The Killing of Alexander Webb/ Particulars of the Tragedy

Title

Source Type

Newspapers

Publisher

The Weekly Advertiser

Publication Place

Montgomery, Alabama

Publication Date

6/18/1867

Transcript

The Killing of Alexander Webb
PARTICULARS OF THE TRAGEDY.

A special dispatch from our Montgomery correspondent, published this morning, mentioned briefly that Alexander Webb, colored register of voters for Hale County, was killed at Greensboro on the night of the 13th. From a gentleman who arrived here from Selma this morning, we learn that Webb was killed by a young man named John Orrick; that some words passed between the two; that Webb cursed Orrick; and that Orrick then drew a pistol and shot Webb three times. We learn further that the town was surrounded by negroes, who demanded the surrender of Orrick to them, but that he succeeded in making his escape. — Mobile Advertiser.

ANOTHER VERSION. - The following, as we learn by private letter, are the circumstances of the killing of Alexander Webb, a doubtful account of which we published yesterday evening. Webb was a colored member of the recent convention at Montgomery, and one of the registration board for Hale County. Our informant writes: Webb was just leaving his shop, where he had completed his day’s work, and met a young man named Orrick on the street.

The conversation which passed between them was brief, and as they passed each other, Webb was seen to raise his hat as if to salute Orrick, who turned and said, “Oh, Aleck!” The latter turned towards Orrick, who drew a revolver and shot him three times, killing him instantly. Orrick then jumped several fences and escaped across the adjoining block. The sheriff and posse have not yet been able to arrest him. A great deal of excitement exists among the freedmen, but at the present writing (13th, 9 P.M.), no difficulty is apprehended.

The citizens all wish to see Orrick brought to justice. — Mobile Tribune.

Sources for

065-18670613-001