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to escape. The prisoners breaking some of the iron bars of the windows and others comming down the stairs on to the second story window and smashing it, about 8 rounds were discharged at them. In return they threw pieces of iron and bars and brocken locks from the windows One was slightly wounded by small shot in the neck and face. Shortly after everything became quiet and remained so during the night and day.

I am sorry to say that only a very few colored persons arrived with arms for the protection of law and after my calling upon a crowd of col'd people to fetch their arms and to assist in guarding the prisoners they were unwilling to do so.

By the dareing displayed in the attempt to break loose and having confined 5 prisoners charged with murder and about [[strikethrough it [[/strikethrough]] 10 of Houseburning my impression was that it might have been a preconserted plan they acted upon expecting help from some of their friends from Darlington Dist, I telegraphed to Col Maynadier Com'g Dist for some troops untill the jail can be put in repair for the save keeping of the prisoners. Mr. Middleton (Teacher) went up to the prisoners and succeeded well to keep them quiet, and in his and the presence of Mr. Robt. Collins the District Sheriff they complained that their rations are too small and that they are almost in a starving condition. I went to visit the prisoners twice since I am here and they never complained to me before of any such complains as scarcity of food. In fact I thought well satisfied as I heard them very often singing and some times dancing, besides they all look well & hardy.

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Ed