Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1865-05-17
Interesting Correspondence Between
the Coioreti citizens Of North Caro-
lima and Senator Summer.

We ind the following important cOrre-
spondsnce In the Boston Journal Of yoStsr-
days Issue: ~
wnHISSroS, n. O., April 20, ls0S.
Hon. Charles Sumner, Warrington.
DIAN Sra: We, the undersigned citizens,
Executive Board Of the Colored Union
Leagues Of this city, respectfully ask your
attention TO the subject Of reconstruction In
this State and for a few plain directions in
relation to proper stand for us 10 mako.
We forward also q copy OF the Herald,
containing an article on reconstruction,
which causes us much anxiety, In oonneo-
tion with other facts that are constantly
pressed upon our attention In this rebel
State, although much 10 said concerning Its
loyalty that Is unreliable and untrue. Many
OF US have done service for the U nited States
Government, at Fort Fisher and elsewhere,
and we shrink with horror at the thought
that we may DO left to the tender merciss Of
our former rebel masters, who have taken
the oath, but are hllod with malice, and swear
vengeance against US, as 9oon rs the military
are withdrawn. ''s :
We are loyal oolored citizens. and strive in
all things so to conduct ourselves, that no
Just cause Of complaint may exist, although
| We suffer much from the unwillingness Of the
|
| look up TO the Gag Of our country with from
bling anxiety, knowing thst the franchise
alone can give us security for tho future.
We speak with moderation and care, we
/ lay no charges, but We fear that an ill,judged
lenity to rebels Ia this State will leave little
to US and our children but the bare name OF
freedmen. We remember Louisiana Better
"smash the egg tnan permit II to produce a
viper.
ALFRED Howe, Wilmington, North Carolina y
Do not frank your lotter; / send stamp
For reference, Jonathan O. Gibbs mentions
the name Of Rev. II. II. Garnett, eolored
Presbyterian minister in Washington, and
Hon Judge Kelly, from Pennsylvania,
1 ALPRED HOWE, President.
| D. sADoExAR, Owes BuREEY,
II. D. SAMPSON, HESRT TAYLOR,
JoSA. O, 0IBBs, RICHARD REID,
SENATOR SUNSETS REPLY.
49, wAHHlEgTog, May -, 1898.
GENTLENEN; Am glad that the oolored
eltiSeus Of North Carolina are ready TO take
part In tho organization Of government. II
Is unquestionably their right and duty.
/ see little chance Of peaSe or tranquility
In any rebel State unless the rights Of al
are recognised without distinction Of color,
On this liquidation We must build.
The article on reconstruction 10 which you
call my attention proceeds on tho idea o.
slavery, that persons with white skin are
the only ''citlIens."e This Is a mistake.
As you do me the honor TO ask me tho
proper stand for you to make, Ihave no hesi
tation In replying that you must insist on al
the rights and privileges Of a citizen, The
belong TO you. They are yours and wlno
ever undertakes TO rob you Of them is
usunper and Animposter.
or course you will take part In any primA
" meetings for political organization, opel
I, 10 citizens generally. and will not miss an,
opportunity TO show yoJr loyalty and hdelity
Accept my best wishes, and believe me
gentlemen, Faithfully yours,
CHARLRs SUMNER.