, Ga., and, rushing down, struck the dwelling of Mr. George Acrofts, instantly killing Mrs. Acrofts and an infant child. Three other children were also injured, but not fatally.---Chattanooga Union, August 7. Edward Begg, formerly of Tennessee, disappeared from his hotel in Philadelphia some weeks ago, and his friends fear he has been murdered. Serious Accident---Last Friday a Negro man named Arthur, formerly the property of Daniel Heiskell, Esq., had his arm so badly mutilated by being caught in a threshing machine, while at work about two miles north of the city, that amputation was found to be necessary. The operation was performed by Dr. W.G. McKenzie, of this place. August 20, 1868 On Tuesday last, says the Press & Herald, of the 13th instant, two Negro men were shot and killed in Hawkins County, East Tennessee, by Mr. I. Willis, who killed the wretch, Sizemore, some twelve months since. It appears that these Negroes went to the house of Mr. Willis, during his absence, and demanded something to eat of his mother and sisters. Their demand was refused, when they made their way in, against the protest of the ladies, and proceeded to help themselves to what they wanted. When Willis came they were sitting at the table enjoying themselves, having driven away the ladies by certain characteristic and brutally offensive remarks. A few words sufficed to explain the situation, when he passed into another apartment, procured a double-barreled shot gun, and returned to the dining room where the Negroes were feasting. One started up, and being shot by Willis, fell dead across the table; the other ran out, but was shot and killed, when barely past the threshold. Murder in Roane County, Loudon, Tenn., August 18, 1868 [compiler's note: Loudon Co. was not formed until 1870]---A most tragic event happened here on Saturday last, resulting in the murder of a man named A.A. Eller. The evidence elicited at the coroner's inquest was substantially as follows: Two men named Basket and Crandall, accompanied by two others, all strangers in Loudon, attended a shooting match here. After the match was over they became drunk and very disorderly, and while in that condition the murdered man passed them. Basket remarked, "There goes that rebel son of a bitch," and attempted to take hold of him. Eller requested to be let alone and be allowed quietly to go to his boarding house, which stood within twenty yards of the place they were then occupying. Without another word Basket struck him a blow with the butt end of a navy revolver, felling the poor man to the earth. While in that condition he stamped on his head and kicked him repeatedly, causing his death within 20 hours after the occurrence. The men, incredible as it may appear, hung around Loudon a part of the next day, and, actually had the impudence to take breakfast at the murdered man's boarding house, remarking at the table that it would be "a damn small loss whether he lived or died." The murder was seen by a citizen of the town who had not the manliness to have the men arrested before they left, but kept his knowledge to himself till forced by the jury to tell all he knew. After they left, a posse of men went in pursuit and came up with the parties two miles from Lenoir's. In attempting their arrest a most estimable citizen was badly wounded by the murderer, Basket, who again succeeded in making good his escape. The party returned to Loudon, bringing in Mr. Lyle, the wounded man, and Crandal, one of the parties implicated. August 27, 1868 The Recent Troubles---Some six weeks since, a young girl of respectable family in Williamson County, was assaulted and ravished by a Negro. He was pursued, arrested and lodged in jail. The brother of the girl, stung with rage and shame at the brutal outrage on his sister, assembled his friends and forcibly seized him from the law, and avenged her wrongs in the blood of her assailant. A short while afterwards, a party of Negroes in company with some whites, waylaid young Ezell and killed him. Evidence beyond all doubt having been obtained, that one Bearfield, a white man residing in Franklin, had instigated, hired, and perhaps participated in the murder of Ezell, a party of his friends, some under mask and others without disguise, entered the town on Saturday night last, and in turn killed Bearfield. In the melee, a Negro employed by Bearfield, but not known to have been implicated in the assassination of Ezell, was accidentally shot and killed. This, in brief, is the Franklin affair. September 10, 1868 Rev. David Fleming, father of Colonel John M. Fleming, of Knoxville, died at Kingston, Tenn., on the 28th of August. One of the most horrible incidents attendant upon a life of intoxication and misery transpired in Nashville last week. Andrew Pfadenhaur, a German shoe-maker, aged about forty-four years, after a prolonged spree, committed suicide by hanging himself in his smoke-house. He leaves a wife and children. September 17, 1868 Rev. David Fleming---This good man, at the age of three score and ten passed to his reward on Friday, the 28th ult. Thus, one by one, in His own time, God removes the living from among men. Their examples remain to bless or curse the land of their sojourn. Happily, in his case the examples and the precepts of the deceased were alike on the side of virtue and religion. He was raised in Wythe County within five miles of us. We have known him personally for nearly fifty years---much of that time intimately---and we have great pleasure in bearing witness to his many and various excellencies. He was a strong, sensible, substantial preacher, without much display; zealous and useful, and his connection with the Conference was always honorable to that body. He commenced traveling some forty-nine years ago. In 1829, he was on Carter's Valley Circuit; 1830 at Lebanon; 1831, Greene; 1832, Knox; 1833, Knoxville; 1834 and 1835 at Maryville; 1836, New Market; 1837,38,39, on Evenshan District; 1840, 41, 42, on Greeneville District; 1843,44,45, Abingdon District. It is unnecessary to trace, more particularly, his appointments. He several times represented his Conference in the General Conference. His conference and itinerant record was eminently creditable to his head and heart. In the hostility the Holston Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church displayed towards those ministers who were loyal to the United States flag Mr. Fleming shared largely, and since the organization of the Holston Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church he has held connection with that body. He has been superannuated since about 1861; but for nearly or quite forty years he rendered most efficient service in his chosen and loved calling. Mr. Fleming was eminently a good man---honest, upright and earnest as a minister, and remarkably faithful in all the stations he filled, both as pastor and presiding elder. A man of one work, sharing the confidence of all who knew him, his record is marked by singular purity and unselfish benevolence, as well as by large success. During the last few years of his life, his vigorous constitution seemed utterly broken down, and the mind seemed in its decay; but we cannot doubt that he died well, and as his past course was marked by devoted and persevering toil, we must conclude that his reward will be eminently glorious. ---Senior Editor. ---Knoxville Whig. Lost Boy---On the 3rd day of August last, my little son, thirteen years old, left my house, in Todd County, Kentucky, in company with a boy I had employed. My son is spare made, rather dark complexion, looks delicate and is named Luther. The hired boy is about sixteen years old, named William Grigsby, has red hair, freckled face and is rather heavy set. They had when they left a double-barreled shot gun and but little money. It is supposed they were trying to go to Knoxville. Any information will be thankfully received by the distressed parents. ---William E. Mobley, Elkton, Kentucky. October 8, 1868 Article about the killing of William Dempsey by Stewart Nelson in Knox County. A few days ago we announced the fact that Mr. John Poage, Jr., of Williamson County, had been arrested on a warrant from Governor Brownlow, charging him with the murder of S.A. Bierfield at Franklin a few weeks ago. Mr. Poage was brought before Judge John Hugh Smith yesterday on a write of habeas corpus, and proving clearly an alibi, he was discharged from custody. We do not know upon what testimony Governor Brownlow acted in this matter, but the facts show that it is a clear case of malicious arrest. Whether the Governor will wash his hands of this infamous proceeding against an innocent man remains to be seen. ---Union & American. Article about the killing of Sic Brown by Henderson Williams near Oakville, Texas. A Dead Secret---From the Nashville Times, October 4th---Last Friday, as two colored men were digging a trench for the purpose of draining a small pond about five miles up the Cumberland, they made a most singular discovery. The trench they were excavating passed through a small copse of under-wood in its way to the river, and it was while digging through the knoll, which was covered with the brush wood in question, that they came upon the remains of a wooden box, which was, however, very much decayed, and near by the bones of a perfect human skeleton in a good state of preservation. The body appeared to have been doubled up and thrust into a very narrow space, as the bones were found occupying very restricted limits. The remains were evidently those of a full-grown man of medium size, and were perhaps, those of some soldier buried there during the war; perhaps a Confederate. The strangest part of the affair is that after excavating only a short distance further the colored men unearthed a small tin can, something like those used for preserving fruit, in which were found two gold watches, some small silver and a dozen solid silver spoons. No name was found with the treasure, nor, in fact, any clue which might lead to a discovery of the person or persons who deposited it there, or to whom it belonged. The watches were in a good state of preservation, though the can had rusted away from exposure to the damp soil. It bears evidence of having been buried for several years. One of the watches was wound up and ticked off as lively as though it came from the shop but yesterday. The colored men considered themselves in most excellent luck, and prolonged their searches in that locality for some time, but failed to find anything further of value. October 22, 1868 Information Wanted---Any information in regard to Francis M. Hood, a Confederate soldier who was captured near Atlanta, Ga., and carried to Camp Chase, will be thankfully received by his father, at Lafayette, Ala., post office. The missing man is about five feet, nine inches high, fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair, and about twenty-five years of age. Exchanges will confer a favor upon an old man by copying the above notice. October 29, 1868 Mr. Thomas Prigmore, who lives about seven miles from this place, presented us some of the finest sweet potatoes we have seen for many days, the largest one weighed 4 pounds, the smallest one 3 1/4 pounds. Who can beat this? Mr. Prigmore is an aged gentleman, but we hope he may live to raise many more crops of those fine potatoes. Uncle Tom, accept our thanks. November 5, 1868 Died---In Sweetwater, October 22, Miss Mollie Sheldon, in the 13th year of her age. The bud that gave promise of rare beauty has been broken. Young, beautiful and accomplished for one of her age. But she is gone. The joyous laugh, the sparkling eye and smiling face, are all buried in the grave, but not forgotten. Long will she be missed, and many a tear shed that one so lovely has been taken away from the loved ones of earth. The vacant chair at the fire-side can never be filled. The anguish of the aching heart can only be soothed by the thought that she was taken away in love. ---M. A destructive fire occurred about two miles north of Sweetwater on Thursday of this week. The residence of Mrs. Mary W. Martin, with its contents, was entirely destroyed. The family were absent at the time. It is stated that there were two hundred bushels of wheat stored in the house. We have heard nothing reliable as to the origin of the conflagration, but presume it was the result of accident. Our entire community sympathizes with Mrs. Martin in the heavy loss she has sustained. On Wednesday morning last, Mr. Jackson Taylor, of this county, was found lying dead in a gully in the eastern part of the town of Madisonville. His neck was broken and his skull terribly fractured, his brains having been, to all appearances, beaten out. Investigations have been instituted, but so far as we can learn, no evidence has been adduced to implicate anyone in the murder. November 12, 1868 The Maryville Republican says that on last Saturday night (week) Dr. W.W. Bayless, while attending to his professional duties at Mr. J.L. Griffith's was struck speechless and died a few hours afterwards. Dr. Bayless had many friends and acquaintances in Monroe County who will read the above announcement with much regret. November 26, 1868 Mrs. Rhea, who was shot by her husband in Sullivan County about ten days ago, was not fatally injured. The ball did not penetrate the skull. Her husband's name was Hod. Rhea, and he was the son of James and not Robert H. Rhea, as was at first stated. We publish elsewhere a notice of the death of Mrs. General Vaughn. Her health had been precarious for some length of time, though to many of her friends the announcement of her health was as unexpected as it was distressing. Mrs. Vaughn was born at Mount Vernon in this county on the 31st day of May, 1827, and was consequently in the forty-second year of her age. She spent the last summer at White Cliff Springs, and had only been in New York a few weeks at the time of her death. The many friends of the family in East Tennessee sincerely sympathize with them in the irreparable loss which they have sustained. A man named Smith was killed in Loudon on Monday night. Report says that he was shot by a grocery keeper and died instantly. We are without further particulars.