Tallapoosa Times [Dadeville, AL], September 6, 1860
The citizens of our Town, and vicinity have been in quite a state of excitement for some days past. Vague rumors of a contemplated insurrection, which had been floating around for some time, began to assume a more tangible form.
Evidence that something of the kind had been talked of by various negroes, having been brought before some of our most prominent citizens. A committee was organized, and the work of investigation begun. A number of facts have been developed tending to show that the rumors were by no means groundless.—Two white men and some eight or ten negroes have been arrested and are now confined in our jail. The white men are to have a preliminary examination commencing on this (Wednesday) morning. The trial of one of the slaves is set for Friday. The others, we believe for Thursday next. We do not deem it proper at this time to allude to the evidence. Most of it we learn has been elicited from different negroes but is so corroborated as to give it weight.—Enough has been brought out to warrant the citizens of this and the adjoining counties to resort to the most rigid patrol system, and the utmost vigilance in the control and management of slaves. And a still more careful watch over strolling white men, who are prowling about without any known residence or occupation.
The present movement will doubtless nip the villainous scheme in the bud in this immediate neighborhood. As our citizens are fully on their guard and are exercising the utmost watchfulness and caution. We would say to southern men everywhere adopt a more vigilant system of police and patrol regulations. Keep yourselves at home, and worthless white men off your premises.—Don’t talk politics in their presence and hearing. We learn that the idea prevails to a very considerable extent among them, that a black republican is a negro; and that if a Black Republican is elected President, he will set them free. It is fortunate for our community that the germs of this fiendish plot were discovered in time to crush them before they had reached maturity. The committee who are investigating these matters will doubtless make a thorough work of it and will leave no stone unturned.
Wednesday Morning, 29.
P.S.—The jail was entered last night and one of the white men known as Lem Payne, but whose real name is Mahan, was taken out and hung to a shade tree standing near the tanyard in full view of the jail. The coroner held an inquest this morning and the verdict of the jury was that the deceased came to his death by hanging at the hands of some party or parties unknown.
We learn that about 3 o’clock in the morning a company waked the jailor up representing that they had a negro to commit. The jailor struck a light and got the keys, the parties having a negro (or someone representing a negro) tied. As soon as the keys were produced the light was blown out, the jailor compelled to submit and the prisoner demanded. He was taken out by the parties. The jailor immediately gave the alarm, but it was too late to effect any thing they had hurried off, and no one could tell in what direction they had gone. The Jailor and Sheriff did their duty as fully as in their power.
It is rumored on the streets that the evidence adduced against the deceased though not legal, was thought to be sufficient to satisfy those who heard it that he was guilty.
We have not space to say more.—We hope that prudent councils will prevail and that those who are officiating will keep the excitement in proper bounds.