This book uses the history of Breathitt County, Kentucky, to examine political violence in the United States and its interpretation in media and memory. Violence in Breathitt County, during and after the Civil War, usually reflected what was going on elsewhere in Kentucky and the American South. In turn, the types of violence recorded there corresponded with discernible political scenarios.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ... THE EVENTS OF BEDSTER'S DEATH CHAPTER XI. Hills receive a hired recruit from Washington county -- Dr. Hill's pretended desire to end the Fend -- The Grand Jury indicts a number of the Hills -- The Court grants them bail --The Evans boys go out to enlist help --Policy and conduct of the Evans party changed -- The Evans boys go over the river, and on their return meet Bedster and Jim Hill -- They kill Bedster and wound Hill -- Contrast between the Hill and Evans parties -- The Evans boys tried and acquitted before two justices of the peace -- Hills scour the county -- Citizens in danger -- Public meeting -- Dr. Evans proposes to stipulate -- Arbitrators chosen, but fail to restore peace -- Grand Jury indicts the Evans boys -- Joe Murphy's stratagem -- The trial delayed -- The sheriff detains the boys --The stratagem of the Hills to kill the Doctor fails -- Hills attack the Evan's party and kill Jesse May -- The Court orders the capture of Dr. Hill and Joe Murphy--The Evans boys put in jail -- Dr. Hill and Murphy's trial delayed till they run away -- The Governor offers $200 reward for them--Dr. Evans's little son shoots a Hill -- Murphy captured and lodged in jail -- Mrs. Bus Hill appears again -- Hills disperse -- The Evans boys have fine sport in jail -- The Governor places a strong guard around the jail -- The Evans boys tried and acquitted for the murder of Bedster. Not long after the Scott's Fork tragedy, Dr. Hill received a supply of new troops, from Washington county, known as the Washington troops, or Washington recruits. They were a set of low-bred fellows, loafers, and rioters by profession at home, and hired to fight at fifteen dollars per month, with a standing reward of five dollars extra for a scalp of the Evans party. One...