The leading citizens of Avoyelles Parish in Louisiana met in Marksville and formed a Vigilance Committee to counter what they saw as a wave of violent criminals, including "free negroes," entering the area. Similar committees in southern parishes, they said, had driven these elements into less protected areas like Avoyelles and defensive efforts needed to be organized. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
"Negro Troubles in Louisiana," New York Times, October 21, 1859, p. 2.