Year: 1866




must look for safety. Such, we have


reason TO believe, arc yet in the


land. They are already beginning


to give tone to public sentiment,


and soon VIC may anticipate that


they will guide the councils Of the
nation, and control its destiny
How inviting the task for statesmen
and philanthropists to renew, and
place on an ever enduring basis, tho
government erected by tho tolls and
sufierings, and consecrated by the
wisdom of Washington and his
illusterious compccrs What q no.
bic incentive to the purc, just and
magnanimous in heart to enter up
on the glorious task of restoring
peace and harmony to the late fierce
ly contending sections of the Amer
lean Union, of binding up and
healing the CHASTITY wounds inflicted
upon the country, of re-uniting in
the bonds of affection and mutual,
confidence the hearts of country
men estranged by war. A more in
viting field was never presented to
the consideration Of the friends Of
freedom.


The good work has already been
inauguratcd. With n magnanimity
of spirit that bespcaks noble pur-
pose, and sagacity of mind indica-
tive of the truest craftsmanship,
the President has extended to the
people ofthe South liberal terms of
restoration. His generous policy
has endcard him to the great mass
of the people, in every part of the
country. This liberality has deeply
touched the tenderest chords of the
Southern heart. Sentiments oflove
and veneration for the government
of our fathers have been aroused
by it, which had long slumbered.-
Kindness and mercy have been far
moro potent in promoting fidelity
to the Union, in few short months,
than could have been effected by
bayonets, confscation and the gal
lows, in long years of oppression.
/ am confident in the belief, my fel-
low.citizens, that the great mass OF
our Northern countrmen desire to
treat us as brethren, and wish to
see us restored to all the benefits Of
the government. I shall regard it
tho chiefest of my duty to foster
and encourage this spirit, and shall
inculcato among our own people the
necessity of so dcmeaning them
selves, that the breath of suspicion
shall not sully their reputation for
fidelity to tho government, and, in
this regard, shall labor to remove
any erroneous impressions that may
have been made as to a want of good
faith and sincerity on the part Of
the people of the State.


Under the most trying circum-
stances, the people of the South
have shown a constancy and devo-
ton, rarely equallod, to cause con-
sidored by them as sacred and holy.
When they were isolated from the
world, girdled around and penetra-
ted by armies and navies, more
powerful in numbers and the appli
ances of war than were ever before
marshaled against one people,
threatened with scrvile insurrec-
ton, suffering for food and clothing,
with smouldering ruins and burn
ing districts on every hand, the
contest was continued, until almost
every household mourned its dead,
and until it's mightiest chieftains
and their most devoted followers
had fallen, or succumbcd to num-
bcrs they could no longer resist OR.
evade. When all was lost, save
honor, they yielded. Terms were
offered and frankly and unreservd
ly accepted. We were invited to
renew our allegiance to the govern
ment. AS an evidence of sincerity,
with hardly an exception, the Am
nesty Oath of the President, author
lied by Act of Congress, was taken
by the people. The abolition of
slavery has been recognized in our
fundamental law. Thopeoplc abide
by and support the acts OF Congress,
and the Proclamations of the Exccu-
tive of the Nation on this subject.
And although much has been said
and done by unfriendly parties, to
breed disturbance and distrust, yet
the people are pursuing the even
tenor of their way, and giving proofs
of fidelity to the government that
will, in the end, convince all who
honestly desire peace and restora-
ton.


Having been a resident of Texas
for quarter ola century, familiarity
acquainted with all her prominent
citizens, having served in the Coun-
ellis of the State for fifteen years,
and shared the dangers and tolls OF
the late war with her soldiers, re-
Gently mingled much with the pco-
pie, and corresponded with them in
every section of the State within
the past few months, l claim to
know something of the actual and
truthful condition of affairs. / do
not hesitate to declare that the great
body of the people are earnestly de-
sirous Of performing all their obli-
cations to the General Government.
A people who have won the respect
and admiration of the world for
their chivalry, high daring and for
titude, will not be doubted by gen.
erous and brave spirits when they
assert their loyalty.


In the administration Of the af-
fairs of the State, it shall be my
constant endeavor TO recommend
and aid in carrying out such meas