Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-06-27
A DEFENSE OF GOV. srANLY.


The Newborn correspondent of the New
York Tribune has had talk with Mr.. Stanly,
the provisional governor Of North Carolina,
and explains and excuses his conduct in re-
gard to the slaves and negro schools as fol-
lows
Immediately after his arrv, i'm Newbern he was
called upon by MI. Coycr, who said he had come 20 re-
port what he had done superintendent Of the pool
The governor expressed himself pleased at the attention.
and listened with great intoes 10 his statement OF the
dssututon among the whites and blacks and the gcncf
Of relief which had been adopted by Cen
Buruside's orders He informed Mr. tober that iuu
power had been given by government 90 use the public
supplies for the relief Of the suffering people, and That
he should be most happy 20 dhm iucycy possible way
the prosecution II his phianthropc ahots. Mr. Col
yer further stated that he had ocnod free schools for
the instruction VI white and negro children and thought
he would mention the fact to him to learn what he
thought Of the tier The governor replied that he
could not approve Of this affair for De had been sent 10
conciiac the people Of North Carolina by all proper
means, and develop spirit Of loyalty. The movement
was, 10 say the least premature, ior by waiting few
months the policy of the government would have been
shaped, aud DE could then act undcfstandngy. The
delay would not be damaging % me spfual welfare Of
the negroes, for meanwhile MI Coycr could give them
gous instruction orally, without any Interference what
ON his part H. un the other hand the old order
of things should hc restored the blacks who had been
taught read and write would always be regarded with
dslrust by their masters, and probably be subjected 10
much personal suffering. That 10y thc laws OF North
Caf"ina' growing nut OF what we eau me cruel ncccssl
ties If slavery b. forbidden teach slaves 20 read
OF wiie, uudcr severe penalties II be, military gov
cruor sent 20 eouciae the people oi the state should
commence by dsrcgadng her laws 10y encouraging these
forbidden schools, he would be most unwecome visitor
10 the people
The whole interview was characterized by courtesy
and otbcarance uf speech both sides He made no
threats whatever VI hue, imprisonment or Punishment
The next day Gov htanly again waited upon by Mr.
Coycr who informed him that the obnoxious school bad
been closed The aid he had done just what
was right
Gov stauly says that Bray, whom he had known as
citizen Of Nowtcrn from his holhocd, came TO him one
day. and said that one Of his female slaves had been en-
uccd away by Troops aud WAS held against her wilt
The Governor replied that II he could assure him that
such the fact he would give him permission 20 search
for the woman within our lines. II She were really held
against her will aud desired 20 return 90 scr,ude he
could take her back and would be protected in so doing
He was not TO force threats, hoocVer 20 accom-
pish his purpose All 90 DE free and voluntary ON
the woman's part The warrant empowering Bray to
search for the slave issued she was lound and
brought TO Gov sauy door by Bray and his wife who
reported her discovery 10 him, and requested hun Co. ask
the girl herself f she was willing Co return lie did not
do however as he considered the matter amcany set
tied. That night party Of three white mcn-Massa
chuscs soldorsand two negroes went To Brays house,
burnt bis fences and he Che EoVcruor) was informed,
abducted The woman uy force. According 20 this state
ment there no enforcement Of The fugitive slave act
There swearing Of papers, warrant " arrest,
posse clniqt sent 70 compel the capture OF the iu-
gitye. TWAS 10 be voluntary return 10 chains and
slavery, o. none at all. Gov Siany told me that he
had not and never expected TO- enforce the fugitive sa
law. That when Bray applied for help 10 recover the
woman, whom he alleges to have been torn from him by
force be refused give for he puwetess 10 assist
The experiment Of rendition had been uadc and failed
/ although the slave was said 20 be willing party II,
I should not venture 10 make q second attempt
"As pure matter Of military necessity, the business
Of which will suke any one, Cen Burnside issued gen
cul order some time that no person, white or black
should be taken North without pass. lhis ofdef wa
in force when Gov Stauly came 10 Ncwbcrn. Complaint
were made 10 hun that our shipmascTs were taking Ia
giye slaves o northern ports SOME as stewafdseoo
orgmas hands, some, perhaps as free passcugcrs IL h
to boz allowed, government says Mr. stanly might
wen pass decentralization At once. for we shoulc
% IA