Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1866-07-04
From The Columbia American Patriot.
A Letter from General Ety.

,
!, communication written by General R. Ely
, on the I'd of April, 1866, and addressed Il
His Excellency, Andrew johnson, .Preslden
of the United States, referring to the condi
ton of freedmen, &C., in the Western Dis
taict of South Carolina.
It is the official testimony of one w.os'
means of arriving at the facts, and suggesting
the policy of the Government in this matter
have been ample. We invite the attention
of the reader to its plain and candid recon-
mendations:
HEADQUARTERS B. R. F. & A. L., J
WESTERN DISTRICT S: Co..
COLUMBIA, S. c., April 2, 1866. y
! To Andrev johnson, President United States
Mr.. PRESIDENT: As representative OF
this Bureau, respectfully beg leave to SUBJ
NIT personally to you q communication upon
the subject of the condition of this section of
our. country, involving the interests of the
freed people, as we'll as the interests of their
former masters and Of the country at large.
l have been in this Department on duty
since July, 1865, during which time l have
endeavored to discharge my duty towards all
parties in just and humane manner, and, as
[ believe, with general satisfaction to all con-
cerned. Tie system of free labor has been
universally established, and the freed people
are at work with honest energy, holding high
anticipations of future success. This, with
very few exceptions incident to localities
having surplus labor.
There is no doubt from the present prospect
that the freed people will become self sus-
tanning. If as is likely, they obtain remu-
nerative yield for their labor this year, to
effect which, aid from the Government need
only be extended until the first of September
of this year, and after which date there will
not exist any necessity for this Bureau, ex
cepting few officers or agents to act as at
torneys for the freedmen before the Courts.
This is a necessity which am firm to believe
is of vital importance. At this time there
is great dcstitution with all casse of people
which must exist and increase until the crops
of the season mature.
This city. may say, is the depot for the
whole Western district Of the State, embra-
cling fifteen districts, (or coun;ies) and into
it often think is gathered all the infirm and
helpless who live as the type of oppression
and rebellion. They are led in the strctest
economy by this Bureau, and the city gov
ernment, the latter confning it's offices to the
poor of the city entirely. Through beneh-
cient Northern aid Societies these poor peo.
Pile have depended for clothing during the
winter. They number less than: thousand
souls.
10 properly facilitate and economic this
charity by and with the advice of proper au-
thority L rented plantation adjacent to the
city as a rendezvous for the homeless and
friendless. 1t is now in operation upon the
prnci pie Of "poor,hoqse and farm, and |
verify belieTe that after the first of Septem-
Der of this year, even this place will be en-,
trely seli-sustai:,ing, and might pass into The
hands and management Of local authority, as
in the event of complete restoration the State
would, doubtless, receive and ASSURE.
Therefore, as citizen, soldier aud officer
of this Bureau, / offer for your acceptance
my hearty endorsement OF your veto and the
subject matter Of your official message
thereon.
firmly believe that the sooner the freed
people arc thrown upon their own resources,
the better. Give to them the aid needtul for
this season, and teach them that they must
then take care Of themselves, will prove by
far more beneficial to all concerned than TO
have them taught that this Government is to
provide for them for years 10 come, &c.
There are dcsperados still in organization
in the upper sections Of this State commit
;ing dcpredatious upon all classes OF people.
I believe the temporary presence OF small
garrison of regular troops would be salutary
for how long this state OF things may eX-
.ist time only v i'll determine. And irom my
observation and kncwlcagc. ] can ont con.
Glade tha: tic sooacr the responsibility is
thrown upon the people ard civil law is fully
established, the sooner all complaint w'l
cease, and the people properly govern them
selves.
have the honor 70 be, yonr ob'!l,t servant.
RALPH ELY,
B.eye. Bris.-Gencral aud A. ~. Con.