The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-05-28
THE MOBILE RIOT.
OPTICAL REPORT OF GENERAL SWAY


HEADoUARTERs DISTRICT OF ALABAMA,
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, May 28, 1S67.-Major-
General John Pope, Commanding Third Mill
tary District, Atlanta, Georgia-General:-Her
with have the honor to transmit to you the
report of Colonel o. l.. Shepherd, 18th United
upon the recent riot in that city. Immediately
upon hearing of the outbreak, 1 proceeded to
Mobile, in company with Brevet Brigader-
General William Mckee Dunn, Assistant Judge
Advocate General, and made personal inquiry
the disturbance was not apprehended or deIibe.,
rately planned, unless possibly by small party
Nor do lind that, after it commenced, it was
participated In by large number OF persons, but
on the Try e the poce pd by b1aS
of the freedmen as gathered together for de-
seems that the speaker having been for some
time interrupted by persons who should have
been Immediately removed, single arrest was
made. THIS was accompanied by the discharge
of a pistol after which q number of shots were
fired at the stand occupied by the speaker and
his friends. After q momentary lull, q large
number of additional shots were fired, appa-
rently without vindictive purpose, the wea-
fdo not find that a greater charge than timidity
or ineficiency can be sustained against the
police authorities of the city OF Mobile. AT the
same time, freedom of speech and public order
have been greatly outraged In that city by
an element which is active in the spirit of
the Rebellion, and presumes upon the sympathy
of the police In this regard. Tnls is supported
by the aptecedents OF tne Pocee ecod ane the t5e
night of the disturbance. Sincere and earnest
apprehension was expressed TO me lest col,
lision of races, extended and disastrous, and
involving with the fate of the colored people
that of Union men in sympathy with them,
recent outbreak To prevent the possibility of
this, 1 directed the Post Commandantt to assume
the maintenance of public order, to place guards
al the headuuarters OF the different fire compa-
MES 10 prohibit out of-door assemblies after
night-fali to suspend the entire police force
and reappoint only such ms were known to be
trustworthy, and to summarily punish all dis
turbeIs of the peace. For the final suppression
nf 10 digOrdarlV element
to give confidence and support 10 those who
have been heretofore tne allies OF tne Govern
troll of municipal affairs be transferred to per-
sons well known for their continuous loyalty to
respectfully, your obedient servant,
WAGER SwAYNE, Major-General.
THE VERDICT OF THE coRoNER's JURY.
The coroner's jury on the bodies of the two
persons killed, returned their verdict on the 22d
inst. They find that Gabriel Olsen (white), de-
wound inflicted in the abdomen by some negro
or colored man, to this jury unknown; and we
further find that the person who inflicted the
said wound was one of q crowd OF negroes or
colored men who, on the night of the l4th inst,
feloniously assaulted, beat, shot, stabbed, and
Olsen. They also find that "Simeon Brltton
(colored) came TO his death from gunshot
wound In the abdomen, by some person to this
jury unknown, on the night of the 18th inst"
PROTEST OF MAYOR wITHERs ON vAcATING HIS
OFFICE.
Mayor Horton appointed by General Swayne,
was Installed in Office on the 22d instant On
leaving his Office the deposed Mayor issued the
following protest.
MAYORS OFFICE, CITY OF MOBILE, MOBILE.
Ala May %, 1S67.-Brevet Brlgadier- General
o. Nj. Shepherd. Colonel 18th Infantry, Com
manding, etc.-General-The order OF M ljor-
General John Pope, commanding the Third
Military District, Con the recommendation OF
General Swayne," deposing me frcrn the of1ce
of Mayor, is received. l submit to the argu-
ment of the bayonet, aud vacate the office.
Without depreciating my own estimate OF the
office, that consideration sinks into insigntt-
canoe com pared with the reflection this order
casts ON me. When a paroled prisoner
OF war I was elected to the office. The
military authorities interposed, and prevented
my entering on the discharge OF It's duties
until had obtained from the President OF the
United States the removal OF the objections in-
terposed, by full pardon for my participation
stitutlon and true allegiance to bear to the
Government Of the United States was then and
there MED In the Secretary ofState's office, and
was relieved under the broad seal of the Gov
ernmenJ from "all pains, penalties, and liabili-
ties' growing out of such participation. TO
qualify myself for the office OF Mayor, took
an oath lallnIuly 10 discharge its duties in ac-
in the office have worn no masc have
Stunned no responsibility, have feared no in
NOW. without trial, and without anv known
Accusation this order carries with IL i'm putation
that have been untrue TO the letter or spIrit of
INV voluntarily taken obligation to the Govern
Inent or else fatthless in the discharge OF the
imputation-I do most earnestly but respect
fully enter this my solemn protest. Thanking
= you, General, for the unifsrm courtesy ana con-