Memphis (TN) Daily Appeal, "A Negro Stampede Prevented," December 12, 1861

     A Negro Stampede Prevented.

   The correspondent of the Petersburg Express, writing from Norfolk, under date of the 6th, gives the following particulars of the frustration of an intended stampede of negroes: 

   Eight negroes were taken on Wednesday night in the observatory of Mr. Todd, of this city, which is built off in the river, and attached to his elegant establishment by a bridge. The negroes were gathered here preparatory to embarking for Fortress Monroe in a row-boat, the oars of which were carefully muffled, so as to pass our fortifications on the river without arresting the attention of the guards. They were each armed with a Colt's revolver and a bowie knife apiece. These, I understand, were stolen from the hardware store of Messrs. Allyn, Rose & Co., by a negro boy who attended in the store. The other ten negroes were captured down the river further, and I am told they had with them some fourteen hundred dollars in gold. Where they got this is a matter of mystery as yet. Some white persons no doubt are concerned in the whole affair. There is no telling what will be done with the negroes, but it has been suggested that a portion of them be hung. This is certainly the most effective mode of punishment that presents itself, and I would not wonder if the people didn't require such a proceeding. Desperate diseases require like remedies, and in a case like this, hanging would no doubt prove very beneficial.