Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-04-10
Cen. sickles' Address to the Freedmen

A torcnlight procession, followed by an
immense concourse of colored people, a en-
blel in front of Maj. Gen. D. E. Sicllles' quar-.
tcrs, Charleston on Tuesday night, to offer him
the compliment of a serenade. Alter the band
had performed several airs, in response to the
loud and repeated calls Of the asscmblage,
General Sickles presented himself His ap-
pearauce was the signal for the most enthusi-
astic demonstrations. He said:
Ny friends, thank you for your visit. AL
though unexpected, it is mono the less crafty
ing. 1t is your privilege, not mine, to take
part as ! partisan in the political action of the
day; my duty is to see that every citizen OF
North and South Carolina, not disfranchised,
has full and fair opportunity 10 vote as his
judgment and conscience may dictate. This
duty shall endeavor to perform. The colored
race in this country have gained just praise
for their admirable conduct during the war
and pending the recent agitation Of their civil
and political enfranchisemcnt In my De
partment, can truly bear testimony to your
pstient forbearance. Wien sorely provoked
10 retalia;c cruel acts Of violence and humili-
alton you have bcrre yourselves with unfal
tering confidence, thar the day Of your deiiv-
erance WAS not far di.tant.. (Cheers. Let
me cnjoin upon you ALL in this hour Of your
success, perseverance, iu well doing. You are
now citix.rs of the Republic. Remember
that the strength of tie nation lies in the
virtue, industry, loyalty and courage Of its
citizens. You must try aud vindicste the
hopes of your friends snd repel the forebo
dings of the scepticsl by proving yourselves
worthy Of tie privileges 10 which you have
been admitted. tApplsuse.II
Whenever any large addition has been
made to the voters of State, the same APP
prchensions have been expressed that are nov
heard with reference to yourselves. Those
already cnfranchised are easily alarmed at any
considerable change in the established order
Of things. So far, in this country, experience
has shown that Union, Liberty and Power are
safe in the hands OF those who earn their
bread by the sweat of the brow. (Applause.)
None love the land of their birth moro fond
ly; none will defend it with more coas;ancy
and valor than those whose labor makes up
the sum of Z nations wealth. (Applause.)
SO long as tie destinics Of this country are in
the hands ol those whose homes are made
sacred By justice, whose liberties depend ON
the courage with which they arc maintained
the old flag may defy all enemies, whether
from without or within. Great applause.)
1t would be difficult under the most tayo:a
Lle circumstances TOR any race OF men to eli.
gsge, Us you nave now TO do, in the most in
tcrcsting pol:Gical events, without being deeply
moved by their Importance and novelty. Let
me advise you as friend, and as one not
without experience in public affairs, to pre-.
III ho ftc,, &
expression, temper and conduct. Avoid every.
thing like violence, impotence, or indecorum.
Do not give even your adyersaries just occa--
sion to complain of the least disrespect shown
to them in your discussions. private or public.
And beware of those who would endeavor to
excite aninositics between the white and the
black races.
Tho prosperity of the South, the welfare Of
the country are intimately associated with the
harmony and good feeling which should exist
between the people CT both races. Whatever
seriously impairs the interests Of one race,
must result irjuriousy to the other. lntelli-
gence, culture, capital, land, are not less es-
seutial than labor and yet, without prospe-
r9us, content.d, and happy laborirg class,
society lacks an essential element Of strength
anu IcpCSC. lOu law
appreciation CT Jour privileges BY the eager
ness with which you haze employed the op
portunisits lately given TO you 10 educate your
seves. 1t vii! not be long before the white
race in the South will see how deeply they are
interested in the education, industry, thrift
and progress Of their colored population. In
this mutual dependence lies the security ofsll.
Abundant time AMI opportunity will be af-
lordcd, and ample notice will be given, of all
Tie successive steps to be taken in the organ
ization of the Stslc governments within my
command 1t will not be necessary, nor can
it be otherwise than injurious to yourselves,
for you to neglect your regular employ mcnts
and associations to attend to political affairs.
promise you !ha', without any such sacrifice
on your part, every man in the Carolina: en-
itie.i to e voice in tue decision OF the great
questions TO be passed upon under my super
vision, shall have fair chance 10 act his part,
without let or hindrance from any one. Ny
friends, wish you all good night. Enthu-
siastic cheers.