The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1866-03-17
VOL. XXV.---No. 81.
Reconstruction.

ANYTHING wrcng. Their only regret seemed
to be that they had not the means to carry
out their designs.
Question. Is the feeling of hostility to
the Government one which controls great
majority or only a'minority of the people IN
the regions of which you have spoken?
Answer. 1t is the feeling of the majority
At the time of the appointment Of the civil
officers great many of those who had serv-
ed in the army during the rebellion were re-
pentant. There was hardly u loyal man APP
pointed to civil office under the State gov
eminent.
@. So far as you know how do Alabama
and Mississippi compare with Georgia and
Tennessee
A. think there is not much difference !;
if any, it is in favor Of Tennessee. ] think
That Tennessee is rather more loyal State
lhoped that after the rebellion they would
have been loyal-at least that they would
have accepted the situation sincerely, but
am satisfied that they do not. believe that
there is now an organization existing through
out the South for the renewal Of the rebel
lion. There are many circumstances or
things which have occurred since the sur
render to make me believe it.
Q. Are there any sentiments with regard
to foreign war?
A. There seems manifested a great desire
10 have the country involved in war with
France in relation to Mexico. | think in
such an event they would serve the oppor
tunity to turn against the Government. This
is the sentiment of the leading men Of the
South. From ali could learn the spirit of
resistance still exists This is us strong as
ever, and in the event Of this Government
being engaged in a foreign war; the enemies
Of the Government throughout the South
meditate and would not fail to seize the OPP.
portunity to attempt again its destruction.
This is corrobemtiye of General Thomas
testimony.
Hon. John Covodc. Of Pennsylvania, who
that, with regard to the temper and spirit of
the people, the politicians who remained at
home, and particularly the female portion of
the community, INDUCED in very bitter feel
ings towards the United States Government
much more hostile thin soldiers Of the
surrendered rebel army. Many planters had
determined to leave The country, and some
had already left. believing that they could
mcver take part in the Government. which
they feared would lay heavy hand on the
participants in the rebcllior.
In conversation with mutitudes of officers
and soldiers of Kirby Smiths army, he was
surprised to find how docig and submissive
they were, never in single instance hearing
an unkind feeling expressed toward the Gov
eminent. The general expression was that
they were well whipped that they were glad
the war was over, and were ready to come
back and submit to what was required of
them. Many Of the more intelligent said
their leaders had made great mistake in
Going into rebellion against the Government ;
that they should have endeavorcd to accom-
plish this political purpose by political
measures in which they feel sure of the aid
Of Northern Democrats, but that by partc
pating in the rebellion they had tied the
hands of their Northern friends The men
of the army seemed not to have the rcmotest
expectation of being entrusted again with
political power or privileges, at least for
some time. When Governor Wells returned
from Washington with DR.. Cottman, a
former scccssionist, and Mayor Kennedy,
the rebel element appeared to be greatly en-
courageG with the reports he brought from
Washington. He Governor WelFsl stated
in public meeting that the President was a
Southern man and Democrat, and he would
he bulwark between the South and North
crn Aboitionists and fanaticism, and made
open issue with Mr. Lincolns administra.
ton-charging it with the contraction of an
enormous debt, and said Mr.. Johuson's ad-
ministration would be of very different
character. While this speech encouraged
the rebel element it equally discouraged the
loyal element, being the first intimation to
the latter that the Government had. BETRAYED
them.
Mr.. Covodc speaks of having himself ad
dressed the Union men, denying the allega.
tons of the Governor concerning johnson
administration, and urging them to organize
have their men registered, and register the
names of coiored men thus authorized con.
sttutionaly to vote, viz: Those who had
served in the Union army, that paid taxes
and those who were educated
that if excluded by rebels from the polls
and beaten, the rebel candidates for Con
gresp thus elected would not be allowed tc
take their seats; he stated that the olcia
appointees of Governor Wells were rebels 0
the worst class of men at home. and one
high official had kept blood hounds during
the rebellion with which Union men were
hunted to death; Union men, who had beer
barbarously prosecuted during the rebellion
felt obliged to remain within military pro
tection and were unable to return to thei
homes Over one hundred rebel officers hat
been appointed to Office by he Governor
After this the rebel officers and soldiers, Al
Mr. Covode reports, become much more de
fiant, and freely discussed their plans 70
political ascendancy to this end they be
gan to register for voting, and if unable tc
pay their taxes the money was furnished