04-09-2021 New Orleans Masacre

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Trivia Master

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In July 1866, a convention in New Orleans was planned to amend Louisiana's constitution to permit Blacks to vote. Because there were threats of violence, the Mayor asked the local military commander to stop the meeting. The commander refused but said he would protect the conventioneers' right to assemble. Unfortunately, he mistakenly thought the meeting was scheduled for 6:00 pm when it actually began at noon. Without protection, mob violence ensued.

Who was the commander who made this tragic mistake?

Credit: @WJC
 
Answer: Brig. General Harry T. Hays

Edit - Hays was serving as sheriff of Orleans Parish at the time of the 1866 New Orleans Riot. As sheriff, he would not have fit the description of "military commander" stated in the question.

I did find a reference stating that he played a prominent role in the riot, but the reference does not elaborate on the nature of that role.

hoosier
 
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