Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1868-01-31

conferring together, hearing political news
studying the constitution, &c i, in peace
! able manner. Rebels have formed armed
gangs and broken up these simple gather
ings, firing upon the houses where they had
assembled. Colored men, and whit: also,
identified with our canse. have been oblig-
ed to leave house. home. and family to es-
cape the violence of these political tyrants.
A man who is likely by his intelligence to
be a political leader is placed under sys-
TEN of espionage and intimidation which
will in most cases etf-ctually silence him.
The rules of the slave community are still
enforced. One COored mechanic, of con-
sidererahle means and intelligence. was
notified that be had too much company at
his honse on Sundays. and he must quit or
take the consequences. At another time
they forced him by threats to open and let
them into his house after night to see if he
had political meeting there. The blood
lest threats are made against the whole mass
of c0lored citizens if they dare 20 vote
against their old masters. The same vigi-
liant and violent repression is exercised
nearly as was used ring the war. In
short. the political freedom of colcred cit
izrns, apart from the large towns. is reduo-
ed to a mere nullity Coming from my
station to day. to secure the presence and
moral effect of visit o. cavalry to these
| remote pracius q, was met by the news
that Generals Pope and Swayne were re-
moved, and found rebels jubilant and ar
rogant as they .ere wIiea Sunpter fell
This will made bad worse, and so0n Union
men cannot live in any part OF the land.
Last Tuesday night an innocent colored
| INT l,a vi i1u,ra
where am stationed. The murderer es-
capped. and to day not one out OF five Of
the white citizens would raise a hand to ar
rest hin, if he sho.ld come upon the streets.
Two nights before woman was knock ed
dead by chair in the hands of /, white
lnan i'll Lowndes county. Within a week
a colored man was found hung on a tree
near Fort Deposit in Lowudes county
Two nights ago man was shot dead three
miles from this pace. a short time since
some rnifians attempted to break up po-
litioal meeting near Camden, Wilcox coan-
y. and killed cOlored man who tried to
prevent them.
Such are some Of tie results Of the new
license which has been granted rebels by
the condemnation of faithful administra-
tors of the reconstruction policy. Ifthere
is any way in which Congress can check
the Presidents reckless moves. hope ev-
cry man will stand faithfully by Us. You
have no conception Of the actual condition
of affairs, l think, or there would be no
delay in counteracting the evil effects Of
| the Presidents latest stroke. Itis boldly
avowed hat this act is to throw the power
into their hands and defeat the ratification
of the Constitution. They claim that they
will secure the removal of the present chief
of registration in the State and the appoint
mens of al irresponsible ex-Federal officer
who is a noted copperhead, and thereby
effect a complete change in the boards of
registration. so as to give rebels and their
sympathZers the control of the ballot box.
If the constitution is defeated there are
only two results possible-the utter sub
jugation of all who will not assist yOlunta-
rily in giving the power of this State, and
consequently oftl nation, into rebel hands
or the employment of much larger mill
tary force than is now in the State to en-
force order on strict military principles
under martial law.
Hoping you will pardon the imperfect
presentations OF the subject, which is due
partly to haste, and give it the most
careful and candid consideration, re.
main. yours respectfully. --
Member Of Constitutional Conrenti0n.
Hon, JOHN A. PETERS.