A Lynching in Virginia
July 2, 1898
Summary
The Planet expresses sympathy for a lynched white man stating "we are much opposed to the lynching of white men as we are to the lynching of colored ones."
Transcription
During the early morning hours, Monday, June 20th, a mob of white men broke open the jail at Hillsville, Va., and lynched a white man, named—Howlett.
He was charged with killing another white man, Allen.
This was a most cowardly affair, a disgrace to the commonwealth. All who participated in that lynching are guilty of murder and should be given the extreme penalty of the law.
The sheriff should spare no pains, leave no stone unturned in bringing the guity parties to justice.
We are much opposed to the lynching of white men as we are to the lynching of colored ones. Lynch-law must go!
He was charged with killing another white man, Allen.
This was a most cowardly affair, a disgrace to the commonwealth. All who participated in that lynching are guilty of murder and should be given the extreme penalty of the law.
The sheriff should spare no pains, leave no stone unturned in bringing the guity parties to justice.
We are much opposed to the lynching of white men as we are to the lynching of colored ones. Lynch-law must go!
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Lower Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Cali Hughes
Citation
“A Lynching in Virginia,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed September 14, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1431.