Year: 1865

IN our power as good. cItIZens, 10 relieve the
distressed, repair the damages which have
resulted from The contest, and restore per-
manent peace ard prosperity TO the whole
| county under the old flag, 10 which all
must again look for protection from the
Atlantic 10 the Pacific.


As will give no advice 10 others which /
will not practice myself, / shall immediate
ly do all which the Constitution and laws
of my own State will permit 10 emancipate
my own slaves, and shall treat them as free
and give them part of the crop, or such
other wages as may be agreed npon for
! their future labor.


During my sojourn there, found among
the people of the North much less bitter
ness than | had anticipated towards the
people Ofthe South. If we act prudenlly
and do nothing 10 cause unnecessary agita-
lion, or provoke angry, Improbable discus
sions, think there are strong reasons 10
hope that sentiment of justice and liber>
ality will prevail, so soon as we have given
up slavery, and the passions engendered by
the unfortunate and wicked assassination
of the late President have had time 10 SUBJ
side.


In making mp their judgment, upon cool
reflection, ii should be remembered by
just men in the North that they are sitting
as judges in their own cause; that their ad ).
versaries' side of The question has ceased
10 be represented or heard, and that if they
would restore unity, harmony, and perna-
nent Prosperity to the whole country, they
must, while flushed witt victory, exercise
magnainmity 10 their fallen foes, whose he
roism they are obliged TO respect. Olher-
wsse, though held in the Union by force
they coul dnot expect the people of the
South and their poslerily TO meet them in
futuEe as friends, and embrace as fellow
citizens. trust their good practical sense
will teach them this, and that moderation
and wise counsels may prevail on both
sides.


| think all should take the oath and OBJ
serve it in good faith, and be all they can
to elect their wisest and best men as repre-
sentalves, that all The different interests of
the State may be projected as far as posi-
bic, land her honor and credit maintained
against unwise and unjust legislation
Many conscientious men object to taking
the oath because they believe the proclama-
lion and acts of Congress duriag the war,
on the subiec: OF slavery, are unconstilu-
iional, and they are not wiling to swear to
abide by and support them. Ii must be
remembered that the late proclamation OF
President Johnson tenders pardon to all
who are not excepted, if they take the
oath.


The pardon, then, is conditional; and
while the President does not interfere with
any ones opinions on the constitutional
question, he requires a condition TO the
clemency that he who receives the pardon
and is allowed TO retain the balance of his
property shall give up his slaves. The
proclamation OF President Lincoln declared
the slaves 10 be free. To abide by and sup
port it is simply 10 treat them as free
Every intelligent mao in Georgia who has
taken pains to investigate the question,
must see that slavery is now at an end =
The oath simply requires that each so treat
it. The other portion of the oath is not OBJ
jectional.


Every man should be willing 10 support
the constitution of a government if he in
tends TO live under it, and 10 act the part of
good citizen. he does not, he should
seek home and protection elsewhere.


will only ado, in conclusion, that | shall
carry with me into my retirement lively
appreciation of the generous confidence
which you have SO long reposed in me, and
my constant prayer to God will be for your
prosperity and happiness.


am, very respectfully, your feIlow-cili-
zen and obedient servant,


JosEPu E. BSowE.


MledgeviIle, June %.