The Ranchero [Corpus Christi, TX], August 25, 1860
The Texas Pioneer, published in Freestone county says:
From a letter received by A. L. Reed, Esq., dated New Salem, Rusk co., we learn that the town of Nacogdoches was destroyed by fire, on Monday last, the 6th inst. No particulars given in reference to the extent of the fire. No doubt exists of its being the work of abolition cut-throat incendiaries.
The fearful plot seems to be fast culminating, and from all indications we are led to believe that there is not a county in the State but where the organization has been perfected in a greater or less degree.
Attempt to Fire Indianola.—From the Indianola Courier, we learn that that place has had a narrow escape from the destruction of a vast amount of property. On the 13th inst., a house on Water street, adjoining Murdock’s livery stable was set on fire, but was fortunately discovered and extinguished before any damage was done. A young man who gave his name as Ed. King, was suspected, he having been seen on the premises but a few minutes before the fire was discovered. King was given to understand that a change of location might be better for his health, and at his election, he accordingly took his departure for New Orleans. These circumstances induced the formation of a Vigilance Committee.
The Courier says:
We trust that extreme care and prudence will mark their operations, else the remedy may become as bad as the disease. The times do certainly demand vigilance, but they do not require a regular banded organization to usurp the powers and exercise the functions of established legal authority. We were glad to see public sentiment aroused but hoped it would operate in a different way. The provisions of the State code are ample for the emergency, and the demand of public sentiment for their strict enforcement, and an augmented patrolling force, would be sufficient.
Sensible talk.