Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, January 18, 1994                   TAG: 9401180061
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

"ROANOKE OUTRAGE"

It was on the 20th of September

when the moon shown from on high

in the magic city of Roanoke

nine innocent men* did die

They were shot down by the militia

that was stationed in the jail

it was the awfullest outrage

that ever did prevail

The captain gave the orders to fire

when he heard the people shout

for he said he had instructions

from the mayor - H.L. Trout

It was the awfullest outrage

that we ever read about

and I think it was very foolish

to have called the militia out . . .

. . . some where shot through the heart

while many were shot through the head

after the firing was over

nine innocent men lay dead

Many people done many cruel things

yes, things we call hard

for they wanted to bury the Negro man

in the mayor's yard

But the preacher pleaded with them

yes, loudly he did shout

have some respect for your neighbor here

if not the Mayor Trout

Some suggested they burn him** at the stake

for the awful crime he attempted

Mrs. Bishop's life he tried to take

So they built the fire upon him

out of oil and pine

and all locked on him to see him burn, yes, everyone that could

That it was an outrage in our city

it could be clear

let us all be quiet now

and have no lynching here

For the Negro is dead and gone

to a different world from this

but to all do know that he

did not go to the world of heavenly bliss.

\ * Despite the pro-mob tone of the song, this count includes Thomas Smith, the suspect who was eventually lynched by the mob, as one of the victims.

** Meaning, Thomas Smith.