"Riot at Millican" (July 22, 1868)

Riot at Millican

Last week a very serious disturbance occurred at Millican, on the Central railroad, in which the lives of from fifteen to twenty negroes were sacrificed. To gain full and correct information in regard to the matter, we went up there to investigate, and ascertain whether there was any truth in the numerous and wildly exaggerated reports constantly being brought in, and the following is what we learned. It can be depended upon as correct.

On Wednesday of last week a negro was reported killed in the Brazos bottom by a man named Holliday, and Parson Brooks, a negro demagogue and leader in the Loyal League, organized a party of about 75 negroes, armed and mounted them, and rode through Millican with the expressed intention of hanging Holliday. The latter, hearing of this demonstration, hastened to Millican to inform the sheriff, who summoned a posse of twenty men and started in pursuit, and overtook and halted the party a short distance from Millican. A parley then took place, and while the leaders were trying to arrange matters a negro foolishly discharged his gun, thus precipitating a fight, as the whites, thinking an attack was about to be made fired a volley into their ranks, killing five. The negroes then scattered, and for next two days fighting was going on, with a result between fifteen and twenty negroes killed. After the first outbreak a courier was sent to Bryan for help and 100 men came down, under the command of Capt. Randlett of the Freedman's Bureau, who commanded them throughout. It was reported to us by the orderly seargant of the squad of troops sent to help the whites that they had killed three negroes, but the Lieutenant in command says it was not so. Which to believe we know not as there is a mistatement somewhere.

Next week we hope to furnish our readers with the full particulars of this bloody affair.