Inside the Klan

Greg Braxton’s story on Myrlie Evers, the widow of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, erred carelessly in describing my book “Klandestine” (“She’s Kept Her Eyes on the Prize,” July 10).

My book was published in 1975, not 1965. It provided crucial new evidence for the successful reopening of the prosecution of Byron de la Beckwith for the 1963 murder of Medgar Evers. I quoted Beckwith’s admission of the crime as recalled by Delmar Dennis, who was not just “a former Klan officer.”

Dennis was the most important FBI informant in the October, 1967, trial of the Klan leaders and members who killed Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney in 1964. His testimony about Beckwith, as reported in my book, made possible Beckwith’s recent conviction and justice after three decades.

Oddly enough, last Feb. 5, in a story on the conviction, The Times did not even mention Dennis’ name. But after the verdict came in, Myrlie Evers hugged Dennis and told him she realized how important his role had been.

Perhaps the reason for the poor reporting is the fact that Dennis and I were motivated to do what we did largely because of the understanding we gained as members of the anti-totalitarian and anti-racist John Birch Society. At least Myrlie and her family know the truth.

WILLIAM H. MCILHANY

Beverly Hills