All business has been suspended, and the town is under military patrol, and every male inhabitant is armed to the teeth, in anticipation of an outbreak which is expected to-night.
Last night nine Negroes were arrested and placed in the warehouse near the depot. The Negroes were charged with the burning of the two business blocks here in February.
At 1 o’clock this morning the mob dashed into town while the people slept.
They rushed to the warehouse in which the nine Negroes were guarded by six white men.
The door was burst open and the guards were ordered to hold up their hands.
Then the mob fired two volleys into the line of trembling, wretched and pleading prisoners, and to make sure of their work, placed pistols in the dying men’s faces and emptied the chambers.
Citizens who were aroused by the shooting and ran out to investigate the cause were driven to their homes at the point of guns and pistols and then the mob mounted their horses and dashed out of town, back into the woods and home again.
None of the mob was recognized, as their faces were completely concealed by masks. The men did their work orderly and coolly and exhibited a determination seldom equaled under similar circumstances.
The nine Negroes were tied with ropes and were helpless.
The guard was held at the muzzle of guns and threatened with death if a man moved.