Natchez (MS) Mississippi Free Trader, "Great Slave Stampede," October 20, 1852

  Great Slave Stampede––Maysville Ky Sep 5––

Thirty-one slaves from the neighborhood of Augusta and Dover Ky., escaped to Ohio last night. They were traced to Ripley on the river, and were pursued by their owners and others from this side. The clothes taken by the slaves were found concealed in a yard and the owners were refused a warrant to search the house which it was supposed most of the slaves were hid. Five who had continued on were pursued by their masters and three captured. They are expected to be brought over to-night. 

   The negroes of Ripley assisted in numbers armed with guns, surrounded the hotel where the Kentuckians stopped. Fears are entertained of a serious disturbance, as the Kentuckians remain there on watch, and are determined to recover the slaves.

   Much indignation is felt here because the authorities of Ripley refused to assist the masters in granting warrants.