Viewing page 521 of 557

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

26.

and shot and hung him. The three freedmen killed all belonged to one family.- Three others belonging to the same family went to Meridian and placed themselves under the protection of the Agent of the Bureau at that place.- He was requested to turn them over to the civil authorities but declined to do so unless a proper warrant was issued and secured.- This was done and the three men were turned over to the Deputy Sheriff of Newton County. While in charge of the Deputy Sheriff and posse en route from Meridian to Decatur the County Seat of Newton County, all three of the prisoners were killed to prevent escape as is alleged, although they were handcuffed at the time and guarded by at least fifteen armed men. All the white men engaged in the transaction who could be found are in confinement and on trial before a Military Commission convened by the Commander of the 4th Military District.- This atrocity must be considered however