The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 66, July 1962 - April, 1963 Page: 365
641 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Diamond's Account of the Great Hanging
inent leaders in different portions of the county having been
arrested & imprisoned, their respective commands did not cooper-
ate with Capt. Garrison in time to effect the release of the pris-
oners until the opposing strength became too formidable for any
hope of success. Hence the abandonment of the attempt on the
part of Garrison. Though for several days afterwards it was
asserted by the prisoners and their friends that there still existed
an organied, well-armed force strong enough to effect their escape
and that they were sworn to do it, or die in the effort.
Pending these extraordinary proceedings, an incident occurred
which illustrates the great alarm felt, and the bold determination
of the people to defend themselves and punish the guilty.
Before any assistance had arrived the sentinels reported the
approach of an armed force from the West." Not knowing whether
it was friendly or hostile, Col. Twitty rode out to meet it. Gal-
loping up in speaking distance, he addressed the officer in com-
mand as follows, "What command, sir?" "Capt. Russells Com-
pany," was the reply. "Where from?" demanded Col. T. "Gray-
son County." "Where are you going, sir?" "To Gainesville." "For
what purpose?" "We have understood you needed help; and have
come to aid you." "The people of Cooke County have not called
upon the people of Grayson for help," [said Colonel Twitty]
"therefore I would inquire by what authority you come." Capt.
Russell then advanced and in a firm tone said, "We are Southern
men, sir, citizens of Grayson Co, and have come in the name of
the Southern people to aid the good citizens of Cooke County
in their efforts to vindicate the laws and to uphold them in their
right of self defense." "Welcome," replied Col. Twitty, and taking
Capt. Russell by the hand thanked him for his sympathy and
timely aid of himself and company.
Simultaneously with the order of arrest, a county meeting
was called, which was attended by almost the entire adult male
population of the county. The meeting was held on the same day
the arrests were made.
was condemned and hanged by order of the "Citizens Court." U. S. Eighth Census,
186o (Returns of Schedule i, Free Inhabitants, for Cooke County, Texas, micro-
film, Dallas Public Library).
82The author may have erred in stating the direction from which the armed
force arrived from Grayson County, which lies to the east of Cooke County.365
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 66, July 1962 - April, 1963, periodical, 1963; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101196/m1/391/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.