Despite warnings of potential violence, the jailers never moved the prisoners to a safer location. The Italian consul in New Orleans sought the help of Louisiana governor Francis T. Nicholls, but the governor said he couldn't act without the mayor. The mayor, Joseph A. Shakspeare, was unavailable during this period.
A large crowd, which had been summoned by a call in the local newspaper, gathered round the Henry Clay Monument in the middle of Canal Street (between St. Charles and Royal streets). Shortly before 10 am, Mr. William S. Parkerson addressed the crowd and worked them into a fever. Mr. Walter Denegre and Mr. J. C. Wickliffe also spoke to the crowd. After the speeches, Parkerson, Wickliffe, and James D. Houston led the angry mob up Canal Street. The city's leading citizens, armed with Winchester rifles, were in up front. Tradesmen followed close behind. The police did not interfere with the proceedings. The mob turned onto Rampart and on to Congo Square, where Parkerson addressed them again. The mob then proceeded across to the Parish Prison. They broke open the front door. They hunted down their prey and shot them. Two bodies were hung from a lamppost and a tree.
The Henry Clay Monument was unveiled on April 12, 1860. In subsequent years, the fence and steps around the monument were removed to make more room for streetcars. In 1900, the statute was moved to Lafayette Square.
This photograph was likely taken in October 1892.
