The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-08-23
Clusters Testimony - Custer's Call - Gus
ter's Letter.


for rather voluminous letter from General
GEORGE A. CUSTER, in regard to the alleged
discrepancy found in his testimony given
before the Reconstruction Committee on the
10th of March, and the call signed by him on
the 10Th of August. We have allowed the
General to make mis- own defense, and will
now give our readers an opportunity Of iudg-
ing for themselves. In his testimony, found
on page 72-76, part Sd, Reconstruction Re-
port, we find the following evidence, which
we give without COMMENT
"Oueston. What would be the condition of the
loyal men IN Texas now, in case the military
protection now afforded were Withdra IN from
the State?
answer would not consider it safe for
loyal man to remain in Texas, at least in that
portion | have visited after the troops were
withdrawn. | have within my possession letters
from prominent Union men in the State, saying
that ii the troops were TO be Withdrawn tnev
wished TO be informed of it, for the purpose OF
making arrangements to leave when the troups
did; that it would be unsafe and unwise for
them to remain after the troops were withdraw.
The feeling of hostility towards loyal men Is
carried to such an extent that loyal man en-
gagged in business received no patronage except
from loyal men.
"Question. State, as fully as you are able
what were the condition, sentiments and dispo-
raj Government at the time you went into the
State, and what they are now. And If any
change has occurred, give your opinion as to
the reason OF that change.
Answer. When entered the State last sum-
mcr, l found the condition of tie people,
regards their sentiments and intentions towards
the general Government to be as satisfactory
as any loyal man could wish, so far as it was
observable. They made use oil no expressions
hostile 10 the Government or against Govern
ment officials, or against the policy OF the Gov
ernment. So long as the policy OF the Govern
menL towards the Southern States seemed unde
Veloped or unknown, the most submissive feeling
was everywhere prevalent. Those who had
been engaged in rebellion, particularly those
who had borDe prominent part, realzet, with
out being told, that they had forfeited every
right, even to that of lite. They regarded the
course OF the Government as magnanlmous in
the extreme, and lar more generous than they
had reason to expect. After II was seen what
policy was TO be pursued towar's the leaders,
and towards the Southern States generally, they
assumed a more defiant position, assailed the
Government, assailed the measures OF the Gov
ernmeEt, denounced the system OF provisional
Governments which had been established in the
South, were opposed to the location of troops
in their midst, and Here opposed to the Ice alton
OF agents OF the Freedmen's Bureau. And this
feeling continued to grow and manifest itself
more strongly day by day. l think their opUo-
sition to the Government and disloyaty is As
openly visible and as plainly manifest now as it
was in 1861.
'Ouestlon. State your opinion US to whether
OF not the lenienG policy which has been pursued
towards the Rebels has been beneficial to that
country, or otherwise.
"Answer. In my opinion it has been very
detrimental, not only 70 that portion of the
country, but TO the entire country, and more
Immediately to the interests of the Union and
Union men in the South.
"Question. Is there as much freedom among
the Union men now in the expression OF their
views there as there was at the time you went
there? And If not, what is the reason for 1t?
N
dare not express their sentiments as regards
loyalty to the general Government. Their lives
would be endangered by so doing. Union men
are being murdered there to this day; at least
murders were occurring constantly before lett,
and | think were on the increase.
"Qucstion. Have you any knowledge OF an
organization in that State, secret or otherwise,
for the purpose OF opposing or thwartng the
action OF the Government OF the United States
Answer. 1t was reported to me frequently
that such organizations did exist and have
no doubt in my own mind that they have existed
in the northern part of the State. was so
thoroughly convinced of the tact that l sent a
considerable force into that section OF the State
TO disPerse them. The tact that such organiza-
tions did exist was confirmed by the statements,
written and oral, of loyal men, and by the re.
ports of officers sent there on duty
"Question. What do the people desire there
as to the recognition OF the state by the Federal
Government? Do they expect or desire the re-
ceptlon of their Senators and Representatives
into Cor gress?
ANSWER. The division OF opinion is very
clearly marked upon that question. The entire
disloyal portion OF the inhabitants are very
anxious that the State should be Immediately
restored to its former rights and privileges IL
the Union; that il should be represented il
Congress and in the other branches OF the Gov
ernment; while the loyal portion of the inhabit
ants are equally ANXIOUS that the general Gov
ernment should continue TO maintain It's pre-
sent control over the state. In this they say i
their only safety. IN which opinion ! mos
heartily concur.
"QuesCon. Can you given any opinion, from
what you have seen and heard in Texas, as &
what the people there would do II they wer
to obtain the power or asCendancy IN Gha
country, and could have entirely their oWl
way?
ANSWER. think, in the first place, none bu
those who had been most prominent as leader
an the Rebellion would be appointed or electe
to office; this no one will deny. II they wer
allowed to legislate upon the question the
would be opposed To paying their share OF tn
national debl unless the Rebel debt was lnCol
porated with II. Naturalization would
by Rebel property holders during the wal
while system ot laws regulating labor woul
be passed which would virtually place th
freedmen under the entire control OF the
former owners Had they the power, neltht
Northern men nor freedmen would be permi
ted to acquire properly in the South.
"Queston. Suppose an opportunity wi
secede without war, do you suppose they wou
prefer TO stav In the Union or 90 out?
out"
In the call issued by him on the 10th inf
we find the following paragraph
Every object of the war ever reco
niZed bY OF known tn fine army and navy n