The book was referenced to provide insight into the Klan's early days and its transformation from a social club to a more sinister force. It was also discussed as being the author's personal account of events and how the Klan spread.
"
We could not engage at once in business or professional pursuits. Few had capital to enter mercantile or agricultural enterprises. There was a total lack of amusement and social diversions which prevail wherever society is in a normal condition so everything's fucked up because of the war still.
During the fall and winter of 1866 the growth of the clan was rapid. It spread over a wide extent of territory sometimes by a sudden leap it appeared in localities far distant from any existing dens.
In a short time the lictor of the Pulaski din reported that travel along the road which he had his post had almost entirely stopped. In the country it was noticed that the nocturnal perambulation of the colored population diminished or entirely ceased.
Wherever the Ku Klux appeared, in many ways there was a noticeable improvement in the habits of a large class who had hitherto been causing large annoyance. In this way the Klan gradually realized that the most powerful devices ever constructed for controlling the ignorant and superstitious were in their hands.
Only the best. Nae Bed, no, Bed Four. Bed Four. That's his 2019 nickname. They admitted no man who was not a gentleman and a man who could be relied upon to act discreetly. No men who were in the habit of drinking, boisterous men, or men liable to commit error or wrong or anything of that sort.