Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Tennessee
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 1865-1869
National Archives Microfilm Publication M999, roll 34
"Reports of Outrages, Riots and Murders, Jan. 15, 1866 - Aug. 12, 1868"

Affidavits regarding the 1866 Memphis Riot

Before me personally appeared the undersigned Mrs. Samuel Cooper being duly sworn deposes as follows.

My name is Mrs. Samuel Cooper, I live in the city of Memphis, Tenn. On the night of the 3^rd of May 1866 a number of white men set fire to my property while I was in it. It was occupied by Colored people. My husband and Mr. Glascow put the fire out and were shot at by the mob. Mr. Glascow was a teacher in a Colored school and resided in the same building.

My husband was force to leave the city as the mob informed me that if they caught him they would kill him as they would not have any "damn abolitionist here." He is yet out of the city. We were compelled by the mob to sell our things. The damage by the fire amounted to about $50.⁰⁰.

(signed) Mrs. S. Cooper

Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 16^th day of May 1866.
(signed) M. Walsh
Capt. And A. A. A. Genl.
and Prov. Mar. Freed.