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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 Allen Simmons
and being duly sworn deposes as follows.
My name is Allen Simmons, I am a discharged Soldier, I live
in the city of Memphis, Tenn. at the Freedmen's Hospital. On the evening of the 1st
of May 1866 a crowd of white men (about thirty) came to my home pulled me out and snapped
a pistol at me several times. I got away from them and ran - had got some twenty yards
from them they shooting at me all the time.
The Policemen fired several shots at me one of which took
effect in my shoulder and I fell. Two or three of them ran up and commenced kicking me
within the face. The Policeman then struck me in the head with a club. I can identify him.
A big Irishman stabbed me in the side and took from me $25.00 in money. I can identify him
and know where he lives.
Allen (X) Simmons
Subscribed and Sworn to before me this the 16" day of
May 1866.
(signed) Michl. Walsh
Capt. And A. A. A. G., & P. M. F.
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