The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 66, July 1962 - April, 1963 Page: 347

Diamond's Account of the Great Hanging

ritual at some period early in the spring of 1862. I. W. P. Lock,'
under the limb, stated that he originated the "Order" himself;
but the confessions of others clearly contradict this statement. It
is quite probable that Capt. Lock had full authority to swear in
and receive membership in his own immediate department, very
much in his own way; but the volume of evidence shows the
existence of the "Order" before Lock was in any manner con-
nected with it. It is pretty clearly settled that they began opera-
tions under their "charter" early in 1862.
THE EXTENT OF THE ORDER
Before introducing any of the particulars connected with the
progress of the "Order," it may be proper to inform the reader
of the extent of its operations, and the scope of its designs.
None except those who are intimately acquainted with the par-
ticular incidents connected with it, the character of those engaged,
and the localities selected for the field of their operations could
ever possibly appreciate its magnitude.
The poor deluded wretches in Texas who fell victims to their
own egregious folly were but tools in the hands of a more powerful
wing of the same "Institution." They were but pioneers in the
work, and to the premature & over-zealous efforts of a few to
accomplish a purpose requiring the cooperation of all their forces,
may be attributed their sad and untimely fate.
With the largest number that they ever claimed as belonging
to the organization in Texas, they could not have hoped for success
by their own efforts alone; and hence, it has ever been a source
of profound wonder to those who are not acquainted and advised
of the facts. The reader at the outset is astonished that so few
should attempt such a hazardous work-that so few should contem-
plate the overthrow of a State government and murder indis-
criminately its unoffending citizens; that so few should band them-
selves together in the face of a people already in arms, acquainted
with war; and renowned for their prowess and military achieve-
ments.
'I. W. P. Lock was one of the prisoners condemned by the "Citizens Court"
and subsequently hanged. As will be seen in the text, he testified that he and
Jackson Mounts, "were the the first starters of this order."

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