While working with some of our Reconstruction documents the other day,  I came across the document pictured below.  It is a Proclamation signed by President Grant, ending  what has become known as the “Brooks-Baxter War.”  For those who do not know, this “war” began on April 15, 1874.  Joseph Brooks, a political opponent of Governor Elisha Baxter, staged an armed coup and removed the Governor Baxter from his office in the Old State House.  A month long stand-off on the grounds of the Old State House began and only ended after President Grant was forced to become involved.  The President issued this Proclamation on May 14, 1874 and Mr. Brooks, along with his armed forces, vacated the State House on May 15, 1874.