Viewing page 38 of 279

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

The State of Texas. }
County of Austin    } Corporation of Hempstead

Personally appeared before the undersigned Authority, T. M. Rodgers who being duly sworn declares that on yesterday the 25th day of June AD 1868 while he was at Furmans Store 5 miles north of Hempstead) he saw a body of 11 or 12 persons all armed with Enfield Rifles & Double barrel Shot guns (except one) all were riding, among the crowd I recognized Danl Hall, Mitchell— Stephen Oliver & Oliver Yancy — they were coming toward Hempstead, this was an hour & half of sundown — I live at Union Hill — I was told day before yesterday by a Freedman in whom I have confidence that there would be a large collection of Freedmen in Howths prairie for the purpose of drilling to day & tomorrow — that said Freedman said he had this information from a white man at Buchanans party. I was informed also that the plan as soon as they were ready was to wage a war of extermination on the whites which would be ready for in July or August; — From the Freedman who informed me of the drilling I learned that the Freedmen disclaimed any intention of violence toward Mr Springfield for the present but their plan was to sack the Stores of Hempstead for arms & ammunition and by Saturday night the 27th day of June they would be prepared and would have Springfield and would Hang him.

There was a large collection of Freedmen at Union Hill last Sunday and freedmen from all directions were there. don't know the object of meeting at its close it was announced the meeting would be at Rock Islan next Sunday to continue several days. This information together with a vast amount more which I have confidence in has convinced that some deep diabolical schemes

Transcription Notes:
Howth -- family and station in Waller (Austin) county https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/howth-tx Rock Island, Texas https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/rock-island-tx-washington-county