Reward for Capture of a Band of Armed Men

St. Landry Parish Police Jury Minutes

June 17, 1872

A Resolution. Whereas, on the night of the ___day of May, 1872, a large band of armed men surrounded the cabin of Alphonse Mayfield, on the plantation of John Millard, near Grand Coteau, broke into the same, fired upon the said Mayfield, dangerously wounding him; and whereas, the same band during the said night aforesaid did visit other plantations in the neighborhood aforesaid, in quest of other parties, whom they ordered to leave the parish within a specified time, under penalty of death, and whereas, on the night of the 30 of May, a freedman, Willis Jackson was dragged from his cabin, on the plantation of Theomile Prejean, and brutally murdered by the same, or another band of armed assassins, and whereas, such outrages are disgraceful, to our community, and if unchecked must eventuate in the destruction and ruin of our agricultural interest, and in bringing upon us the rigors of martial law and social anarchy. Therefore, be it resolved, that the sum of $200.00 each, be and the same is hereby appropriated, for the apprehension of any person or persons, who have been engaged in the commission of said crimes, accompanied with the necessary evidence for their conviction.