Navarro Express [Corsicana, TX], August 11, 1860
Incendiarism is the order of the day. The State Gazette of July 30th says the Steam Mill of George Glasscock, near Austin, was burned on the 26th. It is said to be the work of an incendiary. Loss estimated at $30,000.
The Central Texian learns that an attempt was made to burn Brenham. It is supposed to be abolitionists who are at the bottom of it.
The Central Texian says a meeting of the citizens was held on the 26th to organize a Vigilance Committee, that there were strong reasons to believe that servile insurrection was contemplated by the negroes. Among the resolutions passed was one to arrest abolitionists and bring them before the President and conference for trial. Also another resolution the denominations to cease preaching to slaves until after the election in November.
The McKinney Messenger says on Friday, 21st July, the residence of Dr. C. B. Raines, about four miles from McKinney, was destroyed by fire, together with the kitchen, also the furniture and wearing apparel of the family. The fire is supposed to be the work of negro man belonging to the family, who is now in jail awaiting his trial.
Also, on the same day the house of Dr. Shelton, of New Salem, Rusk Co., was burned. Supposed to be done by a white incendiary. On the 8th of July at Black Jack Grove the store of Messrs. Cate & Mount was burned. Also on same day at McCarvinsville, the store of Mr. Dupree was burned.
The Paris Press says that on Monday 23rd, the house of Dr. W. W. Stell was set on fire by one of his negro women, and consumed with all its contents except two trunks. The women confessed to the deed.
The burning of the residences of so many Doctors looks like they are for some purpose marked out for special destruction. It may be to prevent detection of poisoning.
The Belton Democrat says a letter to H. E. Bradford of Belton, dated 24th July says four attempts to burn that city have been made in a week. A guard of forty men was kept up to protect Austin.
The Belton Democrat of the 28th of July learns from the stage driver that while passing through Georgetown on Wednesday, a stable was burning and the people trying to save the building near it.
The Bastrop Advertiser of 28th July says an attempt has been made to fire Bastrop.