In November 1873, Peter Crosby, a Black man was elected as sheriff of Warren County, Mississippi; and he was to assume the office the following January 1, 1874.

[6][7] On December 2, 1874, members of a White citizens organization known as the Taxpayers’ League, met in the sheriff's office and demanded Crosby's signed resignation.

[5][8] On December 7, 1874, Black citizens from Vicksburg marched to the Warren County Courthouse with the goal of reinstating Crosby to office.

Gilmer attempted to assassinate Crosby and shot him in the head on June 7, 1875, after not wanting to follow orders from the Black sheriff.

[5] Crosby did not die and he never fully recovered from his wounds; and his remaining term in office was served by a White man.

[2] The White mob was found at fault by the majority of US Congress, and the dissenting report placed the blame on the Black population.