Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1865-05-17

We ind the following important corre-
spondenoe In the Boston Journal Of yester-
days Issue
wnHISaroS, N. O., April %, lse5.
Hon Charles Sumner, Warrington!
DEAR Sin; 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 . few plain directions in
relation TO proper stand for us TO make.
We forward also a copy OF the Herald,
containing an article on reeonstruetion,
which causes us much anxiety, In oonnse.
tiOn with other facts that are constantly
pressed upon our attention In this rebel
State, although much Is said concerning its
loyalty that Is unreliable and untrue. Many
OF us have done service for the U United States
Government, at Fort Fisher and elsewhere,
and we shrink with horror at the thought
that We may be left 10 the tender mercies Of
our former rebel masters, who have taken
the oath, but are filled with malice, and swear
vengeance against US, hs soon rs the military
are withdrawn. ~ 4
We are loyal colored citizens, and strive In
all things so TO conduct ourselves, that no
Just cause Of complaint may exist, although
| we suffer much from the unwlllingnoss Of the
seosssionists 10 regard Us rs fireman, and
/ look up TO the dag Of our country with treni-
bling anxiety, knowing that the franchise
alone can give MS security for the future.
| We speak with moderation and care, we
lay no charges, but We fear that an ill.iudged
lenity to rebels in this State will leave little
to us and our children but the hare name Of
freedmen. We remember Louisiana Better
"smash the egg" than permit II to produce a
viper.
We beg an early answer Direct, simply,
ALFRED Howe, Wilmington, North Carolina y
Do not frank your letter. send stamp
For reference, Jonathan O. Gibbs mention,
the namo OF Rev. II. II. Garnott, q colored
Presbyterian minister In Washington, and
Hon. Judge Kelly, from Pennsylvania.
ALPRRD HOWE, President
D. sAD0ESAR, 0wEN BuRERY,
Il II. ID. SAMPSON, HENRY TAYLOR,
JoSA. @. GBBs, RIouARD REED.
i SENATOR suMsER's REILLY.
| .-Hs WAAuIHaTor, May Is, lsd5.
GEsrLENEN am glad that the colored
eitiEens Of North Carolina are ready TO take
part In the organization Of government. II
Is unquestionably their right and duty.
i SEQ little chance Of peace or tranquility
In any rebel State unless the rights Of al
arc 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 arr
the only 'eitlIsns.", This Is a mistake.
As you do me the honor TO ask mo the
proper stand for you to make Ihave no hesl
tatlon In replying that you must insist on al
the rights and privileges Of a citizen. Thel
belong TO you. They are yours and wlno
ever undertakes 10 rob you Of them Is
usupper and animpostsr.
OF course you will take part in any primA
ry meetings for political organization, opei
(, 10 citizens generally. and will not miss an,
opportunity TO show yOJr loyalty and fidelity
Accept my best wishes, and believe me
gentlemen, Faithfully yours,
CHARLRs SUMxER.