Viewing page 153 of 282

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

2

of Thomas Lewis (a white man some what under the influence of ardent spirits) was driving a horse and bugy through the street which was crowded with wagons, of diferent descriptions, tables with provisions for sale, and people, principly colored. Mr Lewis asked the people to make room which was cordially done, his horse turning one side was about to run against Abe Snead (colored) who was standing with his back partly towards the horse, where upon he raised his arm and with a back handed stroke hit the horse with his elbow. Whether this was a vicious act or not I am unable to learn from those who saw it. I was unable to see any but colored persons who saw this act, and they say that Snead did not intend to strike the horse but on seeing the horse approach so close sudenly threw back his arm to prevent being run against. When this was done Mr. Lewis jumped from his wagon and struck the negro (Snead) twice, knocking him down both times; Snead made no resistance. A colored man by the name of Henry Stratton took up for Snead, and the result was, he and Lewis had a fight both striking the other at least twice at this time. They were parted by bystanders none of whom took part in the fight. At this time the colored people were somewhat excited, several of them were seen looking for Lewis, and one of them (probably Stratton) was heard to say "where is he, God damn him". It is reported that a colored man said "bring out your white man" and cheered the rest of the crowd joining in the cheer. I could find no person who heard this last remark. But there was cheering

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-02 17:05:18