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excited, and armed with clubs, I also saw the Rev. Geo. Leach in company with others mingling with both parties trying to pacify them. I then left and returned to the preacher's stand and in a short time I heard the firing of Pistols, and a general confusion arising from the melee, and a general rush was made, the whites retreating through the alter and congregation - I retreated with my friends to the boarding tent of Capt. Jones, where I remained ten or fifteen minutes very uneasy fearing a general riot would take place, the disturbing elements having taken entire possession of the ground, Preachers and people having retreated to their tents.
After the Col'd people at the earnest solicitation of the ministers and friends had left the ground the same rowdy elements returned in increased numbers and burnt the tents, furniture and every thing left by the blacks.
In my judgment, the disturbance was occasioned solely by the unwarrantable interfearace and trespass of the whites upon the blacks, while the latter were peaceably and lawfully engaged in their religious exercises

Transcription Notes:
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