Letter from Sheriff W. C. McGowan to O. H. Crandall; September 3, 1869

Documents
Letter from Sheriff W. C. McGowan to O. H. Crandall; September 3, 1869

Document Network
Document Metadata

Each transcribed document contains links that connect it to other documents on the same topic in the collection.

People

Ames, Adelbert, 1835-1933 Atwood, William Bradford, Edward Crandall, O. H.Fizer, George Fizer, Prince Green, Unknown McGowan, William C.Murdock, John Yerger, E. M. (Edward M.)

Events

Crime Crime--Murder Criminal Procedure--Arrest Criminal Procedure--Escapes Criminal Procedure--Parole Trial

Organizations and Businesses

Clubs and Secret Societies Clubs and Secret Societies--Ku Klux Klan (19th century)Courts United States. Adjutant-General’s Office

Occupations

Lawyers Secretaries

Places

Long Creek Station (Miss.)Panola (Miss.)Panola County (Miss.)

Social Identifiers

African Americans Criminal Status--Fugitives from justice Criminal Status--Imprisoned people

Vital Statistics

Death

Page 1

[seal]

Panola, Panola Co Miss
Sept 3^rd 1869—

O. H. Crandall Esq
Pri Sec to Gov.

Sir

Your letter of 1st inst asking information of John Murdock is at hand, and I respectfully submit the following report.

During last Fall and Winter a number of persons both white and black—were murdered in this County, viz George and Prince Fizer (col) in Oct 1868, Edward Bradford (col) in Nov 1868,—Green (white) in Feb 1869, and one other colored man unknown to me about this time last year near Long Creek Station. These men were killed by a band of disguised men known as "Ku Klux Klans." Shortly afterwards certain parties were suspected of having committ-ed the crimes. They were arrested by the

Page 2

military. John Murdock was arming them, and supposed to be the leader—A short time since their trial com-menced. but unfortunately was inter-rupted by the trial of E. M. Yerger. The prisoners were I understand the parole and it was during that time John Mur-dock ran away. Stopping here one day (Before I received orders from Bat Maj. W Atwood A. A. A. Genl to arrest him) he remarked to several that it was death for him to go back. and he would run the risk of being killed here. before he would go back again—So I concluded that His Excellency Gov Ames. would have access to the records of that Court. and could then see from the evidence, that it would warrant him in offering a reward, There is no record of anything connected with these murders in ~~kin~~ my papers or books. but I get my information from reliable parties.

Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant

W C M^cGowan