Palmyra (MO) Weekly Whig, "Negro Stampede," November 8, 1849

   NEGRO STAMPEDE.––We obtain from a gentleman of Lewis county, the following particulars of the recent attempt made by a number of negroes in that county to make their escape from their masters, which may be relied on as correct. The negroes (men, women and children, twenty-seven in number,) belonging to Messrs. James Miller,––McCutchen, –– –– McKim, living about ten miles north of Monticello, and Wm. Ellis, living in or near the latter place. They took with them a two-horse wagon, an ox cart, with an abundance of provisions, bedding, &c., and were armed with guns, knives and bludgeons.––They were discovered about 3 or 4 o'clock on Friday morning, moving in the direction of Canton. The alarm was immediately given, and when a sufficient number of citizens had collected, an effort was made to take them, which they resisted. A negro man belonging to Mr. Miller, armed with a large bludgeon, made a most desperate attack on one of the pursuers, and was in the act of drawing from his pocket what was at first supposed to be a pistol, but proved to be a large knife, when he was shot with a rifle. Stunned for a moment, but nothing daunted, he drew his knife and rushed upon the gentleman, when he received another rifle ball. He fell, and almost instantly expired. This fellow appeared to be the master-spirit of the party, and after he was killed, the rest were taken without much trouble. 

   It is supposed that they were aiming to make their way to the Mississippi river. Our informant states that on Thursday a very suspicious looking craft, having the appearance of a ferry-boat, and marked "U.S.  Pounder," lay all day a short distance below Canton. Some time in the night she was silently moved a mile or two above Canton, where she lay till after daylight on Friday, and then took her departure. It is supposed, and not without reason, that this boat was in some wise connected with this high-handed attempt of the negroes. It would be well for the owners of slaves, as well as the community generally, to keep a vigilant watch on their servants.