Then , on September 19 , the Red Shirts took offensive action by openly killing between 30 and 50 African Americans outside Ellenton .
The white militia assumed defensive positions out of concern over possible intervention from federal troops .
On September 19 , the Red Shirts took offensive action by openly killing between 30 and 50 African Americans outside Ellenton .
The white militia assumed defensive positions out of concern over possible intervention from federal troops .