. >> we're here with jefferson morley, author of "snowstorm in august: washington city, francis scottey, and the forgotten race riot of 1835". what happened in washington, d.c. in 1835? >> really francis scott key was a district attorney, and the city authorities lost all control of the city. this was the beginning of the conflict over slavery, the ideological conflict over slavery, and the white population started attacking the free black population that was active in the anti-slavery movement. and it was widespread disorder, so he was responsible and this was a great humiliation both for him and for the city. >> this started with arthur bowen. who was arthur bowen speak with arthur bowen was a servant, 19 years old in the home of ana maria thorton, a well-known woman in washington. and he was alleged to have attacked her in her bedroom at night with an ax. it was a sensational news, this shocking attack, allegedly attacked, that set off the white population to attack the black population. but, in fact, there was no attack. >> and how did they find out? >> eventually arthur went on t