Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-08-09
The Hamburg Massacre.
GOVERNOR CHAMBERLAIN LETTER TO PREsI
DENT GRANT.

GOVERNOR CHAMBERLAIN LETTER TO PREsI
DENT GRANT
The following is from Gov Chamberlain's
letter to which President Grants letter was a
reply:
"The Hamburg massacre has caused firm be-
lief on the part of most republicans here that this
affair at Hamburg is only the beginning of series
of similar race and party collisions, the d liberate
aim of which is believed by them to be the politi
cal subjugation and control of this State. They
see therefore, in this event, what foreshadows a
campaign of blood and violence; such campaign
as is popularity known as Campaign conducted on
the Mississippi plan
From what have now said it will not be diff
cult to understand the feeling of ma orty of the
citizens in considerable part of this State II is
one of intense soicitude for their lives and Iber
ties. 1t is Of fear that in the passion and ex
citement of current political campaign physical
violence is to be used to overcome the political will
of the people. l confne myself here to state
ment of what believe to be facts of the present
situation in this State, connected with public
peace and order, without any expression Of my in
dvidual feelings and opinions.
NV first duty is to seek to restore and preserve
the public peace and order to the end that every
man in South Carolina may freely and fully enjoy
all his civil rights and privileges, including the
right to vote. 1t is to this end that now call
your attention to these matters. shall 60 for
ward to do all in my power as Governor to accom-
plsh the ends thus indicated; but deem it i'm.
portant to advise you of the facts now stated and
to solicit from you some indication of your views
upon the questions presented.
To be more explicit, will the General Govern
ment exert itself vigorously TO repress violence In
this State during the present political campaign,
on the part of persons belonging to either poti,,
cal party, whenever that violence shall be beyond
the control of the State authorities! VIII the
General Government take such precautions as may
be suitable, in view of the feeling of alarm already
referred to- TO restore confidence to the poor peo
pie of both races and political parties in this State
by such q distribution Of the military forces now
here as will render the intervention of the Cen
eral Government prompt and effective, If 1t shall
become necessary, in restoring peace and order !
1t seems proper to add that am moved to make
this communication to you by no motive or feeling
save such as should animate me as the Chief Ex
ecutve of this State bound to do justice to all and
to Cypress none. venture to say that l have
given sufficient evidence by my whole conduct in
this office that as Governor l am guided by my
oath of Office and my duty to all the people
l chaleoge any proof or indication from any
word or act of mine as Governor, that am capa-
bic of doing injustice or denying justice to any
citizen of this State; but do deem it my solemn
duty to secure fair and free election, protect
every man in his political rights, and to see to it
that no man or combination of men of any politi-
cal party shall Overawe or put in fear or danger
any citizen of South Carolina in the exercise of
his civil rights.
In accomplishing these results now recognize
with deep regret that there are many indications
that it will be necessary for me to invoke the aid
which, under the Constitution and laws, the author
tiles of the General Government may extend I'M
der certain circumstances, and trust YOU will
permit me to add that know of no official duty
more binding in my judgment on the Chief Ex-
ecutive of the United states than that of exercising
the powers with which he is invested for the pro-
lection of States against domestic violence and for
the protection of individual citizens in the exer.
else of their political rights whenever proper call
is made upon him.
understand that an American citizen has a
right to vote as he pleases; to vote ticket as
freely and safely as another; to vote wrong as
freely and safely to vote right; aud know that
whenever, upon whatever pretext, large bodies of
citizens can be coeiced by force fear into alb
sentng themselves from the polls or voting in a
way contrary to their Judgment or inclination, the
foundation of every mans civil freedom Is deeply
if not fatally shaken.
enclose for your information respecting the
Hamburg massacre, the following documents