James Clark McReynolds

“ It urged all persons white or black, in possession of information which might assist in discovering those responsible for the insurrection, to confer with it, upon the understanding that such action would be for the public safety and informant's identity carefully safeguarded. I find nothing in this statement which counsels lawlessness or indicates more than an honest effort by upstanding men to meet the grave situation. ”

“ Many negroes and some whites were killed. A committee of seven prominent white men was chosen to direct operations in putting down the so-called insurrection and conduct investigation with a view of discovering and punishing the guilty. ”

“ His duty was to consider the whole case and decide whether there appeared to be substantial reason for further proceedings.
[p102] Under the disclosed circumstances I cannot agree that the solemn adjudications by courts of a great State, which this court has refused to review, can be successfully impeached by the mere ex parte affidavits made upon information and belief of ignorant convicts joined by two white men – confessedly atrocious criminals. The fact that petitioners are poor and ignorant and black naturally arouses sympathy ”

“ December 20th new counsel chosen by them or their friends moved for a new trial and supported the motion by affidavits of defendants and two other negroes who declared they testified falsely because of torture. This motion questioned the validity of the conviction upon the very grounds now advanced – torture, prejudice, mob domination, failure of counsel to protect interests, etc. ”

“ To this motion are attached two affidavits, one of Alf Banks, Jr., and another of William Wordlaw, who testified to the fact that they were whipped, placed in the electric chair and strangled by something put in their noses to make them testify. ”