An Unanswered Plea 1874

With white forces circling the town, state militia leader William Ward wrote a desperate plea for help to a preacher in a nearby town. Ward, his poorly armed troops, and numerous terrified townspeople took refuge in the Colfax Courthouse. After Ward’s letter proved unsuccessful, he left to seek help. He was not there during the massacre.

National Archives, Records of District Courts of the United States

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An Unanswered Plea