“The murders and outrages which have been perpetrated in many counties of Middle and West Tennessee, during the past few months, have been so numerous, and of such an aggravated character, as almost baffles investigation.  In these counties a reign of terror exists which is so absolute in its nature that the best of citizens are unable or unwilling to give free expression to their opinions.  The terror inspired by the secret organization known as the Ku-Klux Klan is so great, that the officers of the law are powerless to execute its provisions, to discharge their duties, or to bring the guilty perpetrators of these outrages to the punishment they deserve.  Their stealthy movements are generally made under cover of night, and under masks and disguises, which render their identification difficult, if not impossible.  To add to the secrecy which envelops their operations, is the fact that no information of their murderous acts can be obtained without the greatest difficulty and danger in the localities where they are committed.  No one dares to inform upon them, or take any measures to bring them to punishment, because no one can tell but that he may be the next victim of their hostility or animosity.  The members of this organization, with their friends, aiders, and abettors, take especial pains to conceal all their operations.

* * * * *

“Your committee believe that during the past six months, the murders—­to say nothing of other outrages—­would average one a day, or one for every twenty-four hours; that in the great majority of these cases they have been perpetrated by the Ku-Klux above referred to, and few, if any, have been brought to punishment.  A number of the counties of this State (Tennessee) are entirely at the mercy of this organization, and roving bands of nightly marauders bid defiance to the civil authorities, and threaten to drive out every man, white or black, who does not submit to their arbitrary dictation.  To add to the general lawlessness of these communities, bad men of every description take advantage of the circumstances surrounding them, and perpetrate acts of violence, from personal or pecuniary motives, under the plea of political necessity.”

Here is some of the evidence on which the report was based.

A complaint of outrages committed in Georgia was referred by the general of the army, in June, 1869, to the general of the Department of the South for thorough investigation and report.  General Terry, in his report, made August 14, 1869, says[2]—­

“In many parts of the State there is practically no government.  The worst of crimes are committed, and no attempt is made to punish those who commit them.  Murders have been and are frequent; the abuse, in various ways, of the blacks is too common to excite notice.  There can be no doubt of the existence of numerous insurrectionary organizations known as ‘Ku-Klux Klans,’ who, shielded by their disguise, by the secrecy of their movements,