Ellsworth American., 1865-06-30
The Richmond Freedmen,
WAsHINToS, Friday, June l6, 1865


The colorcd delegation, Gne-lookiug
body OF men, were received by the Presi-
dent at ii O'Clock o-day. Their address
and accompanying documents were pre-
scnted, which seemed to make profound
impression upon the mind of the Execu-
tive. He said he should make no formal
speech in response to the grave complaints
they had submitted, but he would assure
them he should do all he could to have jus
tice done them in their new condition. lie
saw by the papers that Mayor Mayo had
been deposcd with his Rebel pelice, and in
that regard one cause of complaint would
be removed. lie inquired if they had
complained to the local authorities Of
these abuses.
The Chairman of the delegation replied
he had, and the result had been that they
had been treated very much worse than be-
fore calling Gen. Putrick's attention to
facts which had cXaspcratcd the subor-
dlnates to find they were complained Of.
They could not got an audience with Gen.
llallcck. though they frequently tried SO to
do, and so they thought Lest to come to
the chief heal of all authority. The
President said he would refer their case to
Gen. Howard, with orders for him to do
what was best to he done under the cir
cumstances. In the civil administration he
should look to Gov. Pierpont, but SO far
as the military was concerned, he would
see that justice was done to all classes.
The President then inquired of Mr.. Van
Nlcet, who had presented the delegation
whether he had called upon Gen. Ilallccli
i'll this matter. He said he had not; but
It's Gen. Patrick was Provost Marshal and
the General who was understood to have
originated the prosecutions complained Of
he went to him and protested against the
proceedings of the provost guards and the
Rebel police. Gen. Patrick was rough,
and insultinsly said, This whole business
belonged to him to manage, aud he did
not wish newspaper editors or any other
ing Gen. Patrick, Mr.. Van Nleet said he
presented the suffice; to Gov. Picrpont.
who said the abuses should be reformed.
and the next morning sent for Mr.. Mayor
and dcposed him. The President said
that was right. That Gov. picrpont was
there without law to guide him, and he
should adapt himself to the necessities OF
the occasion. The chairman of the dclcga-
tl0n said he went several tines to see Gen.
lIallecl but could never reach him. lie
WAS not allowed Il personal interview with
him. The President then assured the
delegation that he would do all in his pow
Ell to protect them and their rights; that
he would take care of the military and
see they perPetrated 10 more wrongs upon
them, while the Governor would manage
the civil authorities The delegation than
retired. much pleased with the President
and their interview.
Gen. Howard has ordered Commissioner
Brown at Rellnon,: 10 thoroughly invcsti-
gate the late outrascs perpetratcd upon
freedmen there, and his report is expected
daily. The General will then lay before
the President IL full statement OF the facts
of the case for his action. A despatch
received from Commissioner Brown YES
tcrday, states that the odious pass system
has been abolished, and that the colorc,l
schools have again been opcncd.-L ". Y
Iribuic