Before I left Washington, and in the midst of my interviews with the President, I was honored by a communication from colored citizens of North Carolina, asking my counsel with regard to their rights, especially the right to vote. I will not read their letter,--it was published in the papers of the time, and much commented upon,--but I will read my reply.[252] “WASHINGTON, May 13, 1865. “GENTLEMEN,--I am glad that the colored citizens of North Carolina are ready to take part in the organization of Government. It is unquestionably their right and duty. “I see little chance of peace or tranquillity in any Rebel State, unless the rights of all are recognized, without distinction of color. On this foundation we must build. “The article on Reconstruction to which you call my attention proceeds on the idea, born of Slavery, that persons with a white skin are the only ‘citizens.’ This is a mistake. “As you do me the honor to ask me the proper stand for you to make, I have no hesitation in replying that you must insist on all the rights and privileges of a citizen. They belong to you; they are yours; and whoever undertakes to rob you of them is a usurper and impostor. “Of course you will take part in any primary meetings for political organization open to citizens generally, and will not miss any opportunity to show your loyalty and fidelity. “Accept my best wishes, and believe me, Gentlemen, faithfully yours, “CHARLES SUMNER.” Such was my earnestness in this work, that, when invited by the municipality of Boston, where I was born and have always lived, to address my fellow-citizens in commemoration of the late President, I deemed it my duty to dedicate the day mainly to a vindication of Equal Rights as represented by him. I hold in my hand the address on that occasion, from which I will read one passage. This was on the 1st of June, 1865. “The argument for Colored Suffrage is overwhelming. It springs from the necessity of the case, as well as from the Rights of Man. This suffrage is needed for the security of the colored people, for the stability of the local government, and for the strength of the Union. Without it there is nothing but insecurity for the colored people, instability for the local government, and weakness for the Union, involving of course the national credit.”[253] This was followed by a letter, dated Boston, July 8, 1865, addressed to the colored people of Savannah, who had done me the honor of forwarding to me a petition asking for the right to vote, with the request that I would present it to the President. After saying, that, had I been at Washington, I should have had great pleasure in presenting the petition personally, but that I was obliged to content myself with another method, I proceeded in this way:--