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Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Tennessee
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, 1865-1869
National Archives Microfilm Publication M999 Roll 34
"Reports of Outrages, Riots and Murders"
Franklin, Tenn.
July 8th, 1867
Elliott, W. Y.
Affidavit before Esquire J. L. Burch, Justice of the Peace, in regard to the riot at Franklin, Tenn. on Sat. July 6, 1867
Personally appeared before me this 8th day of July 1867 W. Y. Elliott who being duly sworn deposes and says
My name is W. Y. Elliott. I live in Murfreesboro, Tenn. On Saturday evening the 6th July 1867 about 5 or 6 o'clock the procession having passed the hotel at which I was stopping, at the insistence of some friends and my own feelings, I addressed them some few remarks by which I succeeded in quieting them sufficiently so to be heard in order to prevent any disturbance and still further allay the excitement. I induced them to come to the grove about 600 yards distant. In proceeding there I met several parties who seemed to be leaders and thought if I could speak to them I could controll the whole party. In this crowd there were several muskets which I ordered to be stacked and proceeded to address them in conciliatory remarks. After the expiration of about an hour I found that I had them quiet sufficiently to adjourn with security. They promised me to march quietly to the court square and disband the procession. They then left the grounds. This was the last I know of the case. I am candidate to represent this district in the State Senate. The excitement appeared to me to have arisen from the appearance of Joe Williams (col.)(con.) in the town.
(signed) W. Y. Elliott
Sworn to and subscribed before me 8th July 1867
(signed) J. L. Burch, J. P.
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