Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-09-18
TESTIMONY FROM ALABAMA.

Congressman Charles Hays of Alabama has
written Governor Hawley of Connecticut a
long letter in which he narrates what he knows
about the outrages in his State. Mr.. Hays
was the largest STAKEHOLDER in the State and
served in the confederate army. His letter is
in reply to note from Governor Hawley ask
ing for information. The opening of Lis let
ter is as follows:
Your letter of even date with this is before
me, and hasten to reply. for l am anxious
that the true condition of affairs in the State
Of Alabama should be known as soon as pos
sible to the people of the country, in order
that they may begin to realize the fact that the
spirit of rebellion against the laws and Gov
eminent of the United States, to extinguish
which so many brave and gallant men laid
down their lives, still exists in the hearts of
many misguided people. They embrace every
opportunity to commit deeds of lawlessness
and crime, that are everlasting stigmas upon
the fair name of the nation, and an open in
suit to the flag of our country. which many OF
your people are vainly patriotic enough to be.
lieve 10 an @gis of protection, wherever it
floats. had fondly hoped that the "reign of
terror" in the South was over, and that peace,
good will and prosperity might henceforth
reign supreme. In this hope am sadly dis.
appointed, for candor compels me to say that
to-day riots, murders, assassinatiOns, and tor
turings for the purpose of terrorzing the true
friends of the Government are more common
then they bave been at any hour since Lee
surrendered to Grant, and unless the strong
arm Of Federal power can avert the calamity
can see nothing 10 the future save gloom
and despair to the loyal men of the South,
ruin TO the material interests of the country,
and death to those of US who uphold the hon
or and integrity Of the nation, and counsel
submission TO the laws of the United States.
But need make no appeals to the patriotism
or the sympathy of Northern men, who, like
yourself, have barred their breasts to the bat
tie storm in the dark and bloody days of the
eventful past. The bare recital of proven
facts shssl he be my only appeal. That will
cause the heart TO shudder, the cheek to blanch
and the mind to wonder how such bastard
outrages, such unprovoked murders, and such
fend-like conduct can he tolerated for an
hour. shall be particular to narrate no ru-
mors 10 color no arocity, to 'set down naught
in malice" but simply to give you well.
authenticated facts, with dates, names, and
localities, so that every man in the land may
himself verify the accuracy of my statements
if he deems it necessary. These, then, pro-
coed to give you, with the deliberate opinion
on my p0rt that the nan cannot ne t0ld, and
that to-day many victims of hellish murder
are sleeping in unknown spots and secluded
places, from which they will never be waken-
en- until the final judgment day.
Mr.. Hays then gives detailed statements Of
the work Of the Ku-Klux and White Leagues
in the State conforming the reports already
published and adding other facts of importance
showing terrible state Of things. In conclu-
sion he Gays:
These, my dear Sir, are a few of the
TROUBLES" 10 Alabama, for the suppression
of which /, In company with others have asked
the Intervention OF the Federal Government.
No one regrets that such action has been
deemed necessary more than myself Born,
educated, and living all my life in the South,
l thought knew the feelings and passions of
our people. believed that they would quiet
ly accept that destiny which the fiat OF dis
astrous war so emphaiically placed upon
them. believed that they would forget the
snimosities and IN ipathies engendered by
the war, and 60 faithfully to work to build up
the shattered pillars Of that Union which they
had 90 fruitiessly endeavored to destroy. ]
once believed that ere the year 1874 dawned
upon Us the admiring world would behold in