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Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts and experience American history like never before. A listener note. This episode contains graphic descriptions of racial violence and may not be suitable for everyone. Imagine it's April 6th, 1880, and you're a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. You're sitting up in a bed at the infirmary.
Last night, you were brutally attacked by three masked men in your dormitory. Your head is pounding, and you can feel bruises forming on your neck where you were choked. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lazell approaches your bed, and you brace for an interrogation. Good morning, sir.
I need you to explain what happened last night, cadet. Don't leave anything out. It's just like I said before, sir. Three men beat me and slashed at my hands and face. They tied me to the bed. I passed out from the pain. That's all I can remember. And who were these attackers? I have no idea, sir. Well, what did they look like?
You almost laugh at the absurdity of the question.
I already told you, sir. They wore masks. I couldn't see their faces. Why would anyone want to hurt you? What did you do? I don't know. Nothing.
You swallow hard. Lizelle looks at you with suspicion and disdain. You've seen that look a thousand times since you've arrived at West Point. It's clear he doesn't believe you. Lizelle pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket and holds it up.
Your commanding officer passed this on to me. Why didn't you mention a threatening note when I visited your room this morning? I didn't find the note until after you left, sir. Or perhaps you wrote the note yourself after we examined your room this morning to cover your tracks. Wait a minute. You really think I did this to myself? Why would I do that?
To win sympathy? You shake your head, fighting to control your rising frustration.
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