Waddell’s first act as mayor was to swear in 250 “special policemen” to restore order. He chose them from among the armed men who had spent the day chasing and killing black men—men who were described by the New York Times the next day as “reputable white citizens.” Waddell was also authorized to appoint twenty-five armed men to patrol the city on bicycles that night. Another twenty-five gunmen would be selected to patrol on horseback. Several Red Shirts offered their services. “The new Government will devote its attention to restraining recklessness among the whites, as well as keeping down
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