NP, RD 10/22/1861

From the Richmond Dispatch
 
October 22, 1861
 
Diabolical Act
   The Sumter Watchman, of the 18th, publishes the following:
   Some fiend incarnate, in human form, placed upon the railroad track {on the Wilmington & Manchester RR, about a mile from this place, on Wednesdaynight last, a number of cross-ties. As though by the special Providence of God, the early train from the Northward did not arrive at its given hour. Had it so arrived, fearful destruction and loss of life would no doubt have been the result, as it would have run up to the hellish trap at full speed amid the darkness of the night.
   The engineer of the train from the Southward, (from Kingsville,) which arrives at the place in question about daylight, discovered the obstacles upon the road, and by the most vigorous reverse action of his engine, coupled with the utmost power of the brakes, so slackened the speed of his train as to cause the wheels of the engine to roll gently over one or two of the cross-ties and catch again upon the rail, effecting no injury. This diabolical scheme could have been prompted but by the most infernal personal hate to some one expected upon the train, or by a bloody-minded enmity to our people and cause generally. The evidence of this is sufficiently strong to induce some measures of vigilance and precaution.

Home