Part 3 of 7
Newspapers across the south reported Knights en route to Texas. However, a series of unexpected events and situations prevented this not so clandestine expedition from executing its plan. From 1857 – 1864, there existed a severe drought from Alabama to California. The watering holes were dry and there was no forage for the animals. Then too, British holders of Mexican bonds failed with their promised financial backing. Also, a series of mysterious fires occurred coupled with rumors of insurrections across the South. Nine disastrous fires took place in North Texas alone. This caused fear and panic in Texas and the South, as it was believed that abolitionist were creating another John Brown slave revolt. As a result, 56 black and whites were executed by Texas vigilance committees. After conferring with General Greer and other KGC leaders, Governor Sam Houston called off the expedition and ordered the Knights camped along the border to disband. The army was needed at home as another crisis was looming; Lincoln and secession.
The break-up of the Democratic Party in April divided the national expansionist interest. Also, there was the mutiny of the Louisiana Knights, who demanded a national KGC convention for reorganizing. Bickley called for the convention in early May 1860, in Raleigh, North Carolina. By now, the pre-existing social conditions in Texas and other Southern states escalated tensions to the breaking point. As a result of the convention, the course and goals of the KGC changed from expansionist to secession. From this point forward, the KGC were decentralized and worked under state regimental commanders and governors. Bickley was not an experienced military man, but he was an excellent recruiter, promoter, speaker and fund raiser for the KGC. He would be in charge of the ritual, but not a military command. Events were now moving quickly.
References and endnotes available upon request. To be continued.
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