Freed persons; Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877); Southern States -- Politics and government -- 1865-1950
With reference to the benefit to be derived by the general government by
delaying the formation for the present of a State government, I will be
brief. It will discourage the old leaders who are anxious to seize
immediately the reins of power. It will, by allowing time for discussion,
give the people an opportunity to become acquainted with subjects they
have heretofore trusted to their leaders. Wherever our troops go,
discussion follows, and it would be best that the people should not commit
themselves to a line of policy, they have not had time to examine and
decide upon coolly. It will give the young men ambitious of rising
opportunity for organizing on a new platform a party which, assisted by
the government, can quiet forever the questions which have made the State
of South Carolina a thorn in the side of the Union. These young men, many
of whom have served in the army, take a practical view of their present
condition that the old stay-at-homes cannot be brought to understand. Give
them time and support and they will do the work required of them. Their
long absence has made it necessary to become acquainted with the people;
but they will be listened to as men who have honestly fought in a cause
which has failed, and will be respected for as honestly coming out in
support of the now only reasonable chance of a peaceful government for the
future.
Where our troops have been the longest time stationed we have the most
friends; and were the people thoroughly convinced that the government
(until they have shown a disposition to unite heartily in its support) is
determined not to give them a State government, the change would go on
much more rapidly.
The selection of Governor Perry was most fortunate. I know of no other man
in South Carolina who could have filled the position.
I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. P. HATCH,
_Brevet Major General Commanding_.
General CARL SCHURZ.
No. 5.
Charleston, S.C., _July_ 24, 1865.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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