Freed persons; Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877); Southern States -- Politics and government -- 1865-1950
In corroboration of this assertion, I might state that in conversation
with me Bishop Wilmer, of the diocese of Alabama, (Episcopal), stated that
to be his belief; that when I urged upon him the propriety of restoring to
the litany of his church that prayer which includes the prayer for the
President of the United States, the whole of which he had ordered his
rectors to expunge, he refused, first, upon the ground that he could not
pray for a continuance of martial law; and secondly, that he would
stultify himself in the event of Alabama and the southern confederacy
regaining their independence. This was on the 17th of June. This man
exercises a widespread influence in the State, and his sentiments are
those of a large proportion of what is called the better class of people,
and particularly the women. Hence the representatives of the United States
flag are barely tolerated. They are not welcome among the people in any
classes of society. There is always a smothered hatred of the uniform and
the flag. Nor is this confined to the military, but extends to all classes
who, representing northern interests, seek advancement in trade, commerce,
and the liberal professions, or who, coming from the North, propose to
locate in the South.
The men who compose the convention do, in my opinion, not represent the
people of Alabama, because the people had no voice in their election.
I speak with assurance on this subject, because I have witnessed the
proceedings in my district. I do not desire to reflect upon the personnel
of the delegation from Mobile, which is composed of clever and honorable
men, but whatever may be their political course, they will not act as the
true representatives of the sentiments and feelings of the people.
I desire in this connexion to refer to the statements of Captain Poillon,
which you have submitted to me, and to indorse the entire truthfulness
thereof. I have known Captain Poillon intimately, and have been intimately
acquainted with the proceedings of the Freedmen's Bureau. Many of the
facts stated by Captain Poillon I know of my own personal knowledge, and
all I have examined into and believe.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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