Norfolk Virginian, February 15, 1889

"White Cap" Foolishness.

Moral -- VigilantismAfrican-Americans -- Racial violence

A letter from Onancock, Accomac, of 14th, saying: This region is becoming somewhat stirred up over the existence of a supposed band of White Caps. Last night Jonah Lilliston, a dissipated character living at Accomac Courthouse, while on his way home was seized by a band of masked men and very roughly handled. It is said that several persons living here have received notice to the effect that they must mend their ways or else submit to being flogged and dipped in Onancock Creek. Some who received these warnings regard the matter as a joke, but it is observed that small fire arms have been in demand here for the past few days, and several persons who could formerly be seen on the streets or in places of resort nearly every night now find it convenient to remain with their families after nightfall. Among those who have received these threatening notices are several negroes who have recently left their lawful wives for other women. It is said that one of these, on receiving the formidable document, went immediately to his deserted wife and intimated his intention to return to her, but that she scornfully repulsed his advances and gave him to understand that a reconciliation was not desired by her.