Lieut. Col. H. W.
Smith
Asst. Adjt. General
Hdqrs. First Separate Brigade
Charleston, So. Ca.
Colonel,
I have the honor to
state, that while on my way to Abbeville, July 20th, 1866 I learned
of a horrible murder that had been committed on the morning of July
19, 1866 at Cokesbury, Abbeville District, by a desperate and
ruffianly character by name of Reuben Golding of Abbeville. While at
Abbeville I learned that this man has always borne a bad character
and was much dreaded by the people of the neighborhood, he having
shot three persons at different times since the close of the
Rebellion. It is known that he left Abbeville on the morning of the
19th inst. heavily armed, that is, with a double barrel shot gun and
pistol, with the intention of visiting Cokesbury, and I have heard,
for the purpose of shooting a Negro, the name of whom I could not
learn.
While at Cokesbury, he
deliberately, and without provocation, as plenty can testify, shot a
Negro by name of A. Payton, who, from the effects of said shot, died
that evening. This Negro always bore a good character in this
neighborhood and has always been free. He has been absent in Canada
and New York for the last five or six years, and at this time was
returning to his home at Anderson. After shooting this Negro,
Golding left town and was pursued by several Citizens of the place.
The people of the County are naturally shocked at the brutal murder,
and consider it a great disgrace and are mortified that it has taken
place. The Governor of the State has issued a reward of $250 for his
arrest, the prospects of which are very good.
If I had but a few
Cavalrymen I should immediately make pursuit, but with Infantry it
is needless. I learn that he has crossed the Savannah River opposite
Abbeville and gone into Georgia, somewhere in the vicinity of
Washington. Several parties are now on his track and will no doubt
soon arrest him.
I am
Colonel
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt. Servt.
Chas.
Snyder
1st Lieut. 8th Infty.
Comdg. Post
