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0546

I am Assistant Minister on Elk Ridge Landing Circuit, M.E. Church, where I have been stationed one year. Attended the Camp Meeting in Shipley's Woods from its commencement. Up to the time of the riot in question it was an entirely orderly meeting - there was no disturbance of any character. On Thursday night when the riot occurred I was in the altar in front of the Preacher's stand.  Had been there for several hours, and had no knowledge whatever of any disturbance until the rush was made towards the altar.  There were a large number of shots fired, and I went to my tent at the head of the ground.  When the firing was over in company with B.E. Yault Esq. an influential layman in our church  I went among the colored people who were mostly in and in front of their tents, and advised them to [[strikethrough]] disperse [[/strikethrough]] leave