The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1868-09-09

Through their State conventions they
abolished slavery, and ahnulIed their or
dinanees Of secession, and they returned 10
their peaceful pursuits with sincere pur-
pose 10 fulfil all their duties under the con-
stitution nj the United States, which they.
had sworn to support. If their action in
these particulars haI been met 10 a spirit
of frankness and coidiaiity, we believe that
ere this old irritatious would have passed
away, and the wounds inflicted BY the war
would have hesn ina great measure healed.
As fa: as we are advised, the people of the
South entertain no unfriendIy feeling toward
the government Of the United States. bur
they complain that their rights under the
constitution are withheld from them in the
administration thereof. Z f4 ii
The idea that the Southern people are
hostile TO the negroes aud would oppress
them II Il were in their power to do SO, is
entirely unfounded. They have grown
up 10 our midst, and we have been accus.
toned from childhood to look upon them
with Kindness. The change in the relations
Of the two races has wrought no change 10
our feeling toward them. They still con-
stitute the important part Of our laboring
population. Without their labor the lands
Of the Svuth would be comparatively un.
productive. Without the employment
which Southern agriculture affords they
would be destitute Of the means Of subsist.
ence, and becomepaupers on public bounty.
Selfinterest, even ii there we're no
higher motive, would therefore prompt the
whites Of the South to extend 10 the negroes
care and protection. The important fact
that the two races are, under existing cir
cumstances, necessary TO each other. is
gradually becoming apparent to both |; and
We believe that but for influences exerted
10 slirup the passions Of the negroes, The
| relations Of the two races would soon ad-
ijsst lie mselves on basis Of mutual kind
ness and advantage.
It is irue that the people Of the South.
Together with the people of the North and
West are, for obviuus reasons, opposed to
any system Of laws which would place the
political power Of the country in the hands
Of The negro race. But this opposition
springs from no feeling Of enimity, but
from deep-se seated conviction that at
present the negroes have neither the in
ielligenes or other qualifications. which are
necessary 10 make them safe repositories OF
political power. They would inevitably
become the victims of demsgogues, who, for
selfish purposes. would mislead them to the
serious injury Of the public.
T! The great want of the South is peace.
The people earnestly desire tranquility and
| the restoration of the Union. They de-
precate disorder and excitement as the most
serious obstcle 70 their prosperity.
They ask a restoration Of their rights
under the constitution. They desire re-
liet from oppressive misrule. Above all.
they would appeal to their countrymen for
the re-establishment n the Southern States
Of tha, which has justly been regarded as
the birth-right Of every American--the
right Of seli.gosernment. Establish these
on firm basis. and We can safely promise
on behalf Of the Southern people. that they
will faithfully obey the constitution and
laws Of the United States, treat the negro
with kindness and humanity, and fulfil
every duty incumbent on peaceful citizens,
loyal 10 the constitution OF their country.
We believe the above contains succlnct
reply to the general topics embraced in
your letter, and we venture to say. on be-
half Of the Southern people, and Of The Of.
fcers and soldiers OF the late Confederate
army. that they will concur in all the senti-
msnts which we have expressed.
Approaching the patriotic motives which
have prompted your letter, and reciprocal
ing your expressions Of kind regard, We
have the honor 70 be, very respectfully and
truly.
y e Lee, Va, b G Adams, Miss,
q + Beauregaid, la, WI Green, NC,
A n Stephens, Ga, Lewis Z Harvic. Va,
A m n Stuart, Va, Pv Daniels, Jr, Va,