The Portland daily press., 1867-07-25

RegiStrdtiOn-the Union Ledgue-Freedmen'
Celebration of the FoaTth-J0hn Minor Bolts
on the Stand-Spread of Republican Opinions,
CULPEPER COURT HOUSE,
CULPEPER Co., VA, July 20, 1867.
To the Editor of the Press:
The first session of the different Boards of
Registration of this and adjoining counties,
has terminated. Everything passed off quietly.
The total number of votes registered in this
county is 1745, the whites having majority OF
119. 1t is believed however that upon the sec
ond session of the Board, which is to be held as
soon as instructions are received from Gen.
Schofield, the number of colored voters win be
increased sufficiently to make the number of
colored equal to if not more than the whites
1t is believed that the county will be carried
by the Republican party by a small majority
The Hon. j. M. Bolts is spoken of as the Re-
publican candidate for the first of August con-
vention at Richmond. No opposition candi-
date has as yet been announced
The Union League is daily increasing in
strength and numbers, and is the best means
that can be used for uniting the colored people.
Councils are being established in various parts
of the county, and will be of immense aavan-
td16 10 Utle y ulOnlStS tufOuSIOub tuc
The colored people of this place had a very
creditable turnout on the 4th. They formed
at their school building and marched in per-
feet order through the town, to the stirring
music of the drum, bearing at the head of their
column the emblem of our nationality. About
200 men and as many women and children fol-
lowed after, and in the faces of all was depict
ed joy and happiness. Every one who saw the
demonstration spoke in the highest terms of
the orderly character of the people throughout
the day. After marching through the princi-
| pal streets they went out ofthe town
| about one mile to pleasant grove where they
had prepared nice, substantial dinner, OF
which they invited all to partake-free of
| charge. Many of the white citizens Joined
| them at the dinner table and seemed well pleas
| ed. The Hon. John Minor Bolts addressed
them in reply to Henry Shackleford, the Dis
trict Attorney at this place, who had spoken
to them telling them that the Southern people
were their best friends, &c. Mr.. Bolts without
much effort used Mr.. Shackleford up hand
somely, to the amusement of the assembled
crowd of newly enfranchized citizens. In refer
ence to a war Of races, of which so much is
said by the people of the South, he said: "If
| you were tovote the Democratic ticket, do you
suppose anything would be said about war
of races? and am to understand then, because
You propose to vote the Union Republican
ticket, that these Democrats propose to make
war upon your racer"
Mr.. Bolts came squarely up to the principles
of Republicanism, and gave the freed people
much useful information in reference to Regis
tration and their rights under the Reconstruc-
ton Law. The day was one which told well
for the Unionists of the county.
1t was novel sight, no doubt to the late
followers of JEFF. Davis and the "Stars and
bars to see the "niggers" toting sold Glory"
through the streets of their village s
1t was to me one of the happiest Fourths
that ever enjoyed, for more fully realized
than ever before the devotion of these long OPP
pressed colored people, to the Union.
There is great revolution OF political senti-
ment going on in this section, many public
ly declaring that they are tired of following
the lead of the Democratic party.
Republcanism has a strong foothold now,
and will continue to gain strength daily.
A ONE ARMED YANKEE.