FAQ About Madame Delphine LaLaurie

The evidence of Madame Delphine LaLaurie's crimes comes from historical records, eyewitness testimonies, and accounts documented during the investigations and subsequent events. While specific physical evidence from the time may not have been extensively preserved, the collective accounts provide a picture of the atrocities committed in her mansion. Here are some sources of evidence:

• Eyewitness testimonies: Witnesses at the time, including neighbors and officials who responded to the fire at the mansion, provided accounts of the conditions they encountered and the mistreatment suffered by the enslaved individuals. These testimonies were documented in newspapers and other publications of the era.
• Newspaper reports: Numerous articles were published in local newspapers at the time, detailing the discoveries made in the mansion and describing the horrific state in which the enslaved people were found. These reports served to inform the public and contributed to the subsequent outrage.
• Official investigations: Following the discovery of the crimes, authorities conducted investigations into the matter. While the exact records of these investigations may not be readily available, they would have formed the basis for the accounts and testimonies that circulated in newspapers and other sources.
• Public reaction: The public outrage and condemnation surrounding Madame LaLaurie's actions also serve as evidence of the severity of her crimes. The extent of the public's reaction, including the formation of an angry mob that damaged the mansion in response, attests to the gravity of the situation.