The magistrate, who had not altogether escaped the envy of his less fortunate neighbors, had often been accused by them of a sycophantic weakness for the approval of the whites; while the latter declared that justice could not be obtained by them before a colored officer, and that, as a political canvass was approaching, they would not again submit to negro magistrates.
He therefore felt his position peculiarly trying, especially when he saw that they were all thoroughly armed.
He held both his official positions by appointments of the Governor, to be sure; yet he knew that the preponderance of wealth, intelligence and bravery was with the white race; while at the same time he did not forget that if “a traitor to his race,” he would probably, through ostracism and insult, reap a bitter retribution from his own people.
A peace warrant was, however, soon issued against Dan Pipsie, his “Daddy” being present to give bail for his future good behavior. Then, with some apparent reluctance and nervousness, the Justice called the principal case.
Mr. Watta arose and announced that lawyer Kanrasp, from the county seat would appear for the defense.
To this Robert Baker strenuously objected, as, not having been advised that attorneys would be employed, he had none. He therefore asked a postponement of the case.
Kanrasp then suggested to his client that inasmuch as the proceedings had thus far been very informal—the paper served being neither a writ nor summons, and not at all a legal paper—he would withdraw from the case, and let Rives take judgment if he chose, when the case could be appealed to the Superior Court, where justice might be had.
This he did on account of the extreme indignation manifested by the Bakers and their friends.
Gaston, who was a shriveled, weason-faced specimen of the genus homo, with sandy hair, flaming whiskers, and a face in which whiskey held a profusion of freckles in purple solution, was the first to testify, which he did in accordance with his views of the affair.