The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1869-09-02
GEN. GRANTS REPORT,
Endorsing the Loyalty. Sincerity
aad Good Faith of 1he SOuTIH-
erm People.

HEAD QUARTERS ARMIES OF The u. ST
Washington, d. c., Dec. Is, 1866.
SIR: In reply to your note of the 16tf
inst requesting report from me giving
such information as | may be possessed OF
made by the Senate of the United States IL
their resolution of the 18th instant, 4 have
the honor to submit the following:
With your approval, and also that of the
honorable Secretary of War left Washing
ton city on the 9th of last month for the
purpose of making a tour of inspection
through some of the Southern States. OF
States lately in rebellion, and to see whaI
changes were necessary to be made in the
disposition of the military forces of the
country how these forces could be reduced
and expenses curtailed, &c; and to learn, as
far as possible, the feelings and intentions
Of the citizens of those States toward the
General Government.
The State of Virginia being so accessible
to Washington city, and information from
this quarter therefore being readily obtain
ed, fastened through the State without
conversing or meeting with any of its citi-
zens. In Raleigh, North Carolina, | spent
one day; in Charleston, South Carolina, two
days; Savannah and Augusta, Georgia, each
one day. Both in travelling and while stop
ping, L saw much and conVersed freely with
the citizens of those States, as well as with
among them. The following are the con-
illusions come to by me:
am satisfied hat the mass Of thinking men
Of the South accept the present situation Of a.
fairs IN good faith. The questions which have
heretofore divided the sentiments of the
people of the two sections-slavery and
States rights, or the right of State to Sc
cede from the Union-they regard as having
been settled forever by the highest tribunal
-arms-that man can resort to. was pleas
ed TO learn from the leading men whom
met, that they not only accepted the decis-
ion arrived at as final, but, now that the
smoke of battle had cleared away and time
has been given for reflection, that this de-
cision has been fortunate one for the whole
country, they receiving like benefits from it
with those who opposed them in field and
in council.
Four years of war, during which law was
executed only at the point of the bayOnet
throughout the States in rebellion, have left
the people possibly in condition not to
yield that ready obedience to civil authority
the American people have generally been
in the habit of yielding. This would render
the presence of small garrisons throughout
those States necessary until such time as la
Dor returns to its proper channels, and civil
authority is fully established. | did not
meet any one, either those holding places
under the Government or citizens of the
Southern States, who think it practicable to
withdraw the military from the South at
present The white and the black mutual
ly require the protection of the General
Government.
There is such aRiversdI dcquiescence in the
authority Of the General Government through
out the portions of the country visited by
me, that the mere presence of a military
force, without regard to numbers, is suffi-
cient to maintain order. The good of the
COZ ntry and economy require that the force
kept in the interior, where there are many
fol rhnr in l.aG h0-
than at forts upon the sea-cOast no force is
necessary should all be white troops. The
presence of black troops, lately slaves, de-
moralIZes labor both by their advice and by
furnishing in their camps resort for the
freedmen for long distances around. White
troops generally excite no opposition. and
therefore a small number of them can main
tain order in a given district. COlored
troops must be kept in bodies sufficient to
defend themselves. 1t is not the thinking
men who would use violence toward any
class of troops sent among them by the Cen
eral Government, but the ignorant in some
cases might, and the late slave seems to be
imbued with the idea that the property of
his late master should by right belong to
him, or at least should have no protection
from the col0red soldier. There is danger
of collisions being brought on by such
causes.
NV observations lead me to the conclusion
that the citizens of the Southern States are
anxious to return TO seEf-gOUernnaent loithiR the
Union as soon as possible; that while recon-
structing, they want and require protection
from the Government; that they are IN ear.
nest in eciShing to do ecGt they think is requir
ed IN the Government, not huDHLldtiRg to them
as citizens, and that II such q course lcdS point
ed out they acould plrsle it in good faith. 1t
is to be regretted that there cannot be a
greater eommingling at this time between
the citizens of the two sections. and partic-
ularly with those intrusted with the law
making power.
x X X
have the honor to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
L. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant General.
His Excellency A. JOHNSON,
President 0f the limited States