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the hearing to Saturday the 14th at the same place. The parties named in the warrant caused and also a large crowd about one hundred. Many of them armed- they said they would shoot the first negro who tried to testify against them, that they would not stand "nigger" evidence. I was advised by several friends not to do anything about the warrant. There would have been riot and murder if I had attempted to try the cases. I was intimidated in the discharge of my duty by the large member of armed men threatening me. There was no chance of calling out the Posse Comitatus because all the people were on the other side. My Constable also. I believe that all the Constables in the County are strong sympathizers with these rioters. As soon as Major French left the ground at Woodstock, the rioters began shooting at the negroes who were there, and pursued them. From the course I took in issuing the warrants, I am now in fear of personal violence to myself. I believe that if the Military were wholly withdrawn I would be in great danger both in person and property. I shall be obligated to resign as Justice at any rate. The character of the negroes who were disarmed by the gang is unusually good. They are, many of them, returned U.S. Soldiers. some of them have saved money, and pay their taxes and are good Citizens. In no instance is there any accusation that I know of. that any of them negroes had made an improper use of his arms or had been troublesome. There was no excuse of this kind for taking away their arms. I have heard a number of men say they belonged to the "Simon Brown Company". I believe that is an organization to take arms
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Reopened for Editing 2024-03-05 14:18:15