The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-12-26
TO THE FREEDMEN OF SOUTHERN
DISTRICT OF N. G.
HEADQUARTERS FREEDMEN's BUREA U,
Wilmington, n. c., Dec. IL, 1865.


You are free men. Men, women aud chill
drcn, you now belong to yourselves. You are
at liberty to seek your own happiness. The
Constitution Of the United States is the charter
of your liberties. The Government of the
Uuited States is the guardian of your liberties:
the object of the war, through which We have
just passed, was the preservation of the Union
-one of its results is your freedom. 1t came
suddenly and it is not strange that much mis-
understanding and confusion should exist
During the war almost everything has been de-
stroyed; houses, fences cattle, tools, &c, we're
swept away; many OF the plantations were aban,
doned by their owoers; the future was all un-
certain. But war has ended. aud with the re-
turn Of peace have como the busiuess and rea-
tiops Of civil life. All people both black and
white, should study these relations, which have
been SO radically charged by the war; they
should devote themselves with all possible in
dus'ry to restoring the prosperity OF the coun-
try which is now SO much reduced. This can
only be done by constant and unccasing labor
All unjust prejudces must be laid aside, all
causes cf discord aud strife must be avoided
You must strive to be virtuous, intelligent anu
industrious, thus you will deserve the privileges
of ireemen aud the respect of all good citizens,
you must now work your way upvsrd For the
not at this. BE patient, your wages are now
your own, and if you are economical and save,
you can in time purchase and own houses ana
lands yourselves. This is the only way 10
which you can obtain property. The Uoited
States Government has no lands aud cOnse-
quentiy give none away, as many Of you
seem to think. alt has given you your freedom,
aud wil protect you in your persons and prop
erty, and this is all that any one can expect,
either black or white
Accept the situation as it is, and trust to
Divine Providence for the future, when you are
prepared for something different and better.
Tha, God who has led you thus far will provide.
Remember that, whatever privileges or proper
ty you acquire in the future, you must labor for
and earn. Remember also, that your employ
ers have rights as we'll as yourselves; their per-
sons and property are to be respected; the law
will require you to respect them. All bargains
and contracts should be sacredly observed. BE
willing to work just as you agree to work. IT
contracts are broken do not let the blame rest
upon you The law vii! require this Of you.
1t requires it of all men, black or white, North
or South To be free is to be subject to the law.
In obtaiuing redress for your wrongs, seek the
Justice of the law and of lawful authority only,
do not attempt to redress your wrongs your
selves If this we're permitted, society would
be one continual scene Of riot aud bloodshed
Freedmen, the order, prosperity and happi-
ness of the country is, in great measure In
your bands Be patient, industrious, virruous
and pious, and satisfy the Government, and
your friends, North and South that you are
worthy Of the freedom that has been given you
You should also cultivate aud encourage a re-
speetful and polite demesnor towards those with
whom you are thrown ia contact. Remember
that you are to live among aud be governed By
the same people with whom you have always
lived and you should use every honest effort TO
command their respect.
CHAS /. WICKERSHAN,
Brevet Major and Sup't.