The New York Herald Newspaper, January 5, 1869, Page 4

THE DEATH PENALTY. Execution of a Noted Negro Crimi- nal in North Carolina. Gus Holmes (Mulatto) Hanged for the Murder of Mathew King (Negro). CONFESSION OF THE CONDEMNED. EXTRAORDINARY SCENES AT THE SCAFFOLD, TaRBono, N. C., Jan. 1, 186% The scaffold has added another victim to its long Mist, and the grave has received anotzer felon. The ew year was inaugurated in this town by the exe- ‘Cution of Gus Holmes, a mulatto, for the murder of Mathew King, a negro. The day was one well adapted, in keeping with the tragic occasion, Heavy ‘Dlack clouds hung over the entire earth during the morning, the rain fell almost incessantly, and the atmosphere was heavy and depressing to a degree that was extremely disagreeahle. The thermometer stood 64, Among the negro population of the South while slavery existed there was a large class known as “free niggers,” most of whom obtained a question- able subsistence by pilfering, Jobbing, and such me- nial acts as some slaves would be ashamed of. Indeed, this class were thoroughly despised by the negro slaves, who had a perfect loathing of the “free nigger ;? nor could one receive a greater insult than to draw a comparison which would place him on such a doubtfal equality. It is not to be wondered at, then, that, detested by the whites, banned by their own race and dented even the common privileges of a slave, this unfor- tunate class of people should become inured to: crime, abject to the lowest degree, treacherous, and, like Ishmael, their hand against every man’s hand, every man’s hand being against them. The commis- sion of petty theft constantly kept them in the jails Of the country, out of which they were frequently purchased at a nominal sum by persons who desired their services for a period agreed to by the authori- fies and the offender. Thus passed the existence of large number of people in the South during the ra of slavery, who have now bequeathed to society some of the greatest vagabonds and criminals that ‘walk the South, though there are some exceptions. It was to this class that Gus Holmes, who was ex- ecuted to-day, belonged. ORIGIN OF THE CRIME. In the carly part of May, 1867, the warehouse of the Tarboro branch railroad was entered and a quantity of whiskey and groceries taken there- from. A tew nights afterwards ao iron safe con- taining the money of the railroad and the express ‘company was stolen from the express office through ‘a window, which was taken out, The iron safe was ‘ound a few days afterwards in a scud of woods ‘about a half a mile distant from the office, com- ipietely rifled of its contents and battered to pieces ‘with a sledge hammer. Investigations that were at ‘once aet on foot were such as to throw suspicion upon Augustus Holmes (a mulatto), a female witness having stated that on the night after the safe was ‘taken she heard ‘a beating on something like an ‘stron kettle or big tin pan” inthe Woods near where ‘she lived, and on going to the place she approached ‘near enough to see a tall, yellow man, whom sne took to be Gus Holmes, aiding in breaking open the safe. This Gus Holmes occupied the only otucr room in the house with the witness, whose husband ‘Was named Mathew King, @ negro. A ceiled par- tition separated the two rooms, both of which had entrances from the front. THE MURDER, ‘The Sabbath following the dag upon which the robbery was committed Gus Holmes and. Mathew King came down the street together in a very friendly manner about ten o'clock A. M.,. the former having waited until the latter had shayed and dressed himself. King returned alone in the latter part of the evening. Holmes also returned by himself about eleven o'clock at night in a state ofin- toxication, (It is here proper to state that Holmes was at this time living with a mulatto concubine, nis wife having died some time previously.) Bater- ing in an abrupt manner, he ordered the woman to prepare his supper, and indulged in the most abusive and severe language, making the most violent threats against her, ie noise and beetle aroused the occupants in the adjoining room, who had re- ured, and Mary King spoke to Gus ina frien manver to appease him. He replied harshly ane asked her “what sort of tales she had been telling on him about the iron box.” A flerce altercation ensued between the parties for some minutes, which was carried on through the partition, and during which a good many threats were made by Gus Holmes towards the wile of King. She asked him, knowing him to be a desperate character, if he had any hari Against Mathew, ler husband. He an- swered “No,” but would make some harm, and, seizing an Bnfleld rifle which was lying near bim, he rushed ont of his door and began a furious banging against the door of Mathew King, which was locked upon the inside. Mathew, geting from his bed, unlocked und partially opened the door, and told Holmes he had no harm aguinst him. Holmes replied “No, ve got no harm against you, but will make some harm," and instantly “makti a retrograde movement from the doorstep, his rife, fired and shot King—the bail entering about one inch below, the leit nipple and making its exit below the right shoulder de. He expired soon afterwards; his lifeblood covering his own floor, A heartrending scene ensued, the two women pierc- ing the air wit ahrieka, while the murderer ‘With his fatal weapon entered his. room, and there remained morose and sullen, The occarred about twelve, midnight, and about A.M. ‘Holmes, after @ change of clothes 80.8 to disguise Miunself, made his escape. Daylight the hegcoes of the town and vicinity scouring the wooas armed with every conceivaoie kind of weapon fn pursuit of the murderer, and abouteight in the morning he was brought in by a_party, amid the most intense excitement. threats of lynching were freely uttered by the blacks, who swere friends of the murdered man; but the ofiicers of the law saved the criminal for a more just doom, He was then taken before a justice of Shorily alterwards, at a special court of Oyer and Terminer held for the county of bi be, @ bit of iudiciment was framed for mi and a true bill endorsed thereon by the foreman of the Grand Jury. The counsel of the accused, who were as- sigued by the Court, asked for a continuance on ac- count of the abseace of the woman with whom he had been living in @ state of adultery, and who w; @ maverial witness for the prisoner. He was + muauded back to jail. His ESCAPE AND SUBSEQUENT ARREST, Ali the time of his imprisonment, and evea while ander his prelimi: net, examination, the prisoner ex- hibited a callous démeanor and seeming indifference as to his fate, though at times evincing some anxiety as tothe latter, In flis like these he was impelled to make efforts to regain his lost liberty, and wader the inspiration of the axiom “While there is lite there is hope,” every energy was centred in one grand effort to escape. He succeeded in drawing (he volts from en von var in the ponderous door of his cell, aud with Us implement he broke of the powerful siuples, having thus effected an entrance to the pas. suge. This Was accomplished fm fhe early part of the night, and once without the narrow bounds of his dungeon tie work of making a hole through the outer b . wall of the jail was to him a! comparat y easy (ask, which he soon accomplinhed, and once more he was tree. A diligent search was ingututed throughout the entire vicinity for his recaptuy but without success, and what became of this tPribie desperado and criminal for the next six months was then a Pe A reward for his arrest was, how- ever, offered both by the State and county, and in January, 1868, Gus Holmes was rearrested in a miti- tary hospital at Columbia, §. C., sick, under treat- ment 28 a United States soldier. The manner in Which this Was brotght about waa through the influ. ofthe reward, a comrade to whom Gos had letaliting his Various exploits baying informer and pocketed the handsome Sum Of $1,000 upon the surrender of Gus to the State bey ty J of North Carolina, ] to Raleig pews Of lus escape and the reward for his recapture haying preecded him the house there in which he was Jodged Was soon surrounded, but, with a boldness almost unparalleled, he rushed through the line, and thongh fired upon many times made his edc: un- injured. fle then went back to Raleigh hen ‘ through South Carolina to Chattanooga, oy WH he rematued one week. Beg fa danger of treat he worked his way to Angusta, Ga., where also heran @ serious risk, as parties there were on the lookout for him. rare S a the next place in which Bo ut, becoming digsatisfed, he went fo Florida with aview of wed 6 of his Not finding him he returned thro Al Charleston, 8. C., from which last place he went to Columbia, In the saine State, jomed the federal army, and was arrested as stated above, THE TRIAL k place at the March Stiperior Court, when. from e interest manifested im the case by the blacks, ui l i" 5 3 z z ze : Be i 4 a 3 i = Fo 5 2 = bage Hie eH Bag é g 3 a ese quash was, however, overruled, and the cepted. Aspecial venire of fifty men were ordered to be summoned to try the case, The Sheriff returned twenty-five wiutee apd twenty- five blacks ag jurors. The prisoner cl rae one Campbell, a colored juror tendered him, on the ground that he was @ colored man. This cause pf selene was ition, Too ven to Mr. Fred Phill! the prisoner's counsel, for the management of remarkable case, alone prolonged the life of the condemned for an entire year. i portion of the the county $ “hae M tion to Governor Holden to com- mute the sent of the condemned to imprison- the following letter, Weer arrived yesterday evening:— POU" RALEIGN, Dec. To 7HR SURRIYY ov EDGEOOME ‘couNrY i Augustus H mes was @ bright latto about fi lolmes w: mul ve feet nine inches high, swarthy, with long black hair; which somewhat resembled that of an Indian. He built, of a sinewy which combined afl the strength and activity of an athlete, and from. ‘ais desperate character had always been an object of terror to those by whom he was surrounded. There Was in his eye an undefinable es pred that re- minded one of the treachery and deviltry of an ‘king assassin. Though associated ‘with all that was low and horrible his entire life, and since his majority a desperate, criminal, Gus Holmes ‘was the illegitimate offspring e of the wealthiest and most respected men in the State, whose family and connections represent character, wealth and in- telligence. His mother was a free woman of bright mulatto complexion, who has been long since dead. He has three brothers living, the whereabouts of whom he was unable to discover, butone he sup posed was living at Raleigh, who could not be in- duced either to answer his letters or vistt him prior to his execution. Some property that he possessed he disposed of by will—leaving 1t to his counsel. Though the condemned had lingering hopes of a commutation of punishment, and he was as yet but poorly prepared to face his Maker, he ved the final news that consigned him to an tgnomintous doom with comparative composure and made the following remarkable confession and startling record of an eventful and fil-spent life in the presence of your correspondent:— HUS CONFESSION. Iwas bound when a boy to Alsey Beavers, in Raleizh, After 1 got grown I was accused of the crime of ducking ® man in & barrel of water, putin jail, was tried and was acquitted. I swore that I would kill him for haying me put in jail, and at- tempted to do 80, was again arrested by a force of fitteen or twenty men, imprisoned, examined, tried and found gullty, Afterwards was sold for prison charges and Geo. T. Cooke, of Raleigh, bought me for two years for seventy-five dollars. Iran awsy from him and went to Nash county to work in turpentine. T was caught and put back 1m jail. Cooke came and took me out and I stayed my time out with him. did very well at my work until October, 1862, when I took to drmking again. 1, With Aleck Roberts, a one-eyed colored man, who is now, I believe, on the Manchester Railroad, and others whose names I do not recollect, all in the employment of the Confede- rate government, entered the grogshop of Alsey Beaver in the nighttime and stole from him one barrel of whiskey. During the same night we went to Albert Johnson’s, who lived near by, broke into his smokehouse and took all his meat. We then broke into his cellar and stole about one two-horse wagon load pf preserves, candles, soap and other articles, I was arrested on suspicion, confessed the act and was imprisoned. 1 stayed in jail six days, ant, havi cut through the rock walling of the mal with a sabre blade, Imade my escape, and seven others with me. 1 started to» Washington, in Beaufort county, then occupied by the federa) forces. I was pursued, and in Nash county a party of twenty-six men.with a pack of hounds overtook me. Wehad a ranning Higit of two and a half or three hours’ duration. One man hollered out to me if my name was not Gus Holmes. I told him that was my name. He told me to snrrender, but 1 would not do it and con- tinued figating until my way was clear. I then thought it was for me to surrender myself, which I did to a justice of the peace. Iwas put in jailand remained six weeks. { took the window sil, and. breaking the iron bar at the top of the win- dow, made my escape. 1 started for Washington again, but was taken up at Sparta, eight miles below ‘Tarboro, and putin the Tarboro jail, together with my wife, Adel Hoimes, Having tape myself a free man I came out, and David Pender paid my jail fees, and I worked with him and other Confederate Officers till the close of the war. My wife having died I worked about from place to place until May, 1367. I then became one of a to rob and plunder the railroad and express ofice of this town, This party consisted of John Morgan, John Stevens, John Dancy and Hardy Loyd. They had robbed the warehouse and taken whiskey and provisions the 5i night before the Safe was taken. John Stevens asked me Hardy Loyd, who was a ratiroad hand, and stayed at the office, said that he would fix it, Hardy Loyd said they carried the money off every Friday, and that the money not then carried off, and that there were bundles as large as his arm. I told him Uber canertgik caries ao eee night they were was e that got it. by Ee = cf - 3 i i | g y the and, rather indiscreetly, too, a su RY, of liquor, of which the doomed man frequently ibibed, but without it seeming to have any percep- tible effect upon him. At his earnest request a white convict named Wells was allowed to remain m—laving previousiy em. m the occasion of the visit to im of a bishop of that denominayon. In this braced the Catholic religi way the long weary hours wore away until day broke upon the new year and the last day of his earthly existence. The morning was passed chiefly in prayer with colored members of his charch who were ad- mitted to aee the condemned, and he earnestly joined vhem both in singing and praying. At hall-past ten o'clock, Ms liquor being exhausted, he asked for a drink, which was refused by the Sheriff, and tinding it impoxtbie to obtain this he applied for a cup of warm coffee and a biscuit, These were given and the doomed man hastily partook of his last meal. THE SCAPFOLD was that upon which John Taylor and Jim Knight, negroes, were executed in h last for the crime ol murder, it was a substantial structure of pine woot, the drop being suspended by a rope which passed thro the crossbeam above, over a ulley att corner, and was fastened 0 pes driven into one of the uprights. This roj cut, the drop fell. Under the law recently passed reqpiting, exectitions te be private, and witnessed only by thirty persons at the most, the Sheriff had this scaffold removed from the former piace of pub- le executions to the jail enclosure, which en- closure consists only of a fence about four feet ‘Way inured the privacy of the To obviaw this, however, a miserable execution, attempt was made to hige the id on the side looking towards the town by the erection of a plank ce immediately around it, and reaching nearly as , Which, pwevery ly failed im its intended an 0 about fifty men, with their shot and old musi were summoned to en- decree of law, and at eleven boots . cross. He walked to the scaffold It took @ seat er Aang SCENES AT THR SCAFFOLD. Kew cite negrosy, urge tumbog haa throug enjoy ratte ck by ‘ovown. 6s W to emasel vi ead wake ‘ as to see the ‘1 "These to porepanen 20 “4 one ae began. hour, and eleven large ‘were which bi : i : 4 Z E a Beet : H g gee $38 82 Fepeated, with uncovered shaken by the wind, the Lord's all its simple purity, followed by the Belief and another short prayer, the scene was exceedingly solemn and impressive. But this was pes jong. to remain Sp. i eee saan somebody would sing a hymn, ‘Hiltlard Chapman and his wife, , be sent for. ‘This request was also complied with, but while the Messenger was absent a number of other Begroes Teel nd Se Ril ug and women, cl re C te mud ‘and 4 ascending the scaffold, until at m ts hy in One n we ho ve fe at frst Spoke calmly enough, became fearfully excited and kgoke forth into an uncontrollable fit of religious enthusiasm, which for a while created aaa gt" ae aa ra ak whether inside or outside the enclosure, to come forward and ‘Jine in de singin’,” which tion the Wildnebs and fervor pecullar to megtoes. Another ii Iness an Or ‘preacher, who Was ainbitious and did not Negro, &@ wish to eclipsed, then made a semt-prayer and speech, which, for richness it dialect ‘and abeurdity of English pronut no equal. Nearly & dozen negro. women meantime ascended scaffold, and were speal to the condemned, si nds with and taking a last farewell. Next followed another i little from the one sung, and while this was in King, wife of the murdered man, with ohn in her arms, came splashing through the mdd towards the scaffold. She climbed the steps and, extending her hand, shook that of the condemned warmly and toid him she forgave him. This scene was qi affect- taked fhe was forgiven, boing assured An ths was fol amMrmative each time. He shook hands with the child, a little girl about six years of age, said he had killed its father, for which he was sorry, and hoped God and body else would forgive him. These fis eyuest at the condemusds Me. Phil, his request > counsel, read from the scaffold the confession as above, which was heard by — thé entire crowd, Thus, instead of a private this was one of the most public executions ever witnessed, notwithstanding the law to the contrary. Tt was made an actuat on bition, THE LAST VIEW. The scaffold being cleared the Sheriff informed the condemned that his hour had arrived, but from the continued excitement of the hour previous he was unable to rise to. his feet without quite aneffort. The cap was then placed over his head, but he asked that it be removed for an instant to gain oenes Eanes of the light of heaven, This was done, it was in repinoed, forever darke! the earthly vision Gus Holmes. The rope was then adjusted, and when the knot was pl the condemned fairly gre hay at the knees and would have sunk upon e drop but that he was caught. At this juncture the Sheriff, who was.somewhat excited, as might be expected under the circumstances sata, “Hold on, Gus, you won’t be hurt.” A negro had to be called to the platform to support the king man, and ag he had to stand clear of tht drop Holmes became in a position leaning against him, entirely helpless, his feet being towards the front of the drop. con- sequence of this was that when the drop fell the condemned slid off, the Knot laving worked roand to the back of his neck. Strangulation was the re- sult. The neck was not broken. There was a vio- lent convulsive movement of the lower limbs, last- ing for nearly three miriates. Breathing ceased in seven minutes and @ haif, pulsation in twelve min- utes, and in twenty minutes life was declared ex- tinct by the attending physicians. HORSE NOTES. Harry Hamilton’s tandem team are the fastest that ever appeared on our roads, They are worth seeing. Dexter created considerable excitement in Sev- enth avenue yesterday morning, Mr. Bonner speed- ing him for several blocks up and down, The horse is very quiet in front of a sieigh, and seems to like the music of the bells. Among the great number of fast horses on Harlem lane on Sunday afternoon, besides those already given, were the following:— John Dye’s fast trotter, Benton. George B. Curtis’ slashing bay roadster. Alexander Hone’s bay mare. Mr. Stavin’s elegant bay. Walter Briggs. wo gelding. Wiliam E. s’ half-brother to General Butler. Harry Harbeck's two-forty horse. Mr. Humphrey’s splendid black mare Eastern “par hao ‘was trotting very fast and beating all she met Mr. Ferguson drove a very fast team. Mr. Ridabock was sending Quaker faster than we ever saw him go before.» Del Leadbeater was behind a clipped horse. i Husson hnd his team at full speed. They trot well, Mr. Miller's Patchen colt was doing his best. Mr. Fisk drove his fast team, Heenan and mate. Mr. Van Cott was driving his Bashaw colt very fast. Mr. Roe was behind a pair of fine looking bays. Mr. Dixon showed a handsome pair of bays—good steppers, Mr. Lewis drove a splendid trotter. He is a good sized bay. 7 Mr. Dennison had Boston Girl and mate, Bob Brown was flying behind a fast gray. John Richards -made the snow fly with Brother Jonathan and Pet. Brown drove a gray trotter. Mr. Matheson’s mare was stepping fast. Mr. Deming had his gray and sorrel team. Ben Mace drove the chestnut mare Louise. Mr. Gourdier was behind his gray colt. Mr. Hinman had a very handsome black colt. L. R, Martin was sending a sorrel gelding along at @ rapid rate. . Mr. Chartres had a very promising black colt. i Serr seemed satisfied with the movements of ero, Mr. Parker drove Pulaski. con Boyee was exercising the stallion George Wi Mr, Tallman was driving a bay gelding. Mr. Wiikins drove a very fast tearm of bays. Mr. Holbrook was pleased with his Ethan Allen Mr, Parker, of Thirty-fourth street, had a pair of Charley Weeks was out with the Blue mare, Sam Weeks drove his Ethan Alien Commodore Vanderbilt was behind Maid Mr. Cornell's mare was very steady and fast, had aieam of grays. grays. Mr. Ellery’s team looked well. John Sherwood drove a fine looking trotter. aan N. Briggs was there, with Lady Kate aud Mr. Burgess was driving a splendid sorrel filly bp; Bonnie Scotland, dam the Sostemen trotting mare jellie. Al Blanchard had ont his pair of very fast sorrels. Mr. Ives drove a pair horses that step very clean. M. Rodin had a pair of clippers to a rather weather beaten sieigh. Ed_Jones brought oat 4 sorre! and white; he has a number of fast onca. Mr. Smith drove his gray alongside of Norwood,au ‘was afterwards seen behind bis big buckskin horse, vue Tulle was letting his bay mare Nelly do her Mr. Potter was behind Ella Sherwood; she looked lusty, Nin Leadbetter drove a brown mare named Dan- a Maid; she is handsome and fast, Mr, Risk rove his splendid black colt, and jater bay pacer Lightning. Mr. Phyfe drove all of his splendid stable. coach horses and a!l. My Tom and Lady Lockwood showed plenty of speed, but the sorrel Ethan Allen mare showed to the best advantage hy her beanAful looks, fine trotting action and vreat speed. She ts about the size of Mr. Bonner’s mare Pocahontas. Mr. Ike Paillape? gray horse Admiral, Farragat was very speedy. Ton tarbell sat behind his new Hatolitonian mare; she cap trot fast. John handied her like a horseman. ‘The majority of the sleighs out were those known as Portiands, 4 IMPROVEMENTS IN BOSTON. The Boston Most has made a calculation ®f the brick and stone bulidings erected in that city during the past year, and makes the following recapitula- tion: — Value of improvements under our classif- cation of balidings costing over $50,000. . $6,250,000 Back Bay classification. 1,181,000 South End classification . 761,000 Highland district classification 518,000 South Boston classification. 683,000, a pended during the year in the constriction of frame buildings which are scattered over portions «of East Boston, Korth and West Enda, the Highland District and South Boston. Of this class of fimprove- ments there have been erected 127 one and two stor buildings for shops, smitheries, stables and dwel- i coving Py, mechanics’ estimates not less than $ ; and 316 four and five story frame by the same authority ‘This wil give asa Tot for bulldog iaprove: ments of all classes B1aToa0ua. NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY JANUARY 5, 1969.—TRIPLE SHEET. THE INDIAN WAR. Arrival at Fort Cobb—The Indians in That Vi- cinity-The Kiowas Checkmated—Details of the March from Camp Sapply—The Kiowa Warriors Come Out to Fight and Chango Their Minds, HEADQUARTERS bere veterreps Ht ‘MIssoURI, ) Fort Conn, I. T., Deo. 19; 1868. § The operating Column commanded by Brevet Major General George A. Custer, and accompanying Gen- eral Sheridan in the feild, arrived at this point yes- terday afternoon. As the advance of the column appeared in sight Brevet Major General William B, Hazen, colonel Thirty-eighth United States infantry, accompanied by Captain Relff, Sixth United States infantry, rode out and met General Sheridan abouts Mile distant from the post. The command is now in camp on the west bank of Pond creek, about a half mile from the small plot of ground called Fort Cobb. The country here affords an abundance of win- ter’ pasturage for the animals, which are now expected to recuperate very after their trying march. ‘There are located in this vicinity about 300 lodges of Indians, principally Comanches and Apaches. The Cheyennes and ara- pahoes have taken to the Washita Mountains, about forty miles distant, The Kiowas have promised to come in, but appear to be very slow. about comply- ing. Satanta and Lone Wolf, their head chiefs and two men of great influence, are now in Our posses- sion and under guard. Satanta is @ notoriously treacherous Indian, and Lone Wolf has been imph- cated in’ a number of depredations against the whites... They. have several times shut up the eyes of the representatives of the government. They ‘were officially dispossessed of their arms, and in- formed if their people did not come in to-day, as they promised they would ¢o yesterday, they would be hung at daylight to-morrow morning. As soon a8 so informed tHeir manner became quite changed and they immediately hastened off two messengers to urge their tribe to come in. Up to the arrival of the treops General Hazen and his officers were in constant anticipation of an attack. Satanta and Lone Wolf, backed by their warriors, were insulting in the highest degree. This conduct lea to an order for reinforcements from Fort Arbuckle, making tne garrison to consist of one. company of the Sixth infantry and two'compa- nies of the Tenth cavalry. When the additional company was on the way here 4 band of warriors, with Satanta at their head, told them they should not come any further, The officer commanding in- formed his savage majesty that he had been ordered to go to Fort Cobb, and there he would go. The savages threatened, and their couriers reporting the hig of troops from the north probably had ie influence of suppressing any infamous schemes they ay, have been indulging in. The officers stationea here give their experience with these vagabond savages as the most humiliat of their lives. Threats and insults were of constant occurrence, and General Hazen was compelled to ac- cede to the most arrogant demands for the sole mo- tive of preventing an immediate massacre of the . The arrival of our column consequently ‘was @ welcome thing to the small garrison here. ‘Several days eat pone sig before any defl- en nite action will be respect the savages who have been foremost in dyeing their hands in the blood of white men. Late this afternoon one of the ane rs sent out by Satanta returned, having ridden down three pontes, to announce that the nation would be in, Already about 100 warriors have arrived; but it 1s not likely that the rest will be ia until very late. Yesterday Satanta said his whole people would be in last night. It now appears that his statement was entirely false, and instead of coming towards Cobb they were hastening towards the mountains. - As a winter campaign on these boundless plains is athing hitherto untried, and consequently an ex- periment, a few notes will not be without interest. ‘foe old fogies of the army and the government have always maintained that it would be im ‘ible to move troops in this section in winter. The indians, capper for the prosecution of hostilities duri the winter months, took advantage of this fact, an by retiring to a distance from the posts were com- Ferauveny safe from disturbance, and resnmed their lepredations when warm weather began in the fol- lowing year. It required but a bold, energetic, dashing soldier like Sheridan to ina te @ new era in the history of Indian war, and the success alrei accomplished promises @ lasting control over the savage mind. M; despatch of December 7 announced the depar- ture of General Sheridan with an expedition com- manded by Brevet Major General Custer, consisting of eleven companies of the Seventh United States cavalry and tea companies of the Nineteenth Kansas Volunteer cavalry, Colonel 8, J. Crawford com- manding, togetber with supplies of forage and rations for thirty days. Leaving Camp Supply, at the forks of the Wolf and Beaver rivers, the column moved in a southeasterly direction, striking the Washita river eight miles from the scene of Custer’s fignt. The country along the route was one mono- tonous sweep of high rolling, treeless ridges and ex- pansive valleys. In the vicinity of the Canadian it was rougher than was experienced on the entire route. Lofty huramocks of red clay and stone shot up from the higher Capes ‘and deep and impassa- bie guiches cut up the val wb Marching in this sec- tion was very heavy and tedious, The pioneer corps was kept constantly employed in advance, opentug a way for the trains. The weather during this portion of the march was excessively cold, the thermometer ranging from zero to fifteen and twenty degrees Fahren ‘The 1co on the Cana- dian was several inches in thickness and the weather so low in temperature that the trains were here se- riously retarded. A passage was broken throagh the ee and kept 0} by crossing detachments alry at intervals between the wagons, The stream ‘was about one-fourth of a mile im width and two fect in depth in places. Several wagons which the teams were unable to drag acr being delayed in the stream, were almost instantly blocked by ice formmg about the wheels, and required twelve or sixteen mules to extricate them. Half a day was consumed in this fearful crossing. The remainder of the march, until reaching the Washita, was ef- fected without extraordimary delays, though the Woather maintained an unusual severi high "Teaving caiup on the Wasnlta after say's rest, ving camp on the Wasi F & ca, the column moved down the soutn bank. The sec- ond day out a violent snow storm set in, the wind blowing a perfect hurricane, ‘The storm increased to such a pitclr that the column went into camp and da cold, wet and cheerless it. The follow- ing day dawned clearand cold. The next day we experienced a materia! change in the temperature. seemed like passing from winter sad- of the march Atm the sun was almost ive, to ieatace st Se ehenge “Bitarinet feet the Washita constant signs of the recent nce of = the stream a lodge pole trail half a mile in width was ; also the tracks of thousands of ponies discovered. The just have were m nuubered several thousand. Day talore este! the first kigns of Indians were seen. column was halted to trains over one of the the Washita a conrier came in from General and his compa was re- tained as a hostage, At the time of the arrival of the wire larae body of Indians were seen several . General Ouster, woe Se by Brevet Lientenant Colonels J. Schuyler Ci M. W. Cook, your correspondent and the scouts com- man by Lieutenant Silas Pepoon, in all about eighty men, leaving the train, rode out to meet the party. The Indians retired near the bank of the river and sent out two of their number to negotiate. Mr. Curtis, the interpreter, and Mr. Braey, guide, rode to the front to meet she two savages who ac- vanced to méet our party. A sign was given, when General Custer and Colonel Crosby joined the interpreter. It was not certain whether the ta- dians meant war or peace, and every man of our party examined his pisto} and rifle, held both ready and kept mounted, prepared to charge should any hostile demonstrations be made. The hills across the river were crowded with warriors dashing about and awaiting events, When Genera: Custer and Colonel Crosby reached the party the Indians opened negotiations. Satanta rode up to Colonel Crosby, and with an alr of arrogance exclaimed “!low |" shnultaneously extending his hand. This the Colonel refused to receive. The Indian drew back in anger, exclaiming, ‘Me Kiowa,” striking his breast, and was about to signal his warriors, when, noticing more troops approaching on a hillLabouta mile distant, he seemed to hesitate. Then advancing to Geueral Custer, he offered him his hand. through the interpreter:—“1 never shake hands wiih any one unless | know him to be a friend.” After some parley Satanta and Lone Wolf and a Comanche retarted with General Caster, During the day about sixty warriors came in. it Was evident that the Kiowa warriors came out ‘With hostiic mtention, supposing our column vo ve very small in numbers; but when they saw the wn- usual array ‘of force they professed the warmest friendship. ‘Their faces bedanbed with war pat, facir persons attired in ail the panoply of war. riors, their weapons ed use, told a dimer. ent tale. During the nightfall the warriors, except Satanta and Lone Wolf, disappeared. About noon Satanta was allowed to leave the column to com- muniente with his warriors. About three o'clock he returned with his gon, a fine boy about eighteen ears of age and attired in the highest style of indian costume. While riding along a short dis- tance from the column the old chief put spurs to his pony. His intention was evidently to escape, but-in ® moment Dr. Morris J. Asch and Lieutenant Colonels A. J. MoGonnigie and W. W. Cook, ail ot ‘whom had fleet horses and were near by at the time, dashed after the tive, There was a lively race for halt a mile, when his Indian highness, finding timeeif overtaken, checked hts pony, folded nia arms across his breast and made several exclamations, After this adventure a wiutd of soldiers was at once ‘The General sald, posed of B sctme WAN. ‘The arti’ the column here with a com} = tively small. lows or sbtinata and & sik list nol Brevet 4 this Brevet Lieutenant Colonel A, J, McGonnigie, Quar- termaster, leaves here to-morrow for Fort Kk for an thirty daya’ supply. CUBA. A Cuban View of Evente—The Course of the Revolution. New York, Jan. 1, 1860, To THR EpiTor oF THE HeRALD:— . ‘The following information in regard to recent events in Cuba is derived from well informed native sources in Havana, and will be found interesting, as it gives the obverse of the oficial reports which come from there:— he srg oa the oxgaas of he Spans won no little = ernment his object was to confer General; but later the truth of the event ‘The de Valmaseda, convinced a ba i ate Lg + jubang, sent a telegram undl, infor him that the whole country was in revolls lesired to , OF that he should be yield the command to ‘allowed 15,000 men, but Lersundi objected to Espi- nat’s In the same manner Ler- not allow General Latorre to take the co! of Santiago de Cuba, because he would ernment. In Ha- to deliver up his command will cause 4 serious 81 gle. The Brigadi Muios officially requ ‘Lersunai to send him 6,000 men, a8 he was short of everything, and that the country was excessively agitated. Lersundl replied that he could not make soldiers, Muflos then en- deavored to pass the command to Colonel Queros, who, however, declined. In fact, the utmost discord is said to exist among the Spanish authorities. Ben- has been completely routed between Silara and ‘olguin, and when his men refused to go on he, like General Etna, advanced and was seriously wounded. nts in possession of. Holguin have for- mally established themselves at Jibara. ‘The Wattalion of the “volunteers of order” com- manded by Colonel Nevita, ‘composed of 800 rank and fle, is reduced to 200 men ‘by desertions. Of Uhe troops arrived from Spain anc sent to Benegasi, at Jibara, 200 returned, refusing to fight against Cubans who were struggling for liberty, This incident as- sisted to disconcert the Spantsh guthorities, In Santiago de Caba entire companies of volunteers have gone over to the insurgents, The Spanish officers have learned to commit excesses. Mena cansed two young telegraph operators to be shot in Port au Prince; Valm: ja set fire to ihe plantations of Altagracia, St. Isabella and the Uni vised the negroes to murder the poisoned the water at St. Isabella salt, returning in order to sow the latter well and ion, and ad- prevent the act being discovered, but in his hasty flight all was made knowa. Lameia did the same the springs and wells. Campillo, at Manzanillo, shot an body d) tied at the Trapiche estate. Se in Batre cai all the bodies to cast “into insurgent and had the to the neck tothe cemetery. guin Benegasi caused all the children, and women to go ahead asserted by many persons wort ragged by a rope Tn his march on Hol- people of credit. Camilo Cepeda has died in the prison of Havana, and there is every reason to suspecs that he was poisoned, The Spanish officers in Cubs wish act in the same manner as th committing all Kini did at St. and filling the wells and springs with corpsos. ee Garcon Machin wae Toure by the insurgents, Lbe: inst the Eitbats, -The journals of the independent ion of the island write in favor of union, and vermment issues anonymous and doubtful amp jets tending to divide low Neither the Spanish soldiers nor the established peninsulars to continue the strife, therefore the situation of the Spanish authort- ties is terrible. Zalueta, Ibafier, Duran, Argudin and other colored persons of the island have told General Lersundi that the conduct of Valmaseda at Port an Prince is unbecoming, as he devastates plantations and provokes the negroes to commit ir- regularities that cannot be tolerated on any account. ‘These are the bosom friends of the first authorities on the island. The Spanish government is so dis- concerted that the military operations are not con- ducted by military men, but by a lawyer, Mr. Dev- qT D Ocipenere Cae fui to the British sub- ¢ Cubans are heartily w e sul jects, from whom they receive the most efficacious asylum, tcaamal because they have sto) opportunity. T have further private information that I will hand to you later, in order not to prevent the execation of certain plans. Let it suffice for the declared war without quarter the Cubans do not wish.to ficht against the poor soldiers, and therefore attack the officers with greater vigor. Out of forty olicers that accompanied Valmaseda only five were left. The Cubans think that the Spanish oMcers who are the authors of such acts ould also pay for their faults. THE MERCHANTS’ UNION EXPRESS COMPANY. To THe Epiron oF THe HrraLn:— Several months ago we were informed that a combination had been formed by the vartous ex- press companies, whereby profits enough would be secured to establish regular dividends to the stock- holders. A few weeks ago we were informed that the arrangements perfected last March pad fated to bring either perfect peace or dividends, and that it Was absolutely necessary for some fwo or more of the four companies to consolidate. One month ago and we were agnin regtied with the choice morsel that the American and the Merchants’ (nien had merged. To my own and almost every one else's astonistiment the exeentive board of the Merchants’ Union informed their stockholders that they had consolidated with the American and were ‘obliged to call for five per cont of the capital stock, in order to make the merger complete. The lon sufering and deinded stockholders growled an grumbled, bat finally began to send in their money and take the new stock. ‘Thus-far all was well for the managers. One week ago an tojanction was placed.on the Merchants’ Union, and yesterday a receiver was appointed. ‘This fact was weil Known; yet of all the newspapers in New York city not one breathed ® word of the case. The Associated Press, it is said, smotheret the news, and the 4,000 or 5,000 mercban™ of the United States were left in total ignorance of an event of great iin ee to them. In conse. quence of this stndied si many have been duped into sending thelr money to that hourn from whence no money ever or ever will return. This week more injunctions will be placed, and the pub- lic will have a chance to know ail the facts of the raanagement of the greatest fizzle of the day, the Mercbanta’ Union Express. It is proposed also to institute suits against the managers personally, and seo if they cannot be made res! ible for some of thetr acts. Now, Mr, Editor, knowing your vr to be manty and independent, | ask you to publish this, in order to prevent any more money being sent to the Mer- chant’ Unton managers anil after they huve been to show wuetver thoy mean to (éal justly with the stockholders. roprictors; he’ two sacks of of his army, which fact is mingo, where, after of crueiies, they retired, tak- ing with them a number of ladies and roams aia wounded, he was assisted and placed at ving his parole uot to take up arms Particutars of the Cuuse that Led te It—His Fina! Ride Before His Death. ‘The iitial number of the Richmond Southern Opinion, under its new management (W. D. Chester- man & Co.), has made its appearance, J. M, Hanna, Mr. Pollard’s associate, contributes a long and cir- cumstantial account of the killing of the late editer ofthe paper, with many facts uitherto unpublished, from which we extract the tollowing history of the “fatal article:—‘I was at dinner at the Ballard House on a day the week previous, when a gentleman who sat at the same table with me remarked, ‘Did you hear of the elopement?’ I had not, and asked of him. to -whom he referred. Tho ym ane then named the parties, and related all the facts within his knowledge. Dinner over, I re- turned to the office. Mr. Pollard was not there; he ha@ gone to bis residence on the Grove road, buts note from him lay on my desk. Its contents were an urgent request to visit him at his house thatevening, 4s he had some important items for communication to me. I visited him. I met him alone in my own Toom, as he seemed anxious that the servants should not overhear anything that might pass between us. He had some notes in his hand, and when I spoke of the case:1 had heard at the Ballard House’ he re- Parked quickly:—“Yes; I have heard all about it, Same ante te acai ar article ‘hon it—in'the old style, remember.” This written: ma ara lptmnnraion hy eae nar penignd eal ewe ames, as the parties stood and trou! ensue, He angered at once replied, papers don’t een wy, name out when I get a’ dim- culty. Ashi Aap Li end the names those ‘@3 g004 as theirs. No, pub names in fall; responsible for what.goes im to other or subjects. We came into the ity fokemonsie rest mom '. In a few hours thereafter the article wag ing night a 85 k drew to its close the alleged elopement ‘was the town topic in certain circles, and grew in ex- aggeration. It*was hinted abroad tat the Southern Spinion, was to ventilate the matter. Om ednesday last, or early Thi morning, @ friend of the Grant family visited the Opinion ot Mr. Pollard was at his country home; I was alone. This tleman inquired whether such an article, based on the rdmor afioat, was to appear tn the next issue. I told him I believed there wouid be a publication. ot be pressed, “asing, webly, this Dre a sup’ saying, a dreadfal; you are doing a family a very great wrong} tilere is not One particle of truth in the re- port? He then recounted the circumstances of the young lady’s going away. told him I was power- less to stop the publication of the smallest paragraph after it was once in type; that Mr. Pollard was editor, proprietor and chief censor. “Phen,” said he, “is there no wayin which it cam be stopped? Is there any unary consideration which wouid induce you to forego the publication #* ‘With that the gentieman, on his own responsibil- ity, a8 J have understood, offered to fill the space occupied by the article with an advertisement, for which he wouid pay $100 down, Itold him I had no authority to negotiate; that he must see Mr. Pol- lard, ‘Then wi can Mr. Pollard be found? I must see him at once,” was his rep) , and recel his address he took @ a Grove road residence. W! “As for any pecuniary consideration that may be offered me, that is purely e matter of business. I to sell, If Mr. Grant, or ablish my paper Ris representative, wish to purchase this my paper I will sell it to interest in my paper, or have wished for some time to form another cont the article.’? asked:—“Mr. Pollard, can I see the article you have prepared for publication?” Mr, Pollard turned to me and said:—‘‘Have any ob- jection to Mr, —— iy ye oor “None in ” and passed Proof al tohim. He it over carefully and, yt ty ay “Well, that is mot so bad as I expec it would be; ertheless, there is not one word of in the whole of it.” Mr. Pollard demurred. ‘ is The Beas eetccea was worn ‘out the day passed without inumation mem- A Ma SO Sar would o¢the columns of the Opinion as of oor: red to relieve ly the seen y preat om anx! of Mr. Pollard. Among the few of those for wh: he expressed admiration he nambered Dr. Hoge, and his estimation of his personal character as a mam and reputation as a minister was of the most exalted Kind. had preached the funeral sermon of the late John M. Dautel (editor of the Richmond Erami- ver) ia 1865, and Mr. Pollard, recall this sald in tones more solemn than was his = “I matre To ey nem I die—as F all, prol , Some day—{ want Dr, ae] my ral sermon. 1 think he is one of the best Christians and most eloquent preachers that ever lived.” 1 had heard tim express such sentiments before, and so made dn afirmative answer to lis re- marks. On down Main t, post the Spotswood, we drew swift towards the Spot where death lay im wait watching for the coming of the victim. Sitting bebind him, | that Mn Pollard bowed occasionally to persons on the street. Once, alter a salute, he turned to me and said, “There goes aman who I know hates me,” On we were driven—one of us to death. The aa- sasein's bP nog im the curtained window, ts om its mark, nighor anti nigher, armed with the circie death, We ba aes Pollard first; 1 after him, One eye of the garreted assassin is closing, the other glances along the charged barrel; his forefin- @er presses the deadiy trigger. sepa- rates us by a little time and space—a moment—« cs few Another second, ttere is a flash, a crack sharp and sudden, 2 sviash of buck against the brick wall, and Ff. Kives Pollard lies stretched at my feet. The Cfizi museum at Fiorence, which, as may be remembered, sesses @ collection of portratis of painters executed by themselves, has just been pre- pot ree bs © otners, of hid a ag of Paris and merling of Vienna. ie ly is more particu- larly known for his f pr the Freneh sni the Fi o ; fire initerscwhes in 1807 sent to the Prenien ieet tonion Haining (of “Yield, Marsal Prince an eqresttian winal prot .