NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
November-December 1862
From The Missouri Democrat, Wednesday, November 26, 1862.
THE VERY LATEST.
OUR EXCLUSIVE DISPATCHES.
GREAT EXCITEMENT IN HERMANN.
Decided Expression of Sentiment on the “Nigger” Question.
[Special Dispatch to the Missouri Democrat.]
HERMANN, MO., Nov. 25.—Our mostly quiet town was suddenly thrown into a curious excitement to-day upon learning of the capture of fifteen fugitive slaves, who had been taken by the aid of a German Justice of the Peace and a German Constable, and brought here and lodged in our jail for safe keeping.
The citizens turned out fully armed, rushed to the jail and surrounded it with a strong guard. The loyal (?) owners of the negroes being desirous of moving their property across the river, make a demand for their surrender, which is refused.
An order is at this juncture produced from Major General Curtis for the delivery of the slaves to their claimants, and an appeal is made to the Provost Marshal for aid; but upon examination this order turns out to be bogus, and the people are more incensed than ever at the nigger catchers.
The fact is the people in this section are determined on immediate emancipation.
M. A. F.
