Letter from W. F. Tucker to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn; March 25, 1871

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Letter from W. F. Tucker to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn; March 25, 1871

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People

Alcorn, J. L. (James Lusk), 1816-1894 Buford, Unknown Chambers, Unknown Gewin, Unknown Hewson, H. F.Hill, Unknown Moore, Unknown Orr, J. A.Pollard, Unknown Riley, Walter Tucker, W. F.White, John Wilson, Unknown

Events

Crime Crime--Assassination Crime--Jail Escapes Crime--Murder Criminal Procedure--Arrest

Organizations and Businesses

Jury Mississippi. Executive Department Newspapers

Occupations

Chancellors City Council Members Coroners Judges Mayors Secretaries Sheriffs

Places

Chickasaw County (Miss.)Houston (Miss.)Jackson (Miss.)Okolona (Miss.)

Vital Statistics

Death

Page 1

Gov. J. L. Alcorn
Jackson
Miss

Okolona Miss
March 25^th 1871

Dear Sir,

In accordance with my promise, I write what I have been able to learn in relation to the conduct of the officers here, in failing promptly to arrest the assassins of Hill. The circumstances of the killing have been correctly detailed in the newspaper. Soon after the killing, Moore Chambers and Gewin were arrested under a warrant from Chancellor Pollard, not for the killing, but to prevent a duel or a street fight next day. White kept Moore at his house that night, and next morning brought the parties before Pollard, who bound them in a heavy bond to keep the peace. It seems that soon after the parties had been before Pollard, White left for Houston, as he had previously arranged, giving instructions to his deputy Buford, to serve any warrants or make any arrests that might be required by the author-ities. No one could be found who would, or could make the necessary affidavits and no

Page 2

warrant was issued until the coroner's Jury returned their verdict, when Mayor White issued his warrant upon their verdict, and the par-ties were arrested.

It is not in my power to say that the officers were free from blame, but I think I can truthfully say, that I do not believe that any of them wilfully neg-lected a known duty. The murderers were not arrested until about one o'clock, but it seems that in the confusion the Magistrate thought Pollard had taken jurisdiction of the whole case, when he was only attempting to prevent the duel, having issued his warrant before the killing, and he naturally expected the Mayor to take charge of the case, while the Sheriff being new in the dis-charge of his duties, waited intil a warrant should be placed in his hands before ma-king the arrest. I have not seen White, the Sheriff, nor his deputy. What I have learned has been from persons here, who were familiar with the proceedings from beginning to end.

So far from sympathizing with the assassins of the poor unfortunate Hill, there was, I am informed, a general outburst of public indignation against the perpetra

tors of the foul deed. I have not met a single man since my return, who offered a word in defence or [colliation?] of the crime—it is denounced every where, as a cold blooded assassination. When the officers did act, they were promptly sustained by the people, who in several instances volunteered to assist in the arrest.

I think John White will make us a good Mayor, as soon as he becomes familiar with his duties. In Walter Riley, you have given us a good Mar-shall, and all we now need to make our town organization perfect, and work harmoniously, is the appointment of the Board of Alderman recommended by Orr.

Except in permitting Gewin to escape, and fail-ing to arrest Moore & Wilson immediately after the perpetration of the crime charged against them, John White has so far been without fault as a Sheriff. I am sure his heart is in the right place, and he can be depended upon. His failure in this instance was from ignorance of his duties, and from no other cause. This can well have been a lesson he will not be likely to forget. Every thing is quiet now.

Very Respectfully

W. F. Tucker

Page 3

PRECIS.
[gap]

No! [gap]

Executive Office,
State of Mississippi,
County of Chickasaw

From W. F. Turner
Address Okolona
Dated Mar 25 1871
Received [gap]
Answered [gap]

Concerning the Con-duct of officers in failing to arrest the assassins of Hill

JAMES L. ALCORN,
Governor.

H. F. HEWSON
Private Secretary