Delaware State journal and statesman., 1866-08-31
NEW ORLEANS MASSACRE.

We give below a dispatch from President
johnson to Gen. Sheridan, asking IN expla-
nation of the causes which led to the outrageous
massacre of the members of the Louisiana Con-
veution and the colored people, in New Orleans,
a short time since, and the reply of that
distinguished officer. Gen. Sheridnn's dispatch
shows that il was coucocted scheme of rebels
anl traitors to murder UuOn-loving citizens.
EXECUTIVE MANsioN, wAsnINGToN, D. c.
August 4lh, 1866.
To MAJoR-GRNERAL SHERIDAN, Commanding,
&C., at New Orleans We have been advised
here that prior to the assembling Of the illegal
and extinct Convention elected in 1864, inilam-
malory aud insurrectonary speeches were made
by a mob of white and colored persons, urging
upon them to arm and equip themselves for the
purpose Of protecting and sustaining the Con
yenlion in its illegal ond unauthorized proceed
mgs intended nnd calculated to upturn and SUI
letcede the existing State Government of Louisi-
ANA, which had heen recognized by tho Govern
ment Of the United States. Further, did the
mob assemble, and was il armed for the purpose
Of sustaining the Convention in its usurpation
and revolutionary proceedings? Have any arms
been taken from persons since the 3Oth ult. who
were supposed or known to be connected with
RNNh
assaulted and shot by persons connected with
this mob without good cause and in violation OF
the public pence and good order Was not the
assembling of this Convention, and the gathering
Of the mob for its defense and protection, main
cause of the riotous and unlawful proceedings Of
the civil authorities Of New Orleans? Have
steps been taken by tho civil authorities to arres
and try any aud oil those who were engaged in
this riot and those who have committed Ollonset
in violation of law Cau ample justice bC
meled by the civil authorities to oil offenders
against the law ?
viii General Sheridan please furnish me
hrief reply to the above inquiries, with suol
other information as he may be in possession of
please answer by telegraph, at your earies
convenience. ANDREW Johnson,
President Of the United States
OFFICE U. S. MILITARY TELEoRAPH,
HD. QRs. WAR DEPARTMENT
The following telegram, received $50 q. m.
August 6, from New Orleans August 8, 1866;
Ills Excellency ANDREW JOHNSON, President O
The United States.
have the honor to acknowledge the receiI
Of your dispatch of August 4, and will repl
speedily
P. II. SHERIDAN, Major-Geu. Comdg.
OFFIoE U. S. MILITARY TELEGRAPH, |
HD QRs. WAR DEPARTMENT.
lnb lOhOWlnR teleBIhn WAS TecolFeu NJ o'o
a. M, Aug. 6, 1866, from Now Orleans, La
Aug. 8, 1866;
u. $. GRANT, General, Washington.
have the honor to report quiet in the Gil
yesterday and to-day, but many unlounded ri
mors are a0oat, which excite the tlmid III
existing reports will be in circulation for dc
or two~yet
p. II. SHERIDAN, Maj-Gen Comdg.
oFFIon U. s. MILITARY TELEGRAPH.
The following cipher telegram received a.;
p, Nj, Aug. 6, from New Orleans, La, Aug
" m, 1866:
His Excellency ANDREW JOHNSON, President
the United States.
| have the honor to make the following rep
to your dispatch of Augurt 4. A very lar
number of colOred people marched in proct
sion on Friday night, July ~, and were Rddre
Ell from the steps Of the City Hall by
bostie, ex-GOv, Hahn and others.
The speech Of Dostie was Incorporate 10 Ia
gunge and sentiment Tho speeches Of I
others, as far as | can learn, were characteri7
by moderation. have not given you the VOL
ot Dosiie's speech, ns the version published v
denied, but from what / have learned of
man, | believe they were incorporate.
Convention assembled at II M, on the 30th,
tlmid members absenting themselves because
ionO Of the general public was ominous
trOuble.
| think there were about 26 members prese
In front Of the Mechanics Institute, when
meeting was held, there was assembled SO
colOred men, women and children, perhaps
Or 20, and in the Institute a number of colo
men, probable 150, Among those outside
inside there might have been pistol in
possession Of every tenth man About p.
procession of say from GO to lS0 colored l
marched up Burgundy street aud across Ca
street, toward the Convention, carrying
American flag,
These men had about one pistol to every
men, and canes and clubs in addition. W
crossing Canal street a row occurred II
were many spectators on the streets, and q
mann'r and tone toward the procession
friendly. A shot was fired, by whom l am
able to state, but believe it to have been b
policeman or some colored man in the pro
sion; this led to other shots aud rush Q
the procession.
On arrival at the front of the Institute Il
Mss some throwing of brick-bats by both 81
The police, who had been held we'll in h
were vigorously marched to the scene Of
order. The procession entered the Iusti
with the flag, about six or eight remaining