The Western Democrat

Runaways.—Portions of this county have been infested for some time past with runaway negroes. Parties have been out recently hunting for them, and we are gratified to know that the ringleader of the gang, and the worst one (a boy belonging to Mr. John Wolf) who has been out for 18 months, was caught and lodged in jail. Another, a boy of Mr. I. N. Alexander's, was caught after being shot two or three times in consequence of his resistance and efforts to escape. And another, a boy of Mr. John L. Springs, was caught, but again escaped.

The owners of these negroes are humane masters, and nothing but devilishness or improper influences brought to bear on the negroes, could induce them to runaway.

In certain parts of the country runaway negroes and deserters are committing depredations and have become a terror to the neighborhood. It is time that volunteer companies were organized for the purpose of arresting these prowlers and for action in cases of emergency.

Every man ought to prepare himself with a gun and a few rounds of ammunition.