Chicago (IL) Press and Tribune, “A Fearful Slave Insurrection in Missouri,” December 30, 1859

A Fearful Slave Insurrection in Missouri

The Missouri Democrat has the following from Warsaw, Mo:

At about eleven o’clock Monday night the citizens of Bolivar were aroused by shouting and the throwing of stones on the Public Square. A large crowd congregated, and found a gang of negroes had attacked a few white men.

When a sufficient number of whites had collected together, they attacked the negroes, driving them into the woods. The negroes threatened to burn the town before morning. A vigilant watch was kept, however; all attempts were foiled.

One negro was dangerously wounded from a pistol shot; several captured and confined in jail.

The citizens called a meeting, appointed a vigilance committee, who are taking active measures to discover those engaged in the riot.

A mounted company is ranging the woods in search of the negroes. The owner of some of the rebellious slaves was wounded and only saved himself by flight. Several blacks have been severely punished.

Great excitement prevails. Every man is armed, prepared for a more serious attack. At latest advices, however, the excitement had somewhat subsided.