Donald Campbell to Pease, August 25, 1868

The Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee in late 1865 and early 1866 by six young Confederate veterans. Its name was derived from the Greek word kuklos, meaning circle or band, with "klan" added for alliteration. The Klan's founders devised an elaborate set of secret rituals based on those of an antebellum college fraternity. As it spread through the South, the Klan quickly became associated with vigilantism, opposition to Republican rule, and white supremacy.

The Klan had no organization, but spread through word-of-mouth, often going by different names. By March 1868, Klan activity was noted in Texas, with groups going by names such as the Knights of the Rising Sun and the Knights of the White Camellia. By May 1868, the first Klan murders of freedmen and Republicans were known to have taken place.

Northeast Texas was the center of Klan activity. This letter from Marion County chief justice Donald Campbell (later lieutenant governor) tells of Klan activity in Jefferson and threats against Lieutenant George W. Smith, the leader of the local Republicans. In October 1869 Smith and two freedmen would be murdered by a Klan mob. Military efforts to bring their killers to justice resulted in a notorious trial known as the Stockade Case, in which most of the defendants were acquitted.

Thanks to federal intervention and a growing revulsion among white Texans, the Klan died out in the late 1870s, only to see a strong revival in the 1920s.

Jefferson Tuesday Aug 25

Hon. E.M. Pease
Austin

My Dear Sir --

The excitement was much higher with us last night than it has ever been before. It came very near resulting in a general riot and massacre. The K.R.S. had a meeting about 5 o'clock in the town Hall and invited Lieut Smith to be present. They had great complaints to make in regard to the negroes being armed, but not a word to say in regard to the outrages recurring here every day and night by their war party. The negroes feel that they have been outraged and that unless they protect themselves they will be killed up by these outlaws. Threats have been made that their Church is to be burnt or torn down and they have simply armed themselves and when night comes, they go to their Church and await any attack that may be made upon it. They interfere with no one and will interfere with no one, but have determined if their Church is attacked, to die in defending it. Last night a party of Ku Kluxes went out to attack them, but through the efforts of Lieut Smith and several others, it was prevented. During the night however, the wildest excitement prevailed all over our city -- horsemen from the direction of the Church were running at full speed. The Hall bell was run 5 or six times, horns were blown in different parts of town. Yelling and shooting and all manner of things were done to alarm loyal men and freedmen. It was feared at the time that the troops would be attacked and they stood with their guns in their hands ready to resist them. But fortunately everything passed off without injury to any one.

It is understood here that 300 of the expected troops have reached Marshall. If so, we may expect them here very soon. But when they come, will it be sufficient if the rebels will be quiet until they are withdrawn? This has been the practice heretofore, and the moment the troops are taken away they commence their devilment again. They must be hunted up and punished. They must be made to fear a violation and resistance of the authority of the U. States. Without it, all will go for nothing. Turning outlaws and assassins over to the Civil Authorities amounts to their sure release. They must be tried by Military Commissioners the moment they are caught and dealt with as they deserve.

By last mail we rec'd letters from our friends Judge Caldwell and Mr. Grigsly. I would write them, but don't know when the Convention will take recess and fear they might leave before a letter could reach them and in either event they can hear from us through you. We will write them by next mail.

Truly yours

D. Campbell