The ‘North Carolina Literary and Commercial Journal,’ of January 20, 1838, published at Elizabeth City, devotes a column and a half to a description of the lynching, tarring, feathering, ducking, riding on a rail, pumping, &c., of a Mr. Charles Fife, a merchant of that city, for the crime of ‘trading with negroes.’  The editor informs us that this exploit of vandalism was performed very deliberately, at mid-day, and by a number of the citizens, ‘THE MOST RESPECTABLE IN THE CITY,’ &c.  We proceed to give the reader an abridgement of the editor’s statement in his own words.—­

“Such being the case, a number of the citizens, THE MOST RESPECTABLE IN THIS CITY, collected, about ten days since, and after putting the fellow on a rail, carried him through town with a duck and chicken tied to him.  He was taken down to the water and his head tarred and feathered; and when they returned he was put under a pump, where for a few minutes he underwent a little cooling.  He was then told that he must leave town by the next Saturday—­if he did not he would be visited again, and treated more in accordance with the principles of the laws of Judge Lynch.

“On Saturday last, he was again visited, and as Fife had several of his friends to assist him, some little scuffle ensued, when several were knocked down, but nothing serious occurred.  Fife was again mounted on a rail and brought into town, but as he promised if they would not trouble him he would leave town in a few days, he was set at liberty.  Several of our magistrates took no notice of the affair, and rather seemed to tacitly acquiesce in the proceedings.  The whole subject every one supposed was ended, as Fife was to leave in a few days, when WHAT WAS OUR ASTONISHMENT to hear that Mr. Charles R. Kinney had visited Fife, advised him not to leave, and actually took upon himself to examine witnesses, and came before the public as the defender of Fife.  The consequence was, that all the rioters were summoned by the Sheriff to appear in the Court House and give bail for their appearance at our next court.  On Monday last the court opened at 12 o’clock, Judge Bailey presiding.  Such an excitement we never witnessed before in our town.  A great many witnesses were examined, which proved the character of Fife beyond a doubt.  At one time rather serious consequences were apprehended—­high words were spoken, and luckily a blow which was aimed at Mr. Kinney, was parried off, and we are happy to say the court adjourned after ample securities being given.  The next day Fife was taken to jail for trading with negroes, but has since been released on paying $100.  The interference of Mr. Kinney was wholly unnecessary; it was an assumption on his part which properly belonged to our magistrates.  Fife had agreed to go away, and the matter would have been amicably settled but for him.  We have no unfriendly feelings towards Mr. Kinney:  no personal animosities to gratify:  we have always considered