The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-05-05
TO THE MILITARY BOARD NOW
IN SESSION.


If we understand the special object which
the board Of officers now in session in this city
have in view, we think that we can calmly
and dispassionately suggest one or two points
of inquiry that ought not to be overlooked in
the investigation which engages their atten-
ton. An inquiry of this nature should be
inaugurated by an appeal to the people at
large for the facts of the late lamentable
tragedies. All classes desire this. We wish
for full, fair and candid investigation; and
we call upon the board not only in the name
of the people of Norfolk; not only in the name
of Virginia; not only in the name Of the
South; not only i'll the name of the country at
large; but in the name of modern civilization,
for thorough examination into the atrocous
murders which they are here to investigate
Let them open the doors to all the witness
ses; let them examine the recorded evidence;
let them consult the Mayor; let them view the
ground where the murders were done; let then,
ascertain why the United States troops did
not move to prevent these hOrrid outrages
let them find out the prime movers in the
celebration; let them inquire Harmed negroes,
in the uniform of the army Of the United
States, under the United States flag, and with
ball cartridges in their muskets, on which
they carried fixed bayonets were at the head
of the column, marching in regular military
array; let them ascertain how far the Com
Of = f,r tho
outrages which occurred; let them see if the
individual citizens Of this town have been
disarmed and the negroes allowed to go unmo-
Tested with weapons in their possession, which
lawful" let them follow the procession on its
line of march; let them inquire how far they
were molested ;and it is notorious fact that they
were not disturbed; especially let them ask with
open doors and an invitation to all witnesses
to testify what the behavior of that procession
was, especially in regard to attacks made on
the white children of public schools If AS we
assume, this commission desires the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth, the
mode we have indicated is the one to be pur-
sued We call upon them in the name OF
the service they represent, and the solemn
functions they discharge, to adopt it. 1t is
due to the grave questions they are here tc
examine, that they should consult with the
Mayor, and invite the citizens TO testify. There
is an issue directly made and now pending be-
tween their brother officer land the Comman-
dant of this post and the citizens OF this town
which, if no higher motive impelled them
should make this board anxious to hear al
the witnesses who will testify. if invited to dc
SO. A proposition so fair as this cannot be
rejected We put it here on record, and it
will 60 on the wings of the press to the utter
most parts of the earth. We want the truth
of this bloody business fully displayed.
We take it for granted that the investiga-
ton will be conducted as we have suggested
not because it is our suggestion, but because
it is by this method atone that the truth can
be attained. And when the doors of this tri-
bnnal are thrown open as they needs must be,
the citizen who knops fact, or can point out
the road by which fact can be found, and
neglects to do his duty in coming forward tc
disclose it, be he high or low, rich or poor
ought to be ostracsed ard tabooed for ever
and ever, as false to the best interests of his
country