The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-02-13
THE SOUTHWEST.

Maj Gen. Sherman has recently made report
on the condition of affairs in his Department,
from which We take the following extracts:
81 have just returned from a partial inspection
of the department of Arkansas. found all the
troops in Arkansas in good condition and well
commanded, General Reynolds being admirably
qualified and adapted to+his command. General
Sprague also has the respect of the civil and
military authorities. The negroes in Arkansas
can all find profitable and lucrative employment,
and protected in all their rights and property
by the civil authorities. l met no one citizen or
soldier who questioned or doubted that their
freedom was as well assured in Arkansas as in
Ohio. Governor Murphy told me that negroes
could acquire title to real estate, or any kind OF
property, and the courts both Federal and State,
could and would protect them
There was an universal expression of confidence
in the present condition of affairs, except on the
part of some former rebels who thought the pre-
sent test oath prescribed for them was too string
ent and severe. convention of them, convened
know not how, was in session at Little Rock
when | was there. A committee from it waited
on Gen. Reynolds and myself inviting US to at
tend. We agreed to 60, provided no debate or
proceedings were in progress during our visit.
On our entrance to the hall, the president adj
possible, and asked our advice. responded, and
gave them the best advice knew how, amount
ing substantially follows: That POLITICAL mat
tiers since the conclusion of hostiities had pro-
gressed and were still progressing, as fast as they
could expect; that doubted if any action on
their part as a convention of the State, would be
regarded as the act of Arkansas, but any respect
full representation of facts from them in their in
dvidual capacities, in the nature of petition to
General Reynolds, to President Johnson, or the
national Congress, would doubtless receive every
possible considerations; at the same time called
their attention to the poverty of their country,
and how much better it would be for them to
give their personal attention, each to their own
affairs, rather than bother themselves with gene
raj matters of politics. After leaving Little Rock
l learned that the convention had adjourned so
that [ hope things there will remain as quiet as
before. Indeed, SO far as my observation goes.
there perfect satisfaction felt by all classes of
the people, except on the part of a very few who
are looking to future combinations involving the
local and unimportant State offices.
l found everywhere in the South large num-
Der of our officers and soldiers looking out for
land and employment, and / doubt not that DUR
ing the next year all the land which is cleared
will be under cultivation, large part of it under
the direction of energetic young men, and that
all branches of business in Arkansas will be slim
ulated by the presence Of class of men which
has not heretofore existed in that State.
Single individuals now travel unarmed from
one part of the State to another, and General
Reynolds is rarely called upon to afford military
protection to any one, white or black"
| am, with respect your obedient serv't,
w. T. SHERMAN,
Major General, Commanding.