In May 1863, in the vicinity of Sherwood, Jasper County, Missouri, an exchange of letters took place between Colonel James M. Williams, 1st Kansas Colored Infantry, and Major Thomas R. Livingston, “Partisan Rangers,” regarding captured Colored troops held by Livingston. In a letter from Colonel Williams to Major Livingston, dated May 26, 1863, Colonel Williams states:
“I desire to call to your attention to the fact that one of the colored prisoners in your camp was murdered by your soldiers. And I therefore demand of you the body of the man who committed the dastardly act. And if you fail to comply with this demand, and do not within forty-eight hours, deliver to me this assassin, I shall hang one of the men who are now prisoners in my camp.”
On May 27, 1863, Major Livingston responds:
“I confess my surprise that an officer of your rank should have fixed such conditions to your demand as you are doubtless aware that the one who committed the offense charged is not a member of any company over which I have any control, but was casually at my camp and became suddenly enraged and an altercation took place between him and deceased which resulted in a way I very much regret, and that said offender’s whereabouts are to me unknown, consequently making it impossible for me to comply with your demand.”
Upon receipt of Major Livingston’s reply, Colonel Williams determined to convince the rebel commander that this was a game that two could play. He directed that one of the prisoners in his possession be shot, and within thirty minutes the order was executed.
Colonel Williams immediately informed Major Livingston of his action, which ended the practice of murdering prisoners of war, as far as Livingston’s command was concerned.
