Year: 1866

it has been easily controlled through the
Freedmen's Bureau, and that feeling is con-
stantly improving in all the States.


The people Of Mississippi appear to meto
be more iInpulsive and more prone to stand
up for and assert their opinions. 1t is diff
ficult matter to describe the difference be-
tween the people of these two States, yet
there is difference j consider the people
of Mississippi the least promising. The peo-
pie of that State do not listen to argument
and discussion with as much calmness as
the people of Alabama do. / don't know
that | can give a decided opinion of the
difference in the state of feeling in those
States now and Just after Lees surrender, be-
cause the reports / received soon after Lees
surrender were generally from persons who
Travelled hurriedly through that section of
the country. think in the great majority
of cases they were disposed to look on the
most favorable side Immediately after the
surrender of Lee and the downfall of the
Confederacy, and perhaps they did not in
vestigate as closely as persons would at the
present time. The universal report made to
me by persons travelling through those States
at this time, was to the effect that the mass
of the people were very happy at the down
fall of the rebellion, and at their prospect OF
soon again getting under the Constitution
and Government of the United States.


@. Do you know anything from iaforma-
ton or report of secret organizations South,
said to be hostile TO the Government?


A. / have received several communica-
tions TO that effect; but persons who have
given me this information have desired that
their names should not be mentioned and
as vet no direct accusations have been made
in regard to any person or any class of per-
sons. There have been steps taken to ascer-
tain the truth Of the matter. The persons
who are in communication with me are reii-
able and truthful, and | believe their state
ments are correct in the main, but how far
this disafection extends | am yet unable to
say. Ii does exist to certain extent, and
am taking measures TO obtain as much in
formation on the subject as / can.


@. To what State does this information
relate?


A. 1t relates to all the States lately IN
rebellion. think there is no real danger
to be apprehended, because the military au-
thority and power of the Government is not
only feared in those States, but / think it is
ample to put down any serious demonstra-
ton.


@. Is this information from different sour
ces, each independent of the other?


A. Yes, sir.


@. So far as you are informed, what are
the nature and objects of this organization?


A. To embarrass the Government of the
United States in the proper administration
of the affairs of the country, by endeavoring
or making strong efforts to gain very inpor-
tant concessions to the people of the South,
and if possible to repudiate the national
debt, incurred in consequence OF the rebel
lion or to gain such an ascendency in Con-
gress as to make provision for the assump-
ton by Congress Of the debt incurred by the
rebel government Also, in case the United
States Government can be involved in for
eign war, to watch their opportunity and
take advantage of the first that occurs to
strike for the independence Of the States
lately in rebellion.


@. Do you know Of any person of intiu-
ence implicated in this movement?


A. / have not ascertained that any per
sons Of influence are implicated in it, and
will further state, in justice to the people OF
the South, that | know many men who were
prominent in the rebel army who believe
are now honestly trying to become good citi-
zens of the United States. They have been
paroled, and have applied to the Pres
ident for pardon, and are awaiting his deci-
sion. They have set themselves to work
quietly to earn an honest livelihood in some
practical and peaceful manner, thereby set
ting good example to the other people OF
the South.