Brownlow's Knoxville Whig, and rebel ventilator. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1863-1866, 1865-03-29
Presentation OF q Watch.
The following correspondence will explain itself,
and needs no comments


and needs no comments
KNoXyLLE March %, 1865.
SRA committee of the colored population have
desired me- in their behalf to present TO you this
celent American Watch Costlier gift, and from
persons of higher prctcnsions, you have often re-
cevcd, and may again receive. None more. expires.
Syc. Neither personal friendship nor motives OF
interest prompt it. Far other OF a race subjected
to Il bondage by the laws Of which there were fol-
them, neither husband and wife nor parent and
child much less property, the humble donors have
no stored wealth to lavish in the bestowmcnt Of
gratutous or interested favors
From this traditonary bondage they have lust
been delivered. As people they are disenthralled
Possibly their conceptions of liberty may not be as
devoted or as dear n are those Of men who have
breathed no air but that Of liberty. The eve first
opened to the light sees but dimly men ms trees
walking. Yet they deem the boon Of freedom in
calculable, beyond all their powers TO estimate
freedom to own Themselves, and to receive the fruits
Of their own labor freedom to appeal to the law
for protection and redress and freedom TO organize
families with hopes Of posterity that can inherit
fortunes acquired and a good name deserved. You
they regard as under the providence of God, achei
instrument in this mighty accomplishment. Such
is the sentiment which, by this token, they wish to
express.
Enclosed you will find the names Of the committe
and contributors.
Taking this occasion to tender assurances of per-
sonal regard
am, very respectfully,
Your obcdent servant,
HORACE MAYNARD.
II his ErccHpcn ". g. Bro,ruio,c, Goreypor Of
TUH,,sos
THE REPLY.
Mr.. MAYNARD-I accept the watch presented to
me through you, by portion Of the colored popu-
lation, and to them, each and ALL tender nv pro-
found acknowledgements as well as to you for the
terms in which you have made known their wishes
This war was commenced, and has been carried on
by the South 10 enlarge the powers of slavery and
to perpcuatc the institutions but in the providence
of God it has destroyed the institution and these
colored persons are now and forever free. When
this war is closed out-and it can't last much longer
and the dcmorazed disappointed, and defeated
rebels return. they will be disposed to show the
colorcd man no quarters. Hence NJ Governor of the
State shall feel it to be my duty to call upon the
Legislature to protect them by appropriate lcgsla-
ton
If were to advise them to a course Of action it
would be that Of great prudence and manly for
Dearance have heard with regret on these streets
pr9ane expression. uttered against the whites bv
some colored persons and have seen others treated
rudely who did not merit such treatment These
instances have not been numerous So conduct
yourselves l would say to each and ALL as to be
found on the defensive if any difference should oc-
cur. Act upon the old maxim that thrice Is he
oJyoed lcho has his 1uaJrd just
The arrogant rebels may be inclined to ask if the
Governor elect of Tennessee will condesend 70 sc-
cept Of present ut the hands Of the colored popu
lation I? If jeff. Davis and those associate dwith
nm IN arms and treason afford to conscrpt col
orcd men to hight to perpeuate the bondage of their
wives ana children, under the false promise of free
dom TO them, and to fight TO advance the worst cause
on earth, certainly can accept and proudly wear
watch given TO me by loyal men Of color. Nav.
when one Of these traitors is hanging with rope 10
his neck. because ] refused to grant him pardon
can draw ont this watch and tell though far away.
when his troubles over and he has obtained Ma
rights
Whilst ,hall highly o,teem this present. | shall
carefully preserve the list Of the names Of the donors
and remain, sincerely, &c,
March -, 1865.