To pass one's self as a Leaguer, the "Four L's" had to be given: (1) with right hand raised to heaven, thumb and third finger touching ends over palm, pronounce "Liberty"; (2) bring the hand down over the shoulder and say "Lincoln"; (3) drop the hand open at the side and say "Loyal"; (4) catch the thumb in the vest or in the waistband and pronounce "League." This ceremony of initiation proved a most effective means of impressing and controlling the Negro through his love and fear of secret, mysterious, and midnight mummery.

An oath taken in daylight might be forgotten before the next day; not so an oath taken in the dead of night under such impressive circumstances.

After passing through the ordeal, the Negro usually remained faithful.
In each populous precinct there was at least one council of the League, and always one for blacks.

In each town or city there were two councils, one for the whites, and another, with white officers, for the blacks.
The council met once a week, sometimes oftener, nearly always at night, and in a Negro church or schoolhouse.

Guards, armed with rifles and shotguns, were stationed about the place of meeting in order to keep away intruders.