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Records of the Assistant
Commissioner for the State of Louisiana
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, 1865 - 1869.
National Archives Microfilm M1027 Roll 34 Records Relating to Murders and Outrages
"Miscellaneous Reports and Lists Relating to
Murders and Outrages" Mar. 1867 - Nov. 1868
Head Quarters Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned
Lands State of Louisiana
New Orleans, La. March 9th, 1867
Bvt. Brig. Genl. Samuel Thomas
A. A. A. Genl. Bureau R. F. and A. L.
Washington, D. C.
General,
In accordance with instructions contained in communication
from War Dept. Bureau Ref. Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, Washington D. C. of January 24th,
1867, I have the honor to submit the following report of the number of murders and
outrages committed in this state since the organizing of the Bureau to February 20th,
1867 in which Freedmen have been victims or parties as reported to this office by the
Agents of the Bureau.
The following statement will show the number of outrages or
victims in the aggregate, a detailed history of each case being given in succeeding pages
of the report.
Freedmen killed by whites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Freedmen supposed to have been killed at Riot in addition to those reported . . . . . . ..
. . . . . 10
Freedmen murdered - no clue to perpetrators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Freedmen shot at, whipped, stabbed, beaten &c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .. . . . . . . . 41 210
Freedmen supposed to have been wounded at Riot in addition to those reported . . . . . . .
. . . 20
Freedmen murdered by Freedmen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2
Whites murdered by Freedmen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
In no instance in any of the foregoing cases has a white
man been punished for killing or ill treating a freedman. In some few cases the guilty
parties are in jail awaiting trial but the majority have either been justified by a
Coroner's Jury, acquitted or admitted to bail in sums varying from $300 to $1,000 and in
one instance $3,000.
On the other hand, of the three freedmen charged with
murder, two have been convicted and hung. There can be no doubt but that in some of the
North Western Parishes of this state many murders and outrages have been committed which
will never be brought to right and it is thought the aggregate number of murders given
above would be more than doubled had all the cases been reported to the Agents of the
Bureau.
In the following pages the cases are given in the order in
which they occurred with the action taken by the Civil Authorities in each case as far as
known.
July 5th, 1865 - Lieut. E.
Ehrlich, Agent at Amite City reports that on this day Amile Lovitt, Marshal of
the place, took a party of men to arrest Richmond Moore, a freedman. Rufus Pray, one of
Lovitt's party, seeing the freedman at dinner instantly drew his pistol at the freedman
trying to escape, shot at him several times, finally killing him. Pray acknowledged the
shooting and was unmolested by the Civil Authorities.
July 9th, 1865 - Reported by Lieut.
Ehrlich, Agent Amite City, St. Tamany Parish - about 5 o'clock p.m. Hardy, a
freedman, was going home from church when Lovitt, Marshal of Amite City asked the freedman
for his pass, who replied "he had none nor did he consider it necessary now."
Lovitt then struck him over the head with his pistol, and on his running off fired at him
twice, wounding a white man who was standing near. When the freedman reached the main
street a man in a coffee house emptied his revolver at him, two balls taking effect in his
body. The freedman was very dangerously wounded. Military authorities tried to arrest
parties but failed. Civil Authorities did nothing.
July 10th, 1865 - Lieut.
E. Ehrlich, Agent at Amite City, reported that Margaret Story, freedwoman, was
shot in the shoulder by Mr. George Story for some trivial offense. The Civil Authorities
took cognizance of the case when requested by the Agent and in November the case was tried
before the District Court for the Parish, the accused being honorably acquitted, he
bringing proof that she was shooting at a man who was standing in an
opposite direction, altho he acknowledged or and it was proved the ball
from his pistol entered and was still in the shoulder of the freedwoman.
July 21st, 1865 - P. J. Fazende of
Gretna, La. shot Lew, a freedman, on suspicion of stealing his watermelons. Freedman not
dangerously wounded. Justice Nandain wished to have him imprisoned till the November term
of court and then be tried for stealing the melons.
August 2nd, 1865 - Lieut. W. B.
Stickney, Agent at Shreveport reports the murder in cold blood in the Northern part of the
Parish of Caddo of Mary, a colored woman, by John Johnson, the son of the proprietor of
the plantation. No action taken by Civil or Military Authorities.
August 11th, 1865 - Lieut. L. L.
Butler at Alexandria, Rapides Parish, reports that a planter, Thomas Wall of Springville,
Natchitoches Parish, struck a colored girl breaking her forearm and fracturing her skull.
No action taken by Civil Authorities.
August 20th, 1865 - Damascas D.
Day attempted to kill Mary Stewart (freedwoman), cutting her on the head, side & arms
with a knife, and otherwise maltreated maltreating her. Civil Authorities
did nothing. Day was arrested and brought to New Orleans and then turned over to the Civil
Authorities for trial. At the District Court in November no witnesses appearing against
him, it being believed they were either kept away by threats, he was
acquitted and immediately afterwards appointed one of the Grand Jury then in session.
September 10th, 1865 - Daniel
Williams, residing about 25 miles from Amite City in St. Tammany Parish, tied a colored
woman up and whipped her. Name unknown. No action taken.
October 20th, 1865 - James J.
Anderson committed an unprovoked assault on Samuel Moore, freedman, in the public road in
Amite County, Miss. The case taken up by Military Authorities and transferred with the
accused to the Civil Authorities and resulting resulted in the case being
dismissed by Judge Saylie at the next sitting of the Court.
October 31st, 1865 - In the Parish
of St. James, Briston Austin, freedman, was shot by P. B. Marchand. In this case on Jany.
1st, 1867 Bvt. Capt. Brough reports case in status quo, accused out on bail in
$300 bonds. Court not yet taken notice of it.
December 24th, 1865 - Nelson
Logan, freedman, complains that a party of about 30 of the Bossier Parish Militia
commanded by N. Taylor, came to plantation of John Adams in Bossier Parish in search of
arms, took Logan to the woods and hung him by the neck till he was senseless. Only
remembered four of the gang (viz., N. Taylor, R. Matthews, G. McAlley & James Carter -
all returned Confederate soldiers).
December 25th, 1865 - A party of
men under command of N. Taylor, Bossier Militia, came to plantation of Mrs. Dickson in
Bossier Parish, knocked at door of house of Willis Dickson (freedman) employed on place,
on his opening door struck him over the head with revolver and on his trying to
escape. When he started to run, he was shot by some of the party, from the
effects of which he died next day. Reported by Captain Harrigan, Agent at Shreveport. No
action taken by Civil Authorities.
January 5th, 1866 - Lieut. G. H.
Harris, agent at Houma, Terrebonne Parish, reports that on the previous night Captain H.
C. Daspit, commanding Militia employed by Parish Patrols, shot a freedman Cary Jackson. At
the coroner's inquest the only witnesses were two of the militia, who swore Daspit was
acting in self defence. Verdict of justifiable homicide.
January 23rd, 1866 - Captain J. S.
Clark, Agent at Opelousas reports that on Thomas McCrory's plantation on Bayou ?Boaf, St.
Landry's, an old freedman, Martin Parks, was ordered by the overseer, McClary, to whip
another freedman. Martin refused, saying the law was against him when McClary instantly
shot him compelling fracturing his arm and then compelled him to whip the
freedman himself. In this case, the justice refusing to entertain a complaint, he was
arrested by Military Authority, and brought to this city &
tried by the Mil. Commissioner. No action on part of Civil Authorities.
March 9th, 1866 - Capt. J. S.
Clark reports one James Donovan (white) in the employ of Mr. McKinney, without any just
cause or provocation shot and dangerously wounded a freedman. Warrant issued and Sheriff
tried to arrest accused but without effect.
March 12th, 1866 - Lieut. W. H.
Cornelius, St. Martinsville, reports that a colored boy, Gustass Wilson
Vincent, was sitting on a bank on the land of St. Are Wiltz, catching crawfish, two white
boys being in his company. When Wiltz called, the white boys went to him and the colored
boy, afraid of punishment, ran away. Wiltz shot at him with shot gun, some 15 or more shot
being in each leg & foot. Justice Thibadeaux bound accused (Wiltz) over to answer in
$250 bonds.
March 31st, 1866 - Lieut. W. H.
Cornelius, St. Martinsville, reports two freedmen waylaid and dangerously assaulted about
two miles from Iberia by two or more whites. One was stabbed once and one
the other six times. Civil Authorities could not discover guilty parties.
April 5th, 1866 - Lieut. C. E.
Merrill, Agent at Franklin, reports that Robert Malone, a colored boy was shot on
McWilliam's plantation by William (illegible). Agent for Mrs. Porter (remainder of page
torn off).
April 10th, 1866 - Captain J.
Martin, Opelousas, reports a freedman name not known was murdered at Flat Town about 18
miles from Opelousas. No arrest made.
(top of page torn off) - Reports an attack was made
upon an adult colored school kept by W. Barnham, late Lieut. Agent of Board of Education. An
building school broken up, and while dispersing they were attacked by one Harel
(white), cook at Ouachita Hotel, who stabbed four of the Negroes (two died). W. Barnham,
teacher, was severely cut, but recovered. Harel made his escape and has not been arrested.
Citizens denounced outrage.
April 27th, 1866 - Bt. Major James
Cromie, Natchitoches, reports Usan Tennace was killed about 5 miles from Natchitoches by
Samuel Newman Lawson & William Kimball of Winn Parish. Inquest held and warrants
issued for arrests of accused. On June 30/66 Major Cromie reports accused have evaded
arrest and defy civil and military authorities. At the end of the year these parties were
reported as living near Harrisonburg in Winn Parish, unmolested by Civil Authorities.
April 17th, 1866 - Bt. Major B. B.
Brown, Vidalia, reports Samuel Hudson, freedman, was killed by Carr & Shucks (white
men) and that Civil Authorities had endeavored to arrest accused.
April 28th, 1866 - Bt. Major
Cromie, Natchitoches, reports Jonas Bailey, freedman, was killed on Jordan Plantation
about 30 miles from Natchitoches by Thomas Jordan. Warrant issued for his arrest, and
placed in hands of Deputy Sheriff who called on Jordan who refused to be arrested. Officer
thro fear did not make arrest. Accused afterwards surrendered himself to Coroner and at
the investigation held by officer (illegible) Jordan was justified and discharged.
April 29th, 1866 - Lieut. W. H.
Cornelius, St. Martinsville, reports Joseph Gralan, a free colored boy, was shot in the
face by Onesiphore DeLahoassaye for some trifling offence. DeLahoassaye escaped. Boy will
recover with loss of left eye. Civil Authorities did not give case attention it required
or accused would not have escaped.
April 29th, 1866 - Bt. Maj.
Wallace, Pointe Coupee, reports Siras Norvell, freedman was shot by J. H. Hamilton, his
employer, who dreading the relatives of deceased went into Mississippi. In August, on the
representations of Major Wallace that he would be protected from malice, accused returned,
surrendered, was examined by Justice of the Peace and bound over until session of District
Court in Dec.
May 12th, 1866 - Captain
Twitchell, Sparta, Bienville Parish, reports on night of May 12th, John
Moseley, white, went to house of freedman Henry McClardy, stole his gun, then pointing his
pistol at freedman's head made him and another freedman named Owens march off to the
woods, and there compelled each to tie the other up and whip him. Mosely was on a visit
from Texas but threatened if case was reported to Bureau to remain long enough in
Louisiana to kill freedmen. No action taken by Civil Authorities, they being afraid to
take any notice of the case.
May 16th, 1866 - Bt. Major Cromie,
Natchitoches, reports Isabella Robinson, freedwoman, was whipped by her employer F. R.
Lalleer with a lariat rope. Freedwoman brought action against employer for damages.
May 20th, 1866 - Bt. Major Cromie,
Natchitoches, reports Amos Owens, freedman, was returning home accompanied by William
Weeks & Thomas Page (white men), meeting Columbus Hines, Mac Norton, his two sons and
Newson Cloud. McNorton, without any provocation, attempted to beat the freedman. On his
trying to escape, Newson Cloud & Mac Norton fired at him, one wounding him. They then
tied him and beat him on the head with a stick. Warrant issued for the arrest of accused.
Parties residing near Lahone Swamp, near the line in angle formed by three parishes, defy
Civil and Military Authorities to arrest them.
May 25th, 1866 - Lieut. N. S.
Collins, Martinsville, Anoyelles, reports a freedman (name not given) was stabbed on
Murdock Plantation by ----------- Lenall, one of his employers, without any provocation.
No action taken.
May 26th, 1866 - Lieut. G. W.
Rollins, Lake Providence, reports a freedman insulted the wife of W. R. C. Lyons (owner of
a leased plantation) during his absence from home. On his return, Lyons gave the freedman
30 lashes. The overseer of the place, Hopkins (employed by the lessee), told Lyons he
would protect the freed people. Lyons then went to Lake Providence and returning to the
plantation with his crowd, knocked Hopkins down with a pistol, gave him 300 lashes with a
cowhide, brought him to the river, put him on a steamboat and sent him down the river. An
infantry force was sent to Lake Providence and remained there for some time but were
unable to arrest any of the accused who absconded for the time.
May 27th, 1866 - Lieut. Rollins,
Lake Providence, reports that about 10 o'clock on Sunday morning in the town of Lake
Providence, Martin Day, freedman, for answering a white boy quickly was knocked down by
Mr. Kingsly (white), taken through the town facing the East and there stopped and terribly
beaten with rawhides by Kingsly and some 6 or 7 other men, who put a rope around his neck,
nearly choked him, jumped upon him &c. Civil Authorities took no notice of the affair
and on arrival of the Military the parties left the Parish.
May 27th, 1866 - Lt. Col. Hood,
Shreveport, reports Henry Texas, freedman, killed by Asmar Hollingsworth. No action taken
by Civil Authorities (see also Case files).
June 3rd, 1866 - Lieut. James
Hough, Amite City, reports freedman Luke J. Arrold was shot & killed by Wm. Y. Bates.
Coroner's Jury brought in verdict of justifiable homicide. Agent got warrant for Bates
arrest (bound over to appear).
June 11th, 1866 - Captain J. S.
Clark, Opelousas, reports 10 or 12 freedmen who had assembled in a building in the town of
Washington rented by them for the purpose of holding a religious meeting were arrested for
disturbing the peace before they had commenced their exercise and fined $4 each
because as it was charged some persons at the same place previously preached or prayed too
loud.
June 20th, 1866 - Lt. Burns,
Munroe, reports a freedman name unknown was shot by E. McTee who was acting Deputy
Sheriff. It is alleged freedman had attempted to enter a young lady's room and was shot
while swimming a river attempting to escape after being desired to halt. Case in hands of
Civil Authorities.
July 3rd, 1866 - Geo. F. Ruby,
colored teacher at Jackson, La., was taken from his house at night by about 30 men with
blackened faces and compelled to walk on his bare feet & with only linen pants &
under shirt on about a mile and a half to Thompson's Creek, then severely flogged by each
of the ruffians, and compelled to cross the creek at the most imfordable part. Alfred
Hazard, George Schultz, town constable, George Hamilton, Frank Nosworthy and Tom Harris
recognized as part of the gang. Case taken up by Military Authorities and turned over with
accused to U. S. Commissioner. Parties held to bail.
July 3rd, 1866 - Captain M. L.
Norton, Baton Rouge, La., reports Lewis J. Kelly (white) had a dispute with one of his
freedmen, Pannum Ramsey. Kelly was standing in his door yard, Ramsey outside the gate in
the cornfield with his hoe in his hand. While talking Ramsey came toward Kelly, who, as he
alleged, thought Ramsey was going to kill him with the hoe, went in to the house, got his
shot gun and shot Ramsey dead, Kelly being about 12 ft. from him when he shot. Kelly
immediately went to Mr. M. Hough, Justice of the Peace, was tried and acquitted on account
of accusable homicide. Several freed people who saw occurrence were not examined. Kelly
left his house and has not returned home.
July 4th, 1866 - Lieut. N. Ludlow,
Houma, reports Mr. Boardman, overseer of Vessel Place, ordered freedman not to leave the
place. They disobeyed, travel to Houma. On their return Boardman said if he had his gun he
would shoot them. Wm. Bond, standing near offered Boardman his pistol. Boardman refusing
to use it, Bond fired twice into the crowd, hitting Mrs. ?Tomley, a freedwoman. Case
referred to Justice who placed Bond under $300 to appear in Court. Nothing further will be
done with him.
July 11th, 1865 - Bvt. Capt.
Brough reports that Abraham Allen, freedman, was killed by Jules Guidry, Constable of
St. James Parish at Donaldsonville. On December 1866 the Grand Jury failed to
find a true bill against accused.
July 14th, 1866 - Bvt. Capt.
Brough reports Ben Walker, a freedman, found murdered in cane field on P. Gidray's
plantation, St. James. Willis Cummins, freedman, supposed murderer, arrested and turned
over to Civil Authorities, convicted and hung.
July 15th, 1866 - Capt. N. B.
Blanton, Sparta, Bienville Parish, reports that John Washington (freedman), employed by
Mr. Jas. Smith, Port Robinson, Lake Bistineau, was taken from his house to the woods at
midnight, given 300 lashes and ordered to leave the Parish. Thinks Ernest McCarthy, Frank
King and McEvans were the men. They came after him again but he hid from them. Threatened
to kill him if he reported to Bureau. No action taken by Civil Authorities.
July 20th, 1866 - Lieut. Burns,
Monroe, reports body of freedman found in river 8 miles below Monroe. Marks of violence on
body and hatchet found on bank. Supposed to have been committed by freedman. Coroner's
inquest failed to find any clue to guilty parties.
July 28th, 1866 - Capt. N. B.
Blanton, Sparta, reports Alford Ward, freedman employed by J. W. Cook, Arcadia, Bienville
Parish, was ordered to strip himself to be whipped. Refusing, he was beaten with a spoke
of a wheel until he did so. When whipped received about 400 lashes with a buggy strap.
Captain Blanton saw wounds and gashes a month afterwards. J. W. Cook, Burch, John Andas
& James Craighead perpetrated the outrage, but Cook called on the
Capt. Blanton and told him he did all the whipping and would take all the responsibility.
No action was taken by Civil Authorities.
July 30th, 1866 - At the riot
which took place at the meeting of the convention in the city of New Orleans, La. on this
date the following casualties occurred:
Freedmen killed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Freedmen supposed to have been killed, not sense heard from . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Freedmen wounded severely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Freedmen wounded slightly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Freedmen supposed to have been wounded but in whose cases no absolute facts were obtained
. . . . . . . . 20
The above is the number of killed and wounded as far as the
same could be ascertained. It is believed many more persons were killed. Numerous
inquiries having been made respecting freedmen who have been missing since the riot, and
the efforts made to track them proved unsuccessful.
August 1st, 1866 - Capt. N. B.
Blanton, Sparta, reports Cuff Canara, freedman, and Dan Docking, white, had a quarrel
because Docking had twice committed a rape on the freedman's wife. Canara started to Agent
of Bureau, was tracked by hounds for ten miles and fired on by Dan Docking, Norman Docking
and John Palmer. Shot in left side of back & (illegible) finally reached agent, having
killed 3 out of 4 of the dogs. Warrants issued for arrest of parties but they have not
been found, and from statement of people does not think they will be arrested, the people
appearing to think the freedman had committed the greater crime by killing the dogs, than
the man who shot him.
August 1st, 1866 - Lieut. W. H.
Cornelius, St. Martinsville, reports John Lewis, freedman, was sent by a white man, Lucien
Holmes, to a piece of woods to find a stray horse. Not since been heard of, supposed to
have been hid murdered and body hid. Civil Authorities show no
disposition to investigate.
August 10th, 1866 - Capt. S. W.
Purchase, Bienville, reports that on 6th August Terence ?Toaps (white) shot a
freedman (Lemuel), seriously wounding him. On Oct. 14th by order of Genl.
Sheridan, Lieut. Horn with a squad of men arrested the accused.
August 13th, 1866 - Captain N. B.
Blanton, Sparta, reports Green Jones & John Gordon (freedmen) were taken from their
houses and given 300 lashes each with a leather strap. Henry Clay and Felix Dunn,
freedmen, were also taken out but escaped after being fired at. Robert & John Carr
(white) are believed to be the perpetrators. Jones had made himself obnoxious by
celebrating loud on his own account. No arrests made.
August 13th, 1866 - Captain N. B.
Blanton, Sparta, reports Nelson King, freedman in employ of John Watts near Ringgold was
taken from his house at night, given about 400 lashes & badly cut up. Was then told he
must leave the place & that he would be taught he was not free. John Carr, Robert Carr
and Dr. Walker (all white) supposed to be the guilty parties. No action taken by Civil
Authorities.
August 15th, 1866 - Captain N. B.
Blanton, Agent Sparta, Bienville Parish, reports Julia Heath, colored girl 16 years old
and who was in the family way, was whipped by Mrs. Tally of Arcadia for sitting down to
pick brear from her foot. Julia ran off, when Mr. Tally brought her back, whipped her and
made his wife whip her again. Joseph Glover (white) threw brickbats at her. The girl's
mother went to Mr. Tally's store to see about it & was ill treated. Also the father,
Carey Heath, who Mr. Tally beat & threatened. No action of any kind taken.
August 17th, 1866 - Bvt. Major
Brown, Vidalia, reports a Negro (illegible) went to house of (illegible) white man and
demanded whiskey. On refusal shot the white man dead and then outraged mother in presence
of her children. Murderer arrested, tried, convicted and hung.
August 19th, 1866 - Capt. N. B.
Blanton, Sparta, Bienville Parish, reports Frank Brown, freedman, on a visit to Arcadia
from Munson was taken to the woods by Daniel Brown & Charles Herron (white), badly
beaten and cut up, told if he reported it he would be killed. Daniel Brown boasted to a
grocery keeper in Arcadia that they gave him 345 lashes. No action taken.
August 20th, 1866 - Bvt. Major
Willaner, Alexandria, reports a freedman was shot by a white man named Butler. Inquest
held finding against Butler. Sheriff unable to find or arrest him.
August 20th, 1866 - Bvt. Major S.
G. Willaner, Alexandria, reports H. W. Coyle (white) charged with beating freedmen with
his fist till he died. Post mortem examination showed deceased died of heart disease.
Accused bound over till next session of District Court.
August 31st, 1866 - Lieut. W. S.
Collins, Marksville, states William Wells (white) committed a most murderous and
unprovoked assault with a knife on Lewis Wilson (freedman). Arrested, held to bail on
$250. Not being able to procure it, bail was reduced to $200. Accused was then allowed to
go (on a pledge of his employer) to get security. At last accounts he was at liberty
without bail. At this same court a freedman was committed to jail on some trifling offense
being unable to procure $500 bail.
September 1st, 1866 - Bvt. Maj.
James Cromie, Natchitoches, reports George Washington (freedman) was attacked by Narcisse
Rachel, ----- McElroy, Azenea Charlerille and Abness Marcom (white men) who tied his hands
to his sides and gave him 500 lashes with a cowhide. Warrants issued for arrest of
parties. No arrests made.
September 14th, 1866 - Lieut. Col.
Martin Hood, Shreveport, reports that a party of freedmen consisting of George Fields, his
wife, five children and four other freedmen moving from "Reche" DeSoto Parish to
Shreveport, while encamped for the night, were beaten, robbed of their effects consisting
of a wagon, four mules and a horse, furniture &c. by Asmas Hollingsworth, Giles Gears,
Hammond Scott, Frank Brantley and two other ruffians. After being robbed were beaten &
driven along the road. Civil Authorities took no notice of affair (Hollingsworth shot
freedmen ?Tawes, see agents report of May 12th, 1866).
September 25th, 1866 - Lieut. M.
H. Cornelius, Agent St. Martinsville, states that Abraham White, freedman, was shot by
some person at his home at Fausse Point about 9 p.m., (illegible) by buckshot entering his
hands and left arm. No knowledge of who it was, had no difficulty with any person.
September 30th, 1866 - Lieut. R.
Folles, Algiers, reports Thomas Foster, freedman, was arrested on charge of stealing which
could not be sustained and was then convicted of striking police officer, which freedman
could prove by three witnesses he didn't do so. Fined $5.00 and costs $1.50
= $6.50 by Justice Brownlee. Justice refused to reconsider decision. Warrant
was issued by Comr. Shannon for his arrest when he feigned sickness until matter was
forgotten.
October 2nd, 1866 - Lieut. A. S.
Collins, Marksville, reports ?Simeon Bordelon, freedman, was taken from his house at night
by some 15 or 20 white men, tied, gagged, taken to the woods and whipped because he would
not pay a debt he had already paid, and which was contracted while he was a slave. The
whites say he was insolvent and cursed somebody. The Grand Jury after some little
opposition allowed him to enter his complaint and eight of the guilty parties were arrested
indicted but have never been arrested. Bordelon was then accused of stealing a knife and
fork but owing informality in indictment was (discharged) quashed on Feb.
10th, 1867. Agent reports up to this time none of the parties have been
arrested by the Civil Authorities nor will they be.
October 6th, 1866 - Lieut. A. S.
Collins, Martinsville, reports a freedman was cruelly robbed and murdered by one Chambers
(white) in the Parish. Accused indicted by Grand Jury and it was reported he had left the
County. With the assistance of the father of deceased he was arrested and lodged in jail
to await trial as he seems to be a stranger without friends. He may be punished but it
will be the first instance in this parish.
October 10th, 1866 - Captain P.
?Nerein, Opelousas, reports a freedman, Dick Bell, was found murdered in the road to Ville
Platte about 6 miles from Opelousas. No clue to the guilty parties.
October 10th, 1866 - Bvt. Maj. S.
G. Willaner, Alexandria, reports a freedman was shot and dangerously wounded by a white
man in Rapides parish recently. The Civil Authorities took the matter in hand, no arrests
made.
October 10th, 1866 - Lieut. R.
Folles, Algiers, reports Mr. E. White placed a colored boy, George Washington, on the
levee to watch the cane field. Starting Shortly after passing by and
seeing something move in the grass, which he supposed to be a snake, fired at it and
wounded the boy in the foot. Mr. White claimed it was accidental and agreed to take care
of the boy 'til he recovered.
October 17th, 1866 - Captain J.
?Amrean, Opelousas, reports Silvey Soilean (freedwoman) was badly wounded and her son
killed at Grande Prairie by Lewis Fontenot & others. No arrests made. Although
warrants are in the hands of the Sheriff for these persons arrest. (Fontenot) told the
judge who issued them that the Sheriff had assured him (Fontenot) that he (the Sheriff)
would not arrest him.
October 19th, 1866 - Bvt. Major
James Cromie, Natchitoches, reports John Blackburn (freedman) wouldn't sell his share of a
crop to Thomas Freeman (white), his employer. As freedman was returning from field with
his basket of cotton on his head, Freeman took his gun and shot him dead. Arrested and
committed to trial for willful murder, the accused escaped from jail on Feb. 8th,
1867 and hasn't since been heard of.
November 4th, 1866 - W. H. R.
Hangre, Agent Madisonville, reports two shots were fired into Colored Methodist Church by
some unknown parties. No persons injured.
October 27th, 1866 - Lieut. W. H.
Webster, Columb, Agent Parishes of Franklin & Caldwell at Columbia,
La. reports among cases report referred to the Civil Authorities the
following -----
A white man arrested charged with assault
and battery on two freedmen by shooting at them. Although the testimony was entirely
against the accused, the jury brought in a verdict of "NOT Guilty."
A freedman at a camp meeting taken from
some distance into the woods, his screams and cries were heard, it is supposed he was murdered
or severely whipped or murdered.
A freedman going to see the Agent of the Bureau without
Planter's permission was shot and badly wounded in the back. In this case white men were
brought to impeach freedmen's testimony against planter.
Some officers in making an
in arresting of a freedman, beat his wife and another woman in a shameful
manner and kicked them out of doors, took two revolvers from freedman and when asked for
them pretended they had been lost.
November 7th, 1866 - Lieut. G. A.
Ladlow, Agent Houma, La., reports that Mr. H. Bonvillian sent freedman Ira Washington,
freedman, to Mr. Bodin to inform Bodin his cattle were in Bonvillian's sugar cane. Boldin
shot at freedman. Case referred to Justice, Captain Ladlow ordered to see justice done.
November 7th, 1866 - Chaplain E.
Gurin, Agent Carrollton, reports Thomas Brown, freedman, shot by gaoler Cornelius McGregor
in a most unjustifiable manner, died two days afterwards. Though warrant for arrest was
issued by Justice of Peace immediately after rendition of verdict by Coroner's Jury, he is
still at large, vigorous efforts not having been made for his arrest. On Dec. 31st
accused had absconded.
November 17th, 1866 - Bvt. Major
Brown, Vidalia, reports freedman killed on Palaquinta Plantation by a white man named
Thomas Ladgate during absence of owner of plantation. Accused in custody awaiting
examination before Civil Authorities.
November 30th, 1866 - Lieut.
Joseph Burns, Agent at Munroe, reports a freedman shot by W. McDonald (white) of Ouachita
Parish, who was arrested and bound over on $800.00 bonds to appear for trial at
next term of court.
November 30th, 1866 - Captain J.
Amrean, Opelousas, reports Julien Gallot, freedman, was shot through the head and killed.
Occurrence took place several miles from Opelousas. Murderer arrested and confined in
jail.
December 25th, 1866 - Lieut. Ira
R. McClary, Agent Parish St. Bernard & Plaquemine, reports that Washington Rehan,
freedman, was shot and mortally wounded while standing at the bar of a coffee house by the
Bar Keeper, Santiago Artialla, without any provocation whatever. Freedman had been showing
his pistol to another man who spoke of purchasing it but finally laid it down on the
counter when said Artialla picked it up, cocked it & pointed it at freedman and said
"look out" and fired, mortally wounding freedman who died soon after from
effects of wound. Coroner's jury decided that freedman came to his death by accidental
discharge of pistol in the hands of Artialla. Civil Authorities taken no action in the
matter.
December 6th, 1866 - Bvt. Maj. S.
W. Purchase, Vermillionville, reports Benjamin Perkins (freedman) had been to New Iberia
on business after dark with his teams, stopping at the house of Joseph Despeans (white),
Baker in Vermillionville. He sent his companion into the shop to buy a loaf of bread. When
ready to start again, some person (it is believed Despeans) opened a window and shot at
him, breaking his arm and otherwise injuring him. At an examination before Civil Court,
sufficient evidence could not be brought to convict any person of the outrage.
December 6th, 1866 - Bvt. Major B.
B. Brown, Vidalia, reports a freedman, a desperate burglar, was shot and killed by a
Deputy Sheriff while trying to arrest him. Coroner's jury returned verdict of justifiable
homicide.
December 8th, 1866 - Bvt. Major
Jas. Cromie, Natchitoches, reports Bill Stone, a freedman, was shot at three times by
Wiley Weaver (white) and stabbed six times by ------ Burke (white). Warrants issued for
arrests.
December 31st, 1866 - Bvt. Maj. S.
G. Willaner, Rapides Parish, reports a freedman killed another freedman here recently.
Case referred to Civil Authorities.
January 5th, 1867 - E. W. Dewess,
Agent at Sparta, Bienville, reports give men have been murdered in the Parish during the
last six weeks, two white men and three freedmen. The Civil Authorities pretend that they
wish to try to find the murderers, but there are very few white men in the Parish who
could not point them out. The freedmen were murdered near Arcadia. The lives of Union men
and freedmen are not safe here, and will not be until the people are deprived of their
firearms. Her At Arcadia I was told if I was the white man's friend I was
safe - if not I had better not come there anymore.
January 10th, 1867 - Lieut. Col.
Martin Flood, Shreveport, reports he is informed that planter's patrol on the line between
their district and Panola County, Texas to prevent freedmen coming into Louisiana, that
the freedmen are trying to escape from Texas as if from death, very few have been paid for
last years work. Bateman and his gang rob, plunder & kill without molestation. Four
freedmen have been reported shot within the last ten days and four times that number
robbed. No security for freedmen. Civil Authorities either cannot or does not arrest
offenders, if troops are sent it will be useless to send Infantry, requests Cavalry may be
sent.
On January 20th, 1866 the same office reports D.
Kother, a citizen of Shelbyville, Texas reported to him that during his
absence from his plantation parties came to the plantation there and
cruelly beat his freedmen employed by him. There being no troops to send, Kother returned
home, requesting if he was lynched his family and freedmen might be protected. G. W.
Musgraves, Lt. Col. USA corroborates statement of Mr. Kother and states he heard citizens
speaking of the whipping of the freedmen employed by Kother, and threatening that if
Kother were the means of troops being brought into that County they would hang him as soon
as the troops were gone.
January 1st, 1867 - Lt. Capt.
Folles, Algiers, reports Richard Taylor, co freedman, complained that
Jacob Gross had shot his dog and then fired two shots at himself, wounding him slightly in
arm. When Gross had finished firing, freedman knocked him down & took pistol from him.
Gross then charged freedman with attempting to kill him & had him & his wife
arrested. Case referred to US Comr.
February 11th, 1867 - Mr. Frank
Morey, Agent at Munroe, reports that Helen Lewis, freedwoman, was beaten and shot at by
Thomas Hardy (white) of Ouachita Parish, a notorious scoundrel who has several charges to
answer at the next term of court. Accused was discharged after examination and tried
before O'Debery, J. P. The case will be presented to the Grand Jury at the April term of
court.
February 13th, 1867 - Captain J.
Amrean, Opelousas, reports that John Keller, freedman, who lived with Actheon Carriere,
Constable of town of Washington, asked permission to go and see his wife who was sick. His
employer refused, threatening to shoot him if he left the house. About two days
afterwards, his wife sending for him again, Keller took his employer's horse, was folled
followed by Carriere, who coming up to freedman shot him five times, then tied him on a
horse and brought him back to Washington repeating striking him
repeatedly on the way with a heavy stick. Keller made no resistance and from his dying
declaration it is a clear case of murder.
February 20th, 1867 - Bvt. Maj. S.
W. Purchase, Agent Vermillionville, reports that Edward White (freedman) employed by Dr.
F. A. Picouette, was found murd brutally murdered and his body thrown
down an old well. Coroner's jury returned an open verdict but at Agents suggestion,
another investigation was to be held. On March 4th, Major Purchase reports
another investigation had been held resulting in the arrest of Bellizier Morrow and
Dirlosee Comeda (whites) who have been committed to jail to await their trial at the next
meeting of the Dist. Court.
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