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Preferred Citation:

John T. Hall Letter regarding the Richmond Municipal War of 1870, 1870 APril 11, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, William and Mary.

Content Description

Four page letter describing the events of the conflict between Richmond, Virginia Mayor-Elect, Henry K. Ellyson and departing Mayor, George Chahoon in April of 1870. Hall wrote that they have "two Mayors, two Chief's of Police, and two Councils." In an effort to oust the outgoing Mayor, Hall, in support of Ellyson reported that they kept Chahoon and his followers blocked in the market building without food or water for a straight 36 hours before aid arrived in Chahoon's defense. Violence ensued and Hall reported in his letter names of who was wounded, killed, and expressed his hope that the conflict would be settled in short time by Chief Justice Chase.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Administrative and political divisions
• Chahoon, George, 1840-1934
• Ellyson, Henry Keeling, 1823-1890
• Municipal officials and employees
• Richmond (Va.)--History
• United States -- History, Political