The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-12-31
The Difficulty in Mississippi.

The people of the State of Mississippi appear
to be laboring under very serious apprehension
that the negroes are preparing for general up
rising against the whites. The radical emissa-
ries sent among them have been Installing into
the minds of the ignorant blacks the idea that
if they vote on the side of the radicals that Con-
gress will give them all farm. Combinations
are therefore being made among them to seize
the lands, expecting Congress to arrange plan
of division among them, but should Congress fail
to proceed, help themselves, and are determined
to 60 to war for that purpose. These combina-
tions have become so extensive that Gov. Hum
phreys has deemed it necessary to issue procla-
nation warning the blacks to desist, and not un-
dertake to carry out any such programme. He
tells the negroes that if they have any such
hopes or expectations they have been grossly de-
celved, and that if they have made any such
combinations, or contemplate any such conspira-
cies they cannot succeed, for the first outbreak
against the quiet and peace of society will signal
ze the destruction of their hopes.
This proclamation has been endorsed by Gen.
Ord, commander Of the district, who has directed
his subordlnates to Immediately investigate and
ascertain what white men have been advising
the freedmen to take arms, seize land, any
illegal acts. He has also directed that the lead
ing blacks must be sent for, and informed that
there is no intention the part of Congress to
take land from owners and for the benefit of
former slaves-Nec York Times
The following orders have been issued by
General Ord Commander of the Fourth Military
District:
Headquarters Fourth Military District, }
HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss, Dec. 10, 1867
Brevet Major General Adam C. Gillian, Col
Twenty fourth infantry, and Commissioner of
the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Adam
doned Lands, for the State of Mississippi, will
proceed to Washington, ID. c., and represent to
the President and Secretary of War the starving
condition of the freedmen in large number of
the counties in his sub-distrct, due to the ruin
and bankruptcy of cotton planters, and the alb
sence of corn or the means to buy it. He will
report the absolute necessity Of some provision
being made by the Government to feed the
armed freedmen and avert a war of races in such
sections as are without food General Gillian
will take with him such reports and letters on
file as bear on this subject.
By command of Brevct Major Gen. Ord
(Signed) O. d. GREEN, A. A. G.
There was also issued on the 18th instant the
following important order:
Commanding officers are directed to notify
the leading colored men, and take such other
measures as may be necessary to give general
publication Of the fact, that all freedmen who
are able will be required to earn their support
during the coming year; and to 60 to work upon
the best terms that can be procured, even should
it furnish support only, and thus prevent their
becoming burden to the Government. All
freedmen who can, but will not earn livelihood,
when employment can be procured will lay them
selves liable to arrest and punishment as Migrants.
The cooperation of sheritfs constables, and po-
lice magistrates is requested in the enforcement
Of this ORDER and any just action Of theirs, under
its provisions, will be sustained by the military
authorities.
From the above it be plainly seen that if the
negroes had worked properly during the past year.
they would not now be starving. The Government will
find out after while that it has hard Job in inter-
ferng with the local affairs of the Southern States
If politicians would let the coored people Alone they
could be managed and supported by those who know
how 10 work them