Federal outrages in the West.
--The Federal freebooters on the
Mississippi are inaugurating the same system of villainy pursued by the
Yankees on the
Rappahannock and in
North Carolina; but we are gratified to learn that the true-hearted Southern men are applying the torch to their property rather than see it fall into the hands of the marauders.
We copy the following from the Memphis
Argus, of April 18:
‘
Two or three days since a party of about 80 Federal found their way down through the overflowed Bottoms to the plantations of
Dr. Hardin and
Mr. Felix Lanier, below
Osceola, on the
Arkansas side.
They came in skiffs and ‘"dug-outs,"’ and were well armed.
Entering the residence of
Dr. Hardin, they inquired for him. Fortunately he was on a distant portion of the plantation, and being advised of the object of their visit, managed to secrete himself until they departed.
A large number of his negroes were coaxed off, and others be took themselves to the swamps, and have doubtless fallen into the hands of the marauders.
The Federal searched the plantation for cotton, two or three hundred bales of which were found stored in a shed, but as they could not take it with them, it was left unmolested
Mr. Lanier's plantation, adjoining that of
Mr. Hardin, was next visited, but the report of the
Federal being in the neighborhood having reached him, he was better prepared for them.
Hastily collecting his family and nearly all the negroes on the plantation, he removed them to a place of temporary safety, and during the day managed to have them conveyed down to
Fort Pillow.
The Federal made diligent inquiries for
Mr. Lanier of his overseer and others, but learning nothing of him, soon left.
Another plantation was also visited, and its proprietor, whose name we have not obtained, arrested and carried off.
Mr. Lanier's plantation contained several hundred bales of cotton, which he burned after the departure of the
Federal, fearing their return.
Dr. Hardin also applied the torch, not only to the cotton, but to his steam saw-mill and cotton-gin, determined, with
Mr. Lanier, that nothing which could be of any service to the
Federal should fall into their hands.
His family was also removed across the river.
These gentlemen occupy prominent positions in the neighborhood, and have been quite zealous in their devotion to the cause — furthering it in every way possible.
For this they have been reported to the
Federal by some of the traitors who lurk in every vicinity as fit subjects for arrest.
’
