New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-09-27
A Pelitieal Letter from WlllIam Lloyd
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A PeMdeal Letter from WLlfiani Lloyd
The following letter is in reply to ono 70
ceived from . colored voter st Springfield,
Illinois, who acted - corporal in Company
r, Flfty.fifth Massachusetts Volunteers,
during the rebellion:
~ Boston, September 9, 1876.
DEAR Sn-I have received . letter pur-
porting to como from you, stating that you
are Q "cOlOred voter who fought for his
country in the gallant old Fifty nth Mar r
chuseees Regiment" during the late South
ern rebellion. and als0 Ito my surprise) that
yon have concluded to vote for Samuel ].
Tldeu," the Democratic candidate for the
next presidency, feeling that the condition
of tho country demands it," yet, not wish
ing to make mistake, you sppeal to me a.
you believe that the colored man can vote
for and help elect the reform ~ ticket, and
be safe Is Samuel j. Tilden trustworthy Z"
I thank you tor thus h0nOring me with
your confidence, and be assured that, max
ing the Case Of the entire cclored popula-
tion of the country my 0wn-as have
always hitherto dOne-t will answer your
questions in accordance with my profound
est convictions, and as one occupying a
matter of politics.
Let me premise, that l began the agita-
ton of slavery as early as the year 1928
probably before you were bOrn-and con-
tinued it until the last bondman was set
free; since which event I have watched
with the greatest sOlicitude every move
ment likely to affect the safety, welfare
and elevation of the millions thus signally
emancipated from the most cruel and de-
grading bondage that the earth has ever
witnessed. And l confess that nothing has
occurred to fill me with such grave appre-
hensions for the security of those mill
lions in the exercise of their civil
and political rights, and for the
peace Of the country, as the approaching
presidential election. If Samuel j. Tilden
should be elected, it will be the restoration
% before the rebelii0n-a party over rwhelm
ingly composed of those who are deadly
hostile to your race in all that pertains to
equal and exact justice-a party that dur
ing the rebellion denounced every neeCtai
measure Of Mr.. Lincoln's administration
for its suppression, and in its spirit amt NJ
titude Wa . constant menace in furlner-
snce of the reasonable designs of the
South party that since the rebellion has
opposed every constitutional amendment
and every legislative act designed to destroy
the last vessige of chattel slavery, and
establish universal freedom, irrespect-
i've Of complexional distin ,tions-s party
that now embOdi.s and 10 controlled by
all at the South who glory in the perfdious
attempt at secession, and only lament that
they did not succeed, and whose villainous
determination it is, by the fiercest threats,
the vilest rufisnism and the most revolving
slaughter already slain their thou.
sands-virtually TO disfranchise the whole
BODY of the cOlOred voters, and reduce
them to state of abject vassalsge. Such
is tho Democratic party to-day. Sooner
than cast your vote for it's Presidential can-
didate-for the man il worthy Of the party
and the party worthy Of the man, and they
are "one and inseparsble"-cat of your
right hand or pluck out yonr right eye! It
was the Republican party that put down
the rebellion, that carried the conotitutionsl
amendments, and that means to enforce
them to the extent of its possibilities. Vote
for Hayes and Wheeler. 7 ! 49, -
- Your friend and advocate, rsI y
H., WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON.
Oyfm Daasean. ll7'7 +