I issued my
proclamation[1] commanding the insurgents to disperse within five days
from the date thereof; but before the proclamation was published in New
Orleans the organized and armed forces recognizing a usurping governor
had taken forcible possession of the statehouse and temporarily
subverted the government. Twenty or more people were killed, including a
number of the police of the city. The streets of the city were stained
with blood. All that was desired in the way of excitement had been
accomplished, and, in view of the steps taken to repress it, the
revolution is apparently, though it is believed not really, abandoned,
and the cry of Federal usurpation and tyranny in Louisiana was renewed
with redoubled energy. Troops had been sent to the State under this
requisition of the governor, and as other disturbances seemed imminent
they were allowed to remain there to render the executive such aid as
might become necessary to enforce the laws of the State and repress the
continued violence which seemed inevitable the moment Federal support
should be withdrawn.

Prior to, and with a view to, the late election in Louisiana white men
associated themselves together in armed bodies called "White Leagues,"
and at the same time threats were made in the Democratic journals of the
State that the election should be carried against the Republicans at all
hazards, which very naturally greatly alarmed the colored voters. By
section 8 of the act of February 28, 1871, it is made the duty of United
States marshals and their deputies at polls where votes are cast for
Representatives in Congress to keep the peace and prevent any violations
of the so-called enforcement acts and other offenses against the laws of
the United States; and upon a requisition of the marshal of Louisiana,
and in view of said armed organizations and other portentous
circumstances, I caused detachments of troops to be stationed in various
localities in the State, to aid him in the performance of his official
duties. That there was intimidation of Republican voters at the
election, notwithstanding these precautions, admits of no doubt.
The following are specimens of the means used:

On the 14th of October eighty persons signed and published the following
at Shreveport:

We, the undersigned, merchants of the city of Shreveport, in obedience
to a request of the Shreveport Campaign Club, agree to use every
endeavor to get our employees to vote the People's