Election Day Violence

DISTURBANCE IN CHESTERFIELD DISTRICT.--- The Cheraw Democrat, of the 30^th ult., published the following account of a serious disturbance that occurred recently at Mount Croghan, in that District:
We regret to have to report a serious difficulty in our District at the recent township election, but are glad to learn that our people were not responsible for it. Several statements have reached us, but the following is the best authenticated and seems most reasonable.
During the progress of the election, a negro walked up to Arch’d Nicholson with demonstrations of fight, and told him he was going to whip him. Nicholson immediately went for his rifle, where he had deposited it, but it had been removed. He then advanced with his knife on the negro, who ran and was pursued. At last the negro turned with a rail in his hand, and the fight began. While struggling with each other another negro came up and struck Nicholson on the back of the head with a gun, which put an end to that affair. John Nicholson, the brother of Archibald, had followed on to prevent the fight if possible, and made every effort to do so. He was struck in the forehead with a rock, from some quarter not known, and while binding up his wound Archibald was there looking on. The young men at the polls became exasperated at the conduct of these negroes, and drove them away, but did not interfere with those who took no part in the fracas. Archibald Nicholson, on his way homes, complained of his hurt, which was not regarded as serious, and after he reached home died from the effects.
Application was made to a magistrate for a warrant to arrest the negro who had killed Nicholson, but he refused it. On what ground he knows best, and will probably be required to inform the Solicitor.
During the excitement one of the managers, Mr. R. J. Donaldson, ran off with some of the ballot boxes, but brought them back again after the excitement abated. This is another result of carpet-bag teaching.
 
 
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[1] DISTURBANCE IN CHESTERFIELD DISTRICT obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 2 August 1869. Archibald Nicholson Killed.