Will Not See
July 6, 1895
Summary
The black community praises the Virginia Governor, Charles O’Ferrall, after he pardons men from their crime and has caused the number of lynchings to decrease to almost none in the state.
Transcription
The Norfolk, Va., Recorder continues to confound injustice in the courts with lynching by lawless parties.
There has been no lynching in Virginia since Hon. Charles T. O’Ferrall has been Governor.
As to the slurs cast, we have only to say that through the influence of this journal, Simon S. Walker, was saved from the gallows, three colored men released from the Virginia penitentiary, Peter Cary, pardoned from the same institution, Richard Hewlett, pardoned from jail, Charles Harris, released from jail, Richard Sampson, pardoned from the Virginia penitentiary, Alexander Spottswood released from jail.
Isaac Jenkins, who had been lynched, was defended and acquitted of a charge which would have either hanged him, or placed him in the Virginia penitentiary, with numerous other persons who have been extended similar favors walking the streets of Richmond.
All great evils have increased ere they were eliminated. This was as true of the oppression by England as it was of the slave-system in vogue in this country.
Short-sighted people have always disparaged and discounted the work of agitators and yet have been the first to enjoy the benefits accruing from their tireless labors. Lynch-law must go!
There has been no lynching in Virginia since Hon. Charles T. O’Ferrall has been Governor.
As to the slurs cast, we have only to say that through the influence of this journal, Simon S. Walker, was saved from the gallows, three colored men released from the Virginia penitentiary, Peter Cary, pardoned from the same institution, Richard Hewlett, pardoned from jail, Charles Harris, released from jail, Richard Sampson, pardoned from the Virginia penitentiary, Alexander Spottswood released from jail.
Isaac Jenkins, who had been lynched, was defended and acquitted of a charge which would have either hanged him, or placed him in the Virginia penitentiary, with numerous other persons who have been extended similar favors walking the streets of Richmond.
All great evils have increased ere they were eliminated. This was as true of the oppression by England as it was of the slave-system in vogue in this country.
Short-sighted people have always disparaged and discounted the work of agitators and yet have been the first to enjoy the benefits accruing from their tireless labors. Lynch-law must go!
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Lower Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Cord Fox
Citation
“Will Not See,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed February 19, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1427.