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5 Dallas County
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Letter from Dallas to State Gazette“The excitement consequent upon the revelations made by negroes under examination, continues unabated. Already nearly a hundred blacks have been arrested and examined separately before a committee of vigilance, appointed for that purpose. This committee consists of the most respectable and responsible gentlemen of this country, whose proceedings have been characterized by the utmost prudence and moderation.” At the moment, “crowds of men are in Dallas, anxious and eager to lend their assistance, and ready to quell every disturbance that threatens the peace of the State. The developments are of the most startling character, unfolding the most diabolical plot that the wickedness of man could invent, to destroy this whole section of country. At the town of Lancaster the same general plot was revealed—to burn the town; to poison the inhabitants; to assassinate the aged females and to seize and appropriate the young and handsome for their villainous purposes. An immense concourse of people from all parts of the country, is here awaiting the action of the Committee of Vigilance. The stage came in from Waxahachie yesterday, bringing news of the high state of excitement in that town. The conspiracy and insurrectionary spirit extend to that place in all the horrid forms contemplated at this place. Through the country, so far as we can learn, the same thing exists. That town was destined to be burned, the people to be poisoned and slaughtered, and the remaining property to be distributed among the victorious blacks. On Red Oak Creek, the chief poisoner has been arrested and executed. Negroes at Waxahachie have been detected with poison in their possession.”1 1Daily Picayune, August 7, 1860. |