The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-07-06
LETTER FROM FREDERICKSBURG
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.


TIE CELEBRATION OF TIE fOURTH-MR.
MARYE'S ADDgESS-THR NEGROES PREFER
THEIR OLD FRIENDs--roREIGN AID REPU-
DATED.
FREDERICKSBURG, July 5, 1866.
Since the fall of Richmond nothing has
occurred in this section Of Virginia fraught
with more Importance to both races than
the celebration of the 4th Of July by the
cclored people of Fredericksburg and Vi
cinity. Always noted for their intelligence
and good breeding, they gave fresh evil
dcncc that freedom has not changed them
in either respect. After full discussion
of the programme for the day, with una
ninty they decided to eschcw foreign
teachers, and extended an invitation to
John l.. Marye, Jr., a representative of
Virginia sentiments, and the ablest and
most eloquent lawyer of this portion OF the
commonwealth, to address them. He ac-
ceptcd the invitation, and how we'll he per-
formed the delicate task cannot be judged
from the synopsis 0: his remarks which |
append, as neither the manner of the
speaker nor the effect upon his hearers
can be photographed in letter.
BY o'clock a vast cOncourse had con-
gregatcd in the grounds at Kenmore, the
residence and the burial-place of the
mother OF Washington, when the Rev. Mr..
Tebbs, of the Methodist Church, who was
a chaplain in the Confederate army during
the war, offered a most appropriate prayer.
Mr.. Mayre then, to the most attentive audi
cnce that have ever seen assembled, de.
lvered his address, and commenced by
assuring the assemblage that he could
speak for the white people of Fredericks.
burg in expressing qualification at seeing
the colorcd population enjoying this holl-
day in an orderly, well-arranged, and i'll.
nocent festival. They needed recreation
and social enjoyment; and he congratu-
lated them on the good sense and taste
exhibited in their present arrangements.
Their invitation to him to address them
had found him sick, but he had determined
10 accept it because he looked upon it as
an evidence that they were recognizing the
fact that they needed the goodwill, the
counsel, and the assistance of the whites,
aud believed they conld rely upon obtain
ing this sympathy and aid.
Mr.. Marye then proceeded to develop
and enforce the following propositions in
plain and simple language:
suSiS "os HO SOOu ICdSOn WY
there should not be good understanding,
Kind intercourse, mutual goodwill, and mu-
tually advantageous and pleasant relations
between the whites and blacks in the
southern States: on the contrary, that il
was Indispensable to the prosperity and
happiness Of both races that such relations
should exist. The whites recognized and
intended TO respect the freedom of the
blacks, and desired that this freedom should
produce for them all the cardinal blessings
essential 10 the welfare and happiness OF
people. These were reasonable reward
for their labor, the means OF acquiring
prosperity, and securing physical comforti
for themselves aud families, ample and
sure protection TO their rights Of propert,
and person under legislation equal aud i'm
partial between the two races, facilities fol
their mental and mora. culture, and q,
open pathway for their mental and mora
advancement.
The whites were impelled by the strong
est promptiEgs Of duty and interest to dc
sire the procurement of these blessings io
the blacks; Of duty, before God and man
10 promote the physical and moral eleya
iion Of weaker race cast proyidentially
in their midst; Of interest, because the
whites would realize positive gain ~