Report of the Joint select committee appointed to inquire into the condition of affairs in the late insurrectionary states, so far as regards the execution of laws, and the safety of the lives and property of the citizens of the United States and Testimony taken.

1702 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN THE SOUTHERN STATES.
during the trial, that the principal witness for the State, the party in company with
Thomas when he was assailed, removed from the country, and his attendance could
not be secured.
By the CHAIRMAN:
Question. My information is that Mr. Morse alleged and proved, on the trial, that
Thomas shot at him first; do you know anything contrary to that fact?
Answer. I know nothing except what has been told me by persons who were there.
By Mr. BLAIR:
Question. Were you ever informed of that fact, that he shot first?
Anszer. No, sir; I never was. I never heard it suggested until now.
By the CHAIRMAN:
Question. I think you have stated already that you did not hear Houston make this
declaration, that if this thing was not stopped, Livingston would be laid in ashes?
Answer. It was not made to me.
Question. Who was your informant?
Answer. Captain J. W. Monette, the marshal, told me it was made to him.
Question. Is he here?
Answer. No, sir; he is a citizen of Mobile at this time.
Question. Under what conditions or circumstances did Houston say that Livingston
would be laid in ashes?
Answer. The time which I referred to-I had heard of his making similar remarks at
other times-the time which I referred to was the morning after, or the morning on
which. this raid was made upon Choutteau, and upon him-in the morning after the
community knew what had occurred.
Question. At the time when he himself was shot and wounded?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. And the time when Coblentz was killed, and the life of Dr. Choutteau
endangered?
Answer. I know nothing of the endangering of his life.
Question. Do you not know that was the purpose, of killing Choutteau?
Answer. I do not.
Question. Do you not believe it?
Answer. That is the presumption.
Question. Have you any reasonable doubt that they were after him?
Answer. It is my belief that the object of the visit was to get Choutteau. It is
nothing more than a conclusion I have formed, but it is well settled.
Question. How many did you understand were concerned in that midnight enterprise?
Answer. I know nothing except what was stated in the testimony given before the
inquest, which I read yesterday. I forget the number I mentioned-five or six. The
only information I had personally was that given by a negro to whom I referred,
having said he saw three or four pass where he had concealed himself. That was
those at Choutteau's; I never heard of those at Houston's house.
Question. Did Houston live in town?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. And Chouttean?
Answer. Yes, sir; both in town; or rather at the edge. Houston lived on the
Gainesville road.
Question. Did your informant understand from Houston that he supposed this raid
proceeded fromn men living in Livingston?
Answer. I heard he had expressed the belief that no man living in Livingston was
concerned in it. In fact, I have heard repeatedly the opinion expressed that no one
in this community was concerned in that.
Question. Did you understand that Houston thought so?
Answer. I understand that Houston expressed that belief.
Question. Why, then, shouldl hv have had a spite against Livingston, and threatened
to lay it in ashes, unless this thing was stopped?
Answer. I inferred from what he said that he rather held this community responsible for preserving the order of the county, it being the county-seat, and the officers
being here.
Question. You say the community seemed to think they were somewhat derelict
themselves by organizing a patrol for several nights afterward?
An:swer. No; I did not say they thought themselves derelict. I spoke of them doing
that as a Iprcaution against a recurrence, which was anticipated by Houston. Houston seemed to think that they would possibly learn they had not killed him, and that
they would revisit him. The patrol, according to my recollection, was organized
chiefly with a view to protect Houston, and to allay the apprehensions of Mr. Price,
who was apprehensive of himself, and expressed that apprehension.