The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-07-17
g E o r GA


Le.... from the Rebel Ex-Governor
Brown.
To THE PEOPLE GEoRGn-
feel profoundly impressed with sense OF the oolga.
ton which am under you for the manifestations OF
yorr kindness and confidence which have 70 often
received At four different elections you have honored
With your sufrages for the highest position within
your gift, and have to the best OF my ability repre-
While n aSe have op been Of the
aborous and trying character feel the consciousness
that have abored with an honest purpose 70 promote
your best interests That have committed errors s not
Denied that they have been intentional your conduct
has shown you did not believe.
During the period Of my administration the country
has passed through most trying ordeal The great
questions at issue between the North and the South
reason have been submitted for decision to the arba
ment Of and the judgment has been against us In
the highest tribunal known among nations The con,
test has been long and bloody Each party has learned
to respect the manhood and chivay OF the other But
the South has been by the superior numbers
and boundless resources Of the North. We have no
further power resistance and other alter
native but to accept the result
The government of the United States, having refused
to recognize tolerate the State governments which
have existed under the Confederate constitution during
the struggle has ordered the arrest of the Governors OF
these States was arrested and imprisoned after had
surrendered the Georgia State troops and militia and had
given my parole upon the same terms allowed TO General
Leo and General Johnston, and had received from the
Major General whom the parole was given the usual
pledge o. the faith Of the United States that not TO
be moested long observed the parole and beyed
the laws in force prior to the LIST January 1851 Upon
the facts being brought before the President Of the
role and permitted TO return home.
am embraced In Of the exceptions In the Presi-
dents amnesty proclamation. have received NO par
don, nor have taken any oath, am permitted 10
resume Executive functions was in the Executive
Office prior to the commencement Of the and by the
constitution Of the State then existence Is declared
that shall hold till successor is chosen and qualified
have felt my duty to announce these facts to you
and can be Of no further service to my state BY
tempting to hold the Office Of Governor hereby resign
It into the hands OF the people who have long and
generously conferred IT upon me.
bile m lpava nf and ratfr privn
life trust may not be considered inappropriate for
10 add a few remarks upon what consider tho
pie pie Of Georgia in the Hrosea. hour W have
lately passed through several! Of the Northern
have their newspapers closely have had interviews
with public officials high in authority, and have taken
pains to ascertain both the policy Of the Governments
ect OF the emancipation of the slaves Of the South and
beg to you that there is division of opinion
upon the subject OF immediate abolition II Is decreed
alike py the people and the government They de-
termncd TO exercise IT, and to all obstacles
which We may attempt to throw in the way. Indeed
they accomplished fact under the proclama
tons Of the late President issued
cary to the life OF the government. As matters now
stand to fight against II is To contend against manifest
destiny. Besides slavery has been disturbed and the
savs so deoralzcd during the war that 1t is matter
great doubt whether they could ever be kept in n
state Of proper subordinaton and the institution made
profitable In future.
Under these circumstances the question arises what
shall we do Nothing that we can will prevent the
suit and It my deliberate opinion that any effort
our part to thwart tho will OF the government this
great question will only add toour miseries and
misfortunes. The Statesman, likcthe business man.
should take practical Tew OF questions they arise
and do for those dependent upon him the best that
be done under all the circumstances by which they
at the time surrounded
Applying this rule to present condition, and
mebering that revolution and war often sweep away
long established usages, dcmolish theories and
s ses thai %s sscep, the ~ my
us by the fortunes Of war, and that we give up
slavery at once by the action of. the CONGESTION,
provisional appointed to reorganze tho State
government That organize system OF labor as
speedily possible, which Will b. alike just the late
naster and slave that we return TO the Union in good
faith and do all In our power good citizens TO relieve
the distressed repair She damages which have resulted
from the contest and restore permanent and pros
perity the whole country under the old flag whch
all must again look for protection from the Atlantic to
ASH will givc no advice to others which will not
practise myself, shall Immediately do all winch the
constitution and laws of my State will permit 10 emanci
pate my slaves and shall treat them free and
give them part OF the CROP such other wages may
be agreed upon for their future labor.
During sojourn there found among tho people Of
the North much less bitterness than had anticipated
towards the people of the South If we act prudently
woke angry and Improbable discussions think there
strong To hope that sentiment Of justice and
lbeaity will prevail have given slavery,
the passions enecndered by the unfortunate and
wicked assassination OF the late President have hod time
TO subside.
In making up their judgment, upon cool reHec-
ton 1t should be remembered by just men in tho
North that they are sitting as judges In their own
csuseA that their advcrsares' side Of the question
has ceased to be represented or heard, and that II
they would restore unity, harmony aud permanent
prosperity the whole country they must, while flushed
with victory macnanmity 10 their fallen foes
whose heroism they obliged to respect Otherwise
though held in the Union by force they could not expect
the people Of the South and their postcrty to meet them
In future friends and embrace them fellow citizens
trust their good practical sense will teach them this
end that moderation and wise counses may in future
prevail on both sides
Foreign nations have looked with astonshment upon
the immense strength put forth by the two sections dur
ing the war; and they cannot fail to understand the in
vncbity and power Of the government which untcs in
harmonious concert tho whole strength of the two
gigantic bcligerens; while they would readily appre
ciate the diminished strength Of this great power II
roots Of bitterness are constantly sprngng up and bear
ing the fruits Of discord and sectional hate.
When slavery has been abolished believe the present
Chief Magistrate Of the United States, who having
sprung from the mass Of the people, and by his industry
grade Of Office from the lowest 70 the highest may justly
be styled representative man, will cast his immense
power and influence into the scale OF equal rights and
popular government, and will leave the States when
reorganized, the undstnrbed management Of their
internal Affairs including the Questions Of suffrage
mend the people of Georgia to give his administration
generous support
also recommend every citizen, who is allowed TO do
So and who expects 10 remain In the country to take the
oath and quality himself to vote, and to participate in
the future government OF the Suppose the
OF our best citizens refuse TO take the oath and qualify
themselves voters under the rules prescribed by the
President what will be tho resutf The few who do
gates or their number TO represent their respective
counties in the convention which TO shape the consti
tuition Of the ststefor the future government Of all
think all should take the oath and observe IL lin good
faith AMI do all they elect their wsest and best
men A. representatives that oil the different interests OF
the State may be protected far possible and her
honor and credit maintained against unwise and unjust
LEGISLATION Many conscientious men object 10 take the
oath because they believe the procaatons and acts OF
Congress- during the the subort Of slavery are
unconstitutional, and they not willing 10 swear ~
abide by and support them. II must b, remembered
that the late proclamation OF President johnson renders
pardon 70 all who not excepted, II they take the
oath. The pardon, then, is CONDITIONAL and while the
President does not interfere with any oncs opinions
the constitutional question he requires condition 10
the extension Of clcmency that he who receives the
pardon and 10 allowed to retain the balance Of his pro-
perry shall give up his slaves The proclamation of
President Lincoln declared the slaves to be free.
To abide by and support 1t In simply ~ treat them
free Every intelligent man In Georgia who has taken
the pains to investigate the Question must that sa
very at end. The oath simply requires that