Yale University Library 39002030408265 f'ri^i iij.'ii' i!!:i!i.i. : ll !h!!'f some of the very men who have been appointed over my head. It has been a pleasure to give my support, humble tho' it be, to your administration. If personal friendship has anything te) do with the appoint ments. I can offer a claim of many years of the kindest relations existing between you. Gov. Morehead, my late father-in-law Mr. Fries, my Father, and I hope you will allow me to adel, myself. I am sure your son Daviel will say that I was his friend. But supposing, what ought to be the case, that neither political or personal friendship has anything to do wath your appointments, but that capacity aud interest in the success of the Road, are the only requisites, I thinh my ostracism need not have taken place on this account. It is true I do not own much stock in the road, it was built to its present terminal before I removed to this section of the State — ^but I am largely interested in the succe.s.sful running of the Road. It is the life-hlood of my business — it is an absolute necessity to my remaining in this coun try, and this I certainly prefer to do. As an evidence of this, I may mention that I & the Co. I represent, will probably pay (I may almost say certainly) more freight to that Rail Road than si.v of your newly appointed Di rectors all put together. If I have brains enough to under stand anything, it is, that as the West. X. C. R. R. flour ishes I may expect to flourish — aud that its interests are my interests. If I have sufficient capacity might I not be entrusted with those interests i As to my capacity it is not for me to speak. I have en joyed the confidence of such men as Gov. Morehead, W. F. Fries, Mr. Jesse H. Lindsey, Gov. Vance and otiier- — 680 North Carolina Historical Commission. and I succeeded in business which is considered a test of merit. I have labored for twelve years to make myself a business man, and if my record for energy, promptness and unselfish love of duty, does not eqtial that of any man you have appointed then I have labored in vain and must commence my work over again. I write these things respectfully. I should not write them at all, if the whole of Gov. Holden's appointees had passed out together — but for your board you have selected one of the old Board — known to have talked and voted against you — who has little or no interest in the R. Road either as a stockholder or business man, and whose coun try people are not dependent upon this Road, and there fore bring it but little patronage. That he should have been re-appointed and I left out, is the reason of this let ter. The other Directors can console themselves with the reflection that the Juggernaut of politics crushed out their official life, and that Cowles has only been more lucky than they — while I, knovyn throughout this section as a Worth man of the warmest sect, have only to reflect, and to feel that others may also reflect, that something worse than political opposition has cut off my head. It would be useless for me to say that I do not feel this slight. I cannot help regarding it as a pointed indication that I am "not wanted" — and it may not be improper to mention that my Father enters fully into my feelings upon this matter. Hoping that no other gentleman may have reason to complain as I have done, I am. To L. S. Gash. Raleigh Jidy 10th 1866. Answer to recom- The Constant pressure of urgent official duties has pre- mendation for i j- i • pardon. vented me from replying to several letters reed from you. I have recently attended to the matters to which you called Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 681 my attention. I have the highest personal regard for you and would have answered if it had been possible for me to elo so without neglecting other more urgent duties. You recommended me to pardon a rioter, (name not remembered) convicteel before Judge Merrimon. Your let ter was endorsed by Mr. Jones. Under the rules which I had laid down for my government in the course of the pardoning power, as to the propriety of which I entertain no doubt, I could not comply with your request. I hold that the executive ought never to pardon till the judge or the jury are heard from. The law has imposed on them a duty which they perform under oath. I think it would be a perversion of the pardoning power to act on an ex parte representation of facts, no odds how trust-worthy, till the judge or the jury, who have heard the evidence on both sides, have at least been heard from. — I am officially bound to presume that they have performed their duty. I could not, therefore, have pardoned the criminal, upon the representations made to me, no odds who had been the judge. In this case Merrimon is the judge. I have long knowm him well — And have not less confidence in his pru dence and judgment and impartiality than in his legal at tainments. I could not believe he would have ordered au imprisonment of the deft, for six months upon the facts as set forth in the petition before me. I refused to grant the pardon until Judge Merrimon could be heard from. Mr. Jones applied to him. The facts, as stated by him, constitute one of the most outrageous riots I have ever heard of in North Carolina, in which the convict was a leader, if not the leader. It would have been a license for outrage to have punished him with less severity than the judge did. I pity his wife and children but it would be, in my opinion, false compassion which would let off with nominal punishment so great an outrage on the laws of the land. I am persuaded you did not know the facts — or that your compassion for the innocent wife and chil-.^ dren got the better of your juelgment. 682 North Carolina Historical Commission. I will in no instance grant a pardon until the judge or the jury can be heard from and I feel confident your good judgment will approve this rule. Hendersonville. To Dr. M. F. ArendelU Raleigh July 11th 1866. I herewith inclose to you a copy of a letter I this day addressed to the President of the United States. I hear you have lately indulged in very open and bitter elenunciations of my action as to Directors on your Road.' I hope when you get cool you will perceive that they were unwarr?.tted. I am clear that under all the circumstances I elid light. Beaufort. To B. S. Hedrich. Raleigh July 11, 1866. Your inquiry as to how our friend Hanes gets on with his news-paper — I learn that it is barely on a living basis — there being almost no money in the region of its circulation. I read it — and according to my views, it emi nently deserves patronage. There is remarkable concord ance of juelgment between its editor and myself. — I inclose recommendation of three young mer. for West Point, as suggested by you. If the recommendations be not in due form, please advise me what is the needed cor- j rection. Regarding cam- J think there will be no opposition to me. Holden and paign for re-elee- -^ '¦ tion. ' Michael F. Ar^ndell, of Carteret, was a physician. He was a Whig in politics and had been State Senator from 1850 to 18.54, and from 1860 to 1862. 2 The Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 683 his feillowers — and a few weak men who think in the dis pensation of my trifling patronage that I have discrimi nated against olel democrats aud in favor of old Whigs, are growling aud would like to get out opposition, but the growlers belong to incongruous elements and cannot co operate. The gTeat body of the people including its chief representative men of all shades of all party, are decidedly for me. Ransom I am reliably informed, declines — Set tle or Dockery is the demand of the divided Holden fac tion. Most of the men who gave dignity to Holden's fac tion last fall will not now adhere to it. Dick, Pool, Thomp son, Warren, Donnell, Boyelen, etc. oppose the running a candidate against me. I have not heard of the falling off of a single aelherent who supported me last Fall. Full one third of the members of the Convention who called out Holden last Fall are now decidedly for me. — I have not heard of the slightest dissatisfaction in Guilford, ex cept the statement in your letter, the appointment of Gil mer and ilorehead were distasteful to my friends there. Randolph is now almost unanimous for me. Washington^ D. C. To Fied. Garner. Raleigh, Juhj 11th 1866. I have sold your eight coupons as instructeel, for the best price I could obtain — to-wit $132. — currency. I will pay your sight draft for this sum or send it to you when a safe chance offers. I do not know when such chance will present itself. Perhaps yr Sheriff will ad vance the money to you — or brothr. Milton for yr sight draft on me. Yr old bond will bring about .")2 to 'j5 cts on the dollar. I can't take the responsibility of advising you whether to sell or not. I can't see eleep into the cloudy future. ASHEBORO. 684 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Colonel J. M. Perry. Raleigh, July 11th 1866. I hear it represented that there is much discontent in your place as to my appointments for the management of the A. & N. C. R. R. If my action has been obnoxious to any criticism which to fair men, seems just, I would like to know wherein. I had to pass my ship between Scylla and Caribdis. I endeavored to navigate prudently. I hear some of my friends in Morehead City complain — Of what do they coniplain ? Beaufort. To A. E. Ehodes. Raleigh, July 11 1866. I am sure you will have appreciated my difficulties in appointing Directors for the A. &. N. C, R. R. — With the lights before me I exercised powers as judiciously as I could, looking primarily to the interests of the State. I hear that some of my friends in Morehead City com plain of my action. If this be so, will you oblige me by informing me wherein my friends think I erred ? Morehead City. To Hugh McCuUoch. Raleigh, July 11 1866. In a late letter from your dept. I was invited to rec- ommenel a suitable person as assessor in the 2nd District of this State in place of Mr. Piggott. I took measures to get the information — and herewith inclose the rec ommendation of Ethelbert Hubbs by Hon. C. Clark, mem ber elect to Congress, which I endorse. On the 29th ult. I received another letter from your Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 685 dept. which leaves me in doubt whether you want a rec ommendation, in place of Piggott, for the 2nd District. Washington, D. C. To Lewis Hanes. Raleigh, July 1.3/66. T am much pressed with business and [have] time only to say that I refuse any alliances ^vith any person — I must be understood a? being hands off as to Lt. Govr. In .strict confidence I regard Wright's name as much less exception able than any other named — and the two mo.st exception able ones Ferebee and Dick. Salisbury. To James A. Egerstone. Raleigh Jtdy 1-3 1866. Yours of the 29th ult. was not answered immediatelv conflict between " Bureau and civil because I hoped to have got the epiestion of jurisdiction courts. as between the Freedman's Bureau and the judiciary tri bunals of the State eUstinctly defined ere this. I have been disappointed, but am still using every effort I can judi ciously make to have this matter intelligibly settled. As soon as the correspondence now in progress on the subject, shall have reached any result, this result will be made known to the people of the State by proclamation or other wise. While negotiating to settle the general principle I have not deemed it expedient to call attention to special cases. Warrenton. 686 North Carolina Historical Commission. From J. C. Bain. Troy's Store, N. C. July H 1866. Yours of the 4th inst is to hand informing me of my parelon, etc., of which I am prouel. Politics in Ran- You wished to have the particulars of the meetina: held dolph. . . ° at Liberty which I suppose came before you by an extract from a letter dated Long's Mills of June 28th. Now for the truth of the meeting at Liberty which nominated Hol den for governor. There was a meeting attempted or tried to be had at Liberty gotten up or tried to be gotten up by the Sellers and Wrenns, etc. to nominate a candidate for Senator to represent Randolph and Alamance the meeting was to be held at Liberty on 23rd of June, well the day rolled round and after I got my dinner I walked up and I found about 5 or 6 men in number I staid at Liberty until nearly night and I do believe 12 persons was all that was there and not more than half that no at any one time there was no meeting organized of any kind whatever. There was not more than 3 or four men that was Worth men for the reason they paid no attention to the meeting Washington Browne knew nothing of the meeting until night when he came in from his field of work. You can now judge what kind of meeting has been held, it is all a right dowm Lie all done for an effect. There cant be re spectable men enough got together to even make a shadow of a meeting to nominate an opposition to you. I say Randolph will not give Holden, Dick, or any other Hol- denite a very liberal surport.. if there is any form of my pardon in your office please forward to me and oblige, etc. Correspondence of Jonath.vn Worth. 687 From B. S. Hedrich. Washington, I). C July i.;. 7.S';'i. Yours enclosing the recommenelatiou eif Bagley, Areu- elell aud Busbee for West Point has been received, and haneled to the President's private secretary. I think the matter is now in the right shape. If any appointments are made I think they will be the oues. I will try and see the President personally about it before long. If there is any chance of Congress aeljouming soon, I think the President will wait until after the adjournment. The big batch of pardons have now all been signed by the Sec. of State, and a few have the seals affixed. But it will be perhaps a week before they are sent to you. I should think there were about four hundred in all. Holden I understand has left. I judge that he has uoiden's plans. given up all hopes of a confirmation by the Senate. He will exert himself to get up a candidate for Gov. As mat ters now stand I think the best way is to let Holden have his way for he always has a hnach of hanging himself if you only give him rope enough. I think he regards Settle as his strong card now. But there is uo telling what scheme he will finally settle down upon, and therefore it will be valueless to plan at all with the view of counter acting what he might elo. So far everything is progressing favorably. Mr. R. W. King has been confirmee! as Cedlector of Cus toms for Newbern. From ir. H. Bagley to R. L. Patterson. Raleigh July 16th 1800. Your letter to Governor Worth, of the 10th inst., has in answer to com plaint. been received, aud I write to inform you that he is at pres ent absent from the City, to account for the delay which 688 North Carolina Historical Commission. will necessarily occur, on this account, in your receiving an answer. It is with pain that I read your letter, on account of the great personal regard in which I hold you, and the rela tions which I sustain to Governor Worth. I was not well informed as to the peculiar circumstances which sur rounded the appointment of the Directory on the W. N. C. R. Road. But of this fact I am well informed, and that is there is not in the State of North Carolina a man or a friend for whom Govemor Worth entertains a higher respect, a deeper regard or more friendly feeling than for yourself. In this I refer to men of your own age. And were I to be asked what two men in the State, and these more properly his contemporaries, were most esteemed by Gov. W., I should, without hsitation, say Wm. A. Graham and Samuel F. Patterson. I know there is an entire ab sence, on his part, of the disregard for you which your letter seems to attribute to him. I know further that this matter of the Railroad has given him more embarrassment and trouble than any other matter which has come to his attention since he assumed the duties of his office. He can, I feel confident, and luill, explain this matter to your satis faction; and, until you hear from him, as your friend, I ask you not to do him the injustice of believing that he has less regard for you than he always has had. Patterson. To Thomas Webb. Raleigh July 21 1866. The Literary Board has occasion to send one of its mem bers to Tarboro ; to-wit H. W. Husted, to look after busi ness of importance connected with our duties. We have not a dollar in the Treasury of the board. If in conform ity with usage, please send me a free ticket for the Major. [P. S.] The other members of the board are Nereus CORRESPOXDENCE OF JONATHAN WORTH. 689 Mendenhall and Stephen D. Pool. I do not know whether it is usual to grant complimentary or free tickets to these officers of the State or not. — Since writing the above I find it will be necessary that a member of the board visit Lake Ellis in the South West corner of Craven County. CoMPANY^s Shops. To E. L. Abernethy. Raleigh July 21 1866. I comply with your reeiuest of the 13th inst to give you Defining us posi- ^ •' _•' -"^ _ . ''"^ °.° public a frank explanation of my views on two questions you pro- questions. pound. First — You ask me what I think of Western N. C. run ning Genl Vance for Lt. Gov. ? Before I declared myself a candidate for re-election I was approached by the friends of divers gentlemen — all my supporters, but of every shade of political sentiment. each desiring his name associated with mine. I deemed it my duty to decline making any alliance of the kind with any ono. It is common, when candidates are brought forward by the action of a Convention, for such Conventions to make nominations to be run together. I deemed it proper, in compliance with what I believed to be the popular will of a great majority of the State, to declare myself a candi date, without any nomination. My friends every where approved this course. If I were to have an understanding with any gentleman to have his name run with mine, as Lt. Govr. such an agreement would have been very dis tasteful to the numerous friends who would have been dis appointed. It would be wrong and presumptions in me to make any arrangement as to Lt. Govr. — ^but I assure you if I deemed it proper to designate a man, none would be more acceptable to me than Genl. Vance. Vol. 2—3 690 North Carolina Historical Commisskn. As to your second question whether it is morally or politically right to repudiate all debts due up to the sur render of Genl Lee I have no hesitation in saying it is neither morally or politically right, and no member of the Genl Assembly can give such vote without a direct viola tion of his oath to support the Constitution of the U. S., which especially prohibits a State from passing any law impairing the obligation of a contract. Happy Home. From B. S. Hedrich. Washington, D. C. July 2-3, 1866. Concerning Yours iuclosiug application of Judge Caldwell and two others for pardon was received this morning. I went to the White House-, but did not see either the President or his Secretary in charge of parelons. But left a note with the papers. I left a note and as tomorrow is Cabinet day I will go again day after tomorrow. The big list of about 400 old pardons will bs ready to be forwarded to you in a few days. All w^ell. Weather very hot anel rainy. Col. Wheeler thinks the Agricultural College scrip will be ready soon, which will be good news to Gov. Swain. There has been some very strange delay about it. A memorial with about four hundred names has been sent me from citizens of Forsythe and Stokes Co. ad- elressed to "the President and Congress." The substance of it is that. Union men are being persecuted in the Courts, for acts of lawlessness, whilst rebels guilty of far more out rageous acts, are not persecuted, and if charges are made against rebels for murders and other outrageous acts the complaints are dismissed, whilst Union men are always held to answer. I think Capt. Settle who is prosecuting attorney ought to see to it the Union men are not prose cuted while rebels go free. If the adniinistration knew Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 691 of the matter it would probably make it the occasion of more vitujieration of the whole State. I think that there must be some cause for the complaints from the Western Counties. I have written to Starbuck about it. If yem see any one from Stokes or Forsythe I think it would be well to inquire into the matter. I will try and send you a copy of the memorial. All well hereabouts. To Hugh McCuUoch. Raleigh, July 23 1806. Owing to imperfect mail facilities I could not until To day get the necessarv information to enable me to comply with your request, asking me to recommend a suitable man for assessor of Internal Revenue in the first collection Dis trict of this State. I emphatically recommend Joseph R. Parker, of Belvidere, Perquimans County, North Care)- lina, as a man every way suitable, and acceptable to the District. He is a Quaker and can conscientiously take the teste oath. He has been consulted and will accept, if the appointment be tendered to him. Washington D. C. To ./. E. Lee. Raleigh Jidy 21i./66. I procured the passage of a resolution at the last session of the Genl Assembly requiring the Treasurer to issue to Mrs. Kendall a bond, in lieu of the one she had surren dered. It provides for the issue of a bond to her, bearing interest from the date when the old bond fell due, with coupons for interest, etc. On application to the Treasurer for the new bond, he informs me he has no printed blank suited to this case — and that the printing of a single blank 692 North Carolina Historical Commiselon. would be very expensive: and that he will therefore pre pare for her a manuscript bond conformable to the resolu tion, — which I shall probably get it in a few days, and will forward as you request. If Mrs. Kendall wishes to return the bond, this manu script bond will be as good as any — if she wish to sell it, I fear it will be hard to find a buyer in the N. Y. market. In this latter case I know no remedy only to get the Genl / Assembly to authorise an exchange of this bond for one of the [illegible^ issued for over-due coupons. Tl-IOMASVILLE, N. C. To J. W. Alspaugh. Raleigh, July 2^Jf. 1866. An extraordinary press of important executive duties has prevented an earlier reply to yours of the 15th inst. It was referred to a committee of the Genl Assembly to define what State debts were to be repudiated as being con tracted directly or indirectly in aid of the rebellion. Mr. Bynum, Chm. of the Committee, held that salaries to civil officers were not comprehended in the repudiation ordi nance. After much discussion the Genl A. refused to eion- cur in this report. The Treas. therefore does not feel au thorised to pay any claims which arose during the continu ance of the Con. Govt. I thank you for the cordial support which your Journal accords to my administration and hope my course may merit a continuance of your confidence. Winston. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 693 Raleigh, July 5-5 1866. Mrs. Jos. S. Jones ) " Col. Heck ) " A. S. Jones ) " M. A. T. Carroll ) Miss Maria Sommerville ) '¦ Ella Brownlow ) " MoUie .Uston ) Ladies I have reed your polite note of the 20th inst. inviting me to be present at the Warren W. Sul. Springs on the Sth Aug. on the occasion of erecting a monument in mem ory of the late Miss Lee, daughter of Genl. Robt. E. Lee. I thank you for this opportunity you offer me, of which I propose to avail myself, of exhibiting my respect for the great and good father and amiable daughter. I have the honor to be your Obt. Sevt. Jonathan Worth. To B. S. Hednch. Raleigh, July 25 1866. Yours of the 20th inst. is reed. I hope the President will refer the petitons from For sythe and Stokes to me as he has done like petitions here tofore. The manner in which I discharged the duty here tofore, was so impartial and showed the utter groundless ness of the complaints, as induced Mr. Seward to compli ment me. If they be referred to me I will investigate the facts so thoroughly as to present the truth, whatever it may be. I am satisfied there is a concerted plan on foot, by im- piansoftheoppo- puting partiality to our Courts of justice, to have martial law restored, if it be not already in force. We have a new military commandant, Genl. Jno. C. Robinson. He pro fesses to believe that a Union man cannot have justice in our Courts. To prove this he has had two officers Col. sition. 694 North Carolina Historical Commission. Carr and Capt. Wolcott, traveling in several of the West- em Counties and taking ex parte statements and affidavits to prove all sorts of iniquities against our Courts — a thing easily done in this way. Numerous petitions as he says, are sent to him asking for military protection. He has sent me copies of some of them. They show on their face, to an impartial mind, that they are got up for effect. He gave me no notice of this plan of ex parte investigation. The combination is extensive. Master spirits for mischief are at the bottom of it and our poor old State is likely to suffer from the dirty birds willing to foul their own nests to reck vengeance on others. I have no reason to dread fair investigation. I fear this will not be accorded. Genl. Robinson claims for "our common superior" the right to depose the civil authorities of the State and there are many indications that an attempt is being made to lay a foundation for the exertion of such a power. Genl. Grant's military order No. 44 July 1, is based on the assumption that the States involved in the rebellion are still under martial law. I see much trouble ahead and feel sure our judiciary, as virtuous, impartial and learned as any in the United States is to be the object of attack through the agency of insidious one-sided inquisition. Holden's object is to take vengeance on the State. I hope you will send me a copy of the memorial. Washington, D. C. From A . E. Ehodes. MoREi-iEAD City July 26th 1866. Concerning Yours of the 11th iust was duly reed, and I avail my- appointment of '- Directors self of this my first leisure to reply, a duty which under the circumstances is to me exceedingly unpleasant. And first, let me say that the implicit confidence which I have ever reposed in you, and my high regard for you as a man of unblemished honor and immaculate integrity are Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 695 still undiminished ; and that my grateful recollections of your former kindness are still fresh and green. You say that "with the lights before you you exercise powers as judiciously as present diseoiiiforture, aud of your own new-born unpopularity!' an error which if not satisfactorily explained or remedied will, in this section if you have opposition transmute your hopes now flicker ing to blooming despair. Eren now, there is no longer any line of steamers from this point to X. Yorh. The bridge at Xewbern — which as- I learn from the former Superintendent of Bridges, etc., could have been repaired hy sections, so as not to stop ihe trains at all, has been condemned as unsafe and we thinh it will remain unsafe — in the opinion of the present management — until all the present crop of cotton and naval stores shall hare been shipped. We know that the ad vantages to be derived from this Harbor constitute the chief arguments in favor of building this Road, aud we had a right to suppose that the State would take some in terest in developing her o^^m resources ; which has not been manifested in discriminating against a good harbor in favor of the port at Newbern — in whose eleepest waters a tall man might wade with dry hands. You say, furthermore, that "some of your friends at M. C. complain of your action and you wish to know wherein we think you erred." I can truly say not some but all complain. There is indeed "a loud lament along the sweeping sea," and the error is — I speak of Carteret — that you rejected whom you did reject and appointed those whom you did appoint. But the rejection of Thomas and Arendell would have mattered little had you also rejected Ramsey Avho was — beyond all question — a more oelious Holdenite than either of tbe others, aud superlatively tin- acceptable to the citizens of Moreheael. Had you displaced them all and appointed such men as B. Arendell, John Perry, S. D. Pool — who had fought and suffered for their homes aud their countrv — vou would 696 North Carolina Historical Commission. have given satisfaction. Again: The appointment of Murdoch, of Salisbury, for Carteret — leaves us to infer that, in your estimation, there was but one man in the whole county worthy of being elected to so high a position. The result of your action is that Morehead has not a single employee on the Road. There were three — the conductor; superintendent of bridges and repairs — and agt. — all Worth men and men of influence. T. Arendell — conductor — is an ex-confederate soldier — and is now without any prospect of employment; Mur doch — supsrintendent of bridges recei-^'ed a better position on the W. &. AV. R. R. immediately after he was displaced ; but worst of all Ramsey, by strategetic log-rolling man aged to displace G. W. Dill whose superior for the position he held could hardly be found in the State. I also learn that he spent about $500. to secure your election last fall and that Duncan — his successor — was Holden's first ap pointment as Mayor of Beaufort and that he was an in tensely warm supporter of Holden. I sincerely believe that Dill did more for the interest of the State than any three directors on the Road. If Ramsey and Murdoch could be properly disposed of and Duncan restored to the bosom of his family the interest of the State would be pro moted and we should feel better satisfied: provided the Bridge can be considered safe once more. For the present you have hilled Morehead, ruined the Eoad and lost the friendship — so far as I know — of every man who has any interest at this place. I write these things with all deference for your feelings and with exceeding sorrow, hoping that something may yet be done for the interests of the State which will restore you to the good graces of the City of the Sea — I wish you sincerely well. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 697 To Z. B. Vance. Raleigh July 26 1866. Holelen, Tod Caldwell and others of like malignant feel- condiHonsin , . Xorth Carolina. mg towards ^orth Carolina, are endeavoring to restore the State to military rule. The scheme is to make the im pression that Union men (so called) cannot have justice in our Courts. The present miltary commandant of the State cordially co-operate with them, as I fear does Genl Grant — witness his military order dated July 1. Agents appointed by Genl Robinson have been sent to the Western part of the State to take ex-parte testimony to show that Union men cannot have justice in our Courts. I am sup plied with a copy of their report. I intend to try to send a coj)y of this report aud of my correspondence with Genl Robinson to Judge Mitchell to be transmitted by him to Judges Ramsey, Shipp and Merrimon. It is voluminous and I have not sufficient clerical force to fumish a sepa rate copy to each. Western N. C. is the region from which they expect to draw the proofs necessary to prove that martial law ought to be restored. I am not armed with power to send out agents to counteract these machinations. Genl Robinson sends out reports from his instructors iu W^ilkes and elsewhere of disloyal transactions in Surry. Allegheny, etc. These charges are vague — hence not easy to answer, but specific enough to accomplish the aim of signers. I think we are in great peril. Robinson claims for the military the power to judge whether the civil au thorities of the State, judges included, do their duty, and in case they deem them derelict, to suspend them. I sent a copy of his letter asserting this proposition to the Presi dent ten days ago. He does not answer. I send you this hasty sketch to keep you somewhat posted. I have not time to make it as full as I could wish. I think I shall go to Washington to satisfy myself whether the Prest. is still under the guidance of Holden as to mat ters in North Carolina. — I fear he is. — I refer vou to 698 North Carolina Historical Commission. Col. Mitchell for further information on the main sub ject of this letter. [P. S.J This is a hasty ante-breakfast sketch written at home, currcnte calamo. Frcm ^Y . H. Bagley to ^Yilliam H. Bryan. Raleigh, July 26th 1866. Your letter, of the 21st inst., to the Governor, enclosing certain resolves of citizens of your town, looking to the protection of the lives and property of themselves and their families, and asking him "to legalize their proceedings," has been received. The Govemor instructs me to reply that he knows of no power vested in him by which he can comply with the wish expressed. If, however, there be any public law, or any private law passed for the benefit of your County or town, by the provisions of which he can elo so, if you will inform him, he will give you all tbe aid so authorized. Trenton. To E. M. Pearson^ Raleigh, July 27 1866. I lately appointed Judge Fowle to hold a Court of Oyer anel Terminer in Alamance County under the Act of 1862-62, Chap. 35. He produces the certificate of the Clerk that he has held the Court anel asks me to issue my warrant on the Treasurer. I cannot satisfy myself as to the amount he is entitled to receive or the law authorising me to issue such warrant. I will be greatly obliged to you for your aelvise and opinion in relation to this matter. ' Kichmond M. Pearson had been a member of the Legislature from 1829 to 1833. In 1836 he was elected to the Superior Court bench, in 1848 to the Supreme Court and became Chief Justice in 1858. He was re-elected upon re-organization in 1865, and again in 1868. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 699 Much pains is being talvcn by Genl. Reibiuson to prove by an ex parte investigation that Union men cannot have justice in our Courts. I send to-day copies of much of this evidence aud of my corresponelence with the Genl to Judge Mitchell with the request, wheu he shall have read the papers, that he send them to Judges Shipp and Merri mon in the hope they may be able to furnish me some facts or suggestions or counter affidavits to counter-act the mis chief likely to result. I send to these judges because the imputations are located in their Circuits. The Genl claims the right for the military authorities to suspend the civil officers of the State from the exercise of their functions. Richmond Hill. From Miles Lamb. N. C. Ranelolj^h County much respected governer through necesity I seat my self this moming to rite yo a few lines too let yo now the fix i am now iu it has bin my trade too still brandy when ever thire was fruit too still ever scence 1S42 being that I lived on a poor plantation stilling was my plan too make my spending money had it not bin for that Chance I could not have pael my tax all tha time i)ut by that Chance I have all ways pad my tax till this time &: bynot kowing this Dollar k a half tax was lade on branely in 1865 I fixed up as common too still before i found it out then I had too lose my fruit or go ou & popel thought that law so unreasabel that it would be repeald ife promist me that if I would go on that if the tax was tex) pay tha would pay there part of it it that tha was lik my self tha had to spend what tha got for some thing too eat & could not keep tha money too pay tax with dt money has becom so hard too git that a common man can not git it I tride for two weaks too borrow money i: found it was invane now yo know that if I take Judgment aganst these 700 North Carolina Historical Commission. men that i have stilled for tha will stay it & some of it will stay six months & and that yo know will keep me be hind time nearley all that i still was for other peopel tha are good for the money bu the thing is to git it in time I intend too pay tha last dollar if i can have time too sell my property it wont pay one tinth of tha money too sell for reddy money thir is only now & then a man that has got any money too by with & just what he is amind to give it has too go for & tha thoughts of being broke up hurts my feelings tha worst of any thing that i ever met with except sicknes or death tha hundred & fifty acors of land that i bought i give it too my too suninlaws to live on and now it look very hard too turn them of with severrel littel Children with out pay for thir work & nothing to help them selves with from the Promis tha tha President had all ways had mad Declaring that all loyel pepe & ther Property should be Perfected but it Don look so now see ing tha younion men brok first now if thire is any petection too be had I would thank yo & tha President & tha govne & all of tha Loyel Peopel too feel tha effect of it as for seesesion I have no more youse for them than a Christian has for Hell and Damnation I would like too hear from yo too now what yo thing will becom of tha popel iu re gard too this tax yo now our money is Destroid & we have no chance if the treasure money would go for half what i give for it i could pay all of but yo see it is Right me a few lines if you peas, so nomer only remaining your friend Juhi 28 A D 1866. To A. E. Ehodes. Raleigh July 29/66. RaUroad Directors. I thank you for youT cordial letter of the 26th inst. just received. I have heard there was some discontent in More- head. I had no idea it was so deep and universal as you represent, and I fail to perceive that, with the lights be fore me, I was guilty of a reprehensible error, if I com- Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 701 mitted an error at all. I am as anxious for the prosperity of Morehead City as any citizen of X. C. and the generous support of its inhabitants last Fall endears them to me. The complaint, as I understand, consists in the appoint ment of Ramsey and Murelock and the omission to appoint Dr. Arendell and Mr. Thomas. Let me review the views which controlled my action. The friends of Mr. Thomas represented that he was managing the Road much better than Mr. Whitford had maiiaged it. The friends of Mr. Whitford made the exact opposite representation. The friends of the former insisted that the old directory man aged the road to build up Newbem and damage Morehead City — The friends of Whitford made the exact oppe)site representation. I heard the representations of each side with patience and candor. No such proofs were furnished me as enabled me to know which was right. I am armed with uo powers of investigation by which I could ascertain what was the truth. What seemed to me to be the very best evidence of the rival competitors was the resolution of the Stockholders at the time of the election of Mr. Thomas. as President, unanimouMy, (Mr. Thomas being present). applauding Mr. Whitford for his skill and fidelity in the management of the road. This I regarded as incontro vertible proof of his merits and I deemed his displacement entirely attributable to the political or personal hostility of ifr. Holden. This seemed to warrant my nomination of Mr. Whitford as a Director, but on reflection I concluded the individual stexjkholders ought to understand better than I could the merits of the two competitors, and I therefore resolved to nominate neither of them, and leave it to the stockholders to elect one or both or neither of them. Mr. Whitford had much more just ground to complain of this than Mr. Thomas. I hear it is alleged that I knew this would result in the election of Whitford and the rejection of Thomas. This allegation is untrue. Wholly irrespec tive of the fact that Whitford had supported me and that Thomas had not, my friends in Morehead or else where 702 North Carolina Historical Commission. cannot justly complain that I left each of the competitors to their chances of election by the stockholders. As to the appointment of Ramsey, he had long been a director, and was an original subscriber for stock. I had not heard that his appointment would be unacceptable to a single citizen of Carteret, so far as I can remember. Many pressed his appointment on 1119, fearing I would proscribe him because he voted against me. If this appointment was unfortunate for Morehead my friends there have no cause to complain of me on account of it. I appointed Mr. Murdock because I regarded him as an eminently fit man, a large stock holder — an owner of considerable real estate in or near your city, a brother of one of your best citizens, a par ticular friend of Govr. Morehead, whose interests are identical with those of your city — Your citizens had not suggested a name to me — and I expected the appointment would be eminently acceptable to you. Dr. Arendell had little stock. I did not think that he expected me to ap point him. Not a citizen of Morehead, to the best of my recollection, had , asked me to appoint him. I did not think he held, in the legitimate spirit of the charter, the stock required to make him eligible. If it be alleged, as it has been, that one of other appointments — that of my friend C. C. Clark, was illegal because he was not the owner of 5 shares of stock, I reply that my information is that he did own the required amount of stock — and believing him to be a high-minded and honorable gentleman I believed he would not countenance any unfair proceeding to favor his town and prejudice yours. You mention no complaint as to my other appointments. I have this consolation that I discharged my duty con scientiously and to the best of my judgment — No mortal could have done it satisfactorily. — Nothing pains me more than the removal of my friend Dill. I am greatly sur prised at it. I thought he was a universal favorite with every body interested in the road, and particularly so with Mr. Whitford. Correspondence of Joxathan Worth. 703 If I have the honor to be re-elected Govr., I shall ask the Genl. Assembly to confer on the Board of Internal ImjJrovcment powers of investigation in relation to our public works whereby that board can act with better lights. As to the bridge, Mr. Whitford informs me it is so in secure that he deems it criminal to hazard the lives of pas sengers in the cars on it ; and that he had two hundred hands preparing timber to repair it. Now if his facts be true, I perceive no just ground of complaint. You speak of "discriminating against "a good harbor in favor of the port of Newbern, in whose deepest waters a tall man might wade with dry hands." I will not sup pose that you mean that I would favor or countenance any such discrimination. If it shall be made to appear to me that any director favors such eliscrimiuation, he will never be re-appointed by me. There should be no discrimination in the management of the road to favor or to prejudice either port. Each should have a fair and equal chance to profit by the advantage of nature and the enterprise of her merchants. I am astonished and grieved at the removal of T. Aren- elell and Murdock, if they are such men as I believe them to be. I will make inquiry about it. — Is it just to infer from my appointment of Murdock that I considered Car teret as having no other citizen, save Ramsey, fit to be a elirector ? Nothing was further from my thoughts. From the information before me I suppose he would be as ac ceptable to yem as any body I could appoint. I have taken much jjains to explain. In the innumer able difficulties I have had to encounter I have heard of no important complaint, save what comes from Govr. Holelen and my late friends in Carteret. I had no right to ex pect to be able to give such general satisfaction. I hope my friends in Morehead will look over the whole field of my duties and have some charity for what they eleem a great error to their prejudice. 704 North Carolina Historical Commission. There are 24 political news-papers in the State. Of these 15 have declared in favor of my re-election — 2 against it — and seven as yet have taken no position. Five of the seven will probably sustain me, and two — the New bern Times and Hendersonville Pioneer will probably take ground against me. ]\loREHEAD City'. To D. F. Caldwell. Raleigh July 29/66. I learn with real pain and concern from our friend Genl Gilmer that I have done or omitted to do some thing from which you infer that I feel some coldness towards you. I know not of what apparent inattention or impro priety I may have been guilty which has given you this Assurance of impressiou. I kuow no man towards whom I have felt frlendsliip. at all times more unalloyed kindness than, towards your self. I always have had and still have the very highest respect for the honesty and independence you have always exhibited both in personal and political life — And if you have construed any act or word of mine at variance with these declarations, it has been Pi misconstruction. You may not have received answers to some of the in teresting letters for which I feel obliged to you — simply because, with only one clerk, it is literally impossible for me to do justice to my correspondents. Au effort is being made by divers petitioners sent to the President — by ex-parte evidence taken by agents sent out for the purpose by the present military commandant of the State, — by a portion of the press and in divers other ways which gives it the appearance of pre-concert, to make the impression that Union men cannot have justice in our Courts — and hence that martial law must be continued^ that we are so disloyal that we ought not to be reed into the Union, etc. I am doing all I can to counter-act it. I would ask the General to let me send an agent with his Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 705 to insure fairness in these investigations if I had jiower to appoint and pay such agents. Greensboro. To Colonel Jmies Wnni. Raleigh July 20/66. Yours of the 26th inst. is just received iu which you quote me as saying you participated iu a meeting at Long's ]\lill to nominate Mr. Holden as Govr. and add "that is not true." I have no cojjy of my letter to you. If I as serted as you quote me (not that I was informed or had heard) but as of my knowledge that you participated in the meeting, it w^s a strange slip of the pen. In the form in which you quote me, if I am truly quoted, your answer is, perhaps, sufficiently courteous. In reply to my friendly inquiry what I have done to forfeit your confidence you frankly say "I have always been a Whig or Union man anel you are the great leader of the Secession or Rebel party. I think that explains the whole matter." In reply I adopt your terms — "that is not true." I had expected a more courteous answer from an old Reriewofius s ¦ ¦\ -re 11 11 77-7-r i attitude towards friend. If you had asserted that you believed i was the secession. leader of the Secession or Rebel party, and assigned a rea son for that belief, your answer would have been respect ful and becoming James Wren as I once knew him. You cannot be ignorant that I have always opposed Se cession publicly and privately — You cannot be ignorant that my late competitor did more prior to 1861, than any other man in this State, to inculcate Secession and abuse the Whig party. — You know or ought to know that every Secessionist in the State who voted for me in the late elec tion for Govr. voted for me not as a Secessionist, but as an unwavering consistent Union man in preference to a renegade from their party. You know or ought to know Vol. 2—4 706 North Carolina Historical Commission. that most of the old consistent Whig Counties gave me a majority. The horrid war being now over in which so many cruel wrongs have been inflicted, it becomes all good men to try to forgive their enemies — allay animosities and to restore brotherly love between man and man and section and sec tion — instead of indulging hatred and malevolence. All who cultivate these feelings will live happier and be better prepared to die. To J. J. Jachson. Raleigh July 30/66. Concerning I have accepted invitation to be at Springfield next Sat- flnancial matters. -^ ¦ _ x o urday and will give them a short off-hand speech. Have no time to prepare a regular one. My idea is — and it is very decided — that U. S. cur rency will fitfully depreciate indefinitely and hence I think sales on credit, payable in U. S. currency, will in variably result in prejudice to the seller. Sales on time should be for specie. Between the time of our sale of cotton to Mendenhall and the present, currency has depre ciated some 20 per cent. It will not be strange if, by the day of payment, it shall be depreciated 50 or 100 per cent. Nothing can be more precarious than a note pay able in the currency of the U. S. If you contract to sell any more cotton, on credit, let the note be payable in specie, so far as I have any interest in it. I cannot sell gold for silver at a higher premium than 5 per cent. — As I have the money on hand I desire to stop interest. I think I shall sell my gold and carry up my silver when I go to Springfield. My debts to Rush are nearly twice as -much as I supposed. My specie debts will exhaust my specie. — Dr. Roberts is directed to send the goods at Roxana's to you" with invoice. My loss will be very severe. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 707 Post Script There are many democratic secessionists who would vote for Genl. Cox as against me and Holden and his zealous followers will join in it. Cox is an original secessionist of democratic stripe and was a Brigadier in the late war: a man of slender capacity and no experiencje in civil mat ters. If I have any opposition I think it will be Cox, backed by Holden. If the Holdenites prefer to bring out a man (now exceedingly improbable) Cox will not be run. If he run as the coalition candidate, the Progress and Standard and perhaps the Rutherford Star and Hen derson Pioneer and Newbem Times — all radicals, ex cept the Progress which is seeiession, will support him. It is possible the Charlotte papers and Wilmingfon Dispatch may sustain him, but all the honest Holdenites and the wiser and better secessionists will support me — 15 of the 22 political papers in the State are out for me. Two, the Standard and Rutherford paper against me. The New bem Times, Wilmington Dispatch, Progress, and the two Charlotte papers are on the fence. I regard opposition by Cox as not at all formidable — I am not sure if he run alone that public good will grow out of it. From George Howard.^ Tarboro, N. C. July 30 1866. You mistook my address and wrote to Wilson. After remaining there some time your letter was forwarded here. I have written Major Durham (ed. Carolinian) and sent your letter to him. He is your friend and will do you justice during the campaign. ' George Howard, of Edgecombe, was a Superior Court Judge from 1859 to the close of the war. He was also a member of the Conven tions of 1861 and 1865. 708 Noeth Carolina Histokical Commission. To P. H. Winston. Raleigh, July 30/66. I reed on the 24th inst. a notification from the Asst. Sec. of the Treasury that upon the recommendation of Hon. Jno. Pool, Stark B. Smith had been confirmed as surveyor at Windsor before my recommenelatiou of E. L. Simmons was received. Regarding election The only name now agitated for Govr. against me is prospects. ^^^^ ^£ ^-i^^j^ q^^^ brought forward, but only contingently endorsed by the Progress. The Editors in effect say they prefer him to me and think in a single handed race, he would beat me — ^but that in event the Holdenites bring out opposition, he is opposed to a triangular contest and would support me. In other words he prefers a wool- eyed democratic secessionist to an old time Union Whig and much prefers me to a Holdenite. I think the Holden party will not bring out a man and the chief and many of his followers will encourage Cox to run and in the event of his consenting, will support him. I think I have nothing to fear from such opposi tion. I understand Cox is vain aud confident as to the result and shall not be surprised if he be my competitor. Windsor. To Judge D. F. Caldwell. Raleigh July 30/66. I have notice that your pardon is granted and that the warrant will be forwarded very soon. Salisbury. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 709 To B. S. Hedrich. Raleigh July 30th 1866. On the return of Gov. Swain from your city some months ago, he made to me a verbal report of the result of his mission which included sundry matters — among others the looking after our land scrip. He informed me he had employed John H. Wheeler to look after and re ceive for the State, Gov. Vance's letter book and other doc uments of the State carried off by the military — and that he had got you to look after the laud scrip. This is what he tells me was his report to me, of the accuracy of which report I entertain no doubt — ^but when I acted on it a few days afterwards, my memory was that ilr. Wheeler had been engaged by him to attend to both these matters, and I think I so wrote to Mr. Wheeler. I regret the mistake — but feel sure you will not misconstrue me. As IMr. Wheeler has been giving attention to the land scrip under my letter, it seems expedient that the power of atto. to receive it issue to him. This power of atto. issues from the Treasr. Mr. Battle who fears you may feel hurt about the matter. I hope and expect you will excuse my error. WASHINeiTON. D. C. From W. T. CaldweU. Statesville N. C. July 31st 1866. I have been informed that cjertain persons have been en- conditions in ^ western Nortli deavoring to prevail upon the military authorities at Ra- Carolina. leigh and Washington to believe that they are not safe uneler the present aelministration of Justice iu our State. I cannot speak for other circuits of the State but I think I can give you an intelligent opinion about how just it has been aeliuinistered in the 6th Judicial District. Judge Mitchell in his charges to the Granel Jury, 710 North Carolina Historical Commission. drew to the attention of the public, the importance of sub mitting cheerfully to the situation and to the laws of the State, and urged upon the people mutual forebearance and forgiveness and his influence was so great on aceMJunt of their high appreciation of his great personal worth — ^the asperities among the people towards each other seemed to be greatly appeased, and the Grand juries acted with commendable liberality. This was more especially the case in the mountainous counties of the circuit, where a diversity of political feeling had existed. In the prosecution of our several duties the Judge and myself endeavored to impress upon all that we knew no man's present or former politics. And I have yet to hear of a single complaint against either of us, except in two instances, one from Yadkin — Jesse Dobbins and others — and one from Union — John Madlin and others. These parties were indicted during the war for homi cides. They were charged with having killed Confederate or State troops, who were endeavoring to arrest and secure them as soldiers in the Southern army — believing them in both cases to be protected by Gen. Grant's Gen. Order No. 3, with the approbation of the Judge I caused them to be discharged and directed the Clerks not to issue or serve any process upou them in the cases — I yielded implicity to the order and they are secure. But from want of con fidence in the civil officers, I suppose, they seemed to press their situation upon the attention of the military authori ties, and in consequence I have received sundry special orders from Headquarters to desist from their prosecu tion — the very thing I had already done without any special order. I can assure that no man has been allowed by Judge Mitchell or myself to be persecuted and no man has been prosecuted for opinion's sake. There were several men in the counties of Ashe, Wilkes, and Alexander who had served in the Union army and after their return lart year, some of them who probably Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 711 thought they had enemies to punish committed depreda tions of various kinds, and they have been indicted by the Grand Juries. But as far as I am able to learn these in stances were rare aud they closed pretty much with the full reorganization of the State Government. And I can assure you, that there was never a more quiet, civil, loyal — ^law-abiding people — citizens of any State, than have been the people of this circuit during this present year. Of course many bad men are in all States and com munities but we have had no political or other disturbances — and the people instead thereof have been and are now • devoting themselves more assidiously than ever to their va rious pursuits. This much I have written not only in justice to Judge ]\Iltchell and myself but of the people of our circuit. From D. F. Caldwell. N. B. I have not time to read over aud I may have made many mistakes as I have had to write in great haste Greensboro, N. C. July 31, 1866. Your kind letter of the 29 instant has just been re- Review'of his position and dis- ceived, and I make haste to reply. And vou must pardon eussion of public ' r- ./ u 1 sentiment. me for speaking plainly and wishing what I say to be con sidered in strict confidence between us. If my course from my infancy has not been such as to convince you that I was not only your friend, but that of all your family I do not know how I could by acts satisfy yon of that fact. I labored, that's the word, for you against Dockery and during the last war defended you when I heard you slandered and denounced as a d Nantucket Quaker Tory and Traitor, etc., when such defence endangered my personal welfare and happiness, if not my life. I have 712 North Carolina Historical Commission. within the last 15 years recommended you through the papers and elsewhere for more than one position. I did my best to keep the conservative party united by trying to have a conv. made on my own hook — While your particular and bosom friends ignored me altogether — still I worked on for you. I stood by you in the Fisher controversy to the last and if needed I would have done service. At the last session of the Convention I elid all I could to keep opposition down. And at your own request I went to Randolph and made two speeches for you that done me no good in a professional line, as I have reason to know. And yet I did all cheerfully. And why, because I hon estly believed that you were an honest patriotic union-lov ing and unselfish patriot, who would rather be right and do right than to be president of the United States. I never dreamed that when you were approached and most respectfully asked to consider the propriety of acting, or recommending action on certain suggestions relative to 'the swamp land and other matters of vital state interest that you would turn on your feet with the remark "That these measures, as all the suggestions I had made you thought had some merit in them but that you could not now in the midst of the impending campaign — ^but after the elec tion was over — you would be glad to have any news, etc. You then turned to your table and from that hour to the hour of my departure for home, though often in your room never spoke to or noticed me again, that I now re member. This I thought decidedly cool, especially when I witnessed the great familiarity that existed between yourself and many others. Many of whom I have heard speak of Jonathan Worth long before and under different circumstances. Then again the aiDpointments that you have ignored all the doctrines and principles you have heretofore advanced and advocated. You came down upon Fisher anel others for appointing new Directors on the N, 0. and other Rail Roads, who had done nothing for them Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 713 and hael no stoch. You also had much to say against Mr. ^loore the de)er of odd jobs about the sIkiji and brothers. And you appointed the Dr. a Director. Besides I kuejA^ of no man that you have appointed Whig or Locofocei that was not opposed to the course you approved during the war except Kerr and Mendenhall. Talk of friends and friendship in this connexion is to outrage all the better feelings of the heart and insult the spirit of our honor and manhood. There is not one of your appointees, ex cepting the two I have named, that would have thought you worthy to fill any post of honor in State, Nation in or out of the State. Nor would they have then voted for you. I have always tried to act consistently and live so that the most malignant of my enemies could not find any thing to say against me. Yet I have suffered the graves!: indig-nities from the hands of some of your appointees, for the part I took for peace and regulation, etc. They even hlate at me in the streets as if I were a sheep. They are all my deadly political opponents and labor to drag me down at all times. Such men as myself who voted for you and cannot approve of the course of Holden and the ultra men in Congress — even persecuted hated and pursued in every way and whenever an opportunity is afforded Dr. ^Mendenhall, my brother and myself have been blessed by some of them in no uncommon way, especially the two former. Or great falsehoods have cejme to my ears. In short, the honest, consistent union men, as well as those who did not go with us, for your Excellency against, have been singled out and are today hated aud denounced in the most bitter and malignant manner. And the de cree has gone forth from the lips of your great leaders, that all who thought and acted with you, as union men during the war shall be branded as Cain and sinh, to rise ro more as politicians. They are all traitors Tories, Redstrings, so called Union men, or poor white trash. And these are the men that your Excellency delighted to know and hath honored above all others. These things 714 North Carolina Historical Commission. with the treatment you gave me led me to remark more than once in the presence of our friend Genl. Gilmer that you had disappointed me in the course you had pursued. That I hoped when you were elected that you would de vote yourself to bettering the condition of N. C. rather than acting the part of a partizan politician. And I was honestly of that opinion — hence the alacrity with which I have always up to the present hours given you my support. And it pains me to know that you have so exerted your self and elistributed your favors, as to prostrate many, very many, true union men in the State. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say, aided others by giving them position and influence, to prostrate many of your old friends for the present. But as regards myself though my name may be cast out as well and though I may have suffered much in person and reputation and may still have to suffer much reproach and shame for the course I have pursued I am not ashamed of it or any of those who stooel by and with me nor shall I desert or denounce them. Never, no never, nor will I for any consideration reward these enemies and bitter rivals with all the honors. I have to confess that I prefer like Moses to suffer the re proach of the righteous forever than triumph for a campaign or two with those enemies. I have spoken plainly but not half as pointedly as I might and I hope you will not for so doing. The times demand it. Nor do I wish you to suppose that for noticing and deeply regreting your many inconsistencies and bringing some of them to your notice, that I am not your friend for such is not the fact. But I would have you believe that I am no Toady or hanger on power. Nor do I think it wise or prudent to aid a miserable old sullen aristocratic clique to continue their sway in N. C. forever. The convention that was called to restore the State to the Union, the con vention, that refused to endorse Holden and that brought you out and elected you did not nor do even now think so to my certain knowledge. And I do know that when Gov. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 7^5 Graham, Judge Manly, Ruffin and hosts of such men let no man of influence or fit occasion pass to denounce and belittle that patriotic body of men and all they have done it will not be quietly submitted to. I have thus far exerted all the influence I possess to keep down opposition to your Excellency and allay party excitement and sectional biliousness. And so I shall continue to do. But if the secessionalists and your political friends continue to de nounce the members of this Convention and constituiioii as they have and are, in and out of the papers I feel con fident that you may look out for opposition. This I re peat I shall regret. But you will have none to blame but yourself. You have been so exceedingly anxious to keep the secessionalists from bringing out opposition to you that you are likely to force your old union friends to unite on some one who will not contribute so much to aid these enemies "to bury them so deep that they shall nerer see a political resurrection." I can never go with the ultras in Congress nor shall I ever contribute to raising a clamour against the conservative men of this State. It is true many of them are honest and poor and uninfiu- ential as I am and weigh but little in the political scales when compared with the great and influential characters who are so blessed with talent that they are fit, and only they, to rule, both in State and field in the Union or in the Confederacy. And that they are consistent aud honest aud worthy to be trusted at all times in all places, I do not think so — Some of these men I know are corrupt and but I will say no more. Now you have my honest sentiment and true feelings and from one who has always proven himself to be your friend, uxtder adversity and per secution. 716 North Carolina Historical Commission. To J. J. Jachson. Raleigh, Aug. 1/66. appofntaSnt'of ^' ^ ^SiVe imposed on the board of Internal Improvement Directors. -fjjp ,^^.[^y Q-f appointing four directors for the C. F. & D. R. Nav. Co. Whether such directors can do anything in the way of saving fragments anel preserving a part of the works I am ignorant. From what I have heard, the works above Buck- hom are in good order, and if so, I should think this part of the River a good feeder to the coal-fielels road and to the Chatham road which I suppose will be finished at no very distant day. It has occurred to me that those two corporations ought to feel a deep interest in preserv ing these works and hence I am thinking of making Genl Cox. and H. L. Myrover, the presidents of these roads two of the directors of the C. F. & D. R. Nav. Co. I had also been thinking of making you and such other person as you may suggest, the other two. It would be attended with some trouble for you for which you would find no other compensation than the consciousness of contributing something in keeping alive an enterprise in which you have always felt a deep interest and the free travel on all the roaels which I believe is always accorded to directors in all the public works. Let me hear from you at large on this subject at an early day. P. S. I am in deep water, trying to counteract a con certed scheme to prejudice the State and fix the military on us, by proving by ex-parte statements and petitions that^Ae.Joyal jnen (so-called) cannot have justice in our Courts.. Our present military Commandant, Gen. Robin son, has had out and probably has out now, military sub ordinates, taking and reporting to him affidavits and state< ments to establish this fact. Gen. Grant's order of July 1/66 enjoining ou all officers in the States lately in re- Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 7 1 7 hellion, to arrest all persons guilty of offenses of \\hich our Courts have taken no cognizance and hold them in custoely until a proper judicial tribune shall be reaely and willing to try them, which seems to contemplate no war rant or preliminary trial and to allow no bail, treats these states are still on martial law. Gen. Robinson claims in official letters to me that the military has the right to de cide whether our judges fail to discharge their duty anel to depose any of the civil authorities of the State. I have addressed a strong remonstrance to the President. I am not over confident that he will disapprove these assump tions of niilitary domination over us. My time and capacity to manage the difficulties surrouneling me are heavily taxed. I think I am maintaining the dignity of my position with due regard to prudence. [P. S.J All prospect of opposition to me is narrowed elown to Gen. Cox, in the contingency that the Holdenites bring forward no candidate. He is confident of beating me single-handed, because he was a soldier aud secession ist. I know no man of standing who encourages him and no journal (save Progress and Standard) which would support him. PiTTSBORO. To J. A. Butner. Raleigh Aug 1 1866. I herewith return to you as requested your interesting letter on the subject of grape culture and wine-making in North Carolina, and feel complimented by your design to address your communication on the subject, to me. Your design is a truly praiseworthy one and you have 718 North Carolina Historical Commission. my heartiest good wishes for a successful issue in your efforts to help our poor old State. I authorise you to use my name as you propose. — WlIITEVILLE. From B. 8. Hedrich. Washington, D. C. Aug. 1, 1866. Yours of the 30th is received. Col. Wheeler and my self "harmonize" and although I did not, until your ex planation, understand the matter fully, still I was very willing that the Col. take charge of the Land Scrip matter. For the trouble was I think with the Commissioner of the Land Office, who was not pushing the matter as he should, and" with him I believe Col. Wheeler would be able to exert more influence than I could. I do not believe the Sec. of the Interior was in fault at all. In fact I know he was not. But the Com, of the Land Office, when I saw him, had by far too much to say about the "State Agent", and seemed rather cross. The present acting Commissioner is an old friend of Col. Wheeler, and the matter is as safe in his hands as it could be in any ones. P. S. I have a letter from Starbuck, who says that so far as Forsythe is concerned, the Courts in no way favor "Secesh" against the Union men. A few rowdy rebs at tempted to prevent the celebration of the 4th of July, by the Union men in Salem. But in the end the Union men came off the victors, and the rebs, had to knock under. If there is any grounds for complaint, I judge it is more likely to be iu Stokes than any of the counties this (East) side of the mountains. When I was in Davidson last winter there were some complaints that the Union men were more hardly dealt by than the rebels for offenses com mitted before the end of the war. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 719 To William A. Allen. Raleigh Aug. 1 1866. \ours of the ISth June was recel some time ago. I was Difficulties of ws . ^ position. unprepared, without a good deal of investigation and [word illegible] then to answer the legal question you pro pounded. I deferred answering hoping I should soon find leisure to prepare an answer which could be of any ser vice to you. As often happens in cases of such [postpone ment] I find my answer has been too long delayed. Since the coming here of the new military commandant I have been beset by embarrassing difficulties of the worst char acter, requiring the exercise .of all my faculties, mental and physical. I regret I have not time to give you particulars. The tendency of his measures has been to impeach the im partiality of our Courts and juries and hence to prove the necessity of a continuance of the military and of martial law. One of the agencies employed by him is the sending out of military subordinates to take ex parte statements from malcontents, which they reduce to writing and report to their superior. Other movements of like character warrant the suspicion that a concerted effort is being made to make the impression that men loyal to the U. S. govemment, cannot have justice in our Courts. The delicate and important correspondence, which this state of things has imposed, and which is at present inexpedient to publish, together with the innumerable duties growing out of our anomalous condition, superadded to the ordi nary duties of the Executive, all which I have been per forming with no increase of clerical aid beyond what has been employed for forty years past, requires the con stant exercise of all my faculties. I say this much as an apology for my apparent neglect. I doubt whether the land tax imposed on us during the war can be legally exacted — ^but this is a legal ques tion requiring legal learning and research. As to the 720 North Carolina Historical Commission. former, I make not much pretension; and the routine of official duty leaves me no time for the latter. Kenansville. To D. F. Caldwell. Raleigh Aug. 2 1866. Personal relations Your of the 31, distiugiushed for the frankness which always characterises you, astonishes me beyond any thing I can remember in my past life. Oppressed as I am with many matters of grave import which I deem it inexpedient to give to the press and which I would gladly explain to you in a personal interview, I cannot methodically review your letter. You recount your steady adherence to me through an humble career of almost universal evil report: — I have rarely had the fortune to be in good report. Your recital is true. None of it has escaped my memory. I acknowl edge fully the claims you have on my gratitude. What you think of yr suggesting some scheme for the revisal of the same scheme that I established with personal dis courtesy to you is an unbecoming solicitude to secure my re-election. I have a very indistinct recollection of the circumstances. I had regarded you as I do one of my own household. I had felt so entirely incapable of treating you improperly that I never thought of taking pains to avoid acts capable of misconstruction. I expected, if you thought I did wrong you would have pointed out my error to me, before you complained to others. You say in effect that I have exhibited kindness and consideration for my late political opponents anel have given you and my old friends the cold shoulder: — that I have exhibited anxiety to prevent a contest with a secessionist opponent. — that my appointments excepting Mendenhall and Kerr, have ignored our old political friends and exhibited an undue leaning to those who formerly traduced and abused Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 721 me: that my action iu relation to the public works of the State, are not in accordance with my previous profession. Notwithstanding all these evieleuces of want of princij^le and unworthy subserviency, you assure me you are still my friend. My dear Sir, if I am guilty of all these things I deserve to have no friends, any where ou this green earth, If I have acted, as you suppose, as to aid the secessionists to override and trample upou Union men I do not de serve to be treated with consideration by any man. These errors that you impute to me are so numerous and stated iu such generalities that it would take a reply of inordinate length to answer all of them and it would take a wide review to meet the intimation that in the ex ercise of my patronage I have aided a "miserable old sul len aristocratic clique to continue their sway in N. C. forever" — I cannot conjecture to what action of mine you refer. ' You certainly do not refer to my Board of Internal Improvement — ^Winston and Ramsey, according to my in formation, are anel have been as consistent Whigs and Union men as my friend D. F. Caldwell of Guilford — Mendenhall you admit as one of the only two exceptions where I do not deserve censure. Major Husted was an old Whig — ^never a Secessionist — So also Stephen D. Pool. The latter entered the army — ^but always and now con demns secession. Surely you do not belong to that pro scription class who would exclude from confidence all who aided the South after rebellion commenced. If so, the teste oath is right, and the latest constitutional amend ment and the radical Congress are right — all which I be lieve you condemn as I do. This disposes of the most im portant of my appointments. — You cite the appointment of Kerr as the other excep tion to the general rule of my conduct. As to the appointment of Directors on the R. Rs. — I uSrectors*'^ °^ appointed two democrats on the N. C. R. R. — One on the Vol. 2—5 722 North Carolina Historical Commission. A & N. C. R. R.— not one on the R. & G. Road— and, I think, only one on the W. N. C. R. R. — I am not certain as to the last — I confided much in Simonton and Ramsey as to this road, and have no personal acquaintance with some of the appointees Now if I violated in these nomi nations any principles I have ever professed, either in a political or a business point of view, I have not perceived it. — I have always maintained that the appointment of Directors should not be a political one — that fitness for the discharge of the duties should be primary — if all my appointments had been of my own political stripe I would have been justly suspected of abandonment of principle. The democrats on the N. C. R. R. are Berry, an old origi nal stockholder and early director — and decided anti-seces sionist — and Strange, a secessionist of mild stripe. I deemed the Wilmington stockholders, who had contributed so largely to the original stock, as having strong claims to a Director. I requested Mr. Wright, D. G. Parsley and Mr. Cowan to ascertain who would be acceptable to the Wilmington stockholders. I preferred he would be a dem ocrat, as little objectionable as possible — They fixed on Strange. — Various railroad You allude to the doer of odd jobs at the shops. I in- matters. fer that Dr. Moore is some way connected with the Moore to whom I referred iu my R. H. Report of 1859. If so I am not informed of it. He was strongly recommended to me by men whom you respect as well as I. He owned stock, not acquired to qualify him — lived at the point where a director ought to live, etc. He was anti-seces sion, my friend, etc. If I could have made a less excep tional appointment in Alamance, I know not who is the man. I appointed my old friend Coffin proxy for the State. He is and has been all the time, as I believe, as much opposed to secession and disunion as you or I. — You do not even include Lassiter and Bond with Menden hall and Kerr. — But for your merciless denunciations of all my appointments (save Kerr and Mendenhall) I Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 723 should have counted confidentially- in your approval of the nominations of Means, Roberts, Gilmer and Turner. I know not your objections to them anel I cannot defend my action. You sjDeak of my having "ignored my old aud tried friends. I cannot conceive how I am justly obnoxiems to this charge. The appointment of Aelgt. Genl falls within your broael terms of censure. I am greatly surprised at it. I thought the nomination was universally acceptable. I presume you do not refer to a matter of so little im portance as aids — ^nor can I believe that you refer to my nomination of men, to manage without pay, our misman aged Lunatic Asylum. I do not believe a fitter board can be constituted for the purpose. I never knew a time when I would have made such appointments with any reference to the political .stripe of the appointees. I know you candidly believe what you have -written. I hope on a re-^-iew of the whole circumstances you will conclude you have misconceived or misconstrued my ac tions. If my views as to public men and public measures have undergone any change, I am unconscious of it, or if any of my acts warrant or even give color for commentary, I do not perceive it. If I can be made to suspect that lust of office, has made me subservient and cringing — and dis courteous to an old friend and as regardless of my politi cal views as you suppose. I will at once withdraw my name as a Candidate for Govr. or any pretension to public honor or even personal consideration. I assure you that I am distressed that I should have done any thing capable of the construction that I feel less cordial towards you than I ever did. I would not be more surprised if my brothers were to charge me with coldness and ingratitude. — A concerted effort is being made by military officers in this State, by traveling about and taking ex-parte state ments, to prove that our laws 'are not impartially adminis tered. We have men among us, aiding in this scheme, 724 North Carolina Historical Commissio.n. and getting petitions addressed to the Military Com mandant of the State and the Prest. of the U. S., charging that Union men are oppressed in the adminstration of our laws. The object is to show the necessity of keeping in the State force enough to protect Union men. I enter tain no doubt that these imputations are unfounded, and am doing my best to counteract the attack upon the ad ministration of Justice. I have no idea on what you rest your assertion as to my extreme anxiety to avoid a contest with a Secession Competitor. I am not aware of nesting or exhibiting such anxiety. I had the vanity to hope I was administering the government of the State as satisfactorily to our people as could be expected, — and have thought it the wish of the people that I should serve another term — and that many evils would grow out of a contest — and hence I hoped there would be no opposition : but if you have taken a fair view of my administration, I do not deserve a con tinuance of popular favor, or of personal respect among good men. — But I deny emphatically that I have been anxious or that I have done — or abstained from doing any thing to avoid a Secessionist being run against me. There were many good men of the same political faith as myself. who voted against me in the last election. I have taken some pains to satisfy them, by fair and legitimate means. [P. S.J Your request that your letter be regarded as confidential shall be strictly observed. Greensboro. To James M. McGowan. Raleigh, Aug. 2 1866. Yours of the 13th inst. was duly received. An extra ordinary press of official dutes has prevented an earlier reply. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 725 You state a case of extreme hardship but your trouble grows out of your omission to plead and exhibit your license at the trial. I have uo authority to offer the money refunded to you, — nor has any other officer of the State the right to do so. You have my sympathy but I have not the power to give you the relief you ask. Smithville. From William P. Bynum.^ Lincolnton, Aug. 3, 1866. Your correspondeneie with General Robinson, including conditions in Wcstsm North the report of Major Frank Vr alcott, one of the military Carolina. commissoners sent to investigate alleged persecutions of Union men was handed me by Judge Shipp for my con sideration. Maj. Walcott's investigations were confined to the Counties of Watauga, Caldwell and Burke. These three counties constitute a part of the circuit of which I am prosecuting officer, and the reflections cast upon the ad ministration of Justice in those counties call for some notice by the officer chosen by the State to enforce the ad ministration of the criminal law. The official report of the military commissioner makes a general charge that in these counties Union men are pursued with "malicious persecutions", while they have little hope of justice, and the courts of law are so closed against them that they make no effort to obtain redress. I believe that Maj. Walcott is greatly in error both as to his facts and his conclusions. ' William P. Bynum had been a Whig lawyer of Kutherford until 1861 when he entered the Confederate army, rising to the rank of Colonel. He resigned in 1863 to become Solicitor of the mountain district. In 1865 he was elected to the convention and later to the State Senate. He became a staunch Republican, and in 1873 suc ceeded Nathaniel Boyden upon the Supreme Court bench, where he remained until 1878. 726 North Carolina Historical Commission. 1. His facts as to Watauga County. He charges that a barbarous murder was committed upon Austin Coffee by the "Home Guards" which passed unnoticed — "no steps were taken to prosecute them." Answer. A homicide is believed to have been committed on Coffee, but it is untrue that "no steps were taken to prosecute them". The grand jury made a presentment for mureler against all the parties implicated, and it being impossible to procure the witnesses to the same term of the Court, they are summoned to the Fall Term in the regular course of the Court and the parties will be pros ecuted as all other cases of the kind. I should violate all judicial propriety iu prejudging the case by declaring be fore trial, that it was a "murder under circumstances of the most revolting barbarity". Caldwell County. 1. It is charges by the report of Maj. Walcott that Wil liam Blalock is indicted for the murder of John Boyd, done since the war. The report declares that Blalock had been in the U. S. service, that he carefully examined the case and "a clearer case of justifiable homicide could not be made out", yet "it is believed that an unprejudiced trial could not be had, etc". The report admits that the homicide was since the war, does not allege that it grew out of the discharge of any military duty or order on the part of Blalock. So it is simply an indictment against a citizen for killing another citizen of the State in'time of peace. Whether it is a case of "clear justifiable homicide" is for the Courts to de termine upon svjorn testimony and the laws of the land. 2. David Moore. Indicted for stealing bacon. The "report" charges that he was a Union man and was with U. S. soldiers when the bacon -was taken and that it was probably his own which had been taken a short time be fore by "rebels." Answer. If the bacon was taken by U. S. soldiers un der orders and Moore merely present, it is clearly not lar ceny or any offence at all, and if any such evidence is pro- Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 727 duced on trail, the case will certainly not be further pros ecuted. But the evidence submitted to me was quite the contrary and made out a case of lareeuey or forcible tres pass. David Moore never complained to me or the granel jury, as I am advised, of any criminal wrong; if he had, the grievance would have been examined in due course of Law. 3. A man named Benson and two others are indicted in Watauga for highway robbery from the person of Mrs. Jonathan Horton, a most respectable lady. Col. Carr of the "Commission", reports that he was of the Union army and ordered to impress horses, and thereunder too Mrs. Horton's. Answer. The evidence before me was, that if he ever belonged to the army he had deserted, and the robbery was under no authority but for his own private gain and done under circumstances of wanton outrage and cruelty. If on trial his claim of authority, etc., should prove true, he will be acquitted. Burhe County. ]\Iaj. Walcott reports that many com plaints were made to me as Solicitor, by Union people, of wrongs and outrages, but that no steps were taken to re dress them. Answer. The statement is not true, as far as I am con cerned. In every instance w'here complaint was made to me of a violation of the criminal law, I sent a bill to the grand jury, if witnesses were at hanel, and if not at hand, I had them summoned to the succeeding Court. Whether complainants had been Union people or not, I never in a single instance, enquired. The only enquiry with me was, had the parties violated the law. I am not apprised that the grand jury acted differently, tho' upon that, I have no knowledge. Maj. Walcott aud Col. Carr reported that in the Su perior Court of Caldwell, there were 180 true bills and 165 were against Union men! ! Surely these gentlemen 728 North Carolina Historical Commission. are mistaken. I hnow they are! The records of the Court will show that I sent less than J^O bills and some of these were ignored. Whether they were against Union or dis union men, I am not informed; all I know is that they were sent against alleged violators of the laws. In some counties, Burke for instance, bills were ignored by the grand jury, which the evidence before me, I thought, required the jury to find "true bills", but the jury were the judges of the credibilty of the testimony and I presume they were governed by that. I do not think any bill was ignored where the credibility of the witness was beyond question. Whether the ignored bills were against Union citizens or not, I am not informed. It may be proper to state that an ordinance of our Convention saves from criminal prosecution all citizens who were in the Civil or Military service of the State or Confederate States for any act done in the proper dis charge of the duties imposed on them by any authority purporting to be a law of the State or Confederate Gov-- ernment, but not from indictment on account of any im proper or illegal execution of the law imposing such du ties. See Ord. ratified 18 Oct. 1865. I have strictly obeyed this law and have indicted no one who has acted properly in discharge of duties thus imposed. At the same time and in justice to the other side I have not knowingly indicted any one who acted in the proper discharge of any civil or military authority conferred upon him by the laws of the U. S. If any of the latter class stand indicted (I think there are none) it is by mistake and it thus appearing on trial, they will be promptly acquitted. So soon after the termination of the war, it is natural that there should be some bitterness of feeling and under such influences, that there should be occasional acts of wrong and injustice in making indictments and present ments. But when such cases come before the Judges and Juries of the Country, I am convinced that not a solitary Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 729 instance has occurred where parties have been convicted. even from the "staudpoint" of the "Military Commis sion". I speak from my own district. The further charge that Union men cannot obtain justice I kunw to be untrue. I have brot. suit in many instances in Mc Dowell and Watauga, for Union men, for wrongs suffereel by them as much, and in every instance have obtained complete redress, where cases have been acted upou. I am convinced that such will continue to be the case. So it has been in all indictments tried for criminal offences against them. If they suffer wrong (which I cannot say they do) it is confined to these preliminary steps, or ac cusations before grand juries. Such cases are never suc cessfully prosecuted before the -Judges and learned officers of the law. I do not believe that there is much bitterness of feel ing among the people, except in a few localities in Wa tauga, Caldwell, Burke and Polk, and if the laws of the State are left to the impartial aelministration of its own officers, I believe that discontent -will soon subside in those localities. But if the people are taught to believe that they cannot obtain justice in their own courts and by their own laws, and that they can obtain their rights and their claims only before strange arbitrary tribunals un- kno-wn to our laws the danger and mischief that will re sult, can hardly be over estimated. In regard to the number of bill of indictments in Cald well County, I have said that I sent less than 40. It is probable that the error of the Military Commissioners in part, were from confounding the number of bills, with the number of men in the bills. A greater number of persons than 40 are probably indicted, as many are for riots, forci ble trespass, etc., and the same individuals are often in several bills. . It is probable that many are against Union men, some may be malicious, some false. These things occur in all periods of our legal history, and this, if true, is not an isolated or exceptional case. But these accusa- 730 North Carolina Historical Commission. tions by ex parte complaint, are not to be confused with trial and conviction before the appointed tribunals, when the accused and accuser are confronted by their witnesses and counsel. That any wrongful convictions have been made, is, I believe, not alleged. From B. S. Hednch. [^Fragment of letter.] Aug 3d 1866. Character of the the wilf ul and sworu fidelity intending to violate their oath opposition. -^ ° by cherishing the rebellion. It has been the desire of President Johnson to secure union and harmony between the people in each State and between those of all the States, by as far as possible bury ing the past. With this design he has been liberal in granting pardons to those who acknowledged their faults and swore fidelity to the Govt. But the way matters are going in the South, all the peaceful efforts of the President are being brought to naught. The very men who have so solemnly sworn allegiance are ever seeking opportunity to insult the Union men, and falsify their own oaths by rebel demonstrations. If only the men who elo these things were involved, I would not complain. But the result will be to keep the South in a perpetual state of War against the Govt. The demonstration at Warren Springs is a rebel celebration designed to honor rebels because they were rebels to honor Lee for acts which he himself has acknowl edged with an oath were wrong, and for which he has sought pardon. If he had done no wrong he would have had nothing to ask pardon for. It seems to me that the editorial management of the Sentinel must be a perfect babel. It is a perfect mixture of rebel, incendiary, Union, loyal, and every other sort of sentiment kno-wn among men. But for the Sentinel, the knaves and charlatans of the Standard and kindred sheets would die out for lack of food. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 731 From L. L. Clements and J. Peace. Hamilton, Martin Co., N. C. August 6th 1860. Being frequently asked the question if negroes were al lowed to carry firearms (a rery common practice in this community) and not knowing of any Law to the contrary I have thought I would refer to you for information. Knowing if I reed, my instructions from Head Quarters I should be right, in our little county I should not be at all surprised if there were 200 negroes -with arms which the Free Negroes before the war would not have been al lowed to carry. Your early answer to this obliges my neighbors and your obedient servant. To B. S. Hedrich. Raleigh Aug 6 1866. The fact you state that the North will regard as evi- Desu-e to avoid . . - anything tending dence of rebellious feeling here, the proposed demonstra- to alienate the ° ' -^ sections. tion in Warren on the occasion of erecting a monument over the gTave of Genl. [Lee's] daughter, is decisive of my action. I desire to avoid participation in any proceeel- ing of mere feeling, which is likely to receive, with or without, reason, a construction tending to keep up aliena tion between the sections. I had not supposed that demon strations of respect for Genl Lee, furnished any evidence of disloyalty to the U. S. That nearly all the people of the South respect Genl Lee for his personal virtues and admire him as a great military man, it would be hypocrisy to deny: — and they do not regard the cherishing of these feelings as incompatible with their oath of allegiance to the U. S. — I go not into the discussion of this question whether it is reasonable to expect that the South is bound to regard its military leaders in the great rebellion as fel ons and treat them accordingly: — Certainly many good 732 North Carolina Historical Commission. men, as ardently desirous as you or I to restore the Union on the basis of mutual respect and cordiality, do not re gard Genl Lee as a traitor in the odious sense of this term — They think they may cherish respect — even affec tion for him — with entire compatibility with the most steadfast adhesion to the Union. I deem it my duty, however, in a matter of this sort, to respect Northern sentiment, whether sentiment be reason able or unreasonable, and upon your representation I deem it improper for me to participate in the proposed celebra tion which, independent of this, I could not attend, on ac count of the pressure of my official duties. — I sent to Thos. J. Wilson, of Forsythe the copy of the petition you sent me. I inclose a copy of his answer. The petition has not been referred to me by the President. Washington, D. C. To D. F. Caldwell. Raleigh Aug. 6 1866. Reasons for Yovl are mistaken in some of your facts. Lassiter was appointment of _ '' Directors. appointed by me — Mordecai was not. — Dick was not over looked on account his having voted for Holden. I have the kindest regard for him. His name did not appear on the books as owning any stock — J. A. Gilmer had labored more than any body else to start the road. I never heard that he felt, much less exhibited hostility to you. He is the opposite of a vindictive man. You mention my omis sion to re-appoint King. In public speeches last Fall he denounced me as a Secessionist. My friends would de nounce me if I had appointed a man who thus slandered me. I recommended him as Collector of the port of New bern and my recommendation was effective. You say I have made "a clean sweep of all these men in office." I am persuaeled you did not remember that I re-appointed Lassiter, Ramsey ancl Boyden, the onlj' appointees of Mr. COEEESPONDENCE OF JONATHAN WoRTH. 733 Holden who held stock and were otherwise fit men. — I have not time to tell you why Thomas was unfit. I am sure I can satisfy you he was unfit — If I know myself, you are mistaken as to entertaining unkind feelings to just men who preferred Holden to Vance or to me. I think my actions do not warrant the conclusion — and I know nothing to be more unwarranted than the idea that I ever felt a moment's alienation towards you. Greensboro. From Council Wooten.^ Newbern, August 6th 1866. I have learned since mv arrival at this place that there Appointment of \ _ ^ Collector at Xew appears to be unfair dealing in regard to the office of col- J^^m. lector of customs at this Port. I see it stated iu the papers that R. W. King Esqr of Lenoir County had been ap pointed to that office and to my surprise I have learned since my arrival that a petition is being circulated to have a Mr. McleRoy the present Deputy Collector appointed to that office. I am stiU more surprised since Mr. King has sho-wn me a telegram from Washington City stating that Mr. Fuller the present Collector is to be retained. That some unfair means is being used against Mr. King to pre vent his receiving the appointment I have advised Mr. King to apply to you to use your influence with the Presi dent that he may have justice done him in procuring the appointment. I take great pleasure in writing to you and to urge upon you to use all your influence to procure the appointment for Mr. King, as I have known him from a child up and I know him to be well qualified to fill the office as he is honest and industrious and his integrity can not be doubted by those that is acquainted with him. And ' Council Wooten, of Lenoir county, was a great friend of Jonathan Worth. He had frequently been a member of the Legislature before 1860. 734 North Carolina Historical Commission. as to his Loyalty I know that he was always opposed to the war and was a strong Union man throughout the whole war as him and myself have had several bitter contest during the war he opposing the war myself advocating of it and the right of secession. I have merely written you this letter as an act of Jus tice to Mr. King and I hope that you will see that Justice may be done him. To Thomas C. Fuller. Raleigh Aug. 7th 1866. Genl. Robinson verbally assures me, that he will express his disapproval and restore the mare to the possession of the law, if the accounts are not varied by a report from Capt. Hodge. He deems it proper to give Capt. Hodge an opportunity to be heard before he issues his orders. He avers that his officers had taken jurisdiction of this case before the issuing of his order recognizing the juris diction of our Courts and upon the proof made, approves Capt. Hodge's decision. He says he is at much loss as I am as to the bill of costs and will require an explanation. I have brought the subject before him in official form and in due season will have an official answer — ^but deemed it best to have a personal conference. In this way col lisions can sometimes be avoided, without compromising my personal or official dignity. To E. Piermont. Raleigh Aug. 7 1866 Federal appoint- Yours of the 3rd inst. is received. ments. I was requested in June last, by letter from the Assist Sec. of the Treasury to nominate a suitable person as Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 735 "assessor of the 1st Dist. of No. Car. in place of R. Pier mont." The letter is before me. I had not heard nor have I yet heard any thing to your prejudice either as au offi cer or individual — and diel not know whether you had re signed and did not know and had not heard how the va cancy had occurred or was expected to occur. I proceeded to make the inquiries necjessary to enable me to comply with the request, and as the result of such inquiry rec ommended Jas. R. Parker, of Perquimmons, whose ap pointment, I think, has been confirmed by the Senate. The first letter reed by me from the Assistant Sec. of the Treasury requested me to nominate an Assessor for the 2nd District. I -will inclose copy of the letter on which I acted. You will perceive that you have no cause to complain of me. I have done nothing in the slightest degree to cause your removal and have no information in relation to the subject not herein set forth. Elizabeth City. To P. C. Holmes. Raleigh, Aug. 8 1866. Yours of the 2 -ard inst. was reed in due season. It Regarding the return of horses. would have been more promptly answered but for the ex-- treme pressure of still graver duties. I interposed last spring and got from Genl. Ruger a modification of the order from Washington in relation to the horse question. First. He ordered that no citizen should be employed in collecting horses. This saved our people from the prying search of mean neighbors. Second. He ordered that no more horses branded C. S. should be taken after a date, now long past, without special orders from head quarters here. This saved to our people a vast number of horses and mules. 786 North Carolina Historical Commission. Third. He ordered that no unbrauded horses should thereafter be seized. This put a stop to the whole busi ness. The unbrauded horses the captors could sell and pocket the proceeds. No body would buy the unbrauded. As soon as the chance to steal passed away, they did not care to be troubled and generally quit taking any. As I understand your letter they are only collecting in yr County the horses and mules branded U. S. If so, I can give no relief, if the persons are acting by authority. The orders by Genl Ruger, I caused to be pubKshed. They are still in force. If they are being disregarded let me know by whom they are disregarded and I will appeal to the military commandant to stop it. I am gratified to learn from your letter that my efforts to serve the State meet the approval of the people of Samp son. My late competitor is much less potent for mischief than he was a year ago. He is still doing us vast mischief abroad, and some at home by representing our distressed people as still rebellious — and our Courts as refusing jus tice to Union men: — Genl Grant's order of July 1 — and many of the acts of Genl Sickles and Genl Robinson fill me with apprehension. Clinton. From D. F. Caldwell. Greensboro, N. C. August 9 1866. Outlining his Ou my return from Randolph Court I found your let- reasons for dissatis- -^ "^ faction. ter of the 6 inst., which requires a few words of reply on my part. You constantly affirm that it was not your pur pose to treat me with indifference or disrespect and so I must conceed notwithstanding all appearence and taunts of my political enemies. You also avow that you have ever treated with due regard and respect, such persons, as were known and hated by the Secessionists for their desire to do something, if possible to terminate the law war, iu the Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 737 way of Negotiations. Well I will not call iu question your word But this I -will say. If there be one of your old po litical friends, who has taken any part in politics, has re ceived any countenance or respect in this county, or any other that I know of, except Coffin I have not been able to call him to mind — I mean your friends during the war — You have lavished your favors upon Vance men and anti-Worth men — during the war Boydeu, Ramsey and I believe Coffin and Kerr were all Vance to the last. In making these remarks I do not wish to be understood as advocating the claims of Holden men per see. I am not — for there were many that supported him as a necessity that were true and honest men and either gave you a direct or insidental suport and deserved better treatment than they have received. I do not alude to offices or salaries, etc. I mean respectful consideration and some little courtesy and kindness from you and your appointees. You seem to think that Dr. Ramsey, N. Boyden Mr. Coffin were the only men in Rowan that are embraced in the true con servative rank. In this you are mistaken. By the by the County of Rowan, as well as that of Orange, seems to be peculiarly fortunate in securing appointments from all quarters. Ramsey, Boyden D. A. Davis, Cejffin, Murdoch Finley and I know not how many more. While Orange has Berry (A stockholder and original friend of the work &c. And my friend Turner (an original friend and stockholder). Webb — an original friend and stockholder and P. B. Ruffin another original friend and stockholder and I know not how many more of the same sort. I do not care to examine the list in Guilford. I will remark only that unless Mr. Gilmer has recently purchased stock — he holds but little if any if you had examined the books — . do Strange, Turner, Mewre, Berry — not more at any rate than Dick — I am aware that you appointed Mr. Lassiter But such were the nature of the other appointments as to oust him and Thomas and all others who had been Vol. 2—6 738 North Carolina Historical Commission. appointed not because they had been Holden men, but be cause they were known as union men. That is the point I make. I soUemnly believe as I kuow it to be the case that there has been and is a conspiracy on the part of the secessionists and the ultra old line War Whigs to brand and stagmatize in every way possible, all such men as sympa thized and acted with you during the war and if possible degrade them for the part they took in endeavoring to bring the late unfortunate war to an amicable close. And here is my complaint and I assert that it is well founded. You have given them no aid, countenance, encouragement or suport in any way whatever in this county at least. On the other hand every thing has been done and is doing that could or can be done to disgrace us in the estimation of our constituents. And candor compells me to say I have heard similar complaints from others. As for myself per-' mit me this one time to speak freely — I never asked any one for an appointment — nor do I ever expect to — nor did or do I deserve any But when I call to my mind whose sons it was that insulted and assaulted me — and how I have been denounced by certain men. And how they and I have differed as to your personal character, etc., I can but feel contempt for some of these and great surprise at the course of others. Every effort has been made to bold me and others out as radicals and to induce the world to believe that certain persons in this and other latitudes are the most conservative in the State. Whereas it is well known that there are not any more ultra haters in the State. But my dear Sir I hope to be able to survive all the efforts of my personal and political enemies to consign me aud my personal and political friends to Oblivion. I have said what I have simply in reply to your letters. I assure you that I have no malice — though I have, as I consider been most shamefully treated by some "But let the hungry gray hounds snarl and snap" for their dirty grub, so their teeth touch not". One -other matter You say that if you have acted as I have charged you do not Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 739 deserve any suport — ^Well that may be so provided the times had not become so wonderfully out of joint. I freely admit that ingratitude is a great sin — but it has been so fashionable of late for politicians to do most anything that may be expediant that I shall not hold you to a strict ac count, however justly this might be done Perhaps the only reason that I have for complaint is this that I expected Jonathan Worth to act the man and patriot a little more than the former, mousing trucklers who had filled the Ex ecutive chair of this State had done — and he has not come up to the mark exactly. I am free to admit that you have done about as well as your predecessors in making your ap pointments except in one respect. I will go further aud say probably you have done as well as any one yet here after, hence I declared my purpose unless some cause for change is given, to suport you at the next election but surely if you and your particular friends do not deserve it I will in self respect refrain from bestowing it upon you. This was my purpose before you wrote to me informing me of Genl. Gihner's statement of coolness to you, etc. Your relations are all well in Ashboro and the Messrs. Jiickson and Robins all kept busy. I left Genl. Leach lying dangerously ill. He had a very severe congestive chill on Monday night and Dr. Worth said if he had an other such he would die, but he succeeded in keeping it off and 'tis now hoped he -will survive. From J. J. Jachson. AsHEBORO August 9th 1866. I -write vou a line to give vou some account of thinsrs Reorganization of ' ° - o the Red Strings. here. I. I saw Andrew Bums on Monday morning. You are well acquainted with his character. He seemed to be very willing to talk. Said the "Red String" association was undoubtedly reorganized — ^that a short time since he 740 North Carolina PIistorical Commission. had a short talk with some man formerly a justice of the peace — that this man stated to him that Holden had been over to Washington City and returned and had sent them up certain resolutions, etc., etc., that no person could ex pose them — new signs, etc., etc. — further that Lindsay Cox had told him a short time before the election that he, Cox, was going to a large meeting of the order to be held that morning at New Salem, etc., etc. It is a significant fact that New Salem went for the Constitution by a vote of 140 or 150 to 1. James Page says they are undoubtedly reorganized and organizing in his section and that he hears the objects of the order are to elect Union men to office and for mutual protection. If any of their number are indicted they will try and get on the jury, being sworn to acquit — or they will be witnesses for him and in case of necessity will se cure a Dft of their order by force. He says that they are very strong in Montgomery and that it is a significant fact that the jail of that county has secretly been twice broken. He said moreover that it was understood that Capt. Wil liam Presly against whom I think certain indicts are pending in Montgomery County for stealing cotton, was anxious to be admitted into the order, as a means of pro tection — that he accordingly applied for admission — that the Lodge admitted him and passed a resolution notifying him on that he should be notified to appear at a certain time and place — that in the mean time Presly found out that if he joined them, he would have to swear not to prosecute certain members who had heretofore robbed him and that he accordingly declined joining them, etc. etc. Noah Smatherman says there is no doubt of there being such an organization in this section. Kno-wing that Lewis Parks was a leaky vessel I asked him into my room and had a conversation with him. Page had told me that he was a member of the order. You know the character of Lewis, etc. He was quite Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 741 communicative. I am satisfied that there is a great deal of truth in his statement. He states that there were such organizations — that he was an officer in one of their lodges — ^that there were a number in his section — ^that they already numbered 200 men — that there was a regular organization — however distinct Lodges — then a County lodge, ha-ving the control of all the lodges in the County, then a general State Lodge having the control of all the lodges in the counties. He said they had their regular officers — each lodge a Presi dent, Treasurer, Secretary, and that they had regular com munication? with all the other lodges, etc., in the county, or rather orders would come do-wn from the County Lodges to the various District Lodges. He said that the Lodges even had their La-wyers picked out. He said Sel- lon was a member — that Sheriff Rush was a member, and I grieve to say it, he mentioned Dich as being a member. I asked him what was the object of the S(x;iety. He said that the great object was to secure the election of Union Men to Office. They consider all as war men who sus tained Vance for Govemor. He states moreover that the members could not prosecute each other — ^but were bound to do all they could for mutual protection, and that if any of them were in difficulties or their families in dis tress they were bound to aid them or see them out. I told him I had heard it said, that they were bound to swear for each other, and try and get on the juries, of the county so as to secure each other from punishment, and to secure a member from custody, if need, by force. This he de nied — Said there was nothing of it, etc. I afterwards mentioned to Dich that I heard a certain man who said he was a member of this order, say that he Dick, was also a member — ^that I mentioned it in justice — ^he laughed and said "you mean your question to be in the nature of a 'Bill of Discovery'," "ah", said he, "you will hear it thunder next fall", "you secessionists and lat ter day war men". Scott told me he had heard Dick say 742 North Carolina Historical Commission. when asked who would be your opponent "Well we are waiting, etc., we will have out a man, etc. He says it will be Cox or Logan. By the by, Frank. Caldwell is here this week and complains very grievously of your Railroad appointments. He said he was not against you, etc., but he thought you were completely ignoring all the Union men — that you ought not to consider it a crime for a man to have been an officer under Holden for that you were one, etc. and young Gilmer told me he had secret appren- hensions that he was going over to the Radicals, etc., etc. The constitution has been ratified in this county by over 100 majority as I hear — and I think if .the vote was taken today the majority would be large. Jesse Walker, Dot Jordan, Joel Ashworth and Blair and George Kinly are candidates for the legislature and Wren is spoken of. No doubt there -will be others. I had a conversation with Sheriff Rush. I told him I was going to write to you. He said I might say to you that you would carry the county by a large majority against any body but Settle or Dick — that you would carry the county by a considerable majority against any body, etc.. Said Joel Ashworth was for you and Blair would go for you against anybody but Settle or Dick. Pennel Arnold told me to say to you, he was for you and all his people and all in that section were for you but these Bobbers. Said that George Kinly whose Post Office Avas Hoover Hill, was the great man among them, very suscept- able of flattery, etc., that it would be a good plan for you to adress him a letter in general terms (If you write don't say anything that could be perverted.) He, Arnold, said If you could make a speech some time during the fall at Rush's hill, Ninevah Rush, I think he said, it would do a great deal of good. I omitted to say to you that Parks said every body in his section were for you for Gov. and Sam for the Legis lature. This is nothing, however, Because, if the District Lodges are controlled by the higher lodges, they would Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 743 have no choice. I am still unwilling to believe that Dick is a member though he did not deny it. Gen. Leach is, here — very sick — his recovery at this time, Thursday morning, is regarded as eloubtful. From B. S. Hedrich. Washingto.n, D. C. Augu.-t 9, ISOO. Yours inclosing co]"y of letter eif Tliomas J. Wilson continued ni-feei- 11 • 1 rrii r- -\ r ^TT., log in the State. has been received, ihe statement of Mr. \\ lisou agrees with that I have had from other sources, and he has evi dently endeavored to make a fair statement. There must continue to be irritation and ill feeling, in many neighbor hoods growing out of the past strife. But if those who control public sentiment will only labor to allay irritation, instead of inflaming it, there will be peace by and bye. I hope by another year the old questions of secession and anti-secessie»n will give way to new issues. But just now the main thing i* secure domestic quiet, and give the people a chance to labor and build up their fortunes a lit tle. Holden's course in fomenting elissentious at home, is bad enough. But his continued effort to misrepresent the State abroad is worse, for there are but too many to believe him. I presume it will be kno-wn iu a few days whether there is to be a Lieut. Gov. so that by Sejit. 1, the opposition elements will try to bring forth a candidate. Holdens' plan when he was here was to bring out several candidates — One or two "War men", and a "so-called Union" man or Holdenite. For the last few weeks I am unable to see what he is driving at. But he must soon show his hand anel then it will be time to undermine his plots. The pardons of Judge Caldwell, William Boddie, 744 North Carolina Historical Commission. Froneberger and McNeely were signed yesterday, and I hope will leave here by to-morrow's mail. I saw the Pres ident to-day, but was not able to have much conversation with him. I endeavored to have him take up the matter of the West Point appointment, but he said he could not attend to it now and was afraid he would not have time before the 20th. I will try and see some of the officers of the War Dept. and find out what will be done in regard to all the Southern appointments for West Point. There seems to be a snarl in regard to the revenue of ficers for the 1st Dist. Piermont is here to oppose the appointment of Mr. Parker, on the ground that Parker's endorsers are all rebels. Piermont is particular in speci fying all the "disloyal" acts as he alleges of Col. Ferre- bee, and represents Ferrebee as the person who wants Parker appointed. Piermont is about as inefficient an officer as can be found any where, and in the long run the people will suffer by his inefficiency. To L. Ij. Clements, Esq. Raleigh, Aug. 11th 1866. Law as to the pos- Yours of the 6th iust. is received. I find that Sec. 66 negroes. Chap. 107 Rev. Code, is in force under ours laws, except that the words "persons of color" are substituted for the words "free negroes". According to the laws of this State, therefore, it is a misdemeanor for any free negro or person of color to wear or carry about his person or keep in his house any shot gun, musket, rifie, pistol, sword, dagger or bowie knife, without a license as provided in this section. If this provisions of the 66 Sec. have been repealed by any law of this State, I am not apprised of the act repeal ing it. Whether any of the acts of Congress, (assuming them to be constitutional) operate as a repeal of this sec- Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 745 tion, I cannot say. My executive duties require such con stant application that I have not time to give a critical examination to all the acts. State and National, which have sprung from our new Constitution. It would have been better if you had consulted the Atto. Genl. I will send this letter to him and ask his opinion on the ques tion submitted. From Sion H. Eogers. Raleigh, August Hth 1866. Your remarks and letter to me of 11th inst were re ceived by me this morning, also a copy of the letter of L. L. Clements of date August 6th 1866. In answer I beg leave to say to you that you will find by reference to the ordinances of the late Convention, that Sec. 66, Chap. 107 of Rev. Code is repealed. In reference to the subject matter contained in the com munication of L. L. Clements Esq., I respectfully refer you to the case of the State vs Huntly 3rd Iredell's law 418. To J. M. Whitehurst. Raleigh, Aug. 17 1866. Yours of the 16th ult. has just reached me. You fail to state the name of the negro who insulted Action of Bureau _ ° oEHclals. you — also the place where you were tried and the name of the officer who fined you $50. You say you were ar rested on the 14th and tried on the 16th July. On the 13th July, upon my application Genl Robinson, the Chief of the Freedman's Bureau in this State, issued his orders turning over to the civil Courts of the State, all matters civil and criminal, relating to freedmen, ex cepting contracts for wages witnessed or approved by of- 746 North Carolina Historical Commission. ficers of the Bureau. The officer therefore tried you contrary to orders. If they will grant a transfer to our Courts or an appeal to a higher branch of the Bureau, I presume you will be relieved. If they decline to grant you an appeal or traiisfer let me know when and where the trial took place and w^ho rendered the judgment, and I will try another mode for your relief. I do not gather from your letter what was the offence with which you -were charged. Beaufort. To D. G. Worth. Raleigh Aug. 17/66. * * -Sf * -if ¦» ¦* Roxana's negroes and others are about to steal her out of every thing. Young Sam was convicted and whippeel for stealing one of her beef cattle. Bills were found against Primus and Joshua, his accomplices. They were not captured. She has had another beef stolen — and many hogs — besides many thefts of less consequence. The ten- ents rin the Swamp place, I learn, have made a fine crop. At he Tie and at the Bird place, which was rented to Chas. & Harper, not more than half a crop will be made owing to bad culture. I am distressed to devise the plans best for the management of her affairs. AYe have heard nothing from Mary since I last wrote you. I have had the residue of goods sent up to Sam Jackson to be solel for me. Corrinna came up with me. Dr. Rob erts will come in a few days — I want to get him settled somewhere as apothecary with as little delay as possible. — All well — I see no probability of opposition to my re election. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 747 W. H. Bagley to W. W. Holden. Raleigh, N. C. Aug. 18th 1866. Gov. W. W. Holden, Raleigh, N. C. Dear Sir Your resignation as a Justice of the Peace of Wake County directed to Governor Worth, is herewith returned, the statute (Section 36, Chap. 62, Rev. Code) requiring such resignations to be filed with the County Court Clerk. Very respectfully, Wm. H. Bagley Private Secretary. [Enclosure.] Raleigh, Aug. 17th 1866. His Excellency Gov. Worth Sir: I respectfully ask leave through you to resign my com mission as a Justice of the Peace for the County of Wake. Very respectfully, W. W. Holden. To Allen Jordan. Raleigh, Aug. 20th 1866. Yours of the Sth iust. — post-marked the 16th, is just received. It is almost certain that the new Constitution is rejected. The election for Govr. and members of As sembly is to be held on the third Thursday of October, altogether irrespective of the result as to the ratification or rejection of the amendments to the constitution. Troy. 748 North Carolina Historical Commission. Relating to State and National politics. To Colonel A. J. Dargan. Raleigh, Aug. 21 1866. * -x- ¦» * * ¦» * The Phila. Convention, I trust, is dispelling the clouds of Radicalism. Uncertainty still hangs over the ques tion whether the amended constitution is ratified or re jected. I w^ould write you more at large but am so oppressed with duties that I cannot at present. There seems to be no settled plan of opposition to my re-edection. The last on it from Radical Head Quarters here is to bring out Logan on the mingled programe of White Basis and Radicalism pure. Wadesboro. Requesting a par don for O. W. Kenan. From E. E. Bridgers.^ Tarboro N. C. August 21st 1866. Permit me to ask your kind offices in procuring a par don for Col Owen R. Kenan of Duplin. Col Kenan never held au office until he was elected a member of the Confederate Congress — he declined a re election. He never was in the habit of taking a part in Politics. He was a strong administration man during the first Congress and was a very strong and open Anti- Holden man — and was recommended for suspension. He is as true to countrv as anv man in it. ' Robert K. Bridgers; of Tarboro, was a lawyer of large practice before the war. He was a member of the Legislature in 1844, and from 1856 to 1861. In 1861 he was elected to the Confederate Con gress. After the war he became President of the Wilmington and Weldon Kailroad. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 7 v.) To Sion H. Eogers. Raleigh, August 21st 1866. Two embarrassing questions of the gravest character i^^t^rpreiSiolfof elec present themselves to us, under the Ordinance of the Con vention of the 25th June last, as to counting the votes for the ratification and rejection of the proposed amendments to the Constitution. First — Are we required to open and count the votes on the 29th August (being 20 days after the second Thurs day of August) whether all the returns shall have been received or not — or may we lawfully postpone the count ing to such later period as we may deem reasonable, and receive and count returns which may come to hand after the 29th August and if you hold that we may receive and count returns made after the 29th Augt. how long may we lawfully postpone such counting ? Second — Should it turn out (as we have good reason to believe it will) that some of those returns are made without the Sheriff's having qualified to the same before the Clerk of the County Court as required by the ordin ance, should we count or reject such returns ? The result of the election for or against ratification "will probably turn upon the decision of these questions, and we therefore solicit your well considered opinion on them. We have the honor to be Yours very respectfully, Jonathan Worth, Gov. of N. C. R. W. Best, Sec. of State Ksirp P. Battle, Pub. Treas. the election laws. To Nereus Mendenhall. Raleigh, Aug 24th 1866. I regret that I could not have had a personal conver- poufea°|odaon. sation with you. The imputations made against me by Holden and his followers that I am "playing into the 750 North Carolina Historical Commission. hands of the Secessionists" — "by giving all the offices to them" is untrue — and has not, as I think, any color of truth. Those who make the charges regard all men as secessionists, who cannot take the Congressional test oath. If this were the true definition I should be guilty. I do not rank as secessionists those who have combatted the doctrine at all times and resisted by all means in their power the inception of the war, but whose sympathies were with their own section after the war was begun. If the government is to be administered excluding from office all who sympathized with the South after the war begun, it would not be a Republican Govemment. I allow there is such thing as repentence in politics as well as in reli gion. Those who are now loyal to the govemment ought to be eligible to office, and the electors ought to be the judges who are so repentant. As a general rule the pro fessions of a new convert are to be received with some distrust, until actions shall sustain professions. I al ways abhorred with equal abhorrence the Disunionists of the North and the South. It was the co-operation of those Northem and Southem factionists, with different objects, which involved the nation in war — filled the country with blood and mourning and entailed on us a national debt which must oppress us for generations. That Northem set of Disunionists, as I think, ruled the last Congress, and continued the severance of the Union, after the war had crushed the Southern Disunionists. I have no sym pathy with the leaders in the last Congress any more than I had with the Secessionists of S. C. I never knew an hour when I did not believe that the Union ought to be preserved. I believe there never was a man more devoted to the Union than Andrew Johnson, and as between a vindictive Congress, and the policy of the President, my sympathies are heartily with the latter. My patronage has not been used for the benefit of Se cessionists. The most important office within my gift was that of State Geologist. I gave it to a man, whom I Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 751 believed to be well qualified — who like myself was au en terprising Union Whig and who voted for Holden on the notion of expediency at the time. Your Board consists of three men — all equally oj^posed to Secession but one. Pool — ^^"hen war came, entered the Southern army and fought to the end. He is now as he always has been, op posed to Secession. Ramsey and Winston, my Internal Improvement board, were always and now are as much opposed to Disunion as you are. Of the numerous Directors on the Public Works, I ap pointed one Secessionist out of eight on the A. k N. C. R. R. He was a large original subscriber for the stock. On the N. C. R. R. I appointed one out of eight — at the request of the Wilmington stockholders — -who had sub scribed 1-10 of the stock — On the R. & G. R. R. every one of my appointees were old Union Whigs. — On the W. N. C. R. R., one out of the 8 directors appointed by me was a S?cessionist. The prescriptive spirit which would exclude these men from all these iu the manage ment of their investment in the public works, would be un christian and impolitic. In creating a board to manage a public charity, (the Lunatic Asylum ) I looked for men of intelligence ; leisure — residents here — and distinguished for their personal virtues and benevolence. One of them Govr. Bragg, was a Secessionist and Mr. Mordecai was a strong war man. though a Whig. — They get no pay. The Standard made these appointments the subject of bitter invective. When I become so strong a partisan as to exclude such men from such a board I shall feel bound to exclude them from social intercourse with me. If the meeting at Deep River was for the purpose of nominating delegates to the Sept. Phila. Convention, I regret that you participated in it. A kind feeling per vades the State towards the Quakers. I think at least nine-tenths of the people and nearly all the intelligence 752 North Carolina Historical Commission. of the State are strongly against the Convention and I do not perceive sufficient reason for your arraying the bad feeling of the State against you. I hope such may not have been the object of the meeting or that your action in it may not have been such as to produce prejudice against your Society. The genuine feelings of my heart are expressed in the inclosed circular. , New Garden. To B. S. Hedrich. Raleigh August 25, 1866. In regard to I am urgently pressed to ask the President to grant pardons to Owen H. Kenan, A. T. Davidson and B. S. Gaither, members of the Confederate Congress. I can offer no reasons in favor of these pardons not equally ap plicable to Graham, Turner and Dortch. The members of the Con. Congress and most of those most prominent in this State for the disruption of the Union, have been pardoned: for instance, Wm. Johnson, W. N. Edwards, Geo. Davis, Bridgers, Venable, Arrington, and Lander and Craige was recommended for pardon and I suppose pardoned. I am not informed as to the granting of the latter pardon. I am far from complaining of these par dons. I have no doubt of the loyalty of these men now, but a Union worth preserving cannnot be brought about by continued severity to prostrate men, but I imagine no mode of policy or justice which warrants the discrimina tion which is made. I lately made an urgent appeal by direct letter to the President for the pardon of Graham Dortch and Turner. I have received no response of any sort. This appeal was made some four weeks ago. Whether it is regarded as an officious obstrusion on my part, or was disregarded from this cause I am ignorant. The fact that my appeal was not regarded or unanswered, Corresponde:s,ce of Jonathan Worth. 753 aelmonishes me to offer no further interference in cases where Gov. Holden had recommended suspension or re jection. Can you not get at the President's views. Many of our people whose pardons are withheld, often men in obscure positions and as loyal as any body, but hated by Holden on personal or political account, distress me by their importunity. If the President still regarels Holden as friendly to his administration it is because he does not read his paper. His drift is manifest. He recommends the adoption of the Howard amenelment, throws cold wa ter on the Phila. Convention — encourages the appoint ment of delegates to the contemplated counter conven tion. He hopes again to get into power by the success of the Radicals and the overthrow of civil govt, of this State. I think the President, as an act of justice and of policy, ought to pardon all or very nearly all the pe titioners from this State. Washington, D. C. To C. B. Denson. Raleigh Aug. 25 1866. Your polite invitation to attend the commencement ex ercises of yeiur Academy has been reed. I deem in my duty to do every thing I can personally and officially to advance the spirit of education in this State, and will endeavor to be with you on Thursday night, if possible. — I shall be delayed here all of Wednes day (and possibly Thursday) on indispensable official business (counting and reporting the votes on Ratifica tion or rejection of the proposed new Constitution). PiTTSBORO. Vol. 2—7 754 North Carolina Historical Commission. From Sion H. Eogers. Raleigh August 25th 1866. The communication of N. N. Adams Clerk of North hampton County Court referred to me by you has been received and upon examination I consider that Thomas G. Tucker is still a Justice of the Peace and entitled to discharge all the functions of that office. From. Colonel William G. Moore. Executive Mansion, Washington D. C. August 26 1866 I am reminded, by an inquiry of the President, that I failed to comply with his directions to notify you of his order of the 19th inst, for the release of Tolar, Powers and Watkins. I regret that in my desire to see that there was no delay attending the transmission of the order to the War Department, I omitted to give you prompt no tice of the President's action. It is true that the news papers, on the succeeding day, proclaimed the release of the prisoners; but the great interest you had taken in their case made it but just and proper that you should have been formally notified of the success of your efforts iu their behalf. From B. S. Hedrich. Washington, D. C. Aug. 27, 66. Pardon matters. I cauuot find any papers on file for the pardon of R. K. Jones of Wake. If Holden ever had the papers he probably suppressed them. It would therefore be bet ter for Mr. Jones to prepare a new petition, have you approve it and send it on. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 755 Inclosed is a pencil list of names of persons whose pe titions I found in the Attorney General's office sometime ago, which Holden had recommended to be suspended. In all such cases it is generally better to file a new petition, rather than go to the trouble of revising the old one. [P. S.J Was the pardon of Nathan Newby among the big lot sent in ]May lost ? I wrote Mr. Bagley about it a few days ago. !Mr. Newby is of Perquimans Co. To General E. E. Colston. Raleigh, Aug. 28 1866. Mr Guthrie has applied to the officers of the Capitol concerning use of _ TT 11 Commons Hall for for leave to you to deliver a lecture in the Commons Hall a lecture. on the life of Gen. Thos. J. Jackson, for an admission fee for yourself. We are severally admirers of the sub ject of your proposed lecture — but have in no instance gTanted the use of the Hall for the delivery of a lecture where a portion of the proceeds was not granted to some charitable purpose. If we depart from this rule you will readily appreciate the difficulties in which we shall be involved. We think you will realise more from your proposed lecture and disembarrass us, if you propose to give half the proceeds to the Young Glen's Christian Association of this City, who will use it for the relief of the indigent of the City. In this case the Association will be active in selling your tickets and we ^"ill with pleasure grant the use of the Hall to you. HiLLSBORO. 756 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Nereus Mendenhall. Raleigh Aug. 30/66. Political matters. I See this moruiug in the Standard the action of the meeting at Deep River Meeting house. The resolutions are cautiously drawn but the action of the meeting in sending delegates to the Phila. Sept. Convention repudiates the action of the late Phila Con vention — and is in antagonism with the President. It in effect endorses the constitutional amendment which denies to the people of this State the right to elect as a Constable Frank Caldwell, W. A. Graham, Lewis Hor ner, the writer hereof and thousands of others of like stripe. I do not eloubt the good intentions of the actors in the meeting, but I deplore the fact that any prominent Quakers deemed it their duty to participate in a political meeting, having for its main object the exclusion from official position, as unworthy to be trusted, such stead fast friends of theirs as Gilmer, Graham, myself and others while it makes eligible to office the most ultra Seces sionists who entered the Southern army or Congress and did every thing he could to break up the Union, provided he had held no office before the war. I do not think any object of public duty made it expedient or wise, that prominent Quakers, like yourself and Jonathan Harris, should have participated in such a meeting. I am a de voted friend of Quakerism and hope your action may not prove prejudicial to your Society. The resolution calling for protection to Union men in this State is a covert imputation upon the judicial and other authorities of this State, wholly unwarranted by their action. [P. S.] As to the fairness with which I have acted in the case of petitions referred to me, I defy the attacks (if made openly) of malevolence itself. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 757 The 400 petition has not been referred to me. It was sent to Hedrick who sent me a copy of it. I sent a copy to Mr. Wilson. I will direct a copy of his answer sent to you. New Garden. W. H. Bagley to J. P. Foster. Raleigh, Sept. 1st 1866. Your letter to the Governor of the 30th ult. has been Regarding a Fed eral appointment. received. The Governor is now absent, but will return in a day or so, when he will answer you. You are mistaken when you suppose Gov. AV. has any prejudices against you, either personal or political. In his recommendations for Federal offices in this State, he has always acted upon requests from the head of the Department in which the ap- poinment was to be made, and, always, endeavors to carry out the wishes of those among whom the duties of the office are to be exercised. He has been, in your case, urged to recommend Mr. Savage, a native of Wilmington, and he understood him to be. the choice of the Wilmington mer chants, and as such requested his appointment. I am sure, the Govemor has had no feeling in the whole matter. To -Joseph E. Jones. Raleigh, September J^th 1866. Yours postmarked Sep. 4th is just reed. Whoever professes that I have appropriated public Defending himself , -1 , 1 J , against slander. money to my personal use and rests such pretext upon a mass of reports is both a knave and a fool. I defy the most malevolent of my enemies to the most scrutinising in vestigation of all accounts and reports. I believe the charge to be equally false as to Gov. Vance. There is no colorable ground for the imputation against either of us. 758 North Carolina Historical Commission. I have heard that a member from your County offered in the Convention or iu the Genl Assembly a resolution and that a com. of inquiry was appointed and that it rested its resolution upon one of my reports in which in summing up the State's indebtedness I included $4,500,- 000. of State bonds "delivered to the Govr. to be sent to Europe to be used if necessary, as collateral security for the payment of our cotton bonds, which were sent to England but not used, as I learn from the Govr, the cot ton bonds having been readily sold without this security". These bonds were delivered to the Govr. by an act of Assembly. When they went from the Treasury they were charged up as a usual State debt: but as I was in formed by the Govr. that they had not been used, but were in England to be brought back when the war ended and restored to the Treasury it was proper that my re port should show that upon this state of facts, the State indebtedness was less by $4,500,000. than it purported to be. Stupidity could only base a charge of fraud against me on this transaction. Nor would any honest man con sider it as raising a suspicion of fraud against the Govr. These bonds having been repudiated by ordinance of the Convention, the Genl Assembly' did not deem it expedient to incur the expense of having them brought back. If the vigilant member suspected that the Governor had sold them: (if he had any sense, he could not suspect me) his course should have been to pass a resolution to have the Treasurer cause them to be brought back. This would have resulted in showing whether there was any founda tion for his suspicion. I have not, and never had any suspicion that Gov Vance was capable of the baseness which this suspicion implies. Plis poverty ought to ex culpate him, even with his bitterest enemies. Hearing that a resolution had been offered and referred, which they never intended as an imputation upon my in tegrity, I sought for the Chairman, who had voted for Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 759 Holden and not for me, anel desireel to have ii()tice when the committee should act. I never heard any thing fur ther from it ; aud the imputation wa? sei rieliciKiusly ab surd that it had j^assed from my recollection till I g^t your letter. I do not remember the name nf the mover of this resolution. I suppose he was a malevolent radical who thought he had laid sinue sort nf foundation for the indulgence of an unworthy attack en me. — or was such a fool that he could not understand my report. As to my past and present -views in relation to Na tional affairs. I supposed they were well known. — I never believed in the doctrine of secession and strenuously op posed every thing tending to bring on the rebellion, until war was fully inaugurated. Even then I refused to be a member of the Convention of ImjI — ^but when it was narrowed down to take sides for or against my native State, I took sides with the Snuth and acted with good faith -with the South to the end of the conflict — but I be lieved that we were too weak to maintain the contest, and while wc had a formidable army in the field, I was for making peace on the basis of re-union — I did not favor the silly cry of peace and Independence. When the war was ended I was for mutual forgiveness at home and abroad and mollifying the passicms, — restor ing the Union and going to work to rebuild our shattereel fortunes. I abhor the Disunionists of the North who tax us but refuse to receive our members into Congress. I fervently sustain the policy of the Prest. and the late Phila. Convention and have no sympathy with any Southem man, (if there be any) in the Fred. Douglass Convention supposed to be now sitting. This is a hasty sketch of my position. It is not in tended as confidential but I would not be willing to be annoyed, in the midst of official duties, as heavy as I can bear, -with a news-paper controversy. You may ust it in any way you please, except through the Press. It is 760 iMoETH Carolina Historical Commission. written currente calamo without the care required in a paper intended for publication. I have no copies of my reports — Shall be pleased to answer any future letter you may address to me. WiLLIAMSBOROUGH. To John A. Gilmer. Raleigh Sep.. J/., 1866. What is the matter with Nereus Mendenhall ? That he should participate in a meeting opposing the benefi cent policy of the Prest and the Phila. Convention and favoring the vindicative and Disunion schemes of the ultra Radicals- annoys me — and the fact that he is one of my appointees to office, occasions unpleasant commentary. I fancy that he has become such a recluse that he is ignorant of passing events. Can't you see him and post him ? Is it possible that he and Jonathan Harris are fair exponents of the present sentiments of the Quakers ? Greensboro. To James P. Foster. Raleigh Sep. Ji./66. Regarding a Fed- My action ill relation to the recommendation for a Col- eral appointment. lector for the Port of Wilmington has not been influenced by any prejudice against you personally. I emphatically recommended Mr. Savage and opposed the oppointment of any other because my information led me to believe that the shippers of Wilmington were about unanimous in favor of Mr. Savage. I have been governed exclusively by a desire to act in conformity with the wishes of those whose interest were involved and whose preferences, I thought, ought to control the nomination. I have no uu- Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 761 friendly feeling to you, nor has any body sought to preju dice you in my estimation. I have looked solely to the wishes of the shippers. Wilmington. To Marshall Parhs. Raleigh Sep. Jfth 1866. Owing to temporary absence from the city yours of the ^^tat'ion *° 30th Aug. has not been sooner acknowledged. Dr. Ramsey, of Rowan, and P. H. Winston of Bertie, the members of my Board of Internal Improvement, whom I would especially wish to have with me on the trip you so politely invite us to take on your Canal, live off any line of R. R. and the proposed time for the ex cursion is too near at hand to enable me to communicate with them — Besides Mr. Winston, I suppose, will be in attendance on Wilmington Court at the time suggested. It would give me great personal pleasure to make the trip while I should be acquiring information useful to me in the discharge of my executive duties. If convenient to you I would like to make the excur sion say any elay you may designate in the week commen cing the 18 th of Oct. — giving me timely notice so I can summon Dr. R. aud Mr. W. to accompany. Thanking you for your polite invitation — I am — very respectfully — NoRi-OLE, Va. To J. J. Crawford. Raleigh Sept. 5 1866. Yours of the 23rd ult. reached me yesterday. I have examined the acts passed at the session of 1S66. Declining to give . . . . . . . ,r certain instruc- amendiug former legislation in relation to the Macon tions to state '^ " agent. 762 North Carolina Historical Commission. County Turnpike Company anel the Tuckaseege and Keowee Turnpike Company, to which you call my atten tion. You ask me to instruct the agent of the State for the collection of the Cherokee bonds to withhold any fur ther subscription to either road until after the meeting of the next Legislature. This is requested on account of some misunderstanding as to the construction of these acts. You do not indicate what is the difficulty as to the construction. I do not find in either act any authority conferred on me to control the agent nor do I know of any other law authorising me to exercise such power. This re sponsibility must rest with the agent. As you do not present the point of difficulty, I can only suggest, in gen eral terms, that if the agent is in doubt as to his duty, he had probably better do nothing until the Genl Assembly shall more clearly define its will. I think I have no right to interfere, — and consequently that my instructions woulel give no protection to the agent. I inclose to you as requested a copy of my dispatch to the President and his answer in relation to the proviso of the 9th Sec. of the act in relation to free negroes. You will have learned before this reaches you that measures are on foot by the small band of Radicals in this State to bring out opposition to me. The movers favor the plans of the Radical Congress and oppose- the views of the President. I suppose they calculate that the Radicals will prevail anel desire to put themselves in condition to claim the benefit of the dispensation reserved to two-thirds of Congress, if the Howard amendment pre vails. I think they have no idea of electing their man, should they find any one willing to accept their nomina tion. It is commonly reported that they will nominate Genl Logan, of Rutherford and to mix up some white basis issue. I thought the basis agreed on by the late Convention a fair compromise and voted for the ratifica tion of the proposed amendments. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 763 You say my prospects in ]\Iaeou are all my frienels could desire. They seem to be equally so throughout the State. I have no reason to fear the opposition of the Radicals but regret the ill blewel which may spring from such au opposition. It is amazing to me that men pro fessing to be Union men, should favor a Congress which has thus opposed re-union — who claim and exercise the power to tax us, without allowing us representation. Fraxklin. To D. G. Worth. Raleigh, Sep. 5/00. Has the matter as to Collector of your port been finally settled i I am ready to do any thing I can to carry out the wishes of your shippers. I am in receipt of a letter from Foster, asking to remove prejudice which he sup poses Fidler has produced in my mind against him. I have assured [him] that the wishes of the shippers have shaped and will shape my conduct in this matter. I have no personal feeling about it. We are iu continual lest this hot -v\-eather and the pres sure of your business may prostrate you again. Wilmington. From P. H. Win.ston. Windsor -5 Sep. 1866. I reed, a week or two ago a letter from you and would Politics. have replied at once but for sickness. I see that the tum now is to raise the cry of the white basis and run Logan or Henry against you. Should this be in reality attempted you must devote some time to the West. Your vote for the new Constitution should be made known every where up there. I do not apprehend 764 North Carolina Historical Commission. anything serious to grow out of this matter. Those who side with Congress on the Howard amendment will be so thoroughly the father of it that it must end in lament able failure. The days roll around. The election approaches. Your prominent friends should now preoccupy the whole ground. Gov. Graham, Phillips and Turner, Charley Clark, W. A. Wright, and all such men all over the State should be quietly but firmly planting your name in the minds of the people. I have not the slightest fear of the result. Pool and Thompson still stick to their promise to vote for you. I have not a word from any one down this way wanting opposition. Our friend Doct Hogg was a little chafed at not being made a director. My voice will be for transferring Strange to the Wilmington Road and putting Hogg in his place. Doct. Joyner of Halifax tried very hard to get Matt Ransom to run against you, so Ransom told me. I shall see a great many people do-wn here from now on until the election and will of course have them up and get them to tum out. I wish that Gilmer or Nat Boyden were looked to as Senator in Pool's place. Either one of them can beat Pool two to one. I understand that Pool is denouncing the Phila. convention as an assemblage of secessionists. I think I will write to Gilmer. I had some idea of writing to Genl. Dockery calling ou him to support you. I am however a little afraid of him. I hope that you will now continually bring to bear your influence with all your friends. Judge Merrimon whom I met last week at Martin County thinks you will get a good vote in the W^est. The great thing is if we get pushed to have a thorough full and united effort simultaneously made all over the State. If another Con- Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 765 vention is wanted by the Y^est do not get iu the way. Keep uncommitted generally. As for Logan or Heury you can beat either out eif sight unless you make some blunder, which I am sure you will not elo. I have not deemed it prudent in Bertie to make too much noise. Holden got 377 Worth 77 here. Next time I think you -will beat any man to come against you 100 to 200 votes. Indeed I hope to get you nearly all the votes in the County. In Northampton you will get nearly all. In Martin ditto, Washington ditto. Indeed in all the Country you will run well. I shall be alad to hear from vou. To James S. Pledge. Raleigh, Sept. -vth ISoO. Yours of the 1 inst. asking me that I "had instructed Financial matters. the legislature at the coming session respecting the financial condition of the country". You say many people in your section are in favor of general repudiation of all debts contracted previous to May 186 5, both public and private"', and that many of you would like to know my views on the subject. I am persuaded, on reflection, you will perceive the first question is one which is very broad in its character, and I suppose the latter portion of your letter in rela tion to repudiation is the subject as to which you desire to have my views. The Constitution of the United States, which every public officer takes an oath to support, forbids a State to pass any law impairing the obligation of a contract. If the Genl Assembly were to pass a law releasing all per sons from the performance of contracts made prior to May 1865, the Judiciary would pronounce such law un constitutional and void. I admit the extreme hardship 766 North Carolina Historical Commission. arising from the repudiating of the debts contracted by the State during the war, resulting in the failure of the Banks, and loss to the honest citizens who held the orders of the Banlis, the loss of the Common School Fund, etc. — Many who were no way responsible for the war, were thus made bankrupt — and the failure of one often resulted in the failure of many others. — I feel most profoundly for those, who without any fault of their own, have lost the means of fulfilling their contracts, — and am desirous of doing all I can for their relief, consistent -with my oath of office and the rules of justice and honesty — ^but sup posing this insuperable Constitutional difficulty were not in the way, could any honest man who had bought land or a horse or any other property of his neighbor, hold the property and not pay the debt? The debt this State owes was contracted mainly in building her rail roads. A considerable part of it is due to Orphans, whose funds were invested in State bonds by a law passed before the war authorising guardians and other trustees to invest iu these bonds and pledging the honor of the State for their payment. Can the State with honor turn off these orphans penniless ? Can she hold the roads and refuse to pay the debt contracted to build them ? It is contended by many that as the Northern people, who hold most of these bonds, by forcing us to free our negroes, burning our property, etc., have impoverished us, and that we are therefore justified in refusing to pay them. Even if this logic were just, that one -wrong justifies an other, I do not perceive the policy of knocking at the National door and asking to be admitted as members of the family, but at the same time telling them we don't in tend to pay them what we owe them. Other pressing duties deny me the opportunity of go ing further into this subject at this time. I do not re gard Repudiation as a good remedy for our calamities. I am opposed to it in every form. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 767 People should not rely too much on Legislation to relieve them. Most of creditors ought to and will indulge a debtor honestly struggling to pay. — ^^Vhere the debts are too large for the debtor to hope to pay or the creditor rigorous he can generally agree on a compound with the creditors and where a creditor is a Shylock, the debtor can cause him to come to terms by making a deed in trust, excluding him, if he will make no reasonable arrangement. The arrangement must depend ou each particular case. I have no specific plan fully digested for supplying a currency but shall anxiously erfdeavor to do whatever may Constitutionally be done to aid our distressed debtors. Leaksville. To A. M. Tomlinson. Raleigh Sept. 6 1866. The relations between -you and me are such that I Regarding action ^' of Quakers m think I may address you confldentially without any ap- ^°^^^ caroUna. prehension of misconstruction. The great question which now absorbs all others is how is real fraternal Union to be restored ? All profess to have this in view. Two plans are presented — the one kno-wn as the President's plan and the other as the Congres sional plan. — I adopt the former, because it looks to for giveness and good will towards those who rebelled and to genuine reconciliation — the other looks to punishing all who have fallen into this error. The latter plan must keep up animosity and hatred and is a Union looking, not to the affections of the people, but to the sword, to sustain it. Between these plans it had never occurred to me that any Quaker could hesitate, until I saw the names of my friends Nereus ilendenhall and Jonathan Harris recorded in a meeting called to send delegates to Phila. to sustain the Congressional plan, — and Jonathan Har ris selected as a delegate to said Convention. I know 768 North Carolina Historical Commission. the unity which distinguishes the Quakers and fear these two friends reflect the will of their fellow members. My whole life exhibits my partiality for the Quakers — Through evil and good report I have always stood by them and have never, I believe, differed from them po litically. If they are now in favor of a Congress, which, as I think, is as sectional and averse to genuine Union, as was any Southern Convention which broke up the Union or attempted to break it up — and which, as I think ; indulges and encourages sectional malevolence, then we cannot harmonise in this instance — But assuming that we disagree, it seems to me unfortunate that the Quakers should take active part in so exciting a political question — especially on tbe side which holds that Graham, Gil mer, myself, and others who have always been their friends, are unworthy to be constables in North Carolina. I have no reason to fear that I shall be triumphantly re-elected — but it would be most painful to me and as I think, unfortunate for the Quakers if they should take sides against me. It may possibly be unpleasant to you to say anything in reply. I would by no means have you do any thing which might interfere with the quiet which you ought to enjoy — and your silence will not diminish the esteem in which you are held by Your friend Bush Hill. Political matters. To D. F. Caldwell. Raleigh Sept. 6/66. Accept my sincere thanks for your letter of yesterday. I concur heartily in all the views you express and am much obliged to you for the facts, all of which are new to me. I have so continually occupied with business that I am not keeping posted as to the movements of those who are Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 769 seeking to get out opposition to me. I have lately received letters from different quarters which have led me to be lieve that the organization commonly called red strings, is being revived, for the purpose I suppose, of sustaining the Radical Congress. The leaders of that Congress I regard as straight out Disunionists — indulging and encouraging sectional malev olence. And hence I feel toward them abhorrence I al ways felt towards those. North & South, who sought to break up the Union. I endorse fully the first Phila. Convention and the president's plan of restoration. — I am for reconciliation at home and abroad and always op posed to Sectionalism. I am amazed and mortified that Jonathan Harris and Nereus Mendenhall should show sympathy for the Radicals: and fear, as you do, that they represent the feelings of the Quakers. I will write to some others of their leaders to find out. I wish you had given me the conversation to the soldiers to which you refer. I suppose it was not complimentary to me. I am not ultra enough to suit any interest, and not very odious to any of them. — I am not the first choice of any of the heated partizans of the State, but I have no doubt of my re-election by an overwhelming majority. I shall count on Dick's support over a Radical. Am I mistaken in this? Again thanking you for your letters and soliciting fur ther communications and advice from you — I am Greensboro. To B. S. Hedrich. Raleigh. Sept. 6/66. The petition of B. L. Billings, Forsythe, forwarded with my recommendation on 5 Jan. last has been overlooked, I presume. If the pardon has been forwarded, it has Vol. 2—8 770 North Carolina Historical Commission. been lost in transmitting to him. Please try to get it, and much oblige. Washington, D. C. To Jesse Wheeler. Raleigh Sept. 7th 1866. Political matters. J -wish it Were Convenient for me to have a personal conference with you. It is represented to me, not by memorial, but by friends of yours that your office is the head quarters of a party in Guilford seeking to bring about opposition to my re-election on the ground that my fidelity to the Union is suspected or that I have become affiliated with the Secessionists. It surpasses my com prehension that you should come to any such conclusion. If there be any thing in my recent course at variance with the abhorrence which I have always felt and expressed for Disunionists, North and South, I am ignorant of it. On the question of Union or Disunion I always have agreed and still agree with the President, save that he suffered expulsion from his State and I deemed it my duty to sub mit and acquiese when almost the whole people of my State took sides against my views. I can conceive of no Union worth preserving, if kind ness and conciliation and mutual forgiveness and oblivion of the past be not the basis. The adoption of the Con stitutional amendment which you are represented as favoring which declares that Wm. A. Graham, Jno. A. Gilmer, Dick, D. F. Caldwell, Boyden and myself and others of like views are Hot worthy to be a constable in this State, while the bitterest Secessionists who held no office before the war, are deemed eligible to any position under the State or the U. S. govt, exhibits malevolence aild not conciliation. I regard Stephens, Sumner and their followers as malevolent Disunionists, and the Presi dent and his followers as maganamimous statesmen and genuine Union men. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 771 I appreciate and acknowledge your personal worth and believe all your actions will be controlled by your con victions of duty, but we are very far from concurring in judgment if you favor the plans of Stephens and Sumner in preference to those of the President. I hope your views have been misunderstood — and if so, that I may receive an answer to this letter which is written in the spirit of personal friendship which has always existed between us. [P. S.J I am officially furnished, from au authentic source, -ndth a copy of the oath binding together a secret organization in this State, but my information is not yet fully satisfactory as to all the purposes they have in view. While the present judges are in power and I am Governor, Union men and all other men, white or black, have no need to resort to secret organizations under pretence that they cannot receive protection under the laws. I hear it was asserted in a public meeting in Guilford a few days ago that I would not give an impartial hearing to the complaints of Union men. The imputation is a lie and has not color of truth in it. Greensboro. From William T. Dortch.^ Goldsboro Sept. 8th '66. I have the pleasure to inform you that I have received my pardon, and tender you my sincere thanks for the in terest you have taken in my behalf. I suppose you are destined to have radical opposition. I hope the contest • William T. Dortch, of Wayne, was one of the most prominent lawyers in the State. He was a Democrat and had been a member of the legislature from 1852 to 1856, and from 1858 to 1861; in the- latter term he was Speaker of the House. In 1861 he became a mem ber of the Confederate Senate. 772 North Carolina Historical Commission. may not be mixed up with State issues, so that your oppo sition may share the strength of the radical party in N. Ca. Endorsing Caldwell. To John A.. Oilm,er. Confidential. Raleigh, Sept. Sth 1866. D. F. Caldwell is as firmly opposed to the Radicals as you or I. Owing to his being for Holden in 1864, he has become obnoxious to many who are acting -with us. He is sore under the epithets they apply to him. He will be a most useful auxiliary to you in Guilford in fighting the Radicals. I suggest to you to have the boys treat him courteously. I regard him as an ardent, honest, eccentric man — and exerting much infiuence among those of radical proclivities. I have not the slightest fear that the Radicals can show much head in the State, but let us use all legitimate means to defeat their disgracing us. In Randolph and Guilford I think their members are not despicable. I think Cald well can, aud will do much to weaken them, if you and a few others will manage the matter as you can. He thinks he is abused and reviled by his old Whig friends. I fear Jesse Wheeler is using his influence in favor of the Radicals. I would hope not, if possible. If it be true, as I fear it is, that his office is the head quarters of these sneaks, would it not be well to find some anti-radical Quaker, (I think Sewell Farlow would do) and have him appointed in place of Wheeler ? Greensboro. To Nereus Mendenhall. Raleigh, Sept. 10th 1866. Discussion of I gee in the New York Herald this moming a speech at Philadelphia, purporting to be made in the Southern Radical Conven- Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 773 tion by one Capt. A. W. Tourgee, who is stated to be a delegate from North Carolina, who I hear held his com mission from the meeting iu which you participated. This speech / believe to be a tissue of lies from beginning to end and one of his statements I hnow is a lie. He says "seven hundred loyal men had petitioned Prest. Johnson for re dress from the rebel depredations, and this petition was referred back to the disloyal Go-vr. of that State and came back to the authorities of their own town." This state ment is a lie. He says in a further statement that he had recently been informed by a Quaker, that he, (the Quaker) had seen fifteen murdered negroes dragged out of one pond. He ought to be called upon to give the name of his informant, and the whereabouts of the pond. Only two petitions have been referred to me by the President. One was signed by some 40 petitioners from Camden County. They owned that they had served in the U. S. army and were persecuted by numerous indictments in Camden Court for acts done by them as soldiers and they asked for protection. I sent a copy of the petition to D. D. Ferebee delegate in the Convention from Camden, and to Geo. W. Brooks, district judge of the U. S. Court, both residing near the petitioners and requested them to inquire into the facts and report to me. They severally reported to me that there were but two indictments against any of the petitioners — ^the one for retailing liquor -with out a license — the other for fornication and adultery. — The other petition referred to me was one Bedford and others, charging that he had been imprisoned and fined $100. by Judge Merrimon: that he had been a U. S. sol dier and that his conviction and punishment were the re sult of prejudice against him on account of services as a soldier of the U. S. I secured the certificate of the judge and of the lawyer who defended the petitioner, (who was a Union lawyer) sho-wing that his offence was shooting twice with a naval pistol at the head of an inoffensive and unoffending man, who had in no wise given occasion to 774 North Carolina Historical Commission. this attempt to kill him, save having been in compauy with a man who had quarreled with the petitioner. — Such is the lying villian and purporting to represent 2000 North Carolinians iu a pretended patriotic conven tion. I grieve that he should have been appointed by a respectable set of men in Deep River Meeting House. [P. S.] — In the briefer detail of Tourgee's speech given in the Tribune he is represented as the advocate of negro suffrage and boastfully claims to be the representative of 2000 Union men in N. C. — New Garden. To the Editor of the Greensboro Patriot. Raleigh, Sept. 10/66. Tour"ee°s°speech ^^^ attention is called to Tourgee's speech in the Phila. in Philadelphia. Radical Convention as reported in the Herald of the 8th advocating negro suffrage and boasting that he represents 2000 Union men in N. C. He says "seven hundred Union men had petitioned Prest. Johnson for redress from rebel depredations, and the petition was referred back to the disloyal Govr. of that State and came back to the authorities of their own to-wu." This is a lie so far as it is intended to apply to me. The only petitions re ferred to me by the Prest. were one from Camden — the other from one Ledford and others in the Western judicial Circuit, Clay County — There were 46 names ou the Cam den petition, who set forth that they had been U. S. sol diers that on their return home they were wickedly perse cuted by the Courts, being indicted for every petty and trivial offence and act done as soldiers of the U. S., and I requested D. D. Ferebee, of Camden, and Geo. W. Brooks, of Pasquotank, who is district judge of the United States, to investigate and report to me. T^hey severally reported that only two of the petitioners were indicted for any offence — one for retailing without a license and the other Correspondence or Jonathan Worth. 775 for fornication and aelultery. I will inclose you a copy of the petition as a specimen of pathetic eloquence in be half of persecuted Union men. — Bedford's petition endorsed by many others, represented that he too had been a U. S. soldier, and that owing to the prejudice growing out of this fact, he had been in dicted, convicted and cruelly punished by Judge Merri mon, to-wit — fined $100. He avers that he was defended by a Union lawyer who told his client if he didn't charge $50. for his fee the judge said the fine would be $200. etc. I referred this petition to judge Merrimon, asking him ti> report the facts. His report stated that the offence of which Ledford was convicted was shooting a naval pistol twice at the head of an unoffending man, who saved his life only by dodging and who had offered no insult or offence to the defendant. I submitted Judge Meirimou's statements to Genl Henry, of Macon, whom I ascertained was the lawyer who defended Ledford, requesting a state ment of the facts. — His certificate without sustaining eli- rectly or denying the facts as stated by juelge Merrimon, declares that a fair scrutiny into the conduct of the judge, would, in his opinion, sustain him as an "impartial officer." These are the two petitions referred to me by the Prest. Tourgee's speech, as reported in the Tribune, is sub stantially the same. The drift and object is that a Union man is not safe under the present civil authorities of the State: that he had very recently been informed by a Quaker that 15 mur dered negroes had been dra^vn out of a pond, or as re ported in the Tribune, out of a River in S. C. : — that 1200 U. S. soldiers who had settled in this State had been forced to sacrifice their property and leave the State be cause neither their lives or their property was safe in this State. If any one Union soldier, who has behaved him self with civility, has been inhospitably treated aud com pelled to leave the State, it has not come to my knowledge. I think the sentence contains 1200 lies. — I think vou 776 North Carolina Historical Commission. should demand of him the names of a few of the 1200 — and the name of the Quaker who informed him about the drowned negroes and the location of the Pond or River where they were drowned. — As Tourgee claims to be the representative of 2000 Union men in N. C and to be their mouth-piece and represents the civil authorities of the State as corrupt monsters countenancing the denial of jus tice to Union men and as the representative of 2000 Union men in this State, demands the right of suffrage to the negroes and if practicable the disfranchisement of nearly the whole of the white population, and as he hails from Guilford and has spread this speech throughout the Nation to make the North hate us, you ought to call a mass meeting of the County and invite him and his fol lowers to be present to vindicate his facts. — This speech will do much to prejudice N. C. and the Prest., if not counter-acted by some efficient means. I throw out these hastily -written suggestions for your consideration. — Nereus Mendenhall, Jonathan Harris and other Quakers ought to attend and disabuse themselves and the Quakers from endorsing his iniquitous lies. All other respectable men who participated in sending him to Phila. as ther representative, ought to denounce him. While I would avoid no responsibility as to the facts and views herein stated I would deem it unbecoming the dig nity of my station to be brought into personal controversy -with this vile wretch Tourgee. In relation to the matter about petitions you may say you are authorised to say the facts are as herein stated. As to the petition referred to me by the Prest., malice itself cannot pretend that I have not acted fairly towards them and sought to extend them and all others, whatever their politics or color, the full protection of the laws — and if there be a single instance in the State where a judge or solicitor has not discharged his duty as became an honest, impartial and capable officer, I have not heard of it. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 777 To John A. Gilmer. Raleigh Sep. 11/06. After writing the above I conclude it is inexpedient to risk the possibility of being drawn into a controversy -with this contemptible Tourgee — I am persuaded the facts fur nish material for a suitable article for the Patriot. — I commit it to your discretion. I am concerned lest the Quakers have made this Tourgee their leader. To Joseph D. Simmons. Raleigh, Sep. 12 1866. Your letter of the 10th inst. is received in which vou Relating to labor complain that certain negroes -with whom you had entered into a contract last January for the cultivation of your farm have not fulfilled their pait of the ccntract. On the 13th July last Genl Robinson issued an order whereby all matters of controversy between white men and Freedmen are turned over to the civil Courts, except ing "claims for wages, approved or issued by officers of the Freedman's Bureau.'" Whether your contract with these negroes was witnessed or approved by an officer of said Bureau, does not appear, but even assuming that it was so witnessed or approved, it does not appear to have been a contract for wages, — anel is consequently a contract falling within the jurisdiction of the civil Courts. If your contract was not witnessed or approved by an officer of the Freedman's Bureau, Col. Weigel had no jurisdiction over it, at the time he interposed, which inter ference, as I understand your letter, was after the 23rd July. You do not give the date of his interference. It follows that you stand where you would have stood in times before the war. It is a matter of controversv as 778 North Carolina Historical Commission. to a contract, and must be settled, as of old, by the Courts — if you cannot settle it by mutual arrangement or arbi tration. I believe Genl Robinson will carry out his order afore said in good faith — and will not sustain his subordinates in any action at variance -with it. Your question, there fore, is a purely legal one. I deem it of public importance that our people and the civil authorities shall not only act justly to the negroes, which I do not doubt you have done, but that there shall be no colorable ground to impute a want of regard to the rights of the negro under his new relations to us : and I therefore highly approve of your generous suggestion to consent to an adjustment of this controversy by arbitration, if the negroes -will assent to it. As to your apprehensions from the threats of one of these negroes, there is no legal remedy save by peace warrant. I do not refer this special case to Genl Robinson, bc' cause his general orders fully cover it, and he would probably deem the reference uncalled for. With this general explanation and the advice of a judi cious lawyer, I hope you may be relieved from any further serious annoyance. Tarboro. To B. S. Hedrich. Raleigh Sept. 12 1866. Politics in North I thauk you for your prompt attention to the correction Carolina. j- a xi • , / of Atkinson s parelon. I would have preferred [page torn for rest of line] hael not assailed A. H. Jones, prior to his participation in the late Phila. Convention, and even as to this I know noth ing as to the part he took. If he approved, as I fear he did, the resolutions and address adopted at the conclusii n. Correspondence of Jonatils.n AVorth. 779 L' which urges, for the reason there assigned, negro suffra and the adoption by this State of the Howarel amendmeut to the Constitution and the spirit of the proceedings of that boely, evidently showing that party ascendency and the nature of the political hatred, aud not a complete resto ration of the Union on the basis of mutual confidence aud kindness between the sections, thus then he can have no sympathy or respect from me. I had been disposeel to re gard him as a man of good intentions. If he concuired in the action or spirit of that Convention my views of him will be totally altered. Mr. Pell has repeatedly declared in his paper, that I am to be held responsible for nothing appearing iu the Sentinel, not appearing over my name or declared to be published by my authority. He is personally and politi cally my frienel, and I generally approve his articles ex cepting what seems to me to be injurious asperity to the Reel Strings (among whom there are many good men) and undue commendation of the leaders in the Rebellion. They are now subdued. — iu a small minority and likely to remain in the minority if not persecuted into popularity. Most of them — all of them so far as I know, desire to sub mit to and obey the laws. No reasonable man could ex pect that recent hatred to their late foeman should be con verted into love as the result of being conquered. Only the basest and least desirable of them pretend to such love. But enough of this. I am now as I always have been ardently for the Union, and I believe there were never any measures proposed in this country better cal culated to keep up sectional hate and Disunion than those advocated by the Radicals, North and South. The Holdenites in Newbern headed by W. R. Thomas and E. R. Stanley lately got up a meeting and directed their chmn. Thomas to appoint delegates to meet others here on the 20th inst to bring out some "unmistakably lo^al man" as a Candidate for Govr. Holden has had circulars printed and sent out over the State to get his friends here 780 North Carolina Historical Commission. and bring out opposition to me. — It will either be a total failure — or if they nominate a man who will accept the nomination the nominee will not receive a respectable sup port. A number of the persons nominated by Thomas, as delegates, among them the mayor of the town, are out in cards declining to serve and expressing their disapproba tion of the object. Public opinion is so settled do-wn that no body opposing me under the auspices of Holden or his followers can stand the slightest chance of success. Washington, D. C. To A. M. Tomlinson. Raleigh, Sep. 13 1866. Condemnation of Your letter of the 10th inst, is received and is truly re freshing to me. From the bottom of my heart I join in every sentiment in it. I abominate the journalism of the times. I am responsible for nothing save what appears over my own signature, I have no organ — never have pre tended to have. No paper has pretended to claim to be my organ. The Sentinel has repeatedly declared I was not to be held responsible for any thing in his paper not over my signature or declared to be published by my authority. In spite of this every issue of the Standard speaks of my organ. The Quakers ought to hold themselves aloof from the bitterness of wicked partisans of all sorts. If any of them think my opponent, if I have any, a better Union man, and better calculated to bring about the quiet which all genuine Quakers desire, they ought to carry out their views at the ballot box — but they will greatly err in joining in political meetings headed by such men as Tourgee. The statement in his published Phila. speech in reference to me is a lie, as I believe all the pretended facts he states intended to make the North hate the South. Bush Hill. Correspondexce of Jonathan Worth. 781 To Dr. J. O. Eamsey.Raleigh Sep. 13 1866. I am invited by the Prest of the A & C. Canal, together" with my board of Internal Improvement, to make an ex cursion over this Canal to Norfolk — and if we desire it to Nag's Head — Would you like to make the trip I We must hold a meeting to appoint Directors for the Wil. 6: W. R. R. in the latter part of Oct. I propose that you meet me here on Tuesday morning Oct 23 to go by the next train on the R. (i- G. R. R. and join Winston at such point as he may designate. If this should not suit you I will appoint a day about that time for Mr. W. to meet us here and appoint Directors. An early answer is desired that I may considt with Mr. W. I now deem it probable that the Radicals will run Logan against me. Salisbury. From B. S. Hedrich. W-vsHiNGTON, D. C. Sep. 16, 66. I received several days ago yours of the 12th but have Discussion of pout- had no time to reply. " There was but little of the late '"'^ '=™^^"°^- Phil. Convention that was southern, and in some sense the same may be said of both the Philadelphia Conven tions. The fact is the South has got to fiU second place all the time, until she has set herself in harmony with the great mass of the people who put do-wn the rebellion. Peo ple do not fight a great war through and then forget it next day or next year. So far as the Southern delegates had anything to do -with the general management of the Randall Convention, they had just as well telegraph their approval or send it by mail in advance, and so far as nine tenths of the delegates to the Hamilton Convention are 782 North Carolina Historical Commission. concerned, they might just as well have staid at home. There were a few good honest men, men of ideas and thought for the South in this last Convention, but they were so lured by men who were only thinking of how to carry the Fall elections in the North, that they were not felt. I think spirit manifested by the leading Southern newspapers toward both conventions has had more effect in helping the extreme radicals than anything the radicals could do for themselves. The Sentinel managed to swal low the loyal platform and resolutions of the Randall Con vention and only put in a mild protest as to what it would do as "full Southern," but the papers in Va. and the rest of the South came right out and denounced the platform as not binding' on them. The Hamilton Convention gets more ihan half its influence from venomous denunciation of Southern editors, Mr. Pell among others. "Yankee" he describes the most opprobrious epithet in the Dictionary, and even the "dead dog of abolition" has to be stirred again. The thinking men of the North will be more in fluenced to doubt the loyalty of the South by looking at the editorials of the Southern editors on Hamilton and Brown low Convention, than they will be by the proceedings of the mere handful of men calling themselves delegates from the South. In Republican Govt, there must always be two parties. But so far public opinion in the North has not shown what parties there are. Certainly there cannot said to be two parties there, and I judge that there will not be for some time. The conditions of things in the South creates a good deal of apprehension with men at the North who are not politicians. The amount of violence they say is no greater than might be expected under the circumstances. But what astonishes them is that the au thorities seem to have no power or disposition to punish the lawless. Quite a number of the most brutal murders have been recently committed in Va. Ky., and Ala. and so far no steps taken by the local authorities to punish the felons. x\ riot is likely to happen in the best governed Correspondence of Jonathan AVorth. 783 communities, and so of the foulest murders, but no such as this New Orleans affair could occur in the North with out some steps being taken to punish the gnilty. It looks as if the law abiding people of the South were again seized with the same apathy which possessed them in 1S61, when they permitted violent, but lawless mobs to overturn the State Govts of most of the Southern States again the known and expressed -wishes of the majority. I think that the domestic condition of N. C. is as goeKi as that of any Southern State. I think it is better. The failure of the crops in some portions of the State will set things back, and drive away population. But for that I think the State would be in a fair way to regain a state of peace and quiet. I have not seen A. H. Jones since last spring, or rather winter. But I understand that there is a good deal of vio lence abroad in the mountain counties, aud tiuion men are really apprehensive for their lives. I have not suffi cient means to know the truth of the matter, but there must be some grounds for the repeated complaints of the union men of that region. Holden is doing all he can to keep up the strife, hoping to make cat-paws of the union men of the AVest, to pull his chestnuts out of the fire and unfortunately Mr. Pell asserts Holden is keeping up a bad spirit. I am doing what I can to check mate Holden's schemes, but Holden by laying dark so long, nothing can be done with certainty. As soon as I know who Holden's candidate is to be I can tell pretty closely what he can elo. Just now he is playing off Gen. Dockery as the man to beat you, but I have no idea who is to be his candidate. I hope that Lewis Hanes will keep up his paper at least till after the election is over. A few good writers in his paper could do much to enlighten public opinion. ^Ir. Pell should read his o-wn paper of last year and see what was his platform then and in what he suexjeeded. Since the Maine election, the N. Y. Herald has an nounced in its usual way that the contest in the North is to result in favor of the Republicans. That must be the 784 North Carolina Historical Commission. case, unless the Republican party divides. My o-wn notion is that the South had better have kept free from entangling alliances with the copper-heads of the North. Many of the Republican politicians are just as big scamps as are to be found, but the sober industrious marrow of the North will never vote for a copperhead. Th South will gain nothing by fighting the battles of defeated Northern demagogues. The Howard Amendment will be ratified by all the Northern States this winter. New Jersey having taken the lead. If the South will act reasonably the next Congress will act more liberally toward the South than the last did, for there will be quite a number of new men in it, and the approach of the next Presidential election will make all anxious to settle .the question of reconstruction on the best prudent terms, and so Andrew Johnson will succeed in his main design of finishing reconstruction during his term of office. I note that Mr. Pell says in his paper by implication that the Howard Amendment disfranchises the mass of the Southem people. Now he must have known that such is not the fact. The two things that the South as a section will oppose is the cutting down of representatives to the voting or white basis, and the disqualification of certain men for office. The latter feature is the only one that looks like pumshment and which will in no way benefit the North. Of course the South will not like to have the number of its representation diminished, neither will the North. But one or the other has to yield. If the basis is not changed the North will lose ten or twelve members by the freeing of the negroes, and if it is changed the South will lose fifteen or twenty. This is on the suppo sition that the question of negro suffrage is entirely ig nored. As a section this matter of representation is the only one that the North will be strenuous for, and when it comes to the pinch all parties North will go for having as much favor as they can get, and all parties South will Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 785 do the same thing. It was for that reason that the North em men in Congress were not willing to admit even loyal men from the South till they got the basis changed. Sel fishness aud sectionalism are as a general thing the rule. To A. Y. Sullivan. Raleigh Sep. 17 1866. I ordered a bbl of whiskey from my friend N. Williams a few days ago. It has come to hand 36^ gals, cost, to my dismay, $182.50. I am requested to send the money to you to be forwarded. I send enclosed $100. — AA'ill remit bal. as soon as I can get it. I had no idea that it would cost so much. I must dispense with so much expenditure on indulgence until I have an income equal to my ex penses. I hope at the end of this quarter — 1 Oct. I may be able to pay the balance. Do those who sent Tourgee to Phila. recognise him as correctly representing their views ? High Point. To B. S. Hedrich. Raleigh Sep. 18/66. There is one portion in your letter just received in which Relating to union . . . men in North 1 am sure you are mistaken ; to-wit that Union men have Carolina. just cause of complaint as to the administration of justice in the Western part of this State. The larger portion of my time for a month past has been devoted to investiga tions of this character. In every instance which I have investigated it has proved to be a false clamor on the part of bad men. True — honest men do not as a general rule, join in these clamors. They spring from those passions which have led them to commit breaches of the peace. Vol. 2—9 786 North Carolina Historical Commission. They come from ultra Union counties, where severity in enforcing the Conscription act naturally engendered bad passions and led to retaliation after the close of hostilities. I do not believe justice to white and black, rich and poor — to all men was ever more impartially administered immediately after such a convulsion as we have just passed through, than it is in this State. Ever lover of N. C. and of justice, has reason to be proud of our Judiciary. At my special request the judges dwell in their charges in every County upon the duty of inferior officers and all our people, seeing that justice is impartially done to the negro. Through these charges the popular ear is more efficiently reached than in any other manner. If the tmth were known, all good men at the North would respect and honor us — but Tourgee and other like villians, by a con tinual stream of slander, lead many to think where there is so much smoke there must be some fire. , AA'ashington, D. C. To William J. Wilson. Raleigh, Sep. 18/66. Yours of the 4th inst received here today. It had no post-mark. If my answer shall be as slow in reaching you it will be of little value. There is no statute so far as I can remember or find, which confers on the Executive any right to take steps for procuring the right of way for the extension of the W. N. R. R. to a connection with the Tenn. or Ga roads. This power, I presume, the Directors. may exercise — and as they all favor the extension of the road as fast as possible there -will be no doubt out as soon as they deem it expedient. I have ever voted in favor of every measure your rep resentatives have recommended, tending to fumish to your delightful country an out-let to market and whatever posi- Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 787 tion I may occupy will favor any practical measure to ex tend the road from Morganton AYest with as little delay as possible. I voted and urged others to vote for the ratification of the proposed amendments to our Constitution and regret that the result of the election was for rejection. I congratulate you on the acquisition of a good wife as do all my family. I hope you and my friend Keener will be here this fall as representatives of a people you have so faithfully rep resented heretofore. I now think I shall have no opposition. The Radicals are trying to get up opposition — but such opposition would be nominal. Forks of Pigeon. Haywood Co. From A. Y. Sullivan. High Point, N. C. Sep. 19th 1866. Yours of the 17th inst covering a remittance of One Hundred Dollars received yesterday per Express. Amt. placed to the credit of N. Williams. Will repeat to him your explanation. I confess Govemor I am at a loss in attempting to an- Politics. swer your question as to the views and objects of the Tourgeeites. They will assemble in Raleigh tomorrow and will doubtless give expression to their patriotic feel ings and objects through the medium of the Standard. I have been quite busy for some weeks past and have not had an opportunity for mixing with the sovereigns much. In fact the red string men of this County are not very communicative with me and I entirely reciprocate their manifestations of indifference. I can understand how and why it is that an African sympathizes with his race and color and I think I have 788 North Carolina Historical Commission. some idea of Christian philanthropy which takes in all created human beings. But this new fangled idea of worshipping the negro, and denouncing and prosecuting native born straight haired citizens, I cannot exactly understand. I know this. Governor, you course is approved by nine tenths of the honest and intelligent men within the limits of my acquaintance, but the wire working demagogues are . against you. They want office, they are for repudiation. and they are for a general distribution of effects. To make a good govemment (in my humble judgment — there is two ingredients, which they are sadly in want of, that is moral honesty and brains. I hope you will pardon me for this blunt expression of my humble notions. To Henry T. Clarh. Raleigh, Sep. 21/66. Yours of the 12th inst. postmarked 21st is received. I will inclose it tomorrow to the Prest, with this endorse ment. "I have long known Gov. Clark, and though differ^ ing from him on national politics, I have always regard him as 'the noblest work of God,' an honest man. I have 'no doubt of his loyalty and I earnestly recommend that his pardon be granted." I regret that heavy pressure of business denies me the opportunity to answer at length your friendly letter. You will have seen that Holden and a handful of his devoted followers, yesterday nominated Genl Dockery to run as my opponent on Howard amendment platform. I understand H. told his friends that he had positive as surance that the Genl would accept the nomination. It amazed me that any North Carolinian should favor the ratification of that amendment. I hope this movement will awaken some interest in the election. ^ Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 789 I shall call a meeting of my board of Internal Improve ment about the 20th of this month. Send me a com munication explaining the R. R. mismanagement to which you refer. I send you by mail a package containing 1000 of my tickets. Please have them distributed to the precincts of your County. I also send you another package for the County of Wilson. Please do me the favor to put them in the hands of some friend who will attend to their distri bution. Tarboro. To C. C. Clarh. Raleigh Sep. 21/66. I send you by mail a package containing 1000 of my The opgisition tickets and ask you to have them distributed to the pre cincts of your County. The Holden Convention of yesterday, in which it is pre tended some 8 counties were represented, was a truly small affair. Holden asked for the Commons Hall for their sit ting a day or two before the meeting. We granted the re quest without hesitation. They did not choose to make a public demonstration of their weakness so assembled in Holden's office and declared that the people of N. C. ought to adopt the Howard amendment, and asked Genl A. S. Dockery [illegible] whether he wished to be chief execu tive of the State by standing on that platform. The essen tial delegation was from Newbem — The next largest I hear from Wake — all of these self-appointed. No public meeting, so far as I have heard, nominated any delegate in this County. I have not heard of a meeting in Car teret and know nothing of the delegates [illegible] I have heard of no meeting in Alamance, Davidson or Davie. I do not believe that Thompson or Dick wrote a letter recommending the adoption of the Howard amendment. 790 North Carolina Historical Commission. I will be glad to hear from you. The ball against me seems to have been put in motion in Craven but I sup pose a candidate on the Howard amendment platform, can receive few votes in Craven. It is amazing to me that any North Carolinian can favor the ratification of this amendment. New Bern. To Judge D. F. Caldwell. Raleigh Sep. 21 1866. Yours of the 20th inst. acknowledging receipt of your pardon has been reed. You explain why you did not sooner acknowledge the receipt of the same and say that you are "reminded of your neglect by Mr. Battle's letter and now fulfill it." Inclosed I find a $5. bill. This is an enigma to me. I have sent to Kemp Battle and Rich Battle. Neither of them understand it. I suppose the money was intended for some other letter and inclosed in the one to me by mis take. I return it herein. It is truly hard as you say that you should have to pay the expenses of war you always sought to avert. It is one of the common sequents of Civil AA^ar. No one struggled more persistently than I to avert it and I like you have lost much of the earnings of my life. The opposition The meeting yesterday was too small to assume the Convention. ° "^ ¦' name of a Convention. Mr. Holden had obtained the con sent of the officers of the Capitol that his Convention might sit in the Commons Plall. Their numbers proved to be so small that they did not deem it expedient to sit in Com mons Hall, or to assume the name of a Convention. They met in Holden's office and nominated Genl Dockery on the platform of the Howard amendment and sent young Logan to his resielence to see whether he would accept. AA"e shall see. — Correspondence of Jonathan AYorth. 791 Holden is out in a long address to the people in further- ence of his object. Salisbury. To C. S. Win.stead.' Raleigh Sep. 22/66. I send vou bv mail a package containina; 1000 of mv K"™i"*tion of ^ c> & . Dockery by the tickets for re-election as Govr. You will much oblige me opposition. by ha-ving them distributed to the several points of your County. You will have seen that ^h: Holelen and a few of his friends have nominated Genl Dockery, on the platform of the adoption by this State of the Howarel amenelment to the Constitution of the U. S. It is represented by Mr. Holden that he has assurance that Genl D. will accept the nomination and stand on this platform. I am opposed to the adoption of this amendment or any other amendment to the Constitution of the U. S. until we are represented in the proposing Congress. If Genl D. accepts the nomi nation this will be the main issue. I am persuaded I shall be sustaineel by you : but whether I am or not you will oblige me by placing my tickets in the hands of some one who will see them properly dis tributed. ROXBORO. To W. Lj. Springs. Raleigh, Sep. 22 1866. Yours of the 19th inst. is reed. The failure of both the com ancl wheat crop iu mauv Destitution in the ^ . ¦ state. of the Western Counties of the State, the almost destitu- ' Charles S. Winstead, of Person, had been a Democratic member of the legislature before and during the war ; after the war he was a moderate Republican. 792 North Carolina Historical Commission. tion of many among the masses of our people and even among those who possess large real estate in that grain growing portion of the State, and the heavy taxation for the U. S. Treasury, would make the collection of a suffi cient tax to meet the interest on our State debt so burden some that I think the Genl Assembly will not impose such tax at its next session. It is believed the bond holders in the State so fully appreciate the condition of our people, that they will not expect or insist on the levy of such a tax, as would be necessary to pay the interest on the State, the ordinary expenses of the State and the very heavy tax necessary to defraying the charges of sustaining the poor, etc. This must not be construed as repudiation. The State will pay if the money can be raised on her credit. For the present the people can't pay by a direct tax, without griev ous oppression. Philadelphia, Pa. To J. B. Marler. Raleigh Sep. 22/66. «on of ticket^"' I send you by mail a package of 1000 of my tickets for re-election as Govr. Mr. Holden and a few of his friends have nominated Genl Dockery as my opponent on the platform of the rati fication of the Howard amendment to the Constitution of the U. S. I am opposed to the ratification of this or any other amendment to the Constitution of the U. S. until we are represented in the propossing Congress. Please have my tickets distributed to the several pre cincts of your County. Morganton. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 793 To E. Y. McAden.^ Sept. 23 1866. Col. Wren and the Radicals of Randolph, Guilford, in regard to Chatham and perhaps Alamance, by appointing Tourgee their representative made him their mouth-piece. By their silene^e since the publication of his speech, they en dorse it. I send to A'^r. Robins, by his request, in your care a Tribune and a Herald containing his speech, which I think may be most effectively used in the canvass. I am still ignorant whether Genl Dockery accepts Hol den's nomination. His tickets are being sent out by the Standard. They probably rely on their secret organiza tions to mn his name without his personal acejeptance. Graham. To S. S. Jachson. Raleigh Sep. 28 1866. It is not yet knowm here whether Genl Dockery accepts the nomination as my competitor or not. His defeat will be disastrous if he run. ¦K- * * « ¦» -K- * Mary says she is better. — The rest well — I learn that Holden is sending out Dockery tickets. The dependence is on secret organizations. There are none of them here. Every body appears to be for me in Wake except Holden and son and Jim Taylor. AsHEBORO ' Kufus Y. ilcAden, of Alamance, had at this time been a member of the legislature since 1862. He was Speaker of the House in 1866 • He was later prominent in financial and manufacturing circles. 794 North CarolinxV Historical Commission. To D. H. Starbuch Raleigh, Sep. 29 1866. Discussion of The daily pressure of official duty makes it physically impossible for me to do much in the way of political or social correspondence. On all the great political issues of the Country for the past thirty years, you and I have agreed. Do we dis agree on the issue whether N. C. ought to ratify the How ard amendment ? I take this view. Those who take the affirmative side admit the legal organization of the State, otherwise the action of our Legislature would be nugatory. If the ratification by this State with that of 24 other States w^ould make this proposition a part of the funda mental law of the U. S., then N. C. is one of the States of the American Union. Article 1 Sec. 2 Constitution of the U. S. declares that "each State shall have at least one representative." Sec. 3 same article provides that "the Senate of the U. S. shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six years." Nbrth Carolina is denied the right of having any rep resentation in either branch of the National Legislature, without inquiry whether those whom she offers as repre sentatives, are constitutionally qualified or not. AA^hile we are thus denied any representation in Con gress w-e are asked to ratify an amendment essentially altering the original compact. The Constitution clearly contemplated that every State should be represented in a Congress proposing alterations ff in the original compact. I desire to obey in good faith all the pro-visions of the Constitution of the U. S. and as I entertain no doubt of the correctness of these views I am opposed to the ratifi cation of any amendment to the Constitution of the U. S., so long as we are denied representation in the Congress proposing such amendment. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 795 These settled views make it imnecessary that I should discuss the merits or dismerits of the f)roposeel amend ment. Upon a single feature I will submit a remark. I am now, as you know I have always been, in favor of the preservation of the American Union, upon the basis of strict confidence and genuine reconciliation between all parts. I have however, always view with equal disfavor the Northem party who viewed the Constitution of the U. S. as "a league with Hell" — aud the Southern Seces sionist. I know of no act or word of mine, public or private, not in exact accordance with these views, unless my participation in the State Govemment during the war should be regarded as at variance with them. Up to the unanimous action of the State Convention in 1S61, as a Senator and a citizen, I opposed the call of a Convention, — and appropriaticm of money to arm the State, — and all other measures looking to Disunion. — ^When the Conven tion was ordered, I refused to be elected a member of it. After that Convention had unanimously declared the Union dissolved, and declared the State one of the pai-ties to the Southem Confederacy, and put her iu a belligerent attitude to the United States, I was still a Senator under my election in 1860, and the General Assembly was called together in extra session. Driven by force of these events to take sides with one of the belligerents, I had no hesi tation to link my destiny with my own section. I took the oath to support the Constitution of the Confederate States and thereafter acted in conformity with the provisions of that oath: but I did not believe that the Northern people felt towards us the destroying malevolence which many of her leading men now avow, and which I still hope is not the dominant feeling of the Northern people; and I deemed it consistent with fidelity to my new engagements to bring about peace on the basis of the Constitution of the United States. I never joined in what I deemed the deceptive and absurd cry, "peace and Independence," 796 North Carolina Historical Commission. adopted generally in this State by those who now claim to be the only men in the State worthy of public trust. This Howard amendment, if adopted, declares me so contaminated that I am unworthy to be elected to any office in the State — even that of a Constable. — I refer to my case as an illustration of many thousands of others in this State. Every citizen of the United States owed allegiance to the U. S. Those who violated that allegiance are about equally gnilty, whether they had ever taken the oath of allegiance or not : — and when the United States could not protect its citizens surely they ought to be excused for obeying the laws of the de facto government which pro tected them, and which they were impotent to resist. The Confederate Govemment ruled over us. We have divine authority for obying our rulers. Common sense ought to regard, at least with mercy, submission to physical power which we were unable to resist. This amendment recognizes as eligible to office those who took up arms vol untarily to resist the United States or sought a seat in the Convention to dissolve the Union or who in any form aided to destroy the Union, provided such person had not, as an officer, taken an oath to support the Constitution of the U. S. I do not think this feature of the amendment calculated to produce general reconciliation. I have not the time at present to comment on the other provisions of the amendment, of much graver import than the disqualifying provision. I deem an amendment containing so many provisions, essentially altering the Constitution, and to be ratified or rejected as a whole, and proposed in a Congress in which several states were excluded from representation, is not deserving of ratification by any State in the Union. It is not known here whether Genl Dockery accepts the nomination as my competitor for Govr. or not, — and I am ignorant whether he favors the ratification of the Howard Correspondence of Jox^athan AA^orth. 797 amendment or not. [Next few lines cannot be read.] Mr. Holden and Mr. Thomas and the few others who nominated Genl Dockery, are unmistakable L'uion men; while they profess to deplore my defaction from the sup port of the Union, urge the adoption of this amendment, not because they profess to approve the provisions, but on the ground that it is offered to us as a condition precedent to allowing us representation ,in Congress, and that the choice is left us only to accept this or submit to worse terms, I know of no radical grounds on which they make this representation. The last Congress made no such declaration — If it had, what security have we that the next Congress would feel bound by it? President John son made known to us, early last summer, that if we would ratify an amendment to the Constitution of the U. S. which had been proposed while we were voluntarily excluded from representation in Congress, abolishing slavery — if we would amend our constitution so as to abolish slavery — declare Secession a political heresy and repudiate our State debt, he would deem us entitled to representation in Congress, The whole North seemed to acquiese in this plan. Scarcely a murmur was heard against it. We hastened to comply with all the conditions and elected men to represent us in Congress, not one of whom had ever advocated the doctrine of Secession, and whom we believed under any constitutional teste, entitled to take a seat. On the meeting of Congress, to our amaze ment we found other undefined conditions were to be im posed. Our representatives were rejected without inquiry as to their eligibility. L'^nder these circumstances what rational ground of hope have we that if we adopt the How ard amendment, it will not be followed by the require ment of universal negro suffrage, general confiscation, the impeachment of President Johnson and other measures -of degradation. The little squad who assembled here on the 20th inst under a call for a great State and mass union meeting 798 North Carolina Historical Commission. had leave from me granted on the application of Gov. Holden's son, a day or two in advance of the assemblage, to hold the meeting in the Hall of the House of Com mons. I kuow not why they declined to avail themselves of the privilege, unless the paucity of the numbers — not enough to fill three benches. [Eest of page cannot be read.] They forgot that he and his chief associate Mr. C. R. Thomas, as members of the Convention of 1861, - had voted the State out of the Union. It did not suit them to look into antecedents. They proposed to make a distinguished gentleman their standard bearer. He and I were Senators in the General Assembly of 1860-61. In Deer. 1860, before the ordinance of Secession, it was proposed to place in the hands of Gov. Ellis, an ardent secessionist, $300,000. to arm the State. Genl. Dockery voted for this bill and I voted against it. On the final reading of the bill, in May, 1861, calling a convention, he voted for it, and I voted against it. I do not refer to these votes to call in question the patriotism of any body. Many worthy men differed from me. I refer to them only to show why these gentlemen wished to ignore the good old rule of judging men by their antecedents. I expected, when I commenced this letter, that it would be a short one. It had turned out to be rather a long one, in which I have indulged in free expression of my views, currente calamo, without any mental reservation. You may use it as you please, save through the press. Shall be glad to hear from you in reply. [P. S.] — Sijice the nomination of Genl. Dockerv. I perceive the Standard is advocating that representation iruthis^ State should rest on the white basis. I inievfrgsor- thi^rtiat Govr. Holden would make a side issue — a bid fQl_thevote of the populous AA^est. I voted for'tEe^ratifi- . cation ofthe amendments lately proposed to "our State, Constitution. Whether Genl. I3ockery voted for'it or not,- I do not know. I understood it to be acceptaT)Ie~to the Correspondence of Jonathan AVorth. 799 AA'^est. I deemed the amendments wise ones and voted for the ratification of them. As a legislator I have considered the whole State interested in developing the resources of the AA^est aud none of the representatives of the AA^est have voted more steadily for measures of AYestern improve ment, than I have. Saleji. From D. F. CaldweU. Greensboro N. C. Sept. 30 66. I wish to call your attention to a matter which I think conditions in '' state politics. deserves some attention. X. allude to fbe mntbod'n-"T^^ted as to the whole matter, so far as I can, [P. S. j — I am at my residence- I will send you a copy of my letter to Genl. Sickles tomorrow, if I can remem ber it in the multitude of my cares. WiLMIXGTON. From W. F. Leah. Rockix^gham, Richmond Co. 2Iay 23/07 r.r.r. J Dnion League. I do not know that the "military authorities" will gee ^^'•"«'"o" of "-e 961 North Carolina Historical Commission. proper to interfere to remedy the evil of which we com plain, yet nevertheless I feel it due to myself, as well as to others who have solicited me, to make known through you and to those in command of the existence of an evil in our midst, which if compatible in their views of pro priety, ought at once to be checked. I allude to the secret societies, now forming by the free blacks in every section of this County. There are now in our midst a couple of Freedmen, one of whom would have passed as a white man, did he not tell his audience that he was a freed man) who are con stantly engaged in administering secret oaths to the "freed men" and forming secret societies. To so great an extent is this done that it has lately created no little alarm among the people and particularly among the female portion of the whites, and the more so for the reason, that the law-abiding white men do not pre tend to wear fire arms, to protect themselves against any sudden outbreak of the Blacks whereas the "freed ne groes", at least ^, are ivell armed with pistols, Buie knives, etc. An order from Gen. Sickles would at once put a stop to it, which we think with due deference should be done. To J. R. Bulla.' May 2k 1867. Concerning vacan- Ou the reference of your memorial to me touching your cies in county , ¦ _ oflices. difficulty as to supposed vacancy of Shff. m Randolph, I addressed to Genl. Sickles a reply, a copy of which is herewith inclosed. He has retumed my letter with the following endorsement. "Respectfully returned. It is the desire of the commanding Genl. whenever he can do so, with just reliance upon the discreet and importial exer cise of the power, to remit to provisional authorities such power of appointment, as by -writing laws, they may exer- iThe County Attorney of Randolph. Correspondexce of Jonathan AA'orth. 965 cise, subject to the condition imposed by Sec. 6 of '"the act to provide for the more efficient govemment of the Confed erate States,'" passed Mar. 2/6T. that no person is eligible to office who would be disqualified under the provisions of the 3rd article of the constitutional amendment. It is necessary therefore that all persons, so appointed, should in addition to such oath or oaths of office as may be re quired by North Carolina, take and subscribe the oath of office — ^proscribed in Sec. 1 of the Act supplementary to the act last mentioned, passed Mar. 23/67. A duplicate copy of said oath of office, duly subscribed and attested, to be forwarded to the head-quarters through the com manding officer of the military post within which the ap pointment is made. These papers to be retumed with ac tion noted."' I shall endorse on these papers and return them as fol lows. "A copy of the written letter to you, of the lOfh inst. and a copy of your endorsement thereon, are this 24 May, sent to the County Att. of Randolph, with my request that he fumish me -with a copy of the proceedings of the Court, touching the matter, at May Term, 1S6T." I desire that you fumish me such copy of record with out delay, -with any remarks you may deem it expedient to submit. AsHEBORO. To R. C. Holmes. Raleigh, 2Iay 2^/67. I found it altogether incompatible with my official J^^f^^e**^ duties, to attend to the judicious distribution and the cor respondence, as to the donations of Maryland and be nevolent Northem associations, for the relief of the South ern people, and obtained the consent of Col. D. M. Bar ringer and the chief clergymen of this city to attend to the same for me. Nearly all which has been confided to 966 North Carolina Historical Commission. me has been distributed to points where the greatest des titution was believed to exist. I have referred your let ter to the above mentioned commission, who will send you some aid, or explain, if they do not. I thank you for the expression of your approval of my effort'-, to make the condition of our people as tolerable as possible. Goel knows I have done my best for the welfare of North Car olina — and next to the approval of my own conscience, I would be gratified with the approbation of the people who have selected me as their Chief Magistrate at this trying period of our history. Clinton. To E. Hubb. Raleigh, 21 ay 2k/ 67. destftu'te.*'"^ Souie weeks ago donations for the relief of our starving people were sent to Col. Bomford and myself, from benevo lent societies in New York anel Phila. The amount, though eminently creditable to the sources, was merely nominal, in reference to the destitution. AA'e sent it at once to a few counties where a local drought last summer, made stai-vation inevitable without aid from abroad. Since then $500. in money from California and a large quan tity of bacon and corn was sent to me by Maryland. Find ing it quite impossible, consistent with official duties, to attend to the proper distribution - of these elouations aud the extensive correspondence growing out of it, I obtained the consent of D. M. Barringer and the four chief clergy men of this city, to relieve me from this labor. I under stand from them that nearly all has been distributed to the points where greatest destitution existed, according to the best information they could obtain. I have sent your letter to the commission who will reply further thereto. I am not informed whether other supplies will be sent Correspondence of Jonathan AVorth. 967 to my care. 1 had not heard until the receipt of your let ter, that extraordinary destitution existed iu Craven. Ou the contrary I had supposed, iu comparison with nuM of the State, that there was a good crop last year, and that the great body of the people were able to aid the isolated cases of distress existing in every community. Your rep resentation surprises me aud concerns me — anel if pos sible, some aid >hall be sent to you. New Berx, To Horace R. Chappell. Raleigh, 2Iay -2!^; 07. Before the receipt of yours of yesterday's date, I had made my recommendations for Register of AA'ake. Genl. Sickles may uct act immediately on my recommendati: iiis — or may disapprove some of them. If you send me a rec ommenelatiou a- to your fitness from persons of known respectability, I will forward it to Genl Sickles. New Lie>HT, AA'ake Co. From Zebulon B. Yance. Charlotte, 2Iay 2oth, 1S07 Y'ou perhaps have seen a call on Geiv. AA'i^e anel mvself in regard to an ¦^ _ " invitation to in the Sentinel, from the negross of Edsrecombe and Nash address tiie ¦* o o negroes. to address them on the issues of the day. I am very averse to appearing in politics now, but regret to see any oppor tunity which the negroes give us neglected, as they evi dently don't design giving us many chances at them — at least the mean whites who control them intend so to con trive it. What shall I do ? My inclination is to write them a letter and decline. I could say nearly all I wish in the letter. Consult friends and write me. 968 North Carolina Historical Commission. To General Nelson A. Miles. May 25 1867. Court of Oyer and I appointed Judge AA'arren last week, as soon as I was Terminer for ' -^ -^ ° ' ^'^""ir. informed that several of the malefactors, who have been disquieting the County of Lenoir and adjacent counties, were captured and in the jail of Lenoir, to hold a Court of Oyer and Terminer in that County, for the trial of the prisoners, and I offered a reward for the apprehension of two against whom I was informed there was satisfac tory evidence, as I will for any others when their names are furnished to me, with satisfactory evidence of their guilty co-operation -with these bands of regulators. I also asked Col. Bomford to furnish a military guard for the jail, who referred my request to the officer com manding in Lenoir. I have had no response to this re quest from the commandant of that Post, but have heard unofficially that a portion of the prisoners, by order from soine military officer of the United States, had been sent to Ft. Macon for safe custoely, I am intensely anxious that none of the prisoners es cape. Under existing law, disbanding the militia "of the State, I have no power to place an armed guard around the jail and have done all I could for their safe custody in asking the military authority of the U. S. to furnish a guard. If Major Foster can fumish me with the names of any witnesses by whom proof can be made against any one of the malefactors, I shall be much obliged. The fact, I think, is notorious that for months past, bands of des peradoes have been committing crime in Lenoir and ad jacent Counties. The failure to punish them, so far as I can learn, is not attributable to the civil authorities, but to the failure of parties injured and others, to furnish the specific information to the civil officers which would authorise the authorities to act. Raleigh. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 969 To William Clarh. Raleigh, 2Iay 25 1807. I received some weeks ago your long and kind letter. My official duties require of me so much -writing . . . [Here follow several lin^s ivhich are illegible. . . . Her whole life had been one sweet and cheerful, though never enjoying perfect health. So wise and con siderate was she of the feelings of every body, however humble that she had as strong a hold on my affections as child can have on a father — And my thoughts never re turn to her (and to this time she is seldom absent from my thoughts) without melancholy anguish. You continually desire to know my views on the present plan of National affairs. When the war ended the South felt thoroughly con- Feeling in the ° ' South, epiered — and ready to submit to the terms demanded by her conquerors. If the narrow malevolence which now under the guise of patriotism, demands the confiscation of our lands, and the exile or death of the great body of our people had then manifested itself, there would have been no attempt at resistance, but so many as survived would have hated and taught their children to hate, a fac tion who nurtured hatred and vengeance after the van- guished asked for quarter. After two years of deliberation the North says to us. we will receive you into fellowship again, whenever you will make certain amendments of the fundamental law, whereby your most enlishtened and most respected citi- zeus shall be excluded from any further agency in the government under which they are to live — and whereby every male negro of the age of 21 shall be declared com petent and fit to manage governmental affairs : — and to insure your action in conformity to our wishes, we give you notice that yemr lands shall be confiscated if you dis regard our requirements: and for fear that even this threat may not induce you to adopt a Constitution which 970 North Carolina Historical Commission. we think will insure our continued party ascendency, we disband your militia anel quarter among you enough troops, to compel you to vote as we want you to vote. AA'hen your new Constitution is formed it must contain the provisions we dictate, but it must bear the semblance of being a constitution udopted freely by you. I do not doubt that all the Southern States will con form to the demands of the North. Total ruin seems to be the dsnunciation if we refuse to adopt what seems' to us an absurd constitution. To avoid the bayonet and secure bread to preserve life, we will adopt it — , but it ought to be manifest to every Northern man who regards us as still retaining the feelings of human nature, that w'e do so, with positive abhorrence towards a people ac- complishiug its party purposes under the hypocritical pre tense of preserving Republican government. Our people all have sagacity enough to look through the fiimsy veil by which the party in power seek to cover their designs — towit — the perpetuation of their party ascendency, under the popular name of "Loyalty" — "Human Rights" — "Im partial Suffrage" and other class trash — ^wheu it is mani fest that those who work the wires look with a single eye, to party ascendency. The only party, in my day, whose whole aims were noble and patriotic, was the Whig party, while Henry Clay, one of Nature's noblemen, was its teacher ; and in spired it with his manly views. The great body of the American people, now believe, that the late war arose from antagonism between Freedom ancl Slavery. Nothing can be more palpably false. Party Spirit produceel the war. The tariff was the first pretext, and Sectional and party ascendency — and then Slavery. Ambitious Southerners ancl ambitious Northerners, each wishing to rule, draw off from their real designs, the views of the gullible multitude of their respective sections. President Johnson, as well as Lincoln, were patriotic aud national in their views. Their scheme of restorina; Correspondence of Jonathan AVorth. 971 the Union, looked to the restoration of cordiality between the alienated sections. The present leaders of the demi.>- crat party, who uo doubt represent the .-eiitiineuts of the great North, look to keeping the Union together, by keep ing their heel upou their vanquished foes, and the swonl continually suspended over them, and compelling the adoption of measures under the hypocritical pretext of popular approbation by a people thus coerced. The purposes of Providence are often accomplished by meaus which to the weakness of human reason, seem illy fitted to accomplish the end. To me the mea~ure~ of the dominant party seem only suited to despair and perpetuate hate between the sections — and I cannot per ceive how material good is to spring from the nurture of sectional hate: — ancl my only hope is that Providenc.- is working out some gi-eat good by means which seem to me calculated only to nurse the most devilish feelings of the human heart. With military satraps placed over u-, invested with absolute control over us, and with ignoble spies placed in every neighborhood who know they can make themselves acceptable to the North and retain their places, ouly by maligning all our actions, you need not expect from our press or otherwise the expression of feeling which our people naturally indulge. All manlv expression of senti ment is crushed. The temptation is almost irresistable to seek for favor by fa-^vnirg — and not a few yield to the temptation. Silence is the resource of manly honesty. The feeling among the great body of our people — ancl especially among the late o^vners of slaves, is one of kind ness and pity for this confiding impovideut man. Not one man in ten would restore them to slavery. If we were let alone every facility would be allowed them, by in dustry and good conduct, to improve their condition: but to have our land traversed hy Wilson, Kelly and other Northern partizans, seeking to segregate the negro from the whites, and sow the seeds of antagonism of the races 972 North Carolina Historical Commission. in order (not disguised) to insure the ascendency of the Republican party, in these States, intensifies the hostility of our people towards the dominant power. This feeling is necessarily suppressed. Few are willing to be made martyrs, when they see no good likely to result from self sacrifice. For your personal satisfaction I have made this frank exposition of the state of feeling here. It is not for the public eye. All my life my sentiments as to national affairs have been in cordial unison with the teachings of Genl Wash ington in his farewell address : but I have no affection for such a Union and such a Constitution as is maintained and established by brute force. AA'^e are enjoying good health and no event has occurred lately among our family circle, of any importance. Economy, Indiana. To Thomas C. Fuller. 2Iay 26 1867. Arrest of Toiar.etc. Yours of the 22 iust., covering copy of Indictment against Capt. Tolar is received. In my efforts to induce Genl. Sickles to desist from his interference with the Supr Court of Cumberland in the case of your client and Mr. McRae, I much needed this copy. The General's action is based on the representation of General Avery, an offi cer of the Freedman's Bureau, whose duty as I infer from his action in this and other cases, is always performed with the single idea, that a Southern white man never tells the truth, and that a negro never lies. I have had an interview with him. He puts his recommendations chiefly on the action of the coroner's jury. If the evidence before that jury and their verdict were furnished me, it might be of much advantage to me. Avery represents Correspondence of Jonathax AA'orth. '.)78 the verdict as not conforming to the evidence and lienee argues that justice cannot be had before a Cumberland jury. All the influence I can exercise Xo defeat this scheme of trying these men by a military commission will be exerted, — and I will thank you for any facts which you may think would be of service to me, I had written for a copy of the Indictment. Say to the Clerk that the copy sent by you serves my purpose. Fayetteville. To Luhe Blachmer. Alay 27. 1867. A letter was received from you some week or two ago Military arrests. relating to the arrest of Messrs. March and Hampton. By some unaccountable means it has been mislaid, without haring been answered: I suppose it is now unimport whether I answer it at all. Mr. Thomas brought the application addressed to Genl. Sickles to me for my endorsement. The application for endorsement was made in writing by Mr. Gorrell and I believe by the other counsel associated with him. I read the petition : I responded that I could perceive no reason upon the facts stated in the petition, for the interposition of the military authorities: that while the counsel that filed the petition were both personally and professionally gentlemen of high standing, I did not concur in the al legation that our Courts could not give adequate relief. I have a copy of this letter at my office. I write from my residence (being unwell today) and give the substance from memory. Whether my letter was presented to the General or not I do not know. As I perceive from a note in the Old NoHh. State to-day, that you and Mr. McCorkle were al lowed to see the papers, allow me to inquire, was my let ter filed ? You can have a copy of it, if you wish it. Salisbury. 974 North Carolina Historical Cojimission. To D. F. Caldwell. May 28 1867. In the report of Genl. Avery to Col. Bomford, touch ing the case of Robert Davis, occur the following pas sages — "After his arrest he was told by the Jailor, Mr. Reese, that he would certainly be convicted and that his only chance for obtaining mercy, was to tell the whole matter. A Air. Marrow and Air. S. B. Glenn, accompanied by the jailor, visited Davis in the prison, and after some con versation with him, induced him to confess that he had entered the house of Mr. Marrow and taken the property from two other houses. Air. Glenn, one of the parties to whom the confession was made, told Mr. Brown, a prominent merchant in Greensboro, at the time the confession was made, that he told the boy Davis he had whipped him once for stealing, and that unless he now told the whole truth he would whip him again, and that Davis thereon confessed the crime as charged and two other similar cases." You will see that the drift of this report was intended to impeach the fairness of the conviction. I have reason to believe that Genl. Avery, upon whose reports the negro Cooper, convicted of rape in Granville, was withdrawn from the civil authorities — and several persons in Fayetteville seized and carried to Ft Macon for trial before a military commission, before a Court having cognizance of the crime imputed to them could act, has contributed more than any other officer stationed in N. C, to make the unjust impression that our Courts will not act imijartially where a negro is concerned. I wish to kuow whether the facts reporting a crime against Reese in T. County are truly stated. AA^ill appreciate it, Greensboro, N. C. Correspondence of Jonathan AVorth, 9,5 To General Daniel E. Sichles. Raleigh 2Iay 28/07. In the several eases of petitions by partie.- to you for ^arton"'*^""^ pardon for offences of which there had been a conviction in our Courts, which you have referred to me, I have invariably taken proper steps to ascertain the facts. I do not know -whether you desire me to report tci y'lii the result of such inquiry and my action thereon. If sci, I will attend to it at once. In the case of the petition of J. -J- Gibbs, of Charlotte, whose petition represented that he w-as persecuted because he had been a U. S, soldier, I inclosed a copy of his peti tion to Ex-Gov, Yance, residing in Charlotte and a^ked him to refer it to some intelligent U. S. officer. Inclosed find report of Capt. Lazelle, Chaelestox, S. C. To General Daniel E. Sichles. 21 ay 29 1867. Allow me to call your attention to my letter of the 2Gth Apl, inquiring whether I could have possession of the Gov ernor's mansion and grounds, now occupied by your mili tary authorities, in order to repair them, as required by au act of the last Genl Assembly — and also inquiring whether rent would be allowed this State for their occu pation since I entered on the discharge of my duties, by order of the President — or for any other times. I have not been informed -whether my letter of the 20 th ult reached your hands. Charlestox. 976 North Carolina Historical Co.mmission. From Braxton Craven. Trinity College June 6, 1867. doip^coun^y." AA'ill you be at High Point on Wednesday evening on the mail train? I hope you will. Movements are on hand beyound my comprehensions. They are moving heaven and earth in this County. Froyer is certain to be put out of office, for daring to recommend any thing but Red Strings. It will be disastrous to this County for Reuben Trogden will be put in, it is said, but I do not know anything that can be done. I see nothing now, but for all true men to stand shoul der to shoulder, watch and wait. The efforts will be to prevent registration to a tremendous extent. Come up, many friends wish to see you. All have not bowed the knee to Baal. To D. F. Caldwell. June 8 1867. Aly accum.ulated duties limit me to a very brief reply to your patriotic and manly letters. I have in no-wise committed myself on the great pend ing questions, beyond the point that all who can should register. As to giving the semblance of volition, by au act of mine where I am allowed semblance of volition, to a change of our Constitution, really under the sword, but ostensibly voluntary on our part, I most heartily heartily concur with you: but I deem it unwise and impolitic, at this time, to say any thing to the public. The article in the Sentinel appeared without my knowl edge. I have submitted your [illegible.] Greek sboro. Correspondence of Jonathan AVorth. 977 To Colonel W. G. 2Ioore. June 9th 1867. There is a matter, apparently unimportant, which to some extent injuriously affects the President, to which I desire in unofficial shape, to call your attention. I do so, because I regard you as a sincere friend of the President — from elevated considerations — and I have formed a strong attachment to you personally from the convictions that you are an honest man — a rare case now-a-days. Gov. Holden abused the confidence of the President as uoiden-s conduct to re(X)mm ending persons for pardons, in this. — All his 5Srdons°° *° actions were shaped to bring about- his election by the people as Govemor. He never failed to recommend for pardon any one, — ^whatever his antecedents, who gave him satisfactory assurance of support. He recommended for suspension or rejection, every one, regardless of his po litical antecedents, who would not assure him of support. Let me give you an illustration. The following gentlemen had been members of the Confederate Congress and were open and avowed Secessionists — Lander, Craige, Bridgers, Arrington, Yenable. On the other hand the following men — Gov. Graham, Yance, Jo. Turner, Gaither, and others of like stripe, who had never endorsed Secession, but woidd not become spaniels and lick the hand which had chastised them, were represented as unworthy of par dons. The class of men last mentioned could not be pai-- doned, because they would not support Holden. It was soon understood that the purport to pardon was support of Holden. This brings me to my point — On my last visit to Wash ington the pardon clerk, at my request, furnished me -with a list of persons, from this State, who had petitioned for pardons, on account of being worth $20,000. or holding some petty office, whose pardon Gov. Holden had rec ommended to be suspended or rejected. Every person on this list was politically obscure; but were known to Mr. Vol. 2—21 978 North Carolina Historical Commission. Holden to be men, who under no circumstances would vote to make him Governor. Many of them are estimable men. When they know that Dortch, Bridgers, McLean, Venable, Arrington and other conspicuous members of the Confederate Congress who had done their best to bring about and sustain the rebellion, are pardoned, while they, many of whom resisted the Revolution as long as the United States could protect them, are not pardoned — ^not properly appreciating the vast field of duty to which the President has to look, conceive that they are wronged. Much as I abhorred Secession you must not infer that I object to any pardon which has been granted. What I desire to impress is that Justice and policy alike require that all these petitioners, who have never been conspicu ous as politicians, ought to be pardoned. A list of them was made out by the pardon clerk and I endorsed it, rec ommending that the pardons issue. I do not doubt that it has been overlooked simply on account of the pressure of more important business.- The object of this letter is to ask you to have that list hunted up and the pardons forwarded. I ask it more in justice to the President than for the sake of the parties. I believe the President to be "the noblest work of God — an honest man" and desire to contribute my mite to protect him from unjust criticism. These men know their pardons were not granted with others in like position, on account of the personal hostility of Holden. They can't be made to understand why they are now -withheld. Washington, D. C. To F. B. Satterthwaite. June 12 1867 Concerning yacan- I have received the petition of yourself and others for cles m county offices. the appointment of Mr. Stackey as Clerk of your Court to fill vacancy occasioned by the recent death of the former Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 97( clerk — and have forwarded it to Genl. Sickles with this endorsement — "The petitioners are gentlemen distinguished for in telligence, and in every way worthy men. I think that a fair interpretation of the reconstruction act, as well as public policy, will leave the filling of this vacancy with the County Court. If the commanding Gen eral deems it his right and duty to fill this vacancy, I recommend that the prayer of the petitioners be granted. I do not interpret the act of Congress as declaring the civil authorities of the State a provisional government, simply to record the edicts of the Military Commandant — but to administer the government of the State as to ciril matters, according to the laws of the State. I do not con strue this act as conferring on him the power to remove and appoint civil officers at will, and have made an em phatic remonstrance to the Prest. against the late meas ures of Genl. Sickles which seem to look to the total ab sorption of the civil by the military power. I have occa- soin to believe my action will be favorably considered not oidy by the Executive Dept. of the Govt, of the U. S. — but by the Republican wing of its Judiciary. AVashington. To J. 21. Parrott. June 12 1867. I inclose an anonymous letter. It states some facts with such precision as to entitle it to more than the considera tion usually due to irresponsible letters. Alost earnestly do I desire to do something to arrest the horrible state of affairs described by the writer — but what can I do? What can any authority, civil or military — do if the local community are so supine or so terrified, that they will not or dare not ferret out the perpetrators of those deeds of horror! I inclose to you this letter, assuming you may 980 North Carolina Historical Commission. know the writer — or that you may be able to suggest some means by which I may personally or officially be useful in bringing the criminals to Justice or giving security to your people. These generalities only annoy me. Govern ment and laws, ever so well administered, can do little to protect a people, who will do nothing to ferret out and bring to the attention of th© authorities the names of the perpetrators of crimes. I feel almost indignant at ap peals to me which furnish me no facts on which I can base any action. I will go any length to capture and punish these crim inals, if furnished with proper information. The local community — and not the authorities — are responsible fofr the impunity of these murderers. Kinston. To J. R. Mendenhall. June 12 1867. As the son of my early and steadfast friend so long as he lived, you were entitled to an earlier answer to yours of the 14th ult., which, notwithstanding the pressure on my time, would have been made, but for the fact that I learned from Mr. Jackson that no question would be submitted for my decision. I still adhere most firmly to the principle, on which I and your worthy father while he lived, always acted — to- wit — ^to perform, no odds what sacrifice, whatever we undertook to do, wholly irrespective of the question whether performance could be enforced by law or not. In the present case, no effort will be made to induce you to pay interest for which you are not responsible on the face of your note: but if your contract (however injudicious) re quired you to give a note bearing interest, it would have been beneficial to you — pecuniarily — on the principle that honesty is always the best policy — ^to pay it. Correspondence of Jonathan AVorth. 981 With the sincerest -wishes for your prosperity and that you may always maintain the enviable reputation of your father — as an honest man — I am Jamestown. To B. S. Hedrich. June 12 1867. I think you know the political antecedents of Jo. Turner AsMng a pardon . ^ for Josiah Tamer. ]r. If there be in the U. S. a more constant, stem, honest advocate for sustaining the Constitution and the Union, so long as the govemment of the U. S. could protect him, than Jo. Turner, I do not know him. He committed the error, as I think, when he could not resist the current of revolution, of volunteering as a soldier in the Confederate service. When he was afterwards elected to Congress in this Congressional District, over a secession competitor and reelected as a Holdenite, and advocated and pressed every measure tending to peace on the basis of reunion all his sins should have been forgiven: — and certainly there can exist no good reason why the president should with-hold his pardon, after pardoning McLean, Dortch, A' enable, Arrington, Lander, etc. You know he is a man of un common moral courage — and was the chief actor in bring ing me out to defeat Holden. He is a first-rate man as a Director on a R. R. He never has any favorite whom he would not attack if he deemed it due to honesty — and has the talent and general capacity fitting him for the position. I appointed him a Director on the N. C. R. R. last year and would like to reappoint him this year. In a few days I must act. — The general course of the military com mandant of this district lately — as well as other informa tion leads me to believe that he means to assume the ap pointment of Directors, for our Rail Roads, In this I hope I am mistaken — ^but I feel confident if I appoint an unpardoned rebel, it will be made the occasion of outcry 982 North Carolina Historical Commission. by Holden and his followers — and, I fear, the pretext, for the assumption of military control over the Public Works of the State. I am in this embarrassing position. If I fail to nomi nate Mr. Turner, every body will say that I have acted ungratefully, if not meanly, towards him (as nobody pre tends to doubt his competency and fitness for the position. If I nominate him, it may lead to the interposition of Genl. Sickles, on the plausible pretext that I have appointed an unpardoned rebel. If you can get the ear of the President, please explain my dilemma, and ask him to relieve me by pardoning Tur ner. I feel very anxious about this. — ^If any thing be done it should be immediately. Turner knows nothing of this application. He feels wounded at the withholding of his pardon and would not propose my interposition to press it — ^but deem my action as offensive. I ask his pardon as a personal favor, which I deem en tirely compatible with the public interest and which I believe would be gratifying to every friend of the Presi dent in North Carolina. Washington, D. C. To H. H. Helper.' Raleigh, June 13/67. appofntaiOTt of ¦'" *^° ^^^ kuow whether your duties are confined solely registers. ^o laying dowu rules of Registration, or whether you are consulted or not, as to the fitness of persons nominated to the Comg. Genl as registers. I send a letter touching the Registers in Hyde. The late orders of Genl Sickles, sending to a military prison without preliminary hearing, one of the most or derly men in the State, Duncan McRae of Fayetteville, lA brother of Hinton R. Helper, the author of The Impending Grisis. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 983 without any complaint having been preferred against him before any civil magistrate or Court, upon a charge which no decent man I have seen or heard of believes to be well founded — The abolition of the Courts in several Counties upon representations made ex-parte — and believed to be entirely groundless : his removal of the municipal authori ties of Fayetteville without any charge preferred against him or opportunity to confront their accusers and offer evidence; and general orders No. 32 and 34, have pro duced dismay and dissatisfaction among the most en lightened and virtuous of our people. I deeply regret that the commanding general has deemed it his duty to make these orders. I have good reason to believe that Judges Chase and Brooks regard such of the orders of the General as assume jurisdiction over matters purely civil as transcending his powers and such is the opinion of all the legal gentlemen from whom I have heard. I shall be glad to hear from you. What you write shall be deemed personal and confidential, if you so request. Charleston, S. C. To 2Iaster John R. Tolar.' June Ik 1867. Your letter exhibiting the solicitude becoming a dutiful son for a father oppressed as your father is, was duly re ceived. I have been using all the influence I could exert with the military authorities to induce them to allow the pris oners to be tried in the civil Courts. The mind of Genl. Sickles has been so poisoned by informers whose names are 1 A son of Tolar of Fayetteville, arrested, tried, and condemned by military commission for the killing of A. Beebe, a negro guilty of an attempt at rape. 984 North Carolina Historical Commission. unknown to me, that my efforts thus far have been unavail ing. They will be continued — but I have faint hopes of success. With the deepest sympathy for you and yours — Fayetteville. To Thomas Ruffin. June Ik 1867. I showed your letter of the 3rd explaining the cause of your failure to join in the cor tage in honor of the Presi dent — to him — and also to Gov. Seward. Each of them admired its tone and sentiments. The Prest. who seems sad and taciturn, remarked that it was an admirable let ter — and that it ought to be preserved. I think its pub lication might 'do good? Will you allow me to have it published ? With sincere hope that your health may be improved and that you may be allowed to live to see something of civil liberty restored to our unhappy people, HiLLSBORO. From B. 8. Hedrich. AVashington, D. C. June 15, 1867. pa?don"offumer "^^^ President has promised to issue Turner's pardon tomorrow, and send immediately to you. Col. Moore asked me to say to you that he had received your letter, and had not answered only because he wished to be able to say when he did answer that what you desired had been done. I leave here for Raleigh to-morrow morning, and ex pect to be there Monday evening, by the time this reaches Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 9S5 you. Soon after I get to Raleigh, I wiU go and see Kemp Battle, and let him know of my arrival. William H. Bagley to -Josiah Turner, -Ir. June 21st 1807. Enclosed please find Express receipt for package, con- Pardon of Turner. taining your warrant of pardon from the President, this day sent as per receipt. The Govemor is now absent, and it is proper, perhaps, to add that the immediate issuance of the pardon is due to the efforts of Col. W. G. Moore, the President's Private Secretary, who had made prompt efforts in the matter at the request of Gov. Worth. HiLLSBORO. To Colonel J. Y. Bomford. Raleigh June 22 1867. I was notified by Genl. Sickles, by telegram of the 1st inst. that "ejrders had been sent that day to Commanding Officer at Raleigh to restore premises" (Executive man- ,sion) "to the executive." If you have reed these orders please inform me when the premises -will be restored to me. Raleigh. To B. S. Hedrich. June 2k 1867. On the 3rd Deer, last I recommended for pardon under the $20,000. exception, J. S. Means, of Mecklenburg County. He got a ilr. Wallace of Phila. whom he deemed 986 North Carolina Historical Commission. his friend, tb present the petition. He writes me that AA^allace got the pardon, but refuses to surrender it to him except upon the payment of a large fee. He claimed at first $350. — but has gradually, lowered his demand to $100. It is a case of mean fraud on Means. Can you not get a duplicate and send me ? Washington, D. C. To J. Turner, Jr. June 25 1867. RaSJoadDfrlctors. I had UO opportunity to get at Parsley's views. I found much difficulty in getting Dr. Ramsey and Mr. Winston to concur in my recommendations, to-wit 1. Means 2. Coffin 3, Alf Hargrave — not J. W. Thomas 4. Jesse H. Lindsay 5. Giles Mebane 6. Yourself 7. Tucker 8. Parsley AV^e adjourned to 2nd July without making appoint ments for N. C. R. R. Both my associates seemed to prefer re-appointing Boyden and Roberts and Dr. Moore. I suppose all of these would vote as they did last year, would they not? How would Mebane vote ? How Lindsay ? Thomas stinks so strongly in the nostrils of all honest men, that I deemed it out of the question to nominate him. I am absolutely harrassed by the diversity of my duties — and can say no more now. HiLLSBORO. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 981 To B. G. Worth. June 28 th 1867. A most extraordinary pressure of business for some days past has made it impossible for me to keep up with my correspondence. I think, upon the facts stated in your letter that Stephen Coffin is properly indictable for cheating you by false pretences — but whether the Courts of New York or In diana have jurisdiction, I cannot say, and I have not examined the Statute of Indiana. I suppose the cheating was by a letter written from Indiana, and that the false representation was not made in N. Y. by Coffin in person. Upon the legal question whether the Criminal Courts of N. Y. would have jurisdiction, the offence being com mitted in N. Y. by a letter written from la., I incline to the affirmative, but cannot be free from doubt, and have not time to search for the authorities. You had better submit the question to a learned la\vyer and if the indict ment vrill lie, try to get your debt secured by the parties rather than be indicted. I think you will find more diffi culty in getting your debt secured after a bill found, than before. It seems to me from Barney's letter to you that he and Nixon are indictable as well as Stephen. The absurd re-construction acts and the more absurd execution of them by the military commandants, tends to deeper the alienations between the sections. Aly position was never more embarrassing. The reconstruction on the basis of the acts of Congress, tewit the enfranchisement of the negro, and disfranchisement of the men of intelli gence and property, will be the building of a house on the sand — the negro and mean white men ready to bend the cringing knee to favor will rule the State — and the North in thus ruining us, ruins the whole nation. Ben Wade's election is the natural sequent of universal suf frage. The cupidity of the propertyless, the majority in all Counties, will demand and enforce distribution of property. The North is digging a grave for the nation. North Carolina Historical Commission. The prospects of a crop of corn and cotton is very bad o-wing to the improbability of good culture. There have not been three days in the past five weeks when the ground was not too wet to plough. New York City; To Tyre Yorh. June 29 1867. I have no power, nor has Genl. Sickles power, according to the opinion of the Att. Genl. and the President and Cabinet, to order the Genl Assembly not to meet. The General Assembly having thought proper to fix the day of its next meeting, and must meet according to its ad journment unless the actions of the Congress now expected to meet in July shall interfere by new legislation. In a great hurry. Trap Hill. To Mills L. Eure. June 29 1867. Sickles' jury order. I regard it as clear that Sickles' jury order contemplates the putting on the list from which, jurors are to be dra-wn every citizen (black or white) who shall have paid taxes the current year; whether convicts for infamous crimes or not able to count twenty, and to draw. the jury from this list. From a personal conversation with the General I understand his position to be that every citizen from whom the government exacts a tax, whether on property or the poll, must be held entitled to all the privileges of the most favored citizens. It will probably be expedient that the Court take no action until it be seen whether the opinion of the Atto. Genl shall be sustained and what action the Congress shall take in the premises. I venture this suggestion, but you can see as deep into the darkness ahead as I can. Correspondexce of Jonathan Worth. f|,sy Genl. Sickles refuses to put any construction on his edicts. He holds that the authorities must construe them as they have to construe acts of tbe Assembly. Gatesville. To R. B. Paschal. July 1 1807. Yours of the ISth ult is received. The Genl. Assembly having adjourned to a day certain, JnJof^bVce^lrai I have no power nor has Genl. Sickles the power, under A^emWy. tlie opinion of the Atto. Genl sanctioned by the President and his Cabinet, to prevent the meeting. I know nothing you can do of any value, except to pass a Penitentiary bill. It may be that the Congress, which it is believed will meet this week, may put such construction on the recon struction acts or pass other acts for our govemment as may prevent your assembling. PiTTSBORO. I'o -John Williams. July 1 1867. Yours of the 24 ult. is before me. North Carolina is most anxious for emiaration of in- Desire for immi- ° gration. dustrious men from any wherp save Africa. They would be greeted and every thing done to make their settlement among us agreeable — but our people are so discouraged and depressed by the legislation of Congress, whereby we are required as the less of the evils in store for us, to make a new Constitution in effect placing the entire govem ment of the State under the control of the most ignorant and degraded of our people and disfranchising nearly all those whose experience and intelligence fit them to take part in governmental affairs, that little interest is felt in 990 North Carolina Historical Commission. minor matters. We have no reason to expect that any action of this State touching the subject to which you call my attention would be treated by New York with the slightest respect. Caroima"^ '^°'^"^ There are no people in the United States more anxious than the people of North Carolina to submit to the laws and constitution of the U. S., and to restore the fraternal relations -^vith the other States which existed before the late war — but it is difficult to conceive of any measures better calculated to distress and discourage our people, and to keep alive and engender alienation than the meas ures of the Congress which seem to be in consonance with the will of the people in the dominant States. With con tinual threats of confiscating the little we have left and the overthrow of all semblance of civil government — and with our land sw-arming with emissaries black and white, seeking for party ascendency to consolidate the negro vote for the radicals — thereby producing alienation between the races; — and likely sooner or later to result in the extermination of the one race by the other — it is impos sible that our people can take in interest in minor sub jects of legislation. Very many of our people are en tirely despondent, and I fear cannot be induced to register and vote. New York City. From JosiAh Turner, Jr. Company Shops, N. C, July 1, 1867. It is a matter of much concern to me that I see Winston and Dr. Ramsay before final action- — which I hope you will be able to bring about. I shall be do-wn on Wednes day. '^to [P. S.] — Boyden is not here and Morehead said he had gone to the West to remain until September. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 991 To Nathaniel Boyden. Raleigh, July 3 1S07. In not recommending vour re-appointment as a Direc- Explanation of ws T-> "^ °'" having been re- tor on the iN. C. R. R., it is due to vou to sav that I have appointed a Raii- ' •¦ " road Director been influenced solely by the fact that the Journals of the board show that you have attended the meetings of the board only 4 out of 12 sittings. For the same reason I have not re-nominated Mr. Strange. I presume your at tendance on the Courts or other duties you deemed more urgent, have caused this. I desire it distinctly understood that nothing has oc curred to impair my confidence in your eminent fitness for the position, but solely because I desire to appoint as directors men who can attend to the duties of the appoint ment. Saijsbuey. To R. Strange. Raleigh, July 3rd 1S67. It havins; been represented to the Board of Internal Im- Explaining his " '- failure to be re-ap- provement that you and Mr. Boyden (owing, as I pre- ^^^^ Baiiroad sume, to your extensive practise of the law) had attended few of the meetings of the board, the board ordered the clerk to fumish us a certified copy of the attendance of each member. This certificate from June 1866 to July 1867 both inclusive, sets forth 10 sittings of the board, only four of which you attended. We have deemed it our duty to appoint stockholders, (in place of you and Mr. Boyden) whose business and large stock, we hope, will induce them to attend the meetings. Wilmington. 992 North Carolina Historical Commission. From B. 8. Hedrich.' Washington, D. C. July 3, 1867. Plans of Recon- Both houses met today. The program seems to be to struction, _ _ _ _ ¦' x- o appoint a joint committee of the two houses to prepare a supplemental reconstruction bill and put it through at once. It is of the utmost importance to bring all proper influences to bear on that Committee. If Judge Barnes, or any other citizen of N. C, desires to have any influence on what is to be done, now is the time to be here. The first draft of the new bill -will probably go in Monday next. Please say what I have written above to Gov. Worth and such other gentlemen as you may meet. There may be a few men willing to come on to talk to Senators. My son Johny will I think reach your city Saturday evening, and will call to see you. From B. G. Worth. New York July 3/67. I am in receipt of your late favor and have been sorry I troubled you with this Coffin matter. I was using every effort to get it settled on the best basis that can be, by gently intimating where they will stand before a Court of Justice, where it must go if they decline to secure the bulk of it. Every day adds to the conviction with me that as a nation we have seen our best days, and that the Ben Wade doctrine will sweep over the Country and the universally franchised will utterly refuse to be taxed to pay the National debt. The National Banks -will consume into smoke and we shall have anarchy and general ruin. How to prepare for it or guard against it is too much for the wisdom of the wisest. My only hope is that Grant will prove himself a man and not allow either of the Cor- 1 This letter -was probably -written to W. H. Bagley. p. CoRRESPOXDENCE OF JoNATH.VN AA'ORTH. 993 rupt Parties of the Country to mauipulate him, but be the candidate of the best people of all sections and govern as he could do and as no other man in my opinion in the republic — can, by controlling all parties. Did I say Re public i I take that back. AA'e are not a Republic now. I have heard of your ill success in your flshing excursions. I am very sorry to hear that Dr. Roberts is in feebl health. AA'e are well and constant employment keeps us up and in great measure from despondency. I must go to N. C. this month. I may possibly come by and stop one day in Raleigh. I am concerned about J. A. AVorth's affairs and would like to know how to advise him. I want to make such arrangements as will guaranty business for our Boats. We must make them pay. I am clearly of the opinion that J. A. AVorth ought to sell to us to whom he is indebted his home place and what will secure us and enable us to secure him a home and then go into Bankruptcy at once. They will not count with him here and of course he can not pay and ought to shake it off while he can. It may be that the subject was talked over between you while on your late visit. If not and you can get the time write me to care of Worth & Daniel that I may use your opinion with your o-wn in advising with him. If you talked with him then throw this by and give it no thought. I begin to feel like we have not lost all and are perfectly sound and will come out all right, but we have had a siege. I am not entirely satisfied with my copartners but might do much worse and can see my interest at present to continue rather than attempt to change. From John Goodrich. Enfield, N. C. July kth 1867. Govemor : It seems to me that the Blach Republicans Political sugges- '^ , tions. are losing ground. I would like to know if you do not Vol. 2—22 994 North Carolina Historical Commission. think so. There appears to be some sensation of uneasi ness among the Radicals. All we white folks down here have concluded we don't want any convention nor recon struction either. AA''e are willing to hold on a little longer and see if the most infernal of all parties will not commit suicide. It seems to toe sir that a plan might be devised to overturn the Blach Republican Rump. Let me suggest a plan. "Suppose a party be formed, and adopt this motto "White Republican Union Party/' Sir can you not contemplate what would be the result. I think that the Blach Republicans would at once become ashamed of their position, and that there would be such a backsliding as the world never witnessed before. I think too Sir, that in less than two years and a half the negroes, and them alone, would compose what is now known as the Black Republican Party: would not every white foreigner com ing into this country hereafter join the white man party ? I think so. Sir a white republican union party ought to be organized at once. The desired effect would soon be seen, and it would be tremendous. This I offer as a sug gestion, and desire to see it put on foot. You perceive that all turns on the terms AVhite and Union. These terms would give us all the advantage. As to the negro vote, if indeed they should vote, we must influence it. If we can keep the enemy off a little longer, his cause -will perish. [P. S-] — The White Republican union party should be organized first in the North- AVill you suggest it to some proper person of your acquaintance there. From D. G. McRae to Seaton Gales. Fort Macon Jtdy 6th 1867. Concerning his I have private information as well as public by the approaching trial. ... ¦ " Sentinel that the military commission for my trial is to convene in your city on the 10th of this month. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 995 These military courts move slowly and I fear unless some of my friends intercede with the proper officer who wiU have me in charge, that I may be subjected to con finement in some dirty place, as the "Bull pen" i- repre sented to be. Now would it be imposing too much on your kindness, to ask you. to get Gov. Worth to join you and Col. Banford on this subject. I have been very kindly cared for thus far. and as I expect to establish my entire innocence of the charge im puted to me, it would be grateful to myself as well as my friends to know, that I have not been thrust into any dirty cell, among vermin, cut-throats, and thieves. Please if you can, see Gov. Worth immediately and fitx matters. For particular and special reasons, I do not want to fall into the further power of Genl. Avery. He and I had a private misunderstanding in his first visit to Fayetteville, I parted with a threat from him, that I should suffer — that night, the affidarit of the base -wretch was obtained, which caused my arrest, and verily the threat of Avery has come to pass — I have suffered — ^for an old man of sixty years. To E. P. Dick. Raleigh July 7 1807. To carry out the resolutions passed here on the 4th, P'ans of the xorth ^ _ Carolina Radicals. calling for an Act of Congress to abolish civil govemment in the State a committee consisting of Calvin Cowles and several other persons white and black, left tchday for Washington. They oppose leaving any discretion in the military commandants. They demand an act peremptorily dismissing all the ci-ril officers of the State. They allege as one of their chief reasons for this action, that Gov. Graham and mvself and others are machinatins 996 North Carolina Historical Commission. to defeat the call of a Convention, and that R. R. direc tors have been appointed in reference to their political views. I have not attempted to influence the vote of any citi zen for or against the call of a Convention and have no intention to do so. I have not heard of any scheme adopted, or in contemplation by any body, to induce the people to vote against a Convention, — and I do not know and have not heard that one single man appointed a Direc tor on the R. Rs. proposes to vote against Convention. Not a Director has been appointed with any reference whatever to his views as to the re-construction acts. I have cooperated with Genl Sickles to carry, out in good faith the re-construction acts, as has every other civil offi cer, so far as I know. And I believe 9-10 of those en titled to register will vote for Convention. I would regard it as a very great calamity — alike mis chievous to the State and the nation, if all vestige of civil government were suddenly obliterated. I wish you to go to Washington at once to co-operate with Hedrick, Goodloe and others to prevent the great calamity which seems to be in store for us. If you go, your expenses will be paid. You may use this letter as you please. I had not decided on this measure until mail hour is so near that I have been compelled to write very briefly. Greensboro. To B. 8. Hedrich Raleigh, July Sth 1867. Plans of North I understand Calvin Cowles and others are gone to Carolina Radicals. ,,.. (••-i AA'^ashington to ask for the abolition of civil authorities of this State, on the ground that I and Gov. Graham and others are using our influence to defeat the call of a Con vention and that 1 have had this in view in the appoint- Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 997 ment of R. R. directors. I have not used and do not in tend to use any influence to induce the people to vote for or against Convention. No schemes to defeat the call of a Convention are on foot. I have co-operated in good faith with Genl. Sickles in carrying out the re-construction acts, as I believe have all our people. There is not color of truth as to appointment of R. R. Directors, An im mense majority will vote for Convention, Washington, D. C. To B. S. Hedrich July Sth 1867. A desperate effort is beino- made bv Mr. Holden and Plans of xorth r^ o ./ Carolina Radicals, his followers to have the existing civil Govemmsnt set aside and pure military government established. A reso lution to this effect was proposed at a large Convocation of negroes assembled here on the 4th in which Holden and a few whites of his stripe officiated. If this scheme of malevolence, on the part of Holden shall be successful, the cup of our misfortunes will be full. Can it be possible, that in a State, where, even upon the testimony of Genl. Sickles, perfect order prevails — where the civil authori ties have not only offered no resistance to Congressional plans of re-construction — ^that where every civil officer as well as evei-y citizen has obeyed every order which has been issued by the military commandant, that Congress shall deem it expedient, upon the representation of such a political Assemblage to blot out all semblance of self govemment. If so, no one can be so blind as not to see that its effect would be the reverse of attracting our peo ple to the National Govemment. This assemblage was got up under color of celebrating the great National Anni versary, but no one doubts that through the agency of the secret political leagues among the negroes, tolerated if not encouraged by the dominant power of the National 998 North Carolina Historical Commission. Government, working politicians got up the meeting for the purpose of passing the resolutions they did pass. A committee of six, three white and three black, headed by Calvin Cowles of Wilkes, were appointed to go to Wash ington and press this resolution upon the favorable con sideration of Congress. If they have not already started they will probably leave to-day. If Holden succeeds in this scheme, which seems not unlikely, his malevolence will be gratified, but civil liberty in this State will have received a shock which will be most disastrous. I hope you and Mr. Goodloe, to whom I wish you to show this letter, will entitle yourselves to the further gratifipation of North Carolina, by employing the most efficient means in your power, to defeat this scheme. If this measure be adopted I fear we shall be unable to get our people to register or take any further part in elections. Washington, D. C. To J. M. Coffin. July Sth 1867. Recommending ]\|y friend Jo. Turner is most urgent upon me, to ask you the favor to vote for him for Prest. of the N. C. R. R. If I were called upon to cast a vote, I would vote for him as against any other person whom I have heard as competing for the office, under the belief that he would be the best and most efficient officer, but I have nominated no one as a Director, under any pledge as to his vote for President, nor have I made, nor do I deem it proper to make any request of any director. I wish each Director to consider himself untrammeled by any interference on my part. I have appointed a set of Directors who are qualified and willing, as I hope, to manage the road in the best manner, and no Director must shelter himself, for any of his acts, under cover of any request from me. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 999 I have become more and more averse to selling the drug store on a credit, — however eood the -ecurity. I deem it safer to go into a co-partnership with Poudston on the terms I suggested in your presence. If he -will do his part properly, it -will be a better management for him and me, than a sale on a credit, if he could have given the security. Dr. Roberts seems cheered up and much better. I fear it is only temporary. Salisbury. To General D. E. SicJdes. July 9th 1867. I learned last night that much pains is beins taken to Defending his atti- . ° ^ ^ tude on Recon- make the impression, that I have been using my influence struction. to induce the people of this Srate to vote against Conven tion. It is due to myself and the people of the State to say that I have not attempted to use any such influence to control the votes of the people on any question on which they will be called upon to vote under the reconstruction Acts. I have had it in contemplation to publish an ad dress to the people urging all to roister who may be al lowed to do so and to exercise the franchise as they may deem best for the general welfare. I have deemed it my duty to co-operate with you in carrying out these acts fairly and honestly. I am also informed that the impression is sought to be made that Gov. Graham and others are endeavoring to concoct measures to defeat the call of a Convention. There is no color of foundation for this, as to me, nor as to others, so far as I know or have heard I have not heard of any movement on the part of those who approved of the President's plan of reconstruction, and who disap proved of the Congressional plan, to throw any obstacles in the way of carrying out the latter plan, and I am sure no attempt has been made or is in contemplation to get up any such concerted movement. 1000 North Carolina Historical Commission. 1 deem it probable that the foregoing and probably other misrepresentations intended to alienate the confidence you have hitherto exhibited towards me, have .been made to you, -which I trust will not be allowed to operate to my prejudice, until I shall have had an opportunity to be heard. Charleston. To B. 8. Hedrich July 9th 1867. piansofNorth J ]earn from a reliable source that Mr. C. J. Cowles, Carolina Radicals. who has gone to your city to get the Congress to displace the civil officers of tbe State, urges two chief reasons — first, that I, Gov. Graham, Judge Manly and other prom inent men are using our influence to induce the people to vote against Convention — second — that we have been concocting some concerted plan to carry out our design. I approved the President's views as to restoration and disapproved the Congressional plan as is well knovsm; but I felt it my duty, after the re-construction acts passed, to recognise them as laws and faithfully and fairly to aid in their execution. I felt myself officially bound to recognise them as constitutional, until they should be repealed or decided to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the U. S. — and such decision I have not expected would be made before the acts would be carried into execution. I decided that I would co-operate honestly with the mili tary authority in making proper registers and in all other particulars as I understood these laws — and that I would use no influence in any thing,- save to induce the people to register. I have not used and do not contemplate using, any influence as to the voting of the people after regis tration. And I know of no intention on the part of any body to get up any plan to defeat the call of a Conven tion, and have no idea that any such plan exists. Correspondence of Jox-^athan AA'orth. 1001 AVhether under the act now coutemplated, leaving regis tration to the discretion of the Registers, I shall deem it my duty to recommend the people to apply for registration I reserve for consideration untU I shall see the form the act may assume. You are at Uberty to use this letter as you please, — by which I do not mean that you have it published. I do not deem it expedient, at present, to get the matter into the press. In 1S61 I voted against the call of what I regarded as an unconstitutional Convention, I have not deemed it necessary to come to any decision, whether, if I were al lowed a vote, which I am not, I would vote for or against the proposed Convention. I may have expressed in pri vate conversation that I could not see how I could vote for the proposed Convention, consistently -with my oath to support the Constitution of the U. S., but I have never expressed such sentiment as a fiixed conclusion and never with the intention to influence any body or -with permis sion to promulgate such conversation. I am as anxious as any man in America, to see har monious Union restored and the Constitution of the U. S. obeyed and reverenced by the whole people. Washix'gton, D. C. To Lewis J. Quia. Jidy 9 1867. Yours of May 1/67 was received with highly compli mentary introduction from F. P. Satterthwaite and T. Sparrow. If it were in my power, under existing laws, to do any thing in furtherance of your suggestions, or if the present political prospects warranted any well founded hope of improvement in the early future, I should exert myself 1002 North Carolina Historical Commission. in the direction indicated. In the present state of affairs I can have no hope for the successful issue of any move ment, on the part of N. Car., looking to immigration. New- York City. From P. T. Henry. CoLERAiN, Bertie County. Permit me to ask you if in your opinion the Legislature will be permitted to assemble next month (Augt.) and if so what length of time it is likely to. be in Session? I ask this information of you Gov., because from your opinion I should make up my mind as to whether I shall attend the Session. I am having but Uttle to say or do with politics, but have no hesitation in saying that I belong heart and soul only to the white man's party — God and my own race first — Please present the compliments of my -wife and self to your family. Hatie says she is very anxious to see your little grand daughter Mary Worth. From B. 8. Hedrick. AVashington, D. C. July 11, 67. North Carolina Yours of the 9th received. Everything here is still in Radical opinion. 'J o a chaotic state. For several days I have been too ill to exert myself much, but I am doing what I can to give correct information. The several delegations from N. C. are here today, and a number of them have called at my room. Calvin J. Cowles of Wilkes is in a great fever over a mob which he is informed occurred at Wilkes- borough on the fourth of July. According to the account which he showed me the "rebs" under the lead of Col. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1003 Armfield or Armstrong, a Mr. Carmichael, Peden and some half dozen other "fighting rebs" broke up the "union celebration" of the 4th, and shot, wounded, and completely routed the whole meeting. Cowles thinks that if he had been there he would have been killed. I suppose he will lay the whole matter before Congress, and ask for aid to suppress the "rebs." I told him that I thought that the union men were too tame, to submit to a rout from a dozen or so "rebs". I would like really to know what the truth of the matter is. It seems that the disturbers insisted that Col. Armfield should have a chance to speak at the meeting, which being refused, he and his foUowers broke up the "Celebration." Mr. Cawthome, (colored) of Warren is also here. He takes a hopeful view of things in his section. Thinks the "rebs" accept in good faith the reconstruction act. C. L. Harris is also here, but I have not seen him. Take it all in aU these men here are the most mixed up set I have seen. If Congress would only take the trouble to sift them, they would amount to nothing. But unfortunately I fear this will not be done. The men who ought to be here to meet the members of Congress are not here. Why is it that men like Judge Merrimon, Gilliam, Warren, Bat tle, Pearson, Fowle, Buxton are not here? At least some of them? I hope I shall be better tomorrow. To General D. E. Sichles. July 11 1867. By some accident or inadvertance, as I suppose, your order to Col. Bomford to surrender to me the executive mansion and premises, has not reached him, as he informs me, so that he does not feel at liberty to put me in pos session. 1004 North Carolina Historical Commission. As I received from you a telegram that such order had issued, I hope a duplicate will be sent to the Colonel. The liberal and just sentiments expressed by you, (as set forth in a telegram of yesterday) in a letter to Senator Trumbull, enlighten our people. Charleston, S. C. To P. T. Henry. July 11th 1867. Regarding the Yours, without date, inquiring whether the Genl. A. Ge^neraflssembiy. will meet 3rd Monday of August, is just recd. I have no reliable information whether Genl. Sickles will forbid the assembling or not. I presume power will be conferred on him by the Congress to control all the civil affairs of the State. I have written him to know whether he has come to any decision, as it is important that members know, as early as possible, whether they will be allowed to assemble and legislate. I think the Genl. A. ought to meet and pass a Peni tentiary bill. I know of nothing else of any importance on which it is now expedient that the Legislature act. I fear the black and white negro will become the con trolling power of the State, under re-construction acts of Congress. This is the manifest design of the Congress : — and if our white men will not register and vote, the domi nation of negro party is enevitable. * ****** CoLERAiN, Bertie Co. To Post AI aster. Pigeon Eiver, N. C. July 11 1867. Appointment of ^ ^i^vG recd a letter, signed "Many Citizens," making inquiry as to appointment of Registers for your County, and desiring that my answer be directed to you, I recommended as registers for Haywood, James Owensby, Thomas N. Long and Jas. L. Ducket. registers. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1005 I understand that Genl. Miles, Chief of the Freedmen's Bureau in this State, forwarded recommendations of one or more boards for each County, one member of each board being a negro. I am not informed which recommendation Genl Sickles adopted. I recd from him to-day a telegi-am that regis tration in this State is postponed to a time hereafter to be made kno-wn. I infer that it is postponed until the new legislation of this Congress now sitting shall be kno-wn. To P. H. Winston. July 12 1867. An act passed the last Genl. A. intended to provide that issue of bonds. whenever the Prest. of the W. N. C. R. R. should certify that a given amount of money had been subscribed by re sponsible indi-riduals or corporations, that the Pub. Tr. should issue bonds of the State for double such amount. A certificate is filed that .$460,000. has been so subscribed aud bonds to the amount of $S00,000. are demanded. The responsibility of the issue of this amount of our bonds at this time, is a very grave one. I was not willing to sanction the order without your approval. The legis lation of the last session involves an examination of pre vious acts, and I have not been able to give the matter the scrutiny which it should receive and am by no means sure that it is our duty to issue the bonds. I have no doubt the subscription of $400,000. is coupled with a contract to do work not worth more than $400,000. (for which the contractors are to have $1,200,000. in stock and State bonds. I most earnestly urge that you come here very soon to assist me in scrutinizing this matter and to assume your share of the grave responsibility of the Board of Intl Im provements. Kittrell's Springs. 1006 North Carolina Historical Commission. From B. 8. Hedrich. Washington, D. C. July 12, 67. So far I think Holden's delegation amounts to nothing. It looks now as if the Senate bill passed yesterday will go through Congress. It is in a hurry to get away. I feel a little more hopeful than I did yesterday, but while all the leading men seem in favor of taking off the disfranchising parts of the reconstruction acts, no one will move it. The only thing at all looking like modera tion is the requiring Gen. Grant's, approval of removals. To W. H. Seward. July 22 1867. Asking aid in Of OUT fuuds to support commou schools the war anni- secunng immigra- -*- ^ '*™- hUated aU save $600,000. in the stock of the Wilmington and Weldon and Wilmington and Manchester R. Rs. and some $1,000,000.- in our ante-bellum bonds. These roads are well equipped and in good order and doing much busi ness but so crippled with debt that they make no dividends. If our political trouble were composed on a rational basis these stocks would revive. We have had an annual income of about $10,000. aris ing from tax on retailers. This will probably be reduced to a nominal sum, by reason of late edicts of Genl. Sickles. The Literary board, of which board the Gov. is ex- officio Chm., owns about 1,500,000 acres of Swamp lands which they are authorised to sell and invest for the sup port of common schools. We believe these lands to be exceedingly valuable, and with the hope of finding purchasers have' published a pamphlet describing them. I inclose a copy. We would like to get some of them in the hands of suitable persons in England and Ireland, — and our consuls and other resi- CORRE.SPONDEX'CE OF JoXATHAN WoRTH. 1007 dent officers in Germany. I do not know the names of these officers. Will it be asking too much of vou, if we send you a package of them, to have them directed and forwarded abroad, to such persons as you may think would be willing and disposed to aid us i The sale of these lands is our only resource for reviving Common Schools, which, dependent as we are, we are most anxious to do. We have public school houses ac cessible to every child in the State, unoccupied and going to decay. I am most reluctant to ask this favor of you and shaU not feel the less obliged for past favors if I shaU have asked an unreasonable favor of you in this instance. Washington, D. C. To -James L. Orr. July 22nd 1867. In conference with Genl. Sickles at Charleston, I un- concerning resig- 1 11- 11-11 - <• -11 11 nation of Judge derstcMd him to say he should not interfere with but would Menimon. leave with the Governors all the appointments to office which the Constitution and Laws of our respective States authorise the Governor to fill. I do not remember that he has pubUshed any thing of this sort in his orders. A case is about to occur in this State. A part of the official oath of our Judges is in these words : "In case any letter or orders come to me contrary to law, I wiU proceed to enforce the law, such letters or orders notwithstanding." He thinks he cannot obey the orders of Genl. Sickles in conflict with the laws of the State, consistently with this portion of the official oath: and tenders his resignation rather than incur the probable consequences disregarding these orders. Whether our other Judges will take the same view and resign, I am not informed. Under the present Acts of 1008 North Carolina Historical Commission. Congress the new appointee must take the Congressional teste oath. I fear if ihe filling of the vacancy or vacancies be conceded to me, that I cannot find a man in the State fit to fill the position, who can fill the station respectably. The judge to whom I refer, Merrimon, always distin guished for his Union proclivities and universally re spected for his unsullied honor and judicial fairness and ability, holds that no other authority, save that under which he holds his commission, can relieve him from the requirements of his oath. The object, however, of this letter is to inquire whether you understood Genl. Sickles as confiding to us the filling of vacancies in office, where the Constitution and Laws of our respective States authorise the Governor to fill such vacancy. If Genl. Sickles shall be coming up to Columbia at any early day and it shall be agreeable to him and to you, I should gladly meet you in further conference. I am utterly bewildered and would most gladly have a further conference with him and you. Columbia, S. C. Political condi tions in North Carolina. To John Baxter. July 25th 1867. * ****** Terrible as is our political situation it seems to me it is still worse in Te. The radicals of this State — ^we have a good many — are even as vindictive as Stephens or Butler or Logan, and as prescriptive as Bro-wnlow — ^with the ne groes everywhere organised and secret political leagues — and our people so intimidated or paralysed that very many who are allowed to vote, will not register — Holden and his followers constantly demanding the total abolition of the Civil government, and every officer of the State hold ing his position at the will of the military commandant. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1009 AU is gloom and we see little ground to hope for a better state of things at any early day — ^but much reason to fear that the Revolution has in store for us stiU greater ills than those we now suffer. Knoxyille, Texn. To A. C . Haley. July 26 1867. I inclose pamphlet touching our swamp lands. I have Describing swamp ^ . . lands for sale. taken much pains to free the title of the State from aU cloud, as to the lands we propose to seU, Much of this land was granted about the year 1793, in large swamps, to parties contemplating speculation, who faUed to ac compUsh their views, and the lands were subsequently sold for taxes and bid in for the State. I have coUected and am haring duly recorded the deeds showing the re- acquisition of these lands by the State. We do not pro pose to seU any where the slightest cloud rests on the State title — and the Literary Board, a corporation o-wning stocks and property of large value, wiU warrant the title of any land they may seU. We would like to seU in a body the large swamp, con taining about 90,000 acres, a part of which has been cleared and is o-wned by Mr. Franck. See his certificate. It is beUeved to be of immense value. We would like it at $2. per acre payable in the ante-bellum bonds of the State: and give satisfactory eridence of our title and the warranty of the Board. Washington, D. C. Vol. 2—23 1010 North Carolina Historical Commission. Concerning the proposed resigna tion of President Swain. To William A. Graham. Raleigh, July 27 1867. ¦ I am informed that you have been furnished by Govr. Swain with a copy of his letter to me of the 23rd inst. The portion of it, if any, requiring action, is in these words "It only remains to intimate that seeing little reason to hope, from the present indications of public sentiment, for the early success which crowned former exertions, I am ready to give place to any one who can assume my position under more favorable auspices, at the earliest period at which the board may be pleased to designate a successor." On first reading this I regarded it as the expression of a wish on his part to resign, and resolved to make a strenuous appeal to the whole body of trustees to meet and decide what is best to be done. On a more careful con sideration, I cannot construe it to amount to any thing but an expression of his willingness to resign, if the Trus tees think they can fill his place with some one more likely to better the prospects of the institution. I presume there has never been a time when he would not have been wil ling to resign, upon the request of the Trustees, it must be, not to fill a vacancy, but to consider the question whether they ought to request Gov. Swain to resign under the belief that they could supply a superior likely to man age the University, under more favorable auspices. I feel embarrassed as to the action I ought to take, since I cannot construe this letter as expressing any wish of Gov. Swain to resign. Three of the prominent members of the Executive Com mittee, Bragg, Moore and Bryan are out of the city and I do not know when they will return. I -will be much obliged to you for your advice as to the action proper to be taken by me. I loiow no two men in the State who have exhibited more constant and intelligent Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1011 zeal as trustees, than yourself and Judge Ruffin and should be obliged by any suggestion either of you may feel wiUing to make. I have inclined to the opinion for some time past, that Gov. Swain, chiefly on account of his deafness, ought to resign, but if he should do so, I think he ought to express his wish to retire, and not merely to say what he would always have said — "I -wiU resign if the Trustees request it". HiLLSBORO. To A. S. 2Ierrimon. August 1 1867. I -wrote to Genl. Sickles, inclosing vour resignation on concerning Ms i-r 11 resignation from the 23rd ult. He has not answered. I send to-day a the Bench. telegram inqmring whether he has recd my letter. The delay is very annoying. I have not accepted your resig nation. If he takes no action (very improbable) I sup pose it would be your duty to continue to discharge yoiir official duties untU the resignation shall be accepted. If he consult me as to a successor he is giving me too little time. To ir. P. Bynum. August 1 1867. Fearing that the resignation of Judge Merrimon, which concerning judge ^ C3 o 7 Merrimon s resig- he puts on the ground that he cannot obey Genl. S's or- °atto°- ders (where they conflict with the laws of the State) con sistently with his official oath, might lead to consequences disastrous to the best interests of the State, I have not accepted it, but inclosed a copy of it to Genl Sickles on 23 July, calling his attention to the oath our judges take. I suggested that he designate a day when he would meet all our judges here, with the view, by a free conference. 1012 North Carolina Historical Commission. of inducing Judge M. to withdraw his resignation and to avoid further difficulty to be apprehended from other res ignations. I also desired to know, in case he declined to act on my suggestions, whether he desired any action on my part, as to the filling of the vacancy. Having recd. no answer I send him a telegram to-day to know whether he recd my letter. I regretted judge M's resignation but I concur -with him as to the import of his oath; and in that view can not perceive how he could have acted otherwise, as a con scientious man, with the apparent certainty that he would be deposed and punished, if he continued to act with fidelity to his official oath. Nor do I see how a,ny suitable successor can be found who will not only take the same oath, but the "iron clad" superadded. Awful fix. Lincolnton. To J. T. Morehead. August 1 1867. resifnatio"™""'^ ^^ ^°™^ *^^ °^^ numerous interviews, I am under the impression that you told me you could take the oath of of fice, popularly known, as the iron-clad. Judge Merrimon has tendered his resignation, for the reason that he thinks he cannot obey the orders of Genl. Sickles, consistently -with his official oath. I have not accepted the resignation, setting forth the reason of the judge for resigning to be his conviction that he could not obey the orders of Genl. S. consistently with his official oath. I sent a copy of his resignation to Genl. S. on the 23rd ult, to which I have received no reply. I invited him to a conference with Judge M. and our other judges, in the hope of avoiding total disorganization. It is possible that the Genl. may ask me, with or with out the advice of my council, to suggest a successor. The Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1013 Circuit to which he is assigned begins 12th Aug. If you think you can take the oath, and my advice is invited, I desire to nominate you. Please let me hear from you at your earliest con venience. Greensboro. To W. T. Faircloth. Aug. 2 1807. If you prosecuted Lewis CogdeU, please give me infor mation touching the facts of the case, with any obser vations likely to aid me in acting discreetly in the mat ter, explained by the enclosed reference. It seems most extraordinary to me that a Sheriff should ask the interposition of the military authority upon his statement of the facts proved on a trial, which, in his opinion, did not warrant conviction. If the trial was in a County Court will you please forward the inclosed copy to the County Atto. with this letter with my request to be informed about the matter. I desire an answer as early as practicable. Goldsboro. To William Kelso. Aug. k 1867. I have received your letter with inclosures. Our State has by nature and by the character of its peo- Business condi- ple, offers most attractive invitation to the immigration of Carolina. men skilled as you represent yourself to be: but the ven geance with which we are continually threatened by the North. — ^the establishment of military rule over us un der pretext that we are lawless, when we hnow that crime is less frequent than in Massachusetts — and Justice ad ministered with at least equal ability aud impartiality — 1014 North Carolina Historical Commission. paralyse and depress us to such extent that we have no heart for enterprises. Capital cannot be raised here for any new enterprise. I am interested in two cotton factories in Randolph County for spinning cotton yarn and wearing sheeting. They are about 1-^ miles apart and belong to the same company. The water power is excellent — The factory buildings superior brick structures. They were built and put in operation some twenty years ago — Originally cost some $85,000. Were purchased by present proprietors — some 14 men— before the war for $31,000. and $9,000. more paid in as working capital. The enormous taxes exacted by the U. S., and continually declining price of cot ton since the close of the war, have made our operations unprofitable. Every member of the company is a man of substantial means. The present manager, Geo. Make peace, formerly of Mass., informs me he wishes to retire from the management. A meeting of the company will be held some 6 weeks hence. If you think, by the in troduction of the manufacture of other articles or other wise we might mutually profit each other, it is possible an arrangement might be made giving to you and your brothers the management of these establishments. There is probably no more healthy or less expensive place in this State. Cambridgeport, Mass. To J. M. Parrott. Raleigh, Aug. k/67. I find I shall be out of corn shortly. Please send me 100 bushels in the ear at whatever may be the market value. Sin^rfLmation. A letter written by Mr. Cox, Shff., of your County to a military officer stationed at Kinston, sent up through the regular gradations to Genl. Sickles, has been referred CORRESPOX'DENCE OF JONATHAN WoRTH. 1015 to me, in which Shff. Cox undertakes to set forth the evi dence on which a negro in his custody was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment for stealing two knives from the merchant whose store was robbed and bumed in Kinston some time ago. The Sheriff gives it as his opinion that the conviction was not warranted by the eridence and asks the military to discharge the con vict. The convict's name, I think, is Lewis CogdeU. The letter is referred to me, with the suggestion by Genl. S's Provost Marshal-Genl., that the case "appears to be one deserving executive clemency". I have declined pardon ing untU I can know more about the case. The action of the Sheriff, virtuaUy condemning the action of the Court and jury, and appealing to the military to relieve the aUeged oppression of the negro, without making any pre- -rious appeal to me for the relief of the oppressed cou- rict, seems to me most extraordinary. Do you know whether the conriction was before the County or Supr. Court. If in the Supr. Court — ^before what judge was the trial ? If in the Co. Court give me the name of your County Atto. I wiU be obliged to you for any informa tion you can give me touching this matter, and will not use. the name -without your permission. If your Shff. deemed the verdict -wrong, or the sentence of the Court too severe, he should have applied to the Court to recom mend the convict for pardon by me; or have asked the jury to so recommend, before making an appeal to the military for relief, unless the sheriff lacks confidence in the intelUgence and fairness of the jury and Court which tried the case and in me. I presume he was not ignorant that Genl. Sickles had not interferred -^rith the pardoning power vested in the Govr. by our State Constitution. I cannot conceive why he should have applied to the mili tary to pardon the convict, before making any trial to ob tain a pardon from the Governor. The affair is a most extraordinary one. Kinston. 1016 North Carolina Historical Commission. To William B. Harhness. August 5 1867. Giving informa- Yours of the 29th ult. is bcforc me. tion in regard to the State. J send you three documents of recent date. I am will ing to be responsible for the facts stated in them. If I had tried to select and condense, would be willing they should appear over by signature. I have not such time. If you think it proper to make such statement, I will give it my signature. We have a State University and several other colleges. The University is in a most eligible location — spacious, durable and suitable buildings, with very extensive li braries, philosophical apparatus, a very extensive Geologi cal and Mineralogical Cabinet etc. The buildings, books, etc. were not disturbed by the war, but the large endowment, consisting of Bank stocks, is all lost. It is a first class institution — had upwards of 400 receiving in struction in it before the war — The number now is about 100. We had a system of common schools — a school house in reach of every child in the State. Nearly all the fund sustaining the system was lost by the war. Its present stocks, in Rail Roads and ante-bellum State bonds, all of which will revive if the North shall allow the re-estab lishment of a rational system of State government. amount to about $1,000,000. It is hoped that these schools can be re-established by the sale of the swamp lands described in the pamphlet I send you. The almanack inclosed -will fumish you the names of our State officers. The infinite variety of duties involved on the "so-called Gov" of the State, or Territory of North Carolina, makes it impossible to comply as fully with your request, as I would most willingly do so under other circumstances. I have sent your letter to a competent gentlemen and asked him, if possible, to prepare the article for you, but as he. like most of us, is compelled to work for his daily bread, Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1017 I fear he may not have leisure to prepare the paper, and I therefore send you the material. The gentleman to whom I refer is C. H. Wiley, late State Supt. of our Common School System. Philadelphia, Pa. To Louis Quin. August 5 1867. Your communication, dated Mav last, with references £°°^J^°°*,'° ' .. ; ^ orth Carolina, which (MDmmand my highest regard, was duly received. The political condition and prospect of the State and the uncertainty of the tenure by which civil officers of the State hold their positions, paralyse aU effort and leave little ground to hope for the success of the enterprise you suggest, even if I had power imder existing laws to fur ther your views, wliich I have not. If a state of things should unexpectedly occur by which I shall see a reasonable chance of employing your ser- rices in a way likely to benefit you and the State, I shall not forget your application. We have no hope now save the slight one dra-wn from the saying that "-the darkest hour is just before day". I send you pamphlet, touching our Swamp lands, Philadelphia, Pa. To D. Eumley. August 7 1867. I hope you did not construe my intimation as to the propriety of returning your thanks to Mr. Hedrick as ad mitting of the implication that I desired any thing of this kind for my efforts to serve you. What I did, I did in discharge of a public duty and I hold you under no special obligations to me. It was otherwise as to Air. Hedrick. AViLMINGTON. 1018 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Thomas 8. Ashe.' Aug. 7 1867. /e'^fgattor"'"''' If ^^ shall be unable to induce Merrimon to withdraw his resignation, can we fill the vacancy with a more suit able name than of Alex. Little? Would he accept? If you think the answer would be negative, can you suggest a more acceptable name? I beg you to be prepared to answer. I would prefer the merest tyro in the law to one not to the manor born. I am not prepared to make a nomination. AA'^adesboro. resignation. ToW. A. Wright. Aug. 7 1867. Judge Merrimon' s In the cvcnt WC shall be constrained to fill the vacancy on the bench, occasioned by the resignation of Judge Merrimon, I desire to fill it by a North Carolinian even though he be a tyro in the law. Be prepared, if you can, to suggest a name. Could Danl B. Baker take the oath? Would he accept ? Is he a suitable man ? Would Alex. Little suit you better if he would accept? Can you sug gest any other more acceptable name ? Wilmington. To W. P. Bynum. Aug. 8 1867. University affairs. I jjopg you may be able to get some bro. lavyyer to at tend to your business and that you may be able to attend 1 Thomas S. Ashe, of Anson county, had been a member of the legislature in 1842 and 1854. In 1864 he -was elected to the Confed erate Senate but never tooli his seat. In 1868 he ran against W. W. Holden for the governorship and -was defeated. He was elected to Congress in 1872 and in 1874. In 1878 he became an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1019 the meeting of the Trustees of the University. 1 regard the action of the meeting as involving the life or death of the institution. A commission such as you suggest was appointed at the annual meeting in June 1S06, consisting of, I think. W. A. Graham, D. Ferebee and Judge Battle. They met at the University some time afterwards, held consulta tions with the faculty and perhaps others, and submitted a lengthy report, exhibiting evidences of haring bestowed much consideration on the subject and making sundry rec ommendations. We have not been able since to get to gether a respectable number of the Trustees. At the last annual Commencement there were less than 1-2 doz. trus tees present — and I greatly fear that the great majority of them -wiU not be present. If a complete reorganization of the faculty be necessary, or at least the election of a new head, as you think, in which many concur, that election ought to be made at any early day. Who would be the fittest successor of Govr. Swain? AVhat feasible plans of remedying the financial embarrassment of the institution can you sug gest ? If you cannot attend the proposed meeting are you prepared to make any suggestions on these questions ? Lincolnton. From B. 8. Hedrich. Washington, D. C. Aug. 9, 1867. I leam from my wife today that she will not leave Beaufort until Monday moming next, (12th) which wiU I suppose bring her to Goldsborough about noon of that [P. S.J If you get a pass in time for that train it will answer. 1020 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Marh E. Lawrence. August 13 1867. I have no reason to hope that any application to any Dept. of the U. S. Government for indemity for the burn ing of your jail would be of any avail now. If such in demnity may ever be hoped for, it will be after we have representatives in Congress who may not deem such burn ing to have been all right. Newton. To James M. Sprunt. August 13 1867. Yours of the 10th inst. has been received. All the correspondence of this office with clerks and Registers, to enable us to establish the validity of the title of the State to lands claimed by the Literary Board, has been conducted by Genl. Gwynn, agent of the Lit. Board, over my signature, but I have not time to read and have not read one letter in 20 to which I have affixed my sig nature. I have no knowledge of the circumstances to which you call my attention. Genl. Gwynn is now in Hyde. On his return I will call his attention to yr letter. Kenansville. From B. Higgins. Fisher Hill, Guilford County. August 13, 1867. I take the liberty to enclose to you the writer's ideas which I wrote last winter but never had published. The subject of Railroads and Minerals I have been engaged in for over 20 years, for 12 years I have been in the State and my observations and experience have suggested the ideas Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1021 herewith presented and seeing the subject of a penitenti ary thro Genl. Sickles's orders soon to be considered in council I am desirous to have you read this from no mo tive but public good. [Enclosure.] I propose to enquire of the reader and the public ca?oiina ancfb?!- whether there is any enterprise that can be offered to the Sffhe^slate""'"^ people of North Carolina that would be self-sustaining under the patronage of the State Govemment and if so in what way could it be accomplished. The inertia of business of aU kinds in the absence of Capital or Banks is discouraging to every class of people. Crops for two years past or more have been insufficient to feed the peo ple. The soils of the Middle and Western Counties are generaUy impoverished, and need fertUizers, Farmers are iu want of tools or good instruments to cultivate the soU. Merchants are seUing at cost, and can realize but little money, and there is no prospect now before the people to sustain hope, except that Seed-time and harvest shaU not faU, and ¦"faith -without works is dead'". But what shall we do?. AVhile everything in nature is moving, as an example for the people to work, there are no Towers or Temples to be built to excite the people to work. We have to amend our Constitution which is a smaU job and which can be done by a few Prime Movers, the modulus having been fixed by a function and a base. The State was orig inaUy a State and is yet a State. Therefore in that ques tion there is no money, nor will it incite the people to work. We must look then to our Natural advantages and present condition for something to stimulate and en courage the people. On the East we are bounded on the Atlantic Coast for 300 miles -with good harbours, bays, and narigable rivers, open to the Commerce of other Na tions, both -winter and summer our Rivers West of Raleigh in any County to the Georgia and Sampson line afford extensive water power and railroads extend across the 1022 North Carolina Historical Commission. State, East and West, also North and South, connecting harbours on the coast with trunk lines of Roads from other- States. Our spring waters are clear, cool, and to be found on every plantation in the Middle and Western Counties — our River water is soft and clear for manu facturing woollen goods. The climate for health is not excelled by any other place on the Globe. The Eastern Counties produce cotton, com, rice, and rosin. The Mid dle and Western Counties produce wheat, corn, oats, rye, barley, and flax, tobacco, and some cotton. Sheep can be raised easily and wool produced in large quantities. Our Forests abound with Pine, Cyprus and Oaks, and hard and soft woods of all kinds. The finest of grapes grow spon taneously and the most delicate kinds may be cultivated to any extent. In Minerals North Carolina is not surpassed by any State on the Eastern Slope of the AUeghenys. In nearly all the Counties West from Franklin, Wake, John son, Cumberland, and Richmond to Cherokee — Gold, Sil ver, Lead, Zinc, Iron, Copper, and the associated Metals and Minerals are in profuse quantities, also Mineral Coals, Salts, Mineral Springs, Slates, Alum, Limes. Clays, Marbles, Steatites, Plumbago, etc., some of which deserve special notice as valuable motors to industry. Of these will be selected ores of Iron, Copper, and their as sociates Coals, Lime, Marble, etc. Iron ores. Extensive deposits and veins of these ores, of the most valuable and desirable kinds, for the manufacture of Iron and Steel are to be found in several Counties of this State. The Magnetic oxides the Specular and Red Hem atites are to be found in Guilford, Randolph and Chat ham Counties, and the Carbonates in Guilford, David son, Madison and others Counties — all of which are the preferable kinds for Steel and the best quality for bars. Iron wires, and all other uses in Machinery, Smith's work Cutlery Tools, etc. equal to Sweeds or Russian Sable or Norway Iron which commands in every known market Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1023 the highest prices. There are also Brown and Red Hem atites, and Black bands ores in Chatham coal fields, and in Counties adjoining Chatham Co., also in the Counties of Guilford, Davidson, Forsythe, Stokes and Surry, anel in nearly aU the Counties on the sources of and West of the Catawba River. This latter class some of which wiU answer for Steel and is valuable for Bar Iron and Soft castings for many uses, when cast metal needs bor ing and turning. The Magnetic oxide yields a white cast metal for chiUed or hardened purposes; viz, Car wheels, Plough Moulds, and points, or for maleable Iron. Specular ore yields a peculiar tenacious Iron for working -with Cutlery tools, wire, etc. and the facUities for working these ores into charcoal. Pig Metal and Blooms (or drops) is all that could be wished for, at the place where the various ores are diggable, as Timber is abundant, and in some places Lime for a flux — at others Lime only is wanting. Some are in near proximity to Railroads — and at others RaUroad facilities are needed. Mineral Coals are to be found in Chatham County, and also in Rocking ham, Stokes and Forsythe Counties on the headwaters of Dan River on the North Line of this State. These coals are desirable and necessary for Rolling and Manufactur ing purposes — Whence the necessity for extending the Deep River and Chatham Coal Fields RaUroad through the Coimties of Randolph, Guilford, Forsythe, Stokes, to near Pilot Knob Mountain in Surry. Near the East Bend of the Yadkin River. aU of which Counties are highly favored with Iron, Copper and other ores, also Beds of Limestone, Marble and Coal, besides extensive water power for MUls or manufacturing purposes — Which Railroad would be indispensible for the manufacturing of Iron and Smelting of Copper ores in the vicinity of the Chatham Coal field, and would also give the facUity for transporting Lime and Marble to nearly all the counties in the State, an article so much needed by the Farming 1024 North Carolina Historical Commission. class of people at the cheapest possible rate of cost. The North C. C. R. R. and the AA'estem Extension, would afford a facility for the transit of Blooms and Pigs of Iron, and ores of Copper from the counties West and Northwest of Guilford to Chatham — ^Which is no doubt the most favorable section for Rolling Mills, Forges, Cop per Smelting AA^orks, Powder Works, and Steel Works, for obtaining mineral coal cheap and with a cheap transit of the metal produced to the ports of Wilmington, New Berne or Morehead City. The consumption of Iron in this State is probably greater than the reader is aware of — and upon Examination it will show that very large sums of money are paid annually for this article, which contributes to the wealth and industry of other people of other States. Suppose that we estimate the ordinary Farm use, including waggons. Buggies and Household im plements. Tools and Smith use, 60 Tons as an average consumption for each County, and we find an aggregate of 5000 Tons are consumed or used by Railroads, in or dinary repairs not including Rails each 12th months 1000 Tons more and by Machinists, and Mining Cos. 500 Tons. There would be an annual purchase of 6500 tons which at 5 cents per pound foots up Six hundred and fifty thousand dollars, in adition thereto of Steel, Copper, Lead and Powder — one hundred thousand dollars ¦ — which is thought to be a low . estimate in our present - condition and which must be largely increased in view of establishing such facilities as will accomplish a home supply by home manufacture for all purposes, viz ; Rails, Castings, Car wheels, car axles for Railroads, Pump En gine Tools, etc., for Mining purposes. Bar Iron Tyres for waggons. Ploughs, Picks, Hoes, Shovels, Axes, Mill Machinery of all kinds for Farm and Mechanical use and a thousand fittings and things which everybody is familiar with, as are used and now purchased and paid for, which takes the peoples' money and goes out of the State to en rich the people of other States and support their industry. Correspondence of Jox^athan AA'orth. 1025 -wdth an impoverishing effect on the people of North Carr> lina. Our home market should be supplied by home man ufacture, and all surplus sold to markets North and South of this State, and any surplus of Charcoal Pig could be sold in Northern Markets for money at a large per centage over cost. Second. Copper ores and their associated metals. — The smelting of Copper ores can be made very profitable, and give great inducement to an increased population, by Emigration from those Countries where Alining and Smelting have been extensively carried on for several hundred years, which would not have been done if they did not yield a very large profit. Copper ores of all vari- ties are obtainable in this State. A'iz, Suphurte, Red and Black oxides, Silicions oxides. Carbonates or Alala- chite. Phosphates and Chlorides. Sulphurates and Cop- perpyrities exceed all others in quantity, and are there fore of great importance, yielding from 3 to 60 per cent of Copper Aletal. Next the oxides and carbonates which are much richer in Metal and are to be found in greater abundance in this State, than in other localities. The Sulphurats are desirable in smelting the carbonates and oxides. In Germany ores yielding 2 per (^ent with some silver are found to be profitable. Ores are purchased by smelters in Germany, Prussia, France, and England, and also at Northern Works dug on the continent of America and transported thither to smelt — ^where fortunes have been made. Twenty years ago mining and smelting in this country received but little if any attention. But for fifteen years past the enterprise seems to have taken root and is flourishing in the United States. Several Smelt works have been put into operation which have met with great success, supplying our o-wn shops with metal and greatly enlarging and expanding our o-wn manufac- turies. As before stated North Carolina has large de posits of the various Copper ores which will yield from 5 to 60 per cent of Copper Metal, associated with which is Vol. 2—24 1026 North Carolina Historical Commission. Lead, Zinc, Silver and Gold, in the separation of which Sul phur and acids should also be obtained. That class or grade of Copper ore and also of Galena which yields from 5 to 20 per cent are to be found in in- exhaustable quantities — and should be smelted as near to the place where dug as possible in order to save ex pense of transportation to markets in the Northern States. A home market for this grade of ore is all important to the miner, because his cost of mining and expense of transportation to a Northem Market -will absorb nearly all and in some instances all he can sell his ores for, and this will and always has retarded mining (in this State) of ores yielding below 15 per cent, and those low per cent ores are generally the first ones dug in getting a mine properly opened. If however the miner could sell his low per cent ores with his ores of a higher per cent, at the nearest Railroad Depot, and get the Northern Market price, he would always succeed from the first ore dug and be sustained iu continuing his operations. Which result of the Smelter is a reverse of that to the miner, as the Smelter is always sure of profit. The products of smelting always find a ready sale for cash to the trade. A Smelting Works located near, or at, the Chatham County Coalfield, in this State, would be as favorable as could be desired, for smelting all classes and grades of ores referred to, because with railroad facilities to trans port the ores to the Chatham Coalfields, the profits would be amply remunerative to the smelter if he paid the Northern Marhet Price for ores at any depot on any railroad in the central or Western part of the State. Ma terials for erecting Furnaces, fuel and flues could there be obtained at a small cost, compared with the cost at many Northern establishments. The Miner would then have all the advantages of sav ing the sum now paid for transporting the ores to a mar ket out of this State, which would stimulate him to be more energetic, and to enlarge his productions. It would Correspondence of Joxatii.vn AVorth, 1027 encourage new operators to come to the field with capiral to aid in developing the Minerals of this State, which would benefit the Farmer and the Alechanic, The precious metals of Gold aud Silver would also be mined to a much larger extent, than ever before known, the extent of which is greater in this State, than the most credulous persons have ever estimated aud is believed to be as encouraging for a regular pursuit as in California and the Western Territories, Russia or Africa, or any part of South America. The home consumption of Copper, Lead, and Zinc,, Iron and Steel is unlimited, yet a considerable sum is paid annually for Paints and Metals used by our Railroad Companies, and Mechanics, which iu the aggregate will foot larger as one of the sources which take money from us, and should if possible be saved to the people of this State, and a large surplus, dra-wn from abroad, by the sale of the excess of the Copper Metal, Lead, Zinc, etc. produced by smelting our o-wn native ores at home Mineral Coals. North Carolina is highly favored by Nature with these Coals for Manufacturing purposes of a good quality and free from impurities, and Sulphur, so they are or may be useable for Rolling Iron, Smelting and rolling Copper, and other ^Metals, aud for chemical uses generaUy. It would be desirable if there were facilities for reaching them by rail for Mechanic's use — domestic use — and Small Blast use. But unfortunately the Public Spirited Movers in North Carolina of Railroads have opened thorough fares, which have 'proved to be of more benefit to other States than our own ancl have never yet opened a single Railroad to her Coalfields, Iron ore Beds, Marble quarries, or Lime Stone. Which Roads have caused a large State debt and afford facilities to Merchants and others, drain and draw from the people of this State their money leaving their pockets empty. These Roads should have been of a secondary consid- 1028 North Carolina Historical Commission. oration and a Railroad from the navigable waters of the Cape Fear River, via Coalfields, through Chatham Guil ford, Forsythe to Surry County should have been the first Eailroad Built in this State. Why, Because the public generally would have been benefitted at home. The Coal, Iron, Lime, Marble, Copper, and other natural treasures would have found a market 10 years ago. But was not done and perhaps not thought of and if thought of was considered of a secondary importance. It is very evident, however, that the people of this State by an ex penditure of not over 5 Millions of Dollars might have saved at home 10 Millions of dollars in the manufacture of Rails, car wheels, and Iron for common uses and Mar kets South, built all her Railroads and been free from a public debt. But "The first shall be last and the last first." Then why not profit by experience and now develop these natural advantages which will benefit all the people, a home sustaining policy of home patronage, home educa tion, home manufacturing, and make and sell all we can to outsiders — follow the example of other States and live by supporting honest industry of all classes. The Coals,, and the Minerals, Lime, Marble, etc. must be brought together ancl used for they are in daily demand. and sum up a large item in the trades of the present day. Lime and Marble. Lime is an article of the greatest importance to the Farmers and Planters in this State. It is the most effec tive and best fertilizer that cjan be obtained — its caustic alkaline qualities fit it to a soil like ours which is filled with Siles, or sand, and disintegrated rocks, which leave so many pebbles, and crude substances, which forbid vegetable mat ter from forming a mould, without the use of Lime to neutralize them — hence woody and stalky substances grow rapidly, and grain, grapes and fine roots, meagerly. Our soils must therefore be fitted for crops, before farmers can expect to raise a remunerative supply. At present the (iost of the article of Lime is too high, and nine-tenths now Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. lU'i9 used for Building ancl Farm use~ is Ijrought from the Northem States, The transportation adds too much to its cost to enable the Farmer to use it as a fertilizer. Phos phates of Lime, Guano, and other fertilizers are pur chased in Northem Markets, which in the aggregate sends annually a large sum of money out of the State. To estimate the quantity of lime needed by farmers an nually, we -will suppose that we have a superficial area of about 50 thousand square miles, and each mile sqr 640 acres gives 32 Alillions of acres, half of which is covered by timbers and rivers. We find 16 MiUions of acres in Farms and plantations and probably not more than one- fourth of which is annually cultivated, to -wit, 4 MiUions of acres, and 3 MiUions of which needs fertilizing -with Lime. Suppose we diride the 3 MilUons into 5 parcels and fertUize one-fifth each year — as the manureing ef fects of lime aided by the absorbents of bean straw, grass and other vegatable matter, wiU endure for 5 years. We find six hundred thousand acres needing anuaUy 5 bar- rells of Lime to be used (in a slaked condition) equals 74 Bushels to each acre. The aggregate of which is 30 hundred thousand Bbls, or 150 million Bushels, which can be obtained from our quarries and sold to the Fanner, at an average cost of 15 cents per bushel. We will suppose each farmer to have 50 acres of land to fertilize and he begins with 10 acres each year and at the end of 5 years he begins again on the first 10 acres and so on repeats and (jontinues. Each will require to have 50 Bbls. of Lime annually at the cost of $37.50. Next we will es timate the advantage of this expenditure. We suppose that before he uses Lime his land produces 5 Bushels of AVheat, Com 10 Bushels. Rye 4 Bushels, Oats 7 to 10 Bushels, and no clover, or gi-ass of any kind. But as one year is required for the Lime to neutralize the soil, we will estimate no special gain until the second year's harvest. when he is sure to get from 3 to a five fold production. and clover, hay, and grasses in abimdance for his use. 1030 Avorth Carolina Historical Commission. If he seens and subsoils each alternate year after the application of Lime, and as he continues to use Lime he will continue to nap this advantage. The soil will then receive common manures. Leaves, and Compost of all kinds. I will guarantee the result in proluction to be as good as I have estimated if the Lime and appropriate hus bandry is used. The profit will be apparent to any one who tries it. If the soils on the Eastern slopes of the Allegheny were as full of Lime as the Western slopes are. Farmers would raise equal crops with Western. The Limestones of the Western slopes are of a soft gray texture, a transient formation. While on the Eastern we have Carbonate of Lime (White Marble) crystallized and hard, which needs to be calcined (or burned) to render it friable. Limestones of this class is abundant in the Counties of Forsythe, 'Stokes, and Yadkin. It occurs near Germantovrai in Stokes County ranging southwardly and crossing the East Bend of the Yadkin River. The coal beds on the headwaters of the Dan River underlie it and the Iron ores are above, and in near proximity to it. Those beds contain the pure white marble free from any stains of Iron, and as white as Egyptian Marble suit able for Tomb Stones, Monuments, or for ornamental pur poses for buildings. The surface of the beds near German- town are colored to the depth of a few feet with black mica, but this is suitable for walls of buildings. The pure white Carbonate makes pure strong Lime. There is limestone also in some of the counties west of the Yadkin. With such beds of Marble in our possession, why pur chase Tomb Stone from the quarries of Marble in Con necticut or any Northern State. The dead will slumber as softly under our own stones, as they can be made as cheap here as there, and save transportation. There is only wanting the facility and the inducement. AVhy then should not the people of North Carolina bring up the agricultural interests of the State, to a Stand- Correspondexce of Jonathan AA'orth, 1031 ard with the AA'estem States. It can be done if her people will husband their interests — a will to do it aud unity of action — and energy combined — aud new features, com plexion and life, will overcome the dispondency of mis fortune now resting upon her. At the first blow aud steps taken iu earnest. Emigration will come from Eng land and Germany to dig, and work our minerals, to en gage in agriculture and horticulture, to manufacture wines and luxuries, now so heavily taxed when produced in Eu rope, that many fortunes may be made before the duties are reduced. Capital will also come -without solicitations from abroad to purchase our lands. Mines, Grains k products of all kinds. Manufacturing will increase. Shops will be opened and home supplied -with aU she needs, and our people will be seUers of Surplus instead of Buyers. Enough has been said perhaps to enable the reader to draw his o-wn conclusions of the beneficial results to the people of this State, of such an enterprise. But will sug gest a few ideas how it could be done — As a preliminary Step let the State Legislature pass a law establishing a Mining Bureau, with 5 Managers the Govemor and State Treasurer to be two of the members, a State Agent, a Aletalurgist, and Sui>erintendent, the last three to be ap pointed or reappointed Biennially by the Governor and Council of the State, or to be continued for 5 years on salaries. If they Prove to be well qualifled and of Skill ful Capacity, to be Paid a liberal Compensation for their Services, The Agent should be a person of good business habits, and reliable in every particular. The !Metalurgist should be a German or Prussian who is known to be skillful in every branch of Smelting and Working Metals under the most modem or improved Alethods. The Supt. Should have Experience in Mining of ores, a good judge of Aletals and of Experience in Building and Working Railroads. The Board of Managers should have power to Employ. 1082 North Carolina Historical Commission. discharge and direct all assistants. Employes, or servants. to purchase Sites, Materials, Build tracks. Roads and whatever pertains to perfecting and working the different branches of the object for which the Mining Board is established — a grant of full powers guarded from abuses by peculation or fraud, etc. They should be authorized to take full and absolute charge of the Chatham and Coalfields Railroad, and Em powered to Build the same from its present terminus through the Counties of Chatham Randolph Guilford and Forsyth, to Surry — ^near Pilot Knowb — ^upon the most favorable location for the object or convenience of the public, as a Road to transpt Pig Iron, Blooms, Mar ble, Lime, Coal, Ores, Metals, etc, and have full manage ment of the same, To be Called The State Railroad. They should be authorized to Erect and work a Rolling Mill in Chatham Coalfields of a capacity to make one thousands Tons per month of Rails, Axles, or any Class of Merchantable Iron and furnaces for Paddling and heating. They should be authorized and Empowered to Erect a Smelting Works for Copper and lead ores in the same locality of a Capacity to smelt 5 thousand tons of such ores per annum, and to purchase such ores at Northem Market prices on the line of any Railroad in this State. They should be authorized to Build a Steel Works of a Capacity to Make 200 tons of Steel per annum to make Caststeel for Mines and Mechanics. They should be authorized to Erect 2 or 3 Powder Mills at separate distances to make Blasting Powder for Mines, To make Nitre, Acid, Sulphur, etc. And whatever article is made or produced for sale ex cept lime should be sold at Northem Wholesale rates, or Prices. They should make all Rails needed for the Rail road, also axles car wheels, cars, etc., and to supply other Roads in this State, Iron for farmers or Smelters and ma chinists use. Correspondence of Jonathan AVortii. 1033 They should have power to open and work Coal Mines Marble quarries for Tombstones, Monuments, etc., and to make Lime and to deliver on the Road to be Built or at a junction of the N. C. R. R. at 15 cents per bushel for farmers use as fertilizers of slaked Ume or 25 cents for the unslaked, and Marble slabs at low rates per foot The Principle office should be in Raleigh and under the Supervision of the State Treasurer, and branch of fices at the different locaUties, which Branch offices should make monthly reports to the Principle offices which should report to the Legislature annuaUy — of aU Expenditures. cost, of the work Roads, ores purchased, Metals produced. on hand sold, and a full and complete abstract of the Con dition of the Affairs of the Bureau. The entire property Created or accumulated should be the property of the State. The Motor or funds used by the Bureau should be an issue of a Treasury Note if practicable in sums of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 20 doUars of good paper and in as good style as Greenbacks, redeemable one year after date at the pleasure of the State. But made receivable for Taxes, on RaUroads and By individuals, and have par value in the State, and aU person forbid depreciating or discounting them for profit under a penalty — to be issued from time to time by the State Treasury to meet the wants of the Bureau monthly. They should be received for all metals etc. sold to the people of the State By the Bureau and be used in the purchase of ores, Aletals, Coals, etc, etc.. And the issue should at no time exceed 5 million of dol lars and the metals sold abroad, Iron, Powder, Steel, etc., at home Paid for in said issue and redeemed from the proceeds thereof. To Save the Expense of Building a State Prison, a law should be passed authorising and requiring the Bureau to take the Convicts or Prisoners from each County in the State, and work them in the Marble quarries, Yards and making Lime or in Building Roads, untiU they shall have 1034 North Carolina Historical Commission. served the term of Sentence of Court and payment of costs and fines imposed AVhich shall be paid by the Burea to the proper County thereby saving the people from such County Tax AVhich will relieve the people of the Expenses also of a public Prison. The Bureau to provide for all such prisoners Comfortable Clothes and food and hospital Expenses. It is well known that a few miles above Salem are large tracts of land in which extensive quarries of white mar ble or Lime Stone exist which can be purchased for a small sum, and which if walled in and Prison Cabins were built for workmen within the enclosure would not cost l-5th part as much as a State prison for manufactor- ing purposes and neither Should prison labor be applied to the manufacture of any article of industry and capital generally pursued by the public. To General Sichles. August IS 1867. I have examined and considered the amendments pro posed to Sec. 9 and 40 Rev. Code Chap. 101 and enter tain no doubt that an order promulgating the same as law would contribute very essentially to the better working of the Public Roads of the State, Charleston, S. C. To Judge Gilliam. Aug. Ik 1867. Jury orders of I had uot heard, when I sent my telegram to Genl. S. on the 10th inst., that a single County Court had acted on the order touching juries. I regarded the order as qualify ing those only who had paid a tax the current year — ^this fiscal year, and as the County Courts could not know until the Sheriffs had made their collection and return for this year, who had paid tax this year, the Court could not Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1035 so reform the lists till the firet Court to be held after the 1st clay of October. The General's answer stating that the circumstances set forth in my telegram showed that I had been "impracticable" to execute his order. If the orders have reference to tax assessed and paid last year, then it -would not have been "impracticable" to reorganize the juries. 1 have reason to believe, from a personal conversation with Genl. S., that he meant to qualify as jurors every one who had paid a poll tax or any other public tax, but I have no right to put any construction on his ordinances and make these suggestions for what you may consider them to be worth. I propose to try to get Genl. S. to construe his order or to modify it, so as not to admit any but a freeholder to serve on the jury, Lincolnton. To G. 21. Griffin. Aug. 17 1867. As Governor I have no color of power to interfere with the action of your County Court as to levying a tax to pay County bonds given during the war, and my opinion as to the power of this County Court derives no impor tance from my official position. If you or any other citizen deem the levying of such tax unlawful, you shoidd employ a lawyer and seek a remedy through the higher Courts. It is a question of law and being ncj^v rather a rusty lawyer — and my opinion entitled only to the consideration due to my opinion as a lawyer aud so pressed with my multifarious official duties that I cannot bestow much time to the consideration of the question I hope you will excuse me from the expression of an opinion on the subject. 1036 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Josiah Turner, Jr. August 17 1867. tofR s.'^Hedriek's You are aware that for the past 18 months B. S. Hed- famiiy ^^^-^ j^^^ attended at my instance to a vast variety of busi ness for the State and its citizens at Washington City. He has not been paid any thing for these services — ^has not demanded any compensation. He informs me he la bored for all our R. Rs. at the close of the war. He wrote me some time ago that his wife and children were on a visit to his brother at Morehead City and would visit Chapel Hill and perhaps Salisbury perhaps during their visit and that he would appreciate a free pass for them over our R. Rs. I applied to Mr. AVhitford and Mr. Webb. The former granted and the latter refused. Mr. Webb, as I hear, referred to my application and his refusal at your late annual meeting. Mr. Hedrick' s wife and children passed here from Morehead to Chapel Hill a few days ago, paying their way from Goldsboro to Chapel Hill. The State owes them, for Mr. H's services a free pass, and if he rendered the service to the corporation which I think he did, his request ought to have been granted. If you think you may do so without impropriety, I shall be gratified if you will send his wife at Chapel Hill, privi lege to pass free with her children from Durham to Salis bury and from Salisbury to Raleigh one time at any time within a month from this date. Company Shops. To John C. Wood. August 19 1867. Yours of the 13th inst. with inclosure came to hand. The board created by Genl. Sickle's order as to the expe diency — location, etc. of Penitentiary, have the subject un der consideration. If the report shall favor the building of one and recommend a location, I am not informed Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1037 what ulterior steps the General proposes to take. Your proposition will receive due consideration, if it shall become my duty to have any control in the erection of Penitentiary structures. Wilmington. To G. F. Lewis. Aug. 19 1867. I have made a special and earnest call upon each of the Trustees of the University to meet in this office, on busi ness of vital consequence to the institution. I hope for a full attendance. I suggest that you come then, instead of the 5th Sept. [P. S.J If you can't be here on the 22nd it is not prob able that I can get a meeting so soon after as the 5 th Sept. Clevelax^d, 0. From E. 21. Gibson. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE. August 20, 1867. Hon. Jonathan Worth, Govemor of North Carolina, Sir: Sometime since I noticed an advertisment in the Request fori nfor- . mation concerning Washington Chronicle of public lands for sale in your State ^'°''"^ Carolina, without giving terms or particulars. AA'ill you be kind enough to inform me of the quality, price condition, etc., of the land. Aly father (Geo. Gibson) emigrated from Randolph Co. N. C, more than twenty years ago, to the State of Indiana. I have often heard him speak of you, 1088 North Carolina Historical Commission. and think perhaps he knew you. I have numerous rela tives (AVinslows, AA'alkers, Davises, etc.) living in your State now, but owing to my having served, and been dis abled, in the Union Army during the late war, I do not know as it would be safe for me to make my home in that State now. I might live there, but would my chances in the profession of the law, or politically be worth anything, is the question. I am young yet, and would not like to hazzard future prospects by living in a community where I would be obnoxious to the citizens, for any thing I have done or said, for of course I have no regrets for my past conduct. At present I am a clerk in the above named office and will remain here until I determine where to locate. From Henry T. Clarh. Tarboro, N. C. August 20, 1867. University affairs. I -^vas placed OU a Committee by the last Legislature (or at the last session of the Legislature) charged with the in vestigation of the affairs of the University — and to report to the next meeting of the Legislature or to the Govemor, A majority of the joint committee (3 of the Senate and 3 of the House of Commons) (Messrs. Hall, Peebles, Morehead and myself) held a meeting at the last com mencement, made some progress and expect to resume an investigation in Raleigh at the adjourned Session (today) this has been thwarted by the suspension of the Legisla ture. And for want of another- meeting of the Committee a report cannot be prepared. I write this as an individual explanation to you, for there has been no concert of opinion or action for the present emergency. We were preparing to offer some suggestions which we hoped would be beneficial to the institution — perhaps Coeeespox"dexce of Jonathan AVorth. 1039 the same may prc>c-eed from the very intelligent body of Trustees, who I see have been called tcigether in Raleigh the 22nd. I understand there are three vacancies among the pro fessors, besides the proposed vacancy of Gov. Swain. I -wiU venture one suggestion which you may give only such attention as you think it merits. It is a temporary arrangement while the funds of the corporation are so impoverished. Charles PhiUips is very competent to fUl the Chair of Mathematics, lately occupied by his father. His professorship is nearly aUied to that of his father. I would suggest that his salary be enlarged and both pro fessorships so arranged as to be occupied by him — that temporarily the two branches be amalgamated or so com bined as to be placed in charge of the remaining Professor, If his duties are increased, increase his pay, but not to the extent of both salaries (say 33-1 3) This would be an economy which the present status demands. And as the means of the University increased increase the pro fessorship again. Be pleased to consider this only as a suggestion to you - — and you may present or not as seems expedient to your own views. I have not the honor of being a Trustee and can have no voice. But your body has not a more devoted friend to the institution than myself. P. S. I woidd be glad to be advised of the present .status of our Committee. Genl. Sickle's order does not abolish but suspends the Legislature till further orders, which in all probability will never be given. Theoreti cally we are a Legislature for two years from date of our election. It was made the duty of this University Com mittee if they could not report to the Legislature, to re port to the Governor. But there must be a meeting to continue the investigation and make the report. But we can't do without authority for our expenses to be paid. If your duties and authority have not expired with Genl. 1040 North Carolina Historical Commission. Sickles, how can we draw our necessary expenses already incurred or to be incurred. Genl. Sickles will make promise for his penitentiary Board — would he make any for this Committee. To E. J. Hale & Son. August 21 1867. I am disposed to stretch my powers in order to have a genteel edition of Wilson's reports. In my annual mes sage to the Genl. A. I recommended a reprint of the im perfect editions of the report made during the war. I do not know why the recommendation was not respected. Under general powers conferred on the Govr. and judges of the Supreme Court I am disposed to take for the State 100 copies of your proposed edition, but must have the concurrence of at least one of the judges of the Supreme Court. I expect Judge Battle here shortly. Can you give me an approximate idea as to what 100 copies would cost the State under your proposition? New York City. North Carolina. To E. M. Gibson. Raleigh Aug. 23 1867. i^J/OTmaSfbout Yo'^^ inquiry, as you served in the U. S. army in the late war, whether it would be wise for you to make your home in this State discloses the fact that you believe in the absurd conclusion which Northem demagogues have fos tered in the minds of the Northern people ; to-wit, that we are a semi-savage and lawless people. How a people claim ing to be so much more virtuous and civilized and chris tianized than we are, can honestly indulge in such senti ments, excites among us combined wonder and [illegible]. The fact ought to be known to every body having any ac- Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1041 cess to sources of correct information that there is no place in Christendom when a man behaves himself with de corum, is safer than iu any part of N. C, no odds what may be his opinions, political or religious. Even if he come among us, prepossessed with the notion and con tinually making this notion prominent — odiously promi nent — that he claims superiority over us in patriotism — virtue — ^learning — everything noble in the nature of our ¦ species, you are still "safe" from personal harm — but we have not yet been reduced to the debasement generaUy (a few who seek favor by fa-wning pretend to love and re spect those who thus revile us) to lick the hand which in flicts stripes upon us. The great body of our people were forced to elect between Secessionists and Abolitionists — thus forced they took up arms in favor of their home and section: — ^when conquered they desired to be allowed to participate in a restowed Union: When the North de mands of them that the future govemment of the State shall be committed to the recently emancipated slave in order to maintain the continued ascendency of a party which despises the forgiving spirit taught by the religion we profess, and delights to trample on a vanquished people and throw obstacles in the way of their recuperation, they submit as the vanquished must submit to a conqueror, but they are not so meek and so stultifled as to love such a peoide. But every body is ''safe" here who behaves with decorum — and any of our people respect a Union soldier, who, when the fight was over, treats his vanquished foe- man, as genuine courage always treats the vanquished. I have not time to dwell on the matter. I have said thus much because I remember well your father ancl would treat his son -with respect. Nobody anywhere was a more constant lover of the Union and the Constitution — and nobody any where more cordially abhors a party, who would force on us a gov ernment so framed, under this bayonet, as to give ascend ancy to the recently emancipated slaves. Vol. 2—25 1042 North Carolina Historical Commission. I have not and never had any sympathy with Disunion- ism either by Secessionists or Radicals. AA^ASHINGTON, D. C. To B. 8. Hedrich. Aug. 2k 1867. I have been so pressed with the urgent and multifarious duties of my office for some weeks past, that I could not find time to do justice to my personal correspondence. I made application to get complimentary tickets for your family, resting the application on the ground of jus tice to you on account of your services to the State. I know that Turner personally desired to grant it. I inclose his answer. If I had power I would grant you a free pass on every road in the State as some token of my appreciation of the disinterested service you have ren dered the State. Washington, D. C. To W. H. King. August 2k 1867. Terms for sale of Our lauds are not divided off into sections and classified as to quality. We hoped to sell the whole to an immigra tion or to other association of capitalists. In this way we would sell at $1.00 per acre — 1-10 paid down — re mainder payable in 10 years — interest at 7 per cent, pay able semi-annually — title reserved until purchase money be paid — failure to pay int. for 6 months after due to be forfeiture. If we fail to sell the lands on these terms as an entirety, we w'ill sell any one entire swamp on same terms — or Give alternative sections for ditching and draining. Our object has been to draw attention to these valuable Correspondence of Jon^athan AA'orth. 1043 lands and then dispose of them the best way we can. No body wiU want to buy enough only for a single farm. A leading drain must be cut, -which should be done by a com pany or individual owning the whole swamp, to be sold afterwards iu smaU tracts. AVe wiU pay any reasonable commission to an agent who may effect sales for us. We now have a commission in New York trying to effect a sale of the whole; — on failing in that, — of one entire swamp. If we fail in this we will give alternate sections to any person or company who wiU ditch any one of these swamps. I send you my advertisement seeking to effect sale of one tract, as an individual. I will pay 5 per cent commission to any person who will find purchaser on my terms. I think there is not the slightest exaggeration as to this land. The crops here tofore grown and now growing on the land demonstrate its productiveness. In view of the improvements on it — so much of it ready for immediate cultivation — its valu able timber and proximity to navigation, it is a most de sirable tract. Its present o-wners are so occupied in other matters that they can't give attention to it. Will be glad to hear further from you. New Ex'gland, Ohio. To H. T. Clarh. Aug. 2k 1867. I am not advised of Genl. Siekles' ulterior purposes either as to the caUing of the Genl. A., or his scheme for the building of a Penitentiary. How he proposes to raise the ways and means or whether he intends to pay or how, the board appointed to report on Penitentiary project, I am as ignora'nt as you are. 1044 North Carolina Historical Commission. I hope to have another interview with him before long in order to understand his designs and to induce him, if I can, to modify' some orders and to abstain from issuing others deranging our State operations. We have done what we could to keep the University alive. I have not time to give you details — ^but will simply say I think we have adopted measures likely to result in reviving the institution. The financial question is not solved — but the professors will be paid their full salary this session. If money can not be raised by voluntary contribution to disincumber the corporate property, I see no hope of avoiding its ultimate downfall. Tarboro. ToO.D. Coohe. Aug. 2k 1867. fands'^^^'''^^ ^ commission is now gone to N. Y. to try to effect a sale of the whole of the Swamp lands, to Companies pro posing to negotiate. I fear they wall not effect such sale. ITntil the result of their negotiations shall be kno-wn, I can only say that this board will sell White Oak Desert at $6.00 per acre — ten per cent to be paid dovrai — int. to be semi-annually paid on residue — ten years allowed to pay fund — title reserved as security and failure to pay interest for 6 months to amount to forfeiture of contract. If we can't sell this way we will sell less than the whole on like terms. I inclose advertisement of a tract of land I wish to sell which I regard as the best bargain in land which I ever knew any thing of. The crops grown on it — and now growing are the best testes of its value. The cleared land, buildings and timber would make quick returns. Boon Hill. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1045 To Simon Barnes. Aug. 26 1861. I have means of arriving at a just interpretation of the Rules for regis- Act of Congress touching registration not in reach of every other citizen. Genl. Sickles is the final arbiter as to us — and I had supposed he would have given us his construction on the doubtful points. His plans seems to be to leave each board of Registers to decide all doubtful cases and report to him all questionable cases for his final decision. I think you are entitled to register, and I would apply to the registrars, ancl in case they decide against you, ask them to report the case to Genl. Siekles for his decision. According to the opinion of the Atto. Genl you have a right to register : ancl surely no citizen can incur any dan ger or blame, who claims the right, where such right is sustained by the opinion of the highest law officer of the U. States. Wilson. From J. J. Jachson. PiTTSBORO August 27th 1867. Registration has commenced in this Countv. The gegistration in c3 •- Randolph county. Board has been in Session in this village two days. There is a great rush of negroes to register I suppose two negroes have registered here to one white. I am fear ful this county -will be Africanized although by the cen sus of 1860 there were nearly two whites to one black. The negroes will register to a man, and many of the whites will go with them I fear from the idea they have that the o-wners of real estate are to be plundered, and what they have confiscated. There are few post offices in the county and many of our people are uninformed as to whether they can register or no. 1046 North Carolina Historical Commission. I think every facility should be given for registering all, and for that reason I write you this, at the instance of many of our Citizens, and request that you -will call Col. Bomford's attention ' to the Statement hereinafter contained. It is I think perfectly clear that there ought to be two places for registering on the east of Haw River. One third or one fourth of the county lies east of the River. There is not now a bridge on Haw River from Keemey Bynum's to Haywood. Four bridges have been swept away recently by freshets. The Board should sit at Las- aters and at Jones Grove, which as you know is about eight miles from Pittsboro on the road to Chapel Hill. I hear they will sit at Lasaters only. If this be so and I am informed that they have only advertised that point, it is certain that a large number of voters from the coun try bordering on Haw River and the Orange line will not register. To do so they would have in some cases to travel over 20 miles. I suppose Col. Bomford could issue orders to the Board to sit at Jones Grove and at Lasaters, also. Permit me to request in behalf of our people that you will see Col. Bomford and, if you think it proper, that you -will represent to him the Justice and propriety of carrying out the above Suggestion. From J. J. Jachson. Pittsboro, August 27th 1867. I have just heard that Mr. Gibbons is going in the moming, and I write you this only to say we are all well at present. We hope you are all well. The children Bettie, Jonnie and Carrie are going to school to Mr. Sut ton and I think rapidly improving. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1047 I wrote a letter to Major B. about two days ago re questing him to get up and send to me all of Sickles' orders. Lucy has an enterprise on foot. It is a secret and 1 fear it -^vill get out. She has been agitating the scheme of publishing a map of the mineral county coal, gold, etc., etc. I advised her to defer it for the present and suggested the following. Air. Sutton, the head of the female school here, has a printing press, and I suggested to her to let me get up all the orders issued by Sickles and the most important of those issued by the Bureau and let Mr. Sutton print them in a pamphlet. I thought several thousand copies might be sold for a dollar each. AVell she sent for him and he is anxious to go into it if his press will do the work. Wants to see tbe orders, etc., before he can tell. What do you think of it ? The expense will be trifiing — only the paper — and I really think there is money in it. They could be sold in N. and S. Carolina and probably Hale could seU several hundred in New York. X have not seen the orders from Major Bagley. If it was possible I should like very much for Air. Gibbons to bring them up with him. Write me a line and say what you think of her scheme. I write you another line that you may if you think proper show to Col. Bomford. I think it important that you should do so. Love to aU, [P. S.] — I wonder some printer has not, before this, thought of printing in pamphlet form for easy reference all these edicts which for the time being are laws. To W. H. 2IcEae. Sept. 9 1867. Yours of the 4th inst. is just recd. I have no fears that Congress will confiscate our lands. There is much more danger from N. C, Radicals — and 1048 North Carolina Historical Commission. I trust there is not much danger from them. Our white friends in Montgomery and Randolph, who are expecting to attain political ascendency through the negro, will surely wake up and see their folly soon. If we make a Constitution, allowing all male negroes 21 years old to vote, and denying the right of voting to a large and in telligent class of whites, the mean whites co-operating with the negroes, may appropriate all the land. I am unwilling to believe that the negroes are to be made the governing class in N. C. I think it scarcely possible that N. C, with a popula tion of whites largely greater than the negroes, will by their voluntary acts, make the negro the governing power. This will be the result if we carry out the Radical scheme now presented to us. I advise you to perfect your title to your land in the way you deem least expensive — and trust to the good sense of N. C. and the nation that government is not to be con fided to negroes and albinoes. I have not time to discuss these subjects. I was never a Secessionist — still less am I a Radical, Both were and are disunionists. The property of this country requires Union. Troy. To 0. D. Coohe. Sepr. 9th 1867. I do not know the real agricultural product of the laud before the war. I learn that the swamp portion produces strictly first rate crops of cotton. I invite any one wishing to buy, to examine the land. There is a portion of it having corn on it now. I have by no means over-stated the excellence of the land. The place is known as "Round Swamp" — and is celebrated as a place of great value. Any body at AVhitesviUe or in that region knows Correspondence of Jonathax AVorth. 1049 that it has always produced exuberant crops of cotton and com. The timber on it is of great value. We have a complete map of it. It is now in N. Y. but wiU be in the hands of AA'orth iV- Daniel in a few days, AVe have no doubt about the title and wiU warrant the title — and aU of us are responsible on a warranty. Each of us is out of debt and (for our country) possessed of large means. We want to sell it because our several occupa tions preclude proper attention to a farm. I never saw any place better suited to make money, both by its agri- cidtnral products and its timber. Boon Hill. To Henry T. Clarh. September 23 1867. Yours of the ninth iust. did not reach my hands till sickles- jury order. to-day. Some 10 or 12 days ago I went to my former residence, expecting to. be there only a day or two. [About four liTies are illegible]. Mr. Perkins is here and will carry down both pardons. I had taken the same view in relation to Genl. S's orders as to juries which you present and have fully ex erted myself in communications both to Genl. Sickles and Genl. Canby to get the order so modified as to aUow only freeholders to be put on the list with this list to be purged by the Court as provided by our laws before the drawing of the jm-y. You will see that I have had only partial success. I think I am getting the relations between Genl Canby and myself on a footing likely to enable me to be of some service to our people. I am endeavoring to get him to abolish the Provost Court estabUshed for 5 counties, in Fayetteville, by which three men having no pretension to legal learning, are taking cognizance of all suits, civil and criminal, not capitally 1050 North Carolina Historical Commission. punished — their compensation being fixed at $4. per day, etc. to be paid by the fines they impose. I regard this Court as more of a burlesque on justice, than the cele brated Court held by Sancho Panza. I am also endeavoring to discontinue the trial of civ ilians before military Courts. I thank you for the estimate you place on my efforts to serve the people of N. C. My duties have been enor mous and onerous. I am sure I have endeavored to do all I , could to get our State on her legs and hope my friends duly appreciate my efforts. I am feeble and tremulous and must conclude. Tarboro. To 0. P. Meares.' Raleigh Sepr 26 1867. I will be much obliged to you for any remarks you may be willing to submit to me tending to aid me in coming to a just conclusion as to the action I ought to take on the inclosed petition of a number of citizens of Wilming ton for the remitting of the remainder of punishment adjudged by you against Nicholas Carr. Please return the petition. Wilmington. To A. M. Tomlinson. September 26 1867. * -^^ * * * * * I do not precisely understand whether the association of Friends proposing to establish the model farm, design it as auxiliary to their educational projects or what the real object is — but I presume the association may be 1 Judge of the Wilmington Criminal Court. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1051 promptly incorporated under our Rev. Code, Chap. 26, Sec. 14 and 15 at a trifling expense, whereby the diffi culty will be obviated. I am somewhat feeble aud tremulous from my late biUous attack — and hope my writing will be legible and inteUigible. I intended to have visited you on my late trip to Ran dolph — but was detained so long by my iUness that I was obliged to hasten back here as soon as I felt able. I hope your son Sidney will consent to be voted for a a member of the Convention, because I believe he would be elected and that he belongs to the class who would uphold the Constitution of the United States. I regard any Union, not based on the Constitution, as Revolution ary and likely to result in ultimate disaster to our Coun try — and I cannot regard a government which admits to the poUs all this ignorance and excludes much of- the in telUgence of its people, as likely to secure personal liberty or protection to the fruits of industry. If the negroes and all the non-property holders are to vote, it ought to be for the Commoners only: and only those who pay a tax on property should vote for the Sen ate. I have not time to enlarge on this. If non-property holders are the ruling power in both branches of the Leg islature, land and property -will be in much more danger of virtual confiscation from taxation than they are from the present Congress. Few men have the nerve to preserve integrity if they get on the political arena — and hence I would not advise any young friend to tum politician — but on our coming Convention hangs the security of property and personal liberty — and there are few counties in the State where secret organizations have so misguided public sentiment as in Randolph — and I know of no one so likely to be elected as Sidney — ^who has not become entangled in the vile web of the demagogue. BrsH Hill. 1052 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Thomas Stephenson. Sepr 28th 1867. Your letter without date inquiring whether this State is making any effort to procure European labor is before me. No such effort has been made because the action of Con gress disfranchising the experienced intelligence of our people and looking to and likely to result in negro su premacy here, we regard as an effectual bar to immigra tion from any country but Africa. N.EW York City. To D. F. Caldwell. Sep. 28 1867. The pub. Tr. handed me a day or two ago the within papers purporting to a conveyance of a lot in Florence from J. S. Ray to Z. S. Coffin. The Tr. says it was found among papers left in the office by me as Provl. Treasurer. I have no recollection about it. It was no seal — and is not a deed ; and if it were, I do not know who Z. S. Coffin is, or why the paper was put in my possession. I suppose it to be worthless. If you can make any thing out of it return as much as you please and pay balance wherever you may think it is due. I hear that the Conservative political meeting here last night was prudently conducted, and that Holden got the most terrible castigation ever inflicted in the way of a speech, from his guardian friend Major Russ. I did not have any hand in the getting up of this meet ing. I have feared that any thing like organization on our part might arrest the disintegration which I trust is setting in here and abroad among the radicals, and thus result prejudicially to us. I read your editorials with much interest and appro bation. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1053 I am still rather feeble and my hand tremulous from my late bilious attack. Greensboro. To James F. Giles. Oct. 2 1S07. About the time yours of the 29th Aug. came to hand I swamplands, was disabled by a bilious attack and so continued for some ten days and since my recovery have not got clear of the business which accumulated during my iUness. The Lit. Board has ordered an accurate survey and plot of the 90,000 acres to be made out. O-wing to the remarkably rainy season, the usual disappearance of the water from absorption and evaporation has not occurred. The water is now rapidly disappearing and a month hence, it is hoped, lines may be run over dry ground throughout the swamp. Of its extraordinary fertility and easy drain age I entertain no doubt. Should you come on in the latter part of this month or first of next I think the survey will be in progress and I will take care that every facility shall be afforded you for a satisfactory examination of the premises. The tract of land which I offer for sale by inclosed ad vertisement, having 150 acres cleared, a growing crop to demonstrate its fertility — houses on it — much valuable timber, etc. presents remarkable inducements to a gen tleman wishing to farm and grow cotton on a large scale, or to a smaU colony of immigrants. Washington, D. C. To B. Higgins. Oct. 7 1867. Your lengthy and interesting communication contain ing many valuable suggestions touching our State affairs was duly recd. 1054 North Carolina Historical Commission, As the Genl. A. has not been allowed to assemble since I recd it — and possible will not be allowed to assemble during the time I shall be allowed to occupy my present position. I see little chance to carry out any important enter prise in N. C. while the policy of the Government repels all immigration, save from Africa. Greensboro. To P. T. Massey. October 17 1867. canby's jury order. I am just returned from an interview with Genl Canby at Columbia at which his jury order was the chief sub ject of his discussion. Your County Court after making out a list of those who have paid a tax this year, whether on property or on the poll, will in the first place purge the list by casting out the names of those whom they may deem not well qualified to serve as jurors, color alone not being deemed cause of disqualification. Extreme ignorance, bad moral character, deafness or other personal disability will be recognized as good cause of disqualification. Persons not registered as voters, are not to be excluded from the list from ivhich jurors are to be drawn — ^but he will retain his clause making non-registration good cause of challenge. The General assured me he would reform his order as above. It may be expected in a few days. I hope, there fore, your Court upon this representation will act as though his order to this effect were now published. Smithfield. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1055 To Calvin H. Wiley. Oct. 17 1867. I am just retumed from an interview with Genl. Canbv. saie of swamp •¦ - lands. It was quite as satisfactory as I expected. I am quite willing to take $70,000.— or even $60,000. for all our Swamp lands in Hyde and Tyrrell, provided not less than tV be paid do-wn, interest at 7 per cent paid annually for residue and the whole to be paid within ten years and failure to pay interest for 60 days to amount to 'forfeiture — but will not consent, to bind the State to refund for any cause except want of title — ^title to be made on payment of the purchase money. I do not feel willing to take less than $1. per acre on same terms as to payment, for AVhite Oak Swamp ; we paying expenses of survey. Greensboro. To A. 8. Kemp. October 21 1867. You are mistaken as to mv having power to fill vacan- Regarding the mi- . " ° . . ing of vacancies. cies in civil offices. This power, by the military re-con struction acts, is conferred on the militai-y commandant — Genl Canby. The military commandant, as to the filling of vacancies in offices which is vested in the Governor or the Gov. and his Council, by our Constitution or laws, has hitherto asked me to nominate, and has appointed my nominee. I have not been consulted at all as to the appointment of any officer where the appointment of such officer is given by law to the Courts of the people. From your representation of the facts I see no reason able grounds for your removal and the consequent filling of your place by military authority — and hope the County Court will decline to accept your resignation. Elizabethtown. 1056 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Thomas Settle. Oct. 22 1867. I inclose to you a copy of a letter which I addressed to you on the I7th Apl last, to which I have recd no an swer. Pressed, as I was by the military authorities of the U. S. backed by the Representatives of Caswell County in the General Assembly and by Messrs Kerr and Kerr who defended Johnson I granted the pardon with very great misgivings as to the propriety of extending clemency to him. I am now informed by tbe Hon. John Kerr, that upon the application of this man Johnson and of one Tourgee, the Sheriff of Caswell, Jesse C. Griffith, who, from per sonal acquaintance and from what I learn from others, is a most estimable man, is arrested and carried to Char leston to answer some indefinite charge. I earnestly desire from you a statement of the facts proved on the trial of Johnson. To Andrew Johnson. October 2kth 1867. Introducing AUow me to lutroduce to you the Hon. Thos. C. Fuller, Thomas C. Fuller. ,. . . , .n , , a distinguished gentleman of the i ayetteviUe bar, who visits you in behalf of three citizens of his town, Tolar, Powers and Watkins, lately tried by a Alilitary Court, under a charge of murdering a negro, named Beebe. There was no reasonable ground for the interposition of a Military Court. No respectable officer of the U. S. Army has ever intimated that justice has not been in variably administered fairly and impartially in our Su perior Courts of law. In this case the Military thought proper to take cognizance before any civil Court having power to try the alleged offence, could act. CoRRESPOX^DENCE OF JONATHAN AA'oRTH. 1051 The conceded facts are that Beebe, the negro, on Sun day, had seized a young lady of unquestionable character, ou her return home from Church, and attempted to com mit a rape on her — that the community was naturally ex cited, and on his arrest and preliminary trial, the next day, a large concourse assembled, and that when they saw the neck of the victim lacerated, by the brutal grip of Beebe, to prevent her cries from bringiug assistance to her, it created ungovernable fury, and some one shot and killed Beebe, The evidence as to the person who fired the fatal shot was contradictory. AA'hat this evidence was, you will see in the papers submitted to you. The dispute, as I understand, was narrowed down, whether one Phillips or Capt, Tolar killed Beebe. PhiUips had been charged ancl released by the Military upon turning State's evidence. The evidence was contradictory and turned on the creditability of witnesses — which a jury of the vicinage could have much better decided than a Court composed of strangers. What the decision of the Court was I do not know — but, I am sure, all of the most intelli gent and virtuous portion of our people believe that the defendants ought to have had a trial by jury — that the evidence before the military Court did not warrant a conviction; — and if the defendants were capitally pun ished, all good men woulel be horrified. I hope you will deem the case one proper for Executive clemency. If you should deem it competent for you to set aside the finding of the Military Court, and to direct a trial by jury, it woiUd satisfy justice and the wishes of the people. Every one of these military trials in this State is an in stance of unjustifiable military oppression, there being no pretence, from any respectable source, that there is any one of our Judges who does not take care that justice is impartially administered. Vol. 2—26 1058 North Carolina Historical Commission. To D. G. Worth. Oct. 2k 1867. on'^va?k)us''matters ^ou ask me my opiuiou as to how the people of this State should vote on the calling or refusing to call a Con vention under the military acts falsely called re-construc tion acts. These acts require the Convention to amend the State Constitution so as to allow universal negro suffrage. They declare that we are to be allowed representation in Con gress only after the disfranchising Howard amendmeut shall be adopted and that no member of Congress shall be recognised unless he can take this test oath. This Convention is called by Congress — not by the State : Congress determines who shall vote and who shall not, in violation of the Constitution of the U. S., which leaves it to the State to determine who shall vote and who shall not vote — and allows each State to regulate its in ternal affairs, not inconsistent with the United States. As this Convention must establish negro suffrage, those ouly should vote for such Convention, who believe that it is constitutionally called and that universal negro suff rage is expedient and that nobody should hold office save those who can take the teste oath. As I believe that the call of a Convention is in violation of the Constitution of the U. S,, which I am bound by oath to support — that to establish universal negro suffrage is to base government upon ignorance instead of intelligence — even if there were no disfranchisement of -white men — and as the acts of Congress submit the question to those who are allowed to vote, whether they -want such a Convention or not, I think no honorable man in N. C, ought to vote for the caU. I think they should go to the polls and try to elect con servative delegates — and not vote at all for or against Convention. The Convention fails if a majority of all the registered voters fail to vote for or against Conven tion. According to the best information we now have COERESPOXDEX'CE OF JONATHAN AA'oETH. 1059 95000 whites and 65000 negroes have registered in this State. It will require something over SOOOO votes cast for and against the Convention to call it. It is not prob able that more than 55,000 negro votes -will be east, and if less than 25000 whites vote for or against a Convention, it must fail. I do not believe anything like 250ti0 whites -will vote for such a Convention. If concert of action can be brought about among those who are opposed to the call, it may be defeated, by non voting on the part of the whites. I am confident a majority of the whole vote cast is un attainable — and my only hope of defeating the thing is this one indicated: and if this fail, in the refusal of the voters to ratify the Constitution which may be adopted. "It is never expedient to do wrong," and hence it is inexpecUent to change by our act, the fundamental laws of the State, under an unconstitutional act of Congi-ess, This is intended for your o-wn eye. I deem it inex pedient to avow my views before the public. I gave my views, confidentially, to Mr. Englehardt a week or two ago. AA'lLMINCTON. To Andrew -Johnson and W. H. Seward. Oct. 25 1867. Capt. A. AA'. Bolemins, who for the past year has been acting in this State as an officer of the Freedman's Bu reau, has had the rare good fortune to discharge his duties with such marked inteUigence, independence and impar tiality as to command the respect aud confidence of both whites and blacks. I leam from him that he has applied or will apply for the appointment of Consul to the Rhine provinces in Ger many. I shall be gratified if the application shall receive your favorable consideration. 1060 North Carolina Historical Commission. I To J. W. Purdie. Oct. 25 1867. In regard to the T}ig military commandant has thus far not interfered filling of vacancies <^ m office. with any appointments to office, which by law or the con stitution is vested in the Govr., further than to request me in vacancies, such as that of judge, to submit my rec ommendation, which recommendation has been thus far respected, by an appointment of my nominee by the Mili tary Commandant. I have not been requested to send to the Commandant my recommendant for the appointment to any office where the filling of such vacancy, under the constitution and laws of the State, is vested in any other authority than the Govr. If desirous I will endorse the recommendation of a ma jority of your justices, as to the filling of the resignation of Mr. Kemp. As his successor will be appointed by military authority and must take the test oath, unless there be urgent reasons to the contrary, would it not be well for the Court to refuse to accept the resignation of Mr. Kemp? Elizabethtown. To B. G. Worth. Oct. 25 1867. Since writing- you this morning I have seen Mr. Best — ¦ and find that the grants to which I referred were issued for another speculating firm — Baker having no connec tion with them. Mr. Best says he gave the printed form of our grants to Baker — ^without his or my signature or the great seal of the State — and a separate certificate signed by him and me, that whenever he produced proper certificates of entries and surveys and paid the purchase money, that he could get grants. I learn that no grant has issued to him. He certainly regards persons wanting to buy land as very green and easily humbugged. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1061 I regard Genl. Canby as an unostentatious and candid Opinion of canby. Radical. He has treated me with uniform courtesy, per sonal and official, and has occasionally reformed some of the many absurd additions he has made to the Sickles code, upon my representation., I regard him as an honest man, believing in the expediency and constitutionality of the obstruction acts and therefore cordially co-operating with the less vindicative portion of the Radical Congress. I do not perceive that we are benefitted by the exchange of Canby for Sickles. I think he holds our domestic Radicals in less contempt than Sickles and is much more esteemed bv Holden & Co. than S. was. To J. C. Pass. Confidential. Oct. 25 1867. I do not deem it expedient for reasons I have not time opinion of the con -^ _ _ _ stltutionality of to explain on paper, to give any public advice to the peo- *« convention. pie touching the matter about which you ask for my views. The proposed Convention is called by an Act of Con gress which prescribes who are to vote and who are not to vote. This I regard as a violation of the Constitution of the United States. If the Convention be called it is required to declare universal suffrage to all male negroes over 21 years old, regardless of intelligence, and it may deny the right of suffrage to as many white men as it may think proper. AU who vote for a Convention necessarily vote for uni versal negro suffrage as a provision in our Constitution, which is not at all likely could be amended for generations, because con.stitutional amendments require more than a majority — and all the negroes would vote on such amend ment. 1062 jNorth Carolina Historical Commission. This I regard as founding government on ignorance and not on intelligence, and I could not vote for it. If the Convention do all that is required, we are not to be admitted to representation until we ratify the How ard amendment and elect members who can take the teste oath. I can see no hope for the future under such a govern ment. No voluntary act of mine shall fix such a govern ment on us. If Congress have something worse in re serve for us, I can submit to power I cannot resist — and obey — but not voluntary sanction what my judgment and conscience disapprove. As a majority of all the registered voters must vote on the question of Convention or no Convention, in order to carry the measure, if I had a vote and desired to de feat the call, I should go to the polls and vote for the best delegates and would not vote at all for or against a Convention. There are (say) 65,000 registered negro voters and 95,- 000 whites. To carry the Convention a little more than 80,000 must vote. Not more than 55,000 negroes will vote. Then a little more than 25,000 white must vote for and against Convention, or it fails. You may use these ideals as you please, but not as com ing from me. You must not use my name in connection with the subject. I hold that "it is never expedient to do wrong" ; and with my views, if I were to favor such a Convention, I should violate my oath to support the Constitution of the U. S. ancl otherwise do what I believe to be -wrong. To AYilliam Clark. Raleigh Oct. 26/67. Opinions as to The pressure of my imperative duties denies me the pleasure of complying with your request to write you often. politics. Correspondence of Jonathax* AA'orth. 1063 In domestic matters nothiug important has occurred, I believe, since I la^t -wrote you. I think my last was since the death of my mother, which has created a past to which my mind is continually recurring. PoliticaUy I have seen little to encourage hope for the future. The [words Ulegible] which seems to have pos sessed the dominant majority of the nation is that the con tinued ascendency of the party now in power, is essential to the well being of the nation — and that this case must be affected by the ascendency of the negro element in the States lately in rebellion, and by silencing the popular wiU in Alaryland, Delaware Kentucky, and elsewhere, if Radi cal representation to Congress be not returned. This reverses the old idea that in a Republic the voter should be inteUigent. There can be no people in Chris tendom more ignorant than the lately emancipated slaves, they are aU to vote who are males above 21 years old — while the great bulk of experienced intelligence is denied the right to vote. Every body hitherto deemed fit for a constable. Post Master, County Register, or any other office. State or National, who held any of these positions at any time within 4t) years before the war, your people have declared unfit to vote, but every Secessionist, provided he had held no office before the war, though he may have been guilty of aU the enormities you impute to us in the prog ress of the war, is entitled to vote. In order to insure the election of Radicals to all offices State and National, you have instituted and encouraged secret societies here for the organization of the negroes, and aU that part of the white population who are willing to buy favor by fa-wniug. who are bound by oath to vote only for the nominees of such societies. AVhen the whites see all the negroes aud a few time serving whites, headed by Holden and other base men, formed into a coalition devised and carried out by the North, with the aid of the military, to give political as cendency to the negro race, it naturally produces hostility 1064 North Carolina Historical Commission. between races and hatred toward the faction which tram ples on all the manhood of the South. Those who most steadily adhered to the Union throughout the war believ ing- the object of the North was to uphold the Constitution and the Union, when they now find, even by the declara tion of the acknowledged leader of Congress, that they are legislating regardless of the Constitution; — When he is blind, who does not see that the dominant power is keeping the Union dissolved, in order to maintain party ascendancy, intense hatred towards those who thus act towards us, is the consequence with all save the most ignorant — and the hypocrites who hope to control the country by fawning to the negroes and our oppressors. The natural consequence of the action of Cong-ress is to generate aud intensify sectional hatred and hostility between the blacks and whites. The manifest result of Congressional legislation, in volves the keeping up in Souther States an enormous army, to the overthrow of civil liberty and the impoverish ment of the whole nation — and the ultimate extermination of the white or black race of the South. The democrats of the North now wear the livery of the old Whig party. Their watch-words are the Constitution and the Union — Reduction of the standing army and the expenses of the Government — not restoration of the Union by efforts to restore us to the Union by magnanimous for bearance and lenity — the Union not resting on the sword, but national fraternity. The gi-eat Union element of the South was the old Whig party. This party abhorred De mocracy and Abolition as disunion elements. We now find the only consistent advocates of the Constitution and the Union act under the naime of Democrats. Consequences are very obvious. All good and intelli gent men here say little or nothiug. They know they are under a grinding military despotism : that personal security imposes silence or hypocritical obedience to despotic power, but there are few who do not regard our rulers as guided by the spirit of the Father of all Evil. CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JoNATHAX AA'oRTH. 1066 All fools, etc., know that the government we are re quired to establish by the late acts of CongTcss, based on universal negro suffrage and the disfranchisement of the most inteUigent whites, cannot stand or must result in turning these States into negro colonies — but the voting power, as arranged by Congress, wiU probably result in the adoption of this horrible monstrosity. I regard this hastily wriiten communication as entirely personal. It is a calm impression of my conscientious sentiments — but I live under a reign of terror and deem it unsafe ancl unprofitable to publish my convictions. I heartily abhorred Secessionism and abolitionism- — as equally tending and intended to break up the Union. Aly views have undergone no change: but I now regard Re publicanism, as exhibited by the action of Congress, as equally Devilish, and infinitely meaner than either of those old disunion parties. At the close of the war my negroes, able to make a liv ing, except Steve, to whom I have paid regular wages, left me. A negro woman aged about 35 with two boys — one about 13 ancl one about 11 — and one girl about 7 or 8 — Aunt Lizzie, who has been blind for some 20 years re mained with me. They have been an inconvenient burden to me. The woman is honest — ^healthy — a good cook and washer — of exceUent temper. Her children all healthy and smarts — ancl the labor of the family properly directed, ought to be more than equal to their support — but situated as I am, they are ancl have been ever since I owned them, a burden to me — ^but I have felt unwilling to cast poor Lizzie and the rest of them upon the world. And the boys are reaching an age when they will acquire bad habits if not governed. With a Freedmen's bureau here the necessary discipline cannot be used here to bring them up so as to be useful men. The woman has no tact to gov ern the boys, or to make a living, if turned loose- to look out for herself. No sensible man will take a negro appren- 1066 North Carolina Historical Commission. tice while an arbitrary tribunal exists here before which he is liable to be summoned and the indentures can be called at the pleasure of some contemptible autocrat. I called on the Chief of the Freedman's bureau a day or two ago and made a representation of these facts. He agreed to accept Lizzie in his hospital here — and advised me if I could get some responsible person in your State or other Northern States to agree to look out homes and employment for the woman and children, he would send them at the expense of the government to such person. If you will assume the commission of receiving and looking out for them, I will immediately send them, if I can get their consent to go. I think I can prevail on them to go. AA'hat say you? Dr. Roberts who married Corinna with their children are living with us. He is in failing health — consumption — and I fear will never recover. He has no property. Roxana, with little left save her land, and surrounded with vast numbers of lazy, thriving negroes, can't make her land support her and educate her children respectably. I shall have to aid her while I live. AA-'ith these burdens on my income I must be economical. The legislation of Congress, establishing the political ascendency of the negro, repels all immigration from here except from Africa and hence we can't sell our lands — otherwise few discreet white persons would remain. If it were possible for me to sell Roxana's lands for half what they were worth at the beginning of the war, I should urge her to sell out and remove to the AA^est. Economy, Indiana. To William A. Graham. Oct. 28 1867. The Reconstruc- I heartily concur in your late letter touching the acts tion acts. ¦' ¦' _ ° _ falsely called Reconstruction. It is incomprehensible to me how anybody not willing to give to every male negro Correspondence of Jonathax* Worth. lOQ'i above 21 years olcl the Constitutional right to vote; and not willing to adopt the Howard Amendment, can vote ¦'for Convention": but the only chance to defeat the call, if there be any, is by unanimous non-voting for or against Convention, by those who would defeat it. In this way I am by no means certain that a majority of all the regis tered voters could be had. I deem it inexpedient, if not unjust to the people, to give publicity to this opinion. It would doubtless result in my removal aud the appointment of a Radical Govr — and would thus be to alarm the people and to increase rather than diminish, the anti Convention vote. HiLLSBORO. From David G. Woiih. Wilmington, N. C. Oct. 28th 1867. Your two letters of 24th, 25th have been recd. I thank you for answers to my questions about Convention. The Journal does not seem to me very decided as to what course to take. I think it favors the idea of bringing all the force possible to bear against Convention and not let ting it go 1-jy default. If you could only with safety speak out your views they would have a powerful influence but on the whole it must be most politic and advisable that you keep silent. The people here seem cowed — or at least hope less of success and therefore are not exerting themselves. The Str. "Gov. AA'orth" -will leave here on Monday the 11th of Novr. — she can leave very early in the morning and reach Fayetteville early Tuesday morning which will suit you precisely. You hael better come down Saturday and stay with Sunday. Can't Ala come with you, or in advance of you. AVe should like so much to have her with us now. AA'e are aU very well. We have had a most severe rain and -wind storm today. It has continued since 9 o'clock this morning till now 5 o'clock P. M. 1068 North Carolina Historical Commission. I am very glad to hear of D. Robert's improved condi tion. Much love to all. Opinions on Reconstruction. To James W. Osbom. Oct. 29 1867. Personal and Confidential. My private Sec. has answered the business portion of yr. letter. In relation to yr. observations touching the meas- nres falsely denominated re-construction measures I deem it unjust to those who supported me for my present posi tion, to make a public avowal of my views. I believe these acts to be in violation of the Constitution of the U. S., which, independent of my repeated oaths to support it, I regard as furnishing the best basis of good government which can be devised. I regard a vote for the proposed Convention as endorsing universal negro suffrage, and the Howard amendment — which I regard as basing government on the ignorance in stead of the intelligence of the governing- power. This I regard as wrong, per se, and I hold that it is never expe dient to do wrong. If I had a vote, which is denied me, I would vote for delegates in order to mitigate the evil of such a Convention — and as the most effectual way to ex press my disapprobation of the whole scheme, I would not vote for or against Convention. This is giving you frankly (but confidentially) my de cided convictions. I have not leisure to discuss the sub ject more fully. It seems to me positively humiliating for a North Caro lina white man to vote for a Convention which must estab lish universal negro suffrage — and which expressly con templates the adoption of the disfranchising Howard amendment as an indispensable preliminary to allowing us a representation in Congress by teste oath men. Charlotte. Correspondence of Jox'athan AVorth. 1069 From Benjamin Askew to Sion H. Rogers. Trentox^ Jones Couxty N. C. Oct. 30 1807. The MiUtary authorities having removed the Sheriff of the County from office and appointed another one in his place whose bond has not been accepted by the magistrates of the County, on the grounds of insufficiency and the absence of one obligor to said bonds to acknowledge the execution of the same by him, I have since been directed and ordered by the Military authorities at Newbern to re ceive said bonds, file the same and qualify the new ap pointee notwithstanding its non-acceptance by the Court. There is no probate on the bonds or any revenue stamps or any evidence of its acceptance. The Chairman of the Court decUnes to put his probate upon it. Please inform me if the Clerk can deliver it to the Public Registry in its present shape and advise me what further action to take in the premises. To John H. Wheeler. Raleigh, Oct. 31/67. I am having the statistics collected which you desire for The military your second edition of your History of N. C. from au- ^°*'"''™^° • thentic sources and will endeavor in a few days to forward to you a fuU compliance with your requests. Our condition has been in no respects bettered by the substitution of Genl. C. for Genl. S. He continues to en large the iniquitous code which S. inflicted on us. He has not revoked a single one of the edicts of S. so far as I can remember. He has modified some of them by making them more objectionable. He continues his military courts to try civilians — arresting and carrying them to Charles ton for trial without any preliminary investigations, to the utter ruin generally of the section. The protractive char acter of these military trials makes them so expensive to 1070 North Carolina Historical Commission. the accused, that few get through them with any subsist ence left. There is no just pretext for the holding of these Courts to try civilians. No honorable Yankee officer — not even Holden — can pretend that justice is not impar tially administered in our Supr. Courts. It is masked •palevolent oppressive. C. has lately allowed the accused to give bail in cases bailable by our laws, but by strange conditions in the bail bond, he has made it difficult to com ply with his requirements. No one knows at what hour he may be arrested, for some pretended offence, not made knoym to him and without preliminary trial, and impris oned in a military fortress. S. began this — C. continues it. S. created at Fayetteville what he denominated a Pro vost Court — with jurisdiction to try all suits in five coun ties, civil and criminal — not extending to life — appointed three mechanics no one of whom was a justice of the peace, much less a lawyer, to preside over this Court with a salary of $4. per day to he paid out of the fines they should im pose. Such a characture upon justice has not been heard of since Sancho Panza's day. C. continues this mon strosity — having somewhat curtailed its jurisdiction. S. required every body, white and black, who had paid a poll tax this year, to be put on the lists and juries drawn there from, leaving the Court no power to purge the lists by casting out either the ignorant or the inferiors : C. has amended this by some power to purge the lists, but has made the edict far worse by disqualifying all unregistered persons to serve on juries. Trial by juries thus composed is worse than a farce. It would have been better to have abolished trial by jury. In an interview I lately had with the General, expressing urgent remonstrance against ex cluding unregistered men, he promised to limit his order so as to allow them to be be sworn, reserving the right of challenge to either party. In his revised order received last night he has not made the promised change. He is continually announcing the removal of justices of the peace, shffs and even constables upon ex parte CORRESPOXDEXCE OF JONATHAN AA'ORTH. 1071 charges, not made known to the accused, and filling the vacancies without any reference to the will of those among -whom the officers are to serve. My acquaintance with General Caiiljy makes me regard him favorably as a candid, unostentatious man, but I think he is, from convictions, an extreme Radical and he consequently executes the legislation of tbe Congress, not simply from a sense of administrative duty, but from be lief that such legislation is wise, just and constitutional. I regard him as incapable of the magnanimous and statesmanlike views expressed by Genl S. in hi* late to TrumbiUl — but 1 do not l>elieve, when he leaves us, that he will slander us as S, has in his late speeches by an entire disregard of truth. In two cases which he has cited to show the neces-ity of keeping up military govemment here, the Johnson case and the ca^e of whipping a negro woman, he has wilfully and ignobly perverted the facts. This hastily -written letter is called forth by your in quiries. You must regard it as strictly personal and con fidential. I do not deem it just to those who placed me in my present honorable position to bring about my re moval and the sub-titution of Holden or other vindictive- Radicals, which I suppose would be the result of the pub lication of this letter, I should feel no personal grief at such a result, but do not feel that I would be justified in publishing views which would be likely to bring about such result, and which would not be likely to do any good. We live under an unmitigated despotism. The adop- . tion of the Congressional plan, falsely called, reconstruc tion, would but fasten this despotism on us and bring on ourselves self-degradation. As the President no doubt thinks he mitigated our troubles by the substitution of Canby for Sickles, I have no objection that he see this letter. Beyond this let it be regarded as strictly confidential. I see no hope for the future save in the returning sense of patriotism and justice on the part of our conquerors. 1072 North Carolina Historical Commissiox. The nation is now divided into conquerors and conquered, and the vanquished are at the mercy of those who hold the bayonets. AVashington, D. C. To Henry T. Clark. Nov. 2 1867. Jury regulations. Siucc the first movement by Genl. Sickles proscribing a mode of drawing juries, the effect of which as I con ceived would be to make trial by jury a farce, I have been in correspondence with the generals in command, using my utmost efforts to get modifications of the orders, which would make them more tolerable. Genl. S's order No. 32 required the drawing of the jury from the list of tax-payers this year — without allowing the Court before drawing, to purge the list, by casting out the infamous, or deaf or blind or idiots and others manifestly unfit to serve. Genl. Canby, by his order No. 89, modified No. 32, by inserting the words "and who are qualified" and he au thorised me to say to the Courts that he means by these words to authorise the Courts to purge the lists of tax payers, before drawing, by casting out the names of such persons as they may deem "unfit to serve as jurors. Of course he could not sustain any interpretation that all ne groes are "unfit," but it will enable you to cast out the vicious and grossly ignorant and others physically unable to serve. But Genl. Canby's order No. 89, as I under stand it Avould exclude from the list all tax-payers not registered as voters. I insisted that the Courts could not comply with this order until they were furnished with a certified copy of the Registration books — and that I thought the fact that a citizen, denied the right to vote for a political object, should [not ?] be held so contaminated, as to be unfit to be a juror. His last order No. 109, a copy of which I herewith enclose, I understand as not requiring Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1073 the unregistered voter to be excluded from the list, but after he shall have been drawn and put on the jury, gives the right of chaUenge to each of the parties. The order seems to me to be absolutely expressed, but I have written the General that this is my interpretation : and not having heard from him, dissenting to this interpretation, your Court may act on it. I am prevented by extreme pressure of urgent business from replying to the other portion of your letter. I would gladly do so if I had time. I can only say now that I am firmly convinced that I acted judicially and properly in the matter to which you refer and that I feel confident, -when I shall see you or find leisure to write a long letter, I shall convince you that my action in the matter ought not to diminish the confidence and regard you have hitherto felt for me and which I so highly appreciate. Tarboro. To John W. Haughton. Nov. 2 1867. I have recd and forwarded to Genl. Canby tbe petition of the Sheriff of Jones with my favorable endorsement — but where a removal is made upon a secret ex-parte repre sentation, I need not say to you that there is Uttle hope of redress. The maxim of justice that a party accused should never be convicted unheard is weU understood by all men, whether rendered familiar -with the administra tion of justice by practice or not. New Berx'. To Z. B. Yance. Raleigh Nov. 3/67. . I have urged upon Judge Gilmer to go to Charlotte, even if he could not get there till the train would carry him down on Saturday. Vol. 2—27 1074 North Carolina Historical Commission. Since I saw you I have received from Genl. Canby the petition of your firm — Vance & Dowd — iu behalf of cer tain .of your clients who have claims against the W. C. & R. R. R. Co., substantially asking his interposition for the relief on your clients on the ground that our laws, as in terpreted by our Justices, would not render justice to your clients — and therefore asking in their behalf the in terposition of the military Commandant of District No. 2. I had hoped that gentlemen of the bar would not have asked of the military despotism now ruling over us, any thing- more than non-interference with our laws and their administration by our Courts. My answer to Genl. Canby compliments Capt. Inzalla for his intelligent commentary upon your application, and refusal to comply with the prayers of your petition. Charlotte. To J. M. Coffin. Nov. 6, 1867. ¦^ ***** * I am overjoyed at the election issues. It affords rea sonable hope that we are not to be driven into barbarism and will tend powerfully to restore friendly relations again between the North and the South. Of all the par ties the Devil has ever set up to afflict good men, he has brought his work nearest to perfection in the present Re publican party. Salisbury. To R. Y. McAden. Raleigh, Nov. 8/67. Urging him to be From all I can learn a Radical will be elected from a candidate. Alamance unless you consent to be a candidate. If this Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 10/5 be so. I trust I need not urge you to run. Personal as weU as patriotic considerations should urge you to run. I do not suppose that ultra Holden Radicals have the ascendant in Alamance, but there i^ but a .shade of differ ence between the moderate and the ultra Republicans. I regard the former as the more dangerous. The extrava gance of the ultra defeat their designs. The moderate go for re-construction on the Congressional plan — to-wit, uni versal negro suffrage — the ratification of the Howard amendment of the Constitution — and the teste oath as qualification for office. Once get these prorisions inserted in the fundamental law, so that they can only be expunged by the concurrence of a large part of the negro vote ¦ Universal negro suffrage is utter ruin to the South. I hope you vrHl run. As my affidavit may be necessary that Holt has paid me nothing I think I -will go up on Thursday of your Court and accept your invitation to be your guest. Graham. To General E. R. S. Canhy. Raleigh Nov. Sth 1807. I enclose copy of a communication from the Chairman of Jones Coimty Court sent thro me to the Attorney Gen eral. I do not ijerceive that the opinion of the Attorney Gen eral can be of any importance to the writer and send a copy of this to you in order to bring the facts, as stated by 3Ir. Whitaker to your attention for such action as you may deem expedient — respectfully suggesting that unless there be very cogent reasons to the contrary, the old Sheriff ought to be allowed to complete the collection of taxes due on the lists in his hands at the time of his removal. 1076 North Carolina Historical Commission. From Joshua Boner. Salem, N.'C. November Sth 1867. A little matter turned up today of so trifling a nature, yet of interest enough, to awaken the inquiry, "Is it right ?" The Revenue Collector John Worth appeared at the Court House this day to collect revenue-tax; and as I had failed to appear there some time heretofore, (simply because I had no notice of it) I found a note on my table notifying me that the tax of $1.00 had increased to the amount of $3.70 ! ! ! The old assessor Dr. Johnson had promised me to pay this tax, and consequently I spoke to Mr. Worth ; and when I called on him this day he actu ally collected out of me and others of this community the additional tax of $2.70 ! ! My object in drawing your at tention to this subject is, to inquire if the $2.60 for mile age is according "to Law?" I paid 64 mileage! As there are several of us interested in this matter, I beg leave to put this inquiry to you. , revenue matters. From Joshua Boner. Salem, Nov. 9th 1867. Concerning It uow turus up, that the Revenue Collector, on yester- day made one person pay 10 cts. for Notice given, and another he charged 40 cts. for Notice given; and, on in quiry being made why the difference, he said that the one notice was sent by mail, and the other was sent by his agent ! Why is it, that not all persons were not notified through the mail. His sight must be very defective, as he mistook 15 cts. for so many dollars and actually charged it as such; but, when notified of this fact, he cor rected the mistake. And why is it, that our citizens, who are industriously working and staying at home, and are desirous of doing right, whenever they ask for information from "Government Officials," are always receiving the an- CORRESPOX'DENCE OF JONATHAN WoRTH. 1077 swer ••that they don't kno-w" 1 1 and are at last saddled with unnecessary costs, and then differences made, as stated above. Do not these officers get a regular salary ; or do they de pend upon these extra costs for their salaries i If money were flush these things might be permitted to pass un noticed : but in our times, when our people are hard run for funds, such gross irregularities, are out of tone and out of time. Again: One party on yesterday was charged $2.76 and another 20 cents; and these two cases were perfectly identical, and were iu one man's hand, though the fact was not known to the officer. Now my dear Govemor, the case just cited was Dr. T. F. Keeht, who took into his hands his "brother-in-law's case,'' 'simply because he found his brother-in-law was only charged with 20 cents! I appeal to you, respected sir, to have this gross injustice done our citizens looked into and righted, if it be possi ble! I -wUl not say who ought to be held responsible for this outrage ; but I feel conrinced that this matter is instigated by an enemy to you, and one who is kno-wn here, "as a radical!" If you can do anything for us, dear Governor, it would be received with thousand thanks by all who are opposed to the theory of negro-equality ! To J. 21. Worth. Nov. 21, 1867. The sale of the Swamp lands to a Northem Co. is con- saie of the swamp ^ _ lands. •ditional. They have 60 days to affirm or reject the terms. I regard it as very uncertain whether it will be confirmed or not. 1078 North Carolina Historical Commission. The more I learn about the AA'^. 0. Swamp the more am I convinced that the purchase, on the terms we offer, would be a magnificent enterprise, if our political troubles were settled — but while they remain unsettled I have felt unwilling that you embark in the enterprise. If suc cessful you would have to devote your time and embark much of your fortune on the enterprise. If universal negro suffrage is to be the basis of our future govemment, then universal blight must ensue. They have strength enough (sufficient numbers) even in North Carolina, with the base allies their numbers will bring, to be the ruling power. In the present uncertainty I would regret to see you invest largely in an enterprise which must rest for success on stable and safe government. We are still in the midst of Revolution — dependent entirely on the will of the dominant North and not a little in danger of a war of races. AsHEBORO. To Joshua Boner. Nov. 21st, 1867. Revenue fees. A tcmporai-y abseucc from home is my excuse for not answering yours of the Sth and 9th Nov. at an earlier day. They involve an inquiry into the fees allowed by acts of Congress to collectors of Internal Revenue which would require much time — and if such inquiry should result in showing that the fees collected were not sustained by law, I could do nothing, save by remonstrance, to relieve the parties injured. I advise you to present the facts to Mr. Starbuck, Dis trict Atto. for the United States. If the fees collected exceed in amount what the laws allow, it will be his duty to indict the parties exacting such fees. I cannot believe he will countenance the exaction of illegal fees from our citizens. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1079 If you should fail to get redress as indicated, I will most wiUingly give you the benefit of any aid I can give you as Governor of North Carolina, under the existing state of affairs. Salem. To J. 21. Parrott. Nov. 22, 1807. Have you been able to get corn for me on the cars at $1. per bushel ? If it can be had at this price I would like to have a car load or any less quantity. I am now fairly out of com. Let we know the prospect at as early a day as you can conveniently. The little we have heard as to the elections is very black owing to white voters refusing to vote. KlXSTON. To James H. Lea. Raleigh, Nov. 23/67. Genl. Canby now sends his orders touching our Courts canby's jury to the judges and chm. of the County Courts. His final orders, as I understand them, touching the drawing of juries, require the Court to make a list of all who paid a tax for the year ending Sept. 30/67. Your means of ascertaining who has paid such a tax must be the returns of the Sheriffs, I presume : — ^j'ou are allowed before draw ing the jury to purge this list, by casting out of this list, before drawing, all those whom you deem unfit to serve on account of want of intelligence, no one being rejected simply on account of his color. Non-registered voters are not to be excluded from the drawing — ^but may be chal lenged and put off the jury by either party. The Chair man of the County Courts may call special sessions of 1080 North Carolina Historical Commission. their Court for this purpose, appointing their o-wn days for such call. As the matter has been long postponed, I presume the General wdll expect now prompt action in the premises, so that a jury, drawn in conformity with these orders, may be ready for next Court. Yangeyville. matters. From Calvin H. Wiley. Private. Greensboro, N. C, Nov. 25 1867. Educational Yours of the 2 1st is to hand. The petition to which you refer was handed to you Thursday, the day before we adjourned at our last meeting. You were just starting home, and I handed it and a letter to the Lit. Board to you, simply remarking, that you could read it at your leisure. I suppose you and Maj. H. had concluded to wait until you saw Mr. Parrott. No doubt in the multi plicity of your duties, you laid it by and overlooked it. I stated my reason, in the letter to the Board, for asking the decision now. The more I hear and see the better satisfied I am that we have made a great contract. I labored hard for it: no one but myself knows how hard. I used every influence, writing for the papers, correspond ing, night and day, sending off statistics, etc., etc., except when gone North, I was not on salary and yet I worked as hard as if it were my private business ; and I feel that I have done something that entitles me to offer my old claim for what it is worth. Those efforts and our success do not effect the legality of that claim ; but they make me feel more disposed to ask for what may be due. I am sensitive, and I felt for the school fund and was not dis posed to offer my claim when I saw the fund depleting tho' that did not affect its justice. The mission to New York gave me much trouble. A number of pprsons whom I consulted Avill tell you I did not want to go, first because I was going into a billions at- Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1081 tack, and secondly because 1 feared I would be hampered, and we would spend money and accomplish little. I went, as these persons will tell you, solely on account of your confidence in me. AA'^e cost the Fund heavily, I lost my health, was vtry sick, and sick sometime after my return. But I determined to work on on "my own hook," in my own way — and the result is before us. I then felt free to present my old claim for what it is worth. There is a maxim that he who gives quickly gives twice, and if anything is due the sooner it comes the greater its bene faction — I believe we have both been as anxious to accu mulate the School Fund as if it were our personal prop- ertj. I believe if I know myself I would choose per sonal wants before public privation, and yet there is scrip tural warrant for saying the laborer is worthy of his hire. If it were any body else's claim I would believe the Fund would be more prosperous to pay it, for in public as in private matters, money is not made, in the long run, by denying past obligations ; but I cannot trust myself to give an opinion about my own. It looks now as if we were laying up for squanderers and spoilers; still this is no reason why we should not do our duty. From B. 8. Hedrick. Nov. 26, 67. Mr. McPherson says that he wrote you in a letter some time ago for additional evidence in Moss's case for back pay, bounty, etc. of his son. If that evidence can be fur nished Mr. McPherson thinks the application will be al lowed. 1082 North Carolina Historical Commission. To R. C. Holmes. Nov. 27th, 1867. Keconrtruction. "'¦ approve your action in calling special term of your Co. Court on the 3rd. Sat, in January next, — to reform your jury lists conformably to orders of Genl. Canby. I have earnestly remonstrated against this innovation upon our time honored plan of making juries from the class, who, by the acquisition of property, proved that they had intelligence and interest in the well-being of so ciety. My remonstrances have been effectual only to this extent: — You are not required to exclude from the list from which the jury is to be dra-wn the unregistered voter. — and from the list of tax-payers you are authorised to purge, before drawing those clearly unfit to serve on ac count of want of intelligence. You are not to assume that all negroes are unfit but you may exclude those who are deficient in ordinary intelligence or degraded by moral obliquity. I participate with you in abhorrence in a line of policy which proposes to base government on ignorance, instead of intelligence, and which sLibstitutes ability to pay a tax as a better teste of fitness to serve on a jury than the pos session of a freehold — but as a conquered people there is no degradation in submitting to the power of the bayonet and obeying edicts we have no power to resist. I am now, as always, anxious to see fraternal Union re stored on the basis of the Constitution of the United States ¦ — as interpreted by the Judiciary. Clinton. To General Canby. Nov. 27, 1867. ]\lr. Nicholas Williams, the writer of the within letter, sets forth truly the facts on which he bases his petition. He is an old, law-abiding and highly respected citizen of Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1083 the State. His residence is in Yadkin County, so remote from transportation by water or Rail that the >urplus grain made by him and his neighbors, cannot be made available to relieve the eastern part of the State where the grain crop this year is most deficient. If you propose to allow any whiskey to be made in the State, I think the privilege should be granted to Mr. WiUiams. Charleston, S. C. To Ralph P. Buxton. Nov. 27, 1867. I had contemplated assigning you to hold the special terms ordered for Cumberland and Sampson — aud Judge Barnes to hold the special terms ordered for Halifax and Wake. The Court at Halifax is ordered for 1 Monday of January next. I am informed that Judge Barnes was counsel in many of the important suits in Halifax, ancl such is probably the case as to yourself in Cumberland. I now propose to assign Halifax to you and Cumberland to Judge Barnes. How will this suit you ( I have im posed on judges Warren and GiUiam so many extra terms that each of them vehemently remonstrates against being appointed for another. Judge Fowle informs me he pro poses to resign very soon, and therefore asks to be ex cused. Judge Little's health forbids his appointment to hold any special Term. Judges Shipp and Mitchell have been assigned to hold the special terms of Union and Mecklenburg, and if any other special terms in the AA'est have been ordered, I shall nominate them to hold them. Fa-yetteville. 1084 JSIoRTH Carolina Historical Commission. To Thos. J. Wilson, J. AI. Leach, J. W. Alspaugh, J. Masten, Jno. II. Welborn. Dec. k. 1867. Yours of 2nd inst. recd. I most cordially thank you for your suggestion. If I can be assured that Mr. Poindexter will agree to accept, I shall most gladly nominate him as a judge to fill vacancy on the bench or otherwise every in fluence I can in favor of his appointment. Let me know, at as early a day as possible, after actual assurance from him, whether he will accept or not. AVinston. To R. P. Dick. Raleigh, Dec. 18/67. I left here last Saturday morning before the delivery of the mail and retumed last night and find yours of the 7th inst. I leam that in the mean time the General commanding has discontinued the Post at Greensboro and I suppose any interference now (especially on my part) would do no good. He did not communicate with me touching the proposed change. If however you think I can serve you or Major Worth I will gladly do so. Military arrests. I lately complaiucd to the Prest. of the arrest of the Shff of Caswell and other military arrests, there being no preliminary trial in which the accused was allowed to confront his accusers and submit counter testimony. I called these arrests and trials before Court martial, when nobody pretends that fair trial may not be had in any of our Supr Courts of law, "iniquitous and oppressive." I averred that the arrest of Griffin was made, as I was in formed, at the instance of "one Tourgee and Johnson, both men of most detestable character." My interference and account of the character of these two "patriots," as the Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1085 General regards them, has involved me in unpleasant cor respondence — and I am persuaded a letter from Tourgee to the General will receive much more favorable considera tion than one from me. Canby is more tyrannical and has less intelligence and consideration for our people, than his predecessor. Greensboro. To C. P. 2IendenhaU. R. P Dick, J. A. Gilmer, Thomas Settle, H. C. Worth. Raleigh, Dec. lk/67. I have felt it my duty more than once to protest against Military arrests. the seizure of our citizens — their imprisonment in places distant from their homes without any preliminary inves tigation in which the accused was informed of the accusa tions and permitted to confront his accusers and offer ex culpatory eridence — And I have also conscientiously in sisted that the civil authorities of the State were now as competent and ready as they ever were to arrest and pun ish malefactors "without the aid of military posts and trials before Court martials. I lately protested both to the Prest. and Genl. Canby at the recent instance of the trans portation of the Shff. of Caswell to Charleston for trial before a Court Alartial upon the complaint of Tourgee and Johnson, whom I characterise as men of "most detestable character. In my letter to the Prest. I characterised these proceedings as "iniquitous oppression. Genl. C. says he does not accept my account of the characters of Tourgee and Johnson. He labors to show that they are both patriots — and expresses his conviction that Johnson was convicted not for the reason that he had been guilty of the charge, but because he had been a Union soldier. He avers that these military arrests and trials are neces sary on account of the leaning of our Courts in favor of rebels and against Union men. 1086 North Carolina Historical Commission. Your petition is based on the idea that the continuance of a standing army as strong as is necessary for the preserva tion of good order. I am far from concurring with you: and can give your petition no endorsement implying my concurrence ; besides I have good reason to believe that the endorsement of Tourgee and Johnson would receive from Genl. Canby more consideration than mine. AVith anxious desire to do any thing to oblige each of you, I am neverthe less constrained for the reasons cited to decline to do more than to vouch for your being men alike distinguished for intelligence and patriotism and your views entitled to very great consideration. To John McKay. Raleigh, Dec. lk/67. I learn from Roxana who is with us, that you recently told her you might possibly find time to rent out for her her lands and mills, and to otherwise advise as to the man agement of her concerns. She and I will be inexpressedly obliged to you if you will do so. As it would probably re quire several days of your time, I would most willingly compensate you, either by doing for you some thing in my power and having my son to transact for you in Wilming ton without commission, any business you may have there — or paying you a liberal compensation in cash. On a matter of this sort I have much more confidence in your judgment than I have in my own or my son's, aud both of us are so confined to our business that we can't spare time to give her business proper attention. If you can be induced to give her your aid it will be necessary that you visit all three of her farms, in order to see there actual condition — and I have no suggestion to make, save only that you exercise the fullest discretion. From the impossibility of her watching over her hogs CORRESPOXDEXCE OF JoN.VTHAN AA'oRTH. 108"/ I think it will be better that she keep not more than one breeding sow — considering the number constantly stolen from her I am satisfied she had better buy her pork. I am confident too that she had better rent out her mills and cotton gin, to some suitable man, she supplying the logs and the party renting receiring his compensation for his services iu an equitable part of the products. There is a very fertile swamp on the McLaurin place and another on the Swamps place — ^both under fence — which could be easily drained. It would be well to get the tenants to bring these into cultivation, giving him all they should produce for two or three years — ^but if you will contract the parties and advise her, I have more con fidence in your judgment than in my o-wn, and whatever you do will be approved. Will you undertake it ? If you -will please give your attention to it, at your earliest convenience. To J. A. Gilm.er. Raleigh, Dec. 15th, 1867. In the letter of the 12th inst, addressed to me by your- xeed of military self and others you ask me to use your influence with Genl. Canby to retain the troops at Greensboro, then sta tioned there. You say "the conduct of the officers and men has been exemplary and we believe every good citi zen feels in their presence a greater security both in per son and property. They are a powerful police force and a terror only to evil doers." If this be so, then the blessing of military government. in preference to civil govemnient, should be greatly ex tended ; and the preamble to the reconstruction act truly recites that such a state of lawlessness exists in North Carolina, that military government was required for the preservation of order, I am very far from concurring in this doctrine. I would gladly see every soldier removed 1088 North Carolina Historical Commission. from the State, and the army reduced every where, and therefore cannot endorse your petition. Greensboro. To D. G. McEae. Raleigh, Dec. 16/67. Please inform me by return mail as accurately as you can at what date you were arrested — how long confined at Ft. Macon — on what day the Court convened in Raleigh for your trial, and on what day you were discharged. I am required by the Prest. to give him a -written his tory of this trial, which I presume he intends to publish and I wish to be very accurate. Do you know at what date the evidence was closed on the whole case ? If I refer to Avery's falling out with you and his threats, can you establish the facts if he deny your state ment. Will you give me a brief statement as to his dis pleasure against you and his threats ? I wish an answer soon. To the Chairman of the County Court of Jones. Raleigh, Dec. 16/67. Has any thing further been done since you wrote me touching- the newly appointed Shff's. giving a bond ? If so, what has been done ? Are the tax lists in the hands of the newly appointed ? Please write me at your earliest convenience what has been done in the matter since you last wrote me. Trenton. CoRRESPONDEN^CE OF JONATHAN AA'oRTH. 1089 To 21 r. Philpot. Raleigh, Dec. 18th, 1867. I find that in the military Court Henderson Cooper was cn^e of Henderson -I 1 i • 1 " 1 <-ooper. arraigned and tried on two charges — 1. "Assault and battery with intent to commit a rape." 2, "Aiding- and abetting the commission of a rape." AVas he indicted in this form in your Court ? Please see the indictment and let me know. I had got the impression that the proof made by Mrs. Daniels was that each of the negroes in the presence of her daughter had committed rape on her ( Am I mis taken as to her testimony ? Please answer promptly. Oxford. To Thomas Wilcox. Raleigh, Dec. 18/67. AVill you oblige me by writing me without delay, giving me any information you have as to the causes for your re moval — and of the removal of 17 Justices of your County. AVhen did 0. R. ColgTave settle in Jones I AA'here did he come from ? Is D. D. Colgrave his brother ? When did he settle in Jones ? Does either of them own real or other estate in Jones which is unincumbered ? Has O. R. Colgrave given bond, approved by the County Court. If so, who are the sureties ancl what do you know as to the sufficiency of the bond ? AVere you required to sur render your tax lists to O. R. Colgrave \ Have you sur rendered them to him ? — and any thing else tending to ex plain this wholesale removal and the appointment of so many new Justices. I may want to publich your state ment or the substance of it. An early answer will much oblige. Trextox. -\'ol. 2—28 1090 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Thomas H. Gilliam. Raleigh, Dec. 19/67. Military arrests. Gcnl. Canby in a letter to Genl. Grant, by way of vin dicating himself for the arrest and detention of six of your citizens, charged as having rescued Pratt, and of assailing me for complaining of the arrest, asserts that "the arrests were made upon the application of the Shff of Chowan County, based on the affidavits of the jailor and his wife as to the forcible rescue. The prisoners were sent to Ft. Macon for safe keeping until the civil authori ties were prepared to try them and the commanding officer of that Post was directed to admit them to bail, if suitable bail was offered. I have more than once in years past and before there was any serious question of rebellion committed the same act of military despotism. As the commander of a military post and at the request of the civil authorities I have deemed the arrest of criminals and as an act of comity and of public duty, held them in my guard house until the proper civil authorities were pre pared to take charge of them." This statement is so variant from all the versions of the affair which have been inade to me, and so completely emancipates the military, that it is made the occasion of taunting me for applying to it the terms "military despot ism" in a communication I made to the Prest. I am placed on the defensive and am preparing for the Prest. which I have reason to believe will be published, a com munication that will justify my language. I have the certificate of the Shff. of Chowan positively denying that he asked for the arrest of any of these men — and the affidavit of the jailor proving the rescue, but not pretending to identify the persons who committed it. What I now want is a certificate from one or more of the parties arrested on the following points. AVere the prisoners apprised upon Avhose evidence they were arrested and detained ? Correspondence of Jonathax-^ AA'orth. 1091 Was any effort made to procure their release on bail ? If so, why did the effort fail i How long were they detained ? Were they put to work, as has been reported < Especially were they discharged on bail or their own recognizance to appear before any tribunal — if so, what tribunal and at what time ? And any other facts tending to show that this was an act of "military despotism" and not an act of comity to the civil authorities. My efforts to preserve some semblance of civil liberty have rUed Genl Canby and I trust you will wiUingly put yourself to some trouble to aid me in my defence and in carrying the war into Africa. I shall address the communication I am making touch ing this and other aggressions, to the Prest. at his request, who wiU probably cause its publication, that the North, now awakening to a sense of Justice, may see that their re-construction schemes are working. [P. S.] Let me have answer at the earliest practicable period. Hertford. Y'illiam H. Bagley to General E. R. S. Canhy. December 2.5th, 1867. Your letter of the 20th inst. to the Governor, requesting Election returns. to be furnished "with a statement of the aggregate vote cast at the election held in the early part of the Summer of 1865, for the election of delegates to Convention to frame a constitution for North Carolina," has been re ceived. Under the Prov. Governor's Proclamation the returns pf the vote for delegates were ordered to be sent to the Secretary of State, and also to the President of the Con- 1092 North Carolina Historical Commission. vention. I have searched the Journals of the Convention and can find no record of the vote whatever. I find in the Secretary of State's office returns of the vote for seventy-one (71) Counties, leaving eighteen (18) not re ported. At that time business in the Secretary's office was conducted in a very loose and irregular manner, which, I think, accounts for the unreported counties. If these incomplete returns will be of service to you, they will be copied and forwarded to your address. After the Convention had met and acted, the Ordi nances, abolishing slavery, and declaring the Secession Ordinance (of 1861) null and void, were submitted to the people, and the aggregate vote of the several counties upon these questions, can be obtained. This vote, how ever, is exceedingly small and would serve as an indica tion of nothing but the disposition of the people to leave politics alone, and attend to their deranged personal affairs. If you should desire this vote, the Governor will cause a copy to be furnished you, or if the incomplete returns of the special vote referred to in your letter will serve you, a copy will be forwarded on notice. Indisposition has prevented the Governor from answer ing- your letter himself. Charleston, S. C. To General Robert 0. Tyler. Raleigh, Dec. 26, 1867. Presuming on the kindness and courtesy which you ex hibited towards me when in Charleston I venture to ask a favor of you. By the laws of this State the Govemor is entitled to a fixed salary and a furnished mansion, no perquisites or contingent fund. When I was installed as Governor nearly all the furniture had disappeared, and the mansion pro vided for the Governor was occupied by the military. The Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1093 Genl. Assembly nominally raised the salary, but in view of the depreciation of the currency it was not made equivalent to the salary aUowed the Govr, before the war ; no appropriation was made to supply furniture till the last session. The repairs on the hjt and buildiugs have been so considerable that I have not yet got it in habitable condition. At the last session of the Genl. Assembly a resolution was passed authorizing me to ask the U. S. to allow rent for the occupation of the Governor's mansion and authorizing me to appropriate to my o-wn use the amount allowed — in consideration of my supplying a man sion for myself. Capt. Atkins, I believe, to whom it has been referred to report what would be a reasonable rent, has fixed on $125. per month, with the approval of Col. Bumford, which, I understand goes to you for approval. This rate, from what I hear, is moderate in reference to the rates paid by the govemment for other houses here; there being many more rcx)ms than in any other house occupied by the miUtary. I trust you will approve his report. AVhat I desire of you is that you take action on it as soon as may be consistent with your convenience. If approved by you, does it go to Washington for further action ? AVho -wiU issue the warrant to me to draw the money ? Will it be necessary or expedient for me person ally or my agent to do any thing further about the matter ? I am in a condition that this small sum would be of much benefit to me. In riew of a very deficient crop and the low price of cotton and naval stores, and the political condition of the country our people are gloomy. The Christmas has not been a merry one vrith us. Charleston, S. C. 1094 North Carolina Historical Commission. To B. G. Worth. Raleigh, Dec. 26/67. Business matters. I have been much gratified at the cheerful tone of yr, two last letters as compared with the preceding one. It is probably presumptuous in me to offer you my advice in commercial matters, but my conviction is so strong that a monetary crash throughout the nation is not far distant. of an appalling character, when the little honor now exist ing -will nearly disappear, that I think few mercantile houses, having a large amount of liabilities to meet out of debts due them, can survive. With these views I shall feel solicitude for you while you are much in debt, however flattering your balance sheet may appear. I presume the mass of yr. debtors are in N. C. and other Southern States. Prosperity cannot revive soon in the South. The negroes work better now than they will in future. The race never did work voluntarily — and never will. With free negro labor we shall never prosper. Our country (the^ South) is much poorer than it was when the war closed, and will continue to grow poorer until the relative number of ne groes shall be diminished, and the North shall allow us to manage our local affairs without interference. I have not got the jaundice. These are the convictions of my sober judgt. If the miserable set of jackasses, from Gen erals down to the Freedmen's Bureau men, were with drawn and we were allowed to re-organize the militia and pass and enforce a stringent vagrant act — even if we were compelled to give transportation to every negro de siring to move to any of the negro loving States, to which they might be desired to remove, we would rapidly recu perate, — the conditions of the negro would be improved and the North would be benefitted by the revival amongst us : but we have no rational ground of hope while Radical ism rules. I have been to my office but once since my return from AVashington. Under the injunction of my doctor I have Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1095 staid by my fireside — took physick every day — have been able to do and have done much business every day and feel that I am gradually improving. P. S. In giving us Canby for Sickles the Prest. swapped a devil for a witch. Aly revelations to the Prest. astounded him. He required me to write out my narra tive and communicate it to him. I have nearly completed it. His purpose was to publish it. If he does so, I think it will produce a sensation. I state nothing which I can not sustain by documentary proof. I think it will result in the removal of myself or Canby. Let it come. I will not be a subservient serf for the sake of office : — ^have not time to give you particulars. To William Clark. Raxeigh, Dec. 28/67. I would gladly try to remove some of your mistaken Discussion of the , " " negro. notions m relation to the existing state of affairs if I had time. It is annoying to me that the Quakers generally — and especially you whom I know to be a sensible good man and acquainted with the negro, should believe under the circumstances that the African race is capable of at taining to a respectable degree of civilization. I do not think that you are sincere — but are you reaUy sure that you ar^ sincere. If you really think they could be made good citizens, why do you not invite them to immigrate from the South and dwell among you ? as you do invite the German, the Irishman — any of the white races ? I am no lover of slavery. I feel toward the negro not only no hatred but nothing but kindness and pity ; but I know from observation of history that the African left to its o-wn self- control, is so indolent and improvident, that he -will not — indeed I think he cannot be made a good citizen. I speak of the race, not of individual cases trained by contact with the 1096 North Carolina Historical Commission. whites. I cannot give the Northem Radicals credit (I mean the best of them — the worst of them I regard as the meanest tyrants on earth) for sincerity when they insist that the negroes can be made good citizens. Actions speak louder than words. They are rapidly sinking into their natural position and by an irresistible law of na ture, will soon perish out in contact with a superior race — and in the mean time will be the curse of our country. They retarded our prosperity as slaves. As free negroes they will be the curse of our Country — particularly of the South. How is Barney Coffin coming- on ? Has he protected his services ? What is he doing ? I send a No. of the National Intelligencer — always conservative and always edited by able statesmen. I beg you to read it. It pre sents a truthful picture of our condition and of the work ings of Devilish Radicalism. To J. Turner, Jr. Raleigh, Dec. 30/67. I have a letter from G. F. Lewis, to whom the Trustees of the University contracted to sell our Agricultural land scrip. He says he will want to visit this State several times this summer and asks me to procure for him "the usual editorial passes" over our chief roads, and hands inclosed tickets to show the practice here. Please return the tickets with the pass or your refusal to grant it. I wish he had not troubled me with this commission. AVhat is the freight per bu, for shelled corn in bags from Salisbury to this place — ^what on both roads from Statesville to Raleigh ? Company's Shops. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1097 To J. W. 2Iartin. Raleigh, Die. 31st, 1S07. 1 have hitherto done and am coutinuiue to do all I case of Tolar and ^ others. properly can do for Capt. Tolar and the two men convicted with him — Powers and AVatkins, — becau>e if they were guilty of the charge, the pimishment is out of all propor tion for a crime springing from a noble rather than from a depraved heart — and because I believe the evidence as to Tolar, was so contradictory (the more credible wit nesses proring his innocence) that no fair tribunal could have convicted him — and as to the other two convicts in whose behalf less public sympathy is exhibited, that there was no evidence warranting a conviction. Besides writing to the Prest. asking for the pardon, I lately made a strong oral representation to him, giving him a fuU history of this matter, as weU as ones even worse, against the military oppression we are enduring. He heard me at length -with profound interest. The mat ters of malignant military oppression to which I called his attention have not been furnished to the press: — but are authenticated by my correspondence vrith the military, which prudential reasons have restrained me from pub lishing. At his urgent request I have just concluded a letter to him, giving him in wT-iting the substance of my narrative, sustained by copies of the documents establish ing all the facts, among which is a history of the fiendish malignity with which Capt. Tolar and others have been persecuted for the alleged murder of Beebe. Be assured if they are not pardoned, it cannot be attributed to want of zealous effort on my part. Your letter would have been sooner answered if I had been able to answer it. I have been confined to my fireside by sickness for two weeks, and the writing out of the voluminous narrative for the Prest. and other public duties have taxed me heavily. Beaufort. 1098 North Carolina Historical Commission. To W. G. Moore. Raleigh, Dec 31/67. MHHary govern- I have been sick all the time since I saw you — am now getting well I hope. I shall send you by Express to-morrow a communica tion which I have made out at the request of the Prest. giving an idea of the operations of our Military Com manders. I have deemed it necessary to accompany it with many extracts to sustain my narrative. This makes the pile of paper formidable. I have had my statement copied by my daughter because she writes very legibly. I beg you not to refrain from reading it on account of its length. Any of the orders [Three words illegible] would jus tify the removal of Canby — especially his jury orders which are rapidly disbanding our Courts — his Provost Courts and his numerous arrests of citizens and their trial before Court martial If you will read this narrative to the President or get him to read it, and he shall think proper to remove Genl. Canby, and appoint a fit successor, I am perfectly will ing that the whole of it, or any part of it, with or with out the extracts be published over my signature. But if this be published -with Canby still in office I shall be re moved: and if for any reason the President should re move him I could not be re-instated [Several words illeg ible.] as I cannot take the iron-clad oath and my people would severely criticize me for any act resulting in put ting in a new Govr. over them. I have submitted the documents to the hands of the President to do with them what he may think best. It is well known that I have always been an ardent follower of the great AVhig leader Henry Clay: — always opposed to Nullification, Secession, Abolitionism and all other doc trines looking to a dissolution of the Union: — that as a member of the Senate of this State, I voted in May 1861 Correspondence of Jox^athax* AA'orth. 1099 (only two others voting with me) against the Convention called to pass the ordinance of Secession — and that be cause I felt it my duty when war was inaugurated which I could not prevent, to co-operate with my section. I al ways preferred that peace should be made on the basis of the Constitution of the U. S. as established by our fathers. I am now reviled as a "rebel" by those who have devoted their lives to fostering sectional alienation, and my revilers are caressed by the fraction of a Constitu tional Congress. I leam this morning that Genl. Canby's latest legisla tive feat is the issuance of orders to the Post Commander here for the suppressing or regulating of the whore houses of this little city. I have not seen these orders : — ^will send you a copy of them if I can get a copy. — "Nero fid dles while Rome is on fire". Washington, D. C. To Andrew Johnson. Raleigh, Dec. 31 1867. I leam that my friend, B. S. Hedrick, a native of this State, now holding an important position in the Patent Office, may present his name to you for nomination to fill the vacancy of Comt. of Patents. He graduated with dis tinction in our University — was for a considerable time one of its professors, — is a gentleman of exemplary moral character, and is familiar of the duties of the position he seeks to fUl. He is ardently attached to his native State and has rendered me much service in AA'ashington since I have been Govemor. I regard him as an eminently suit able man to fill this vacancy, and I shall feel personally obliged if you shall think proper to nominate him: and I think our people would be gratified at such mark of ap preciation for one of her sons, who is indebted to his o-wn efforts for his highly respectable attainments. 1100 North Carolina Historical Commission. To David L. Swain. Raleigh. Dec. 31 1867. I herewith transmit a copy of the resolution passed at the late meeting of the Trustees of the University in which I heartily concur. The indisposition which prevented my being present when the resolution was passed has confined me to my fire side up to this time, and many pressing official duties have so occupied the time I could devote to them, that I hope you will excuse my apparent tardiness in trans mitting it to you. My health is much improved. Chapel Hill, N, C, To John Kerr. Raleigh, Jan. 1/68. Miiuary govern- You wiU remember with what reluctance I pardoned Johnson, in the face of what seemed to be the universal de mand of my friends, backed by the military authorities of the U. S. In view of all our surroundings the facts brought to my knowledge led me to believe that he ought to have been convicted for larceny and not Burglary. The alternative of hanging — or total exemption from imprison ment, for a great crime depended on my action. The delegation from Caswell, backed by Mr. Hill and the military, pressed the petition for out and out pardon. I most reluctantly granted the pardon, upon the condition that the convict pay the costs, which Mr. Hill represented he would do: — But when it was ascertained he could not pay the costs, I made the pardon unconditional. I had written to our friend Mr. Settle for the proofs on the trial. He had failed to answer. This much to excuse myself for pardoning this villian. For your part in it, it is Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1101 enough that you were his counsel. I held the scales of justice. If they were not "right adjusted" I think I am not culpable. I had been for mouths corresponding with the poor devils whom CongTess had made our military governors, against the trial of civilians by court martial: and was full of indignation at the want of regard for these remon strances when the letter touching the arrest of Griffin was recd. I immediately addressed the Prest. I inclose copy of my letter, and again asked Mr. Settle for a version of the facts proved on the trial of Johnson, as your letter stated that Griffin had been arrested upon the evidence of this felon and Tourgee, whom I regard as a still greater rillain. Air. Settle answered promptly, and I forwarded it with my remonstrance, to Genl Canby, The Prest. referred my letter, addressed to him, to Genl Grant, who referred it to Genl Canby. The terms "iniquity" and "military oppression" — ^gave offence — and drew from him by way of reply, a little volume addressed to Genl Grant, (a partial copy of which Genl. Canby fur nishes me) assailing our Courts generally — sustaining the character of Tourgee as a Capt. of the U. S. army and extolling Johnson for his partriotic serrices in the U. S. army — assailing me for "disingenuousness," — purporting to detail the evidence in .Johnson's trial and summing up with the conclusions — first — that Johnson was convicted not for the offence with which he was charged, but be cause he had deserted the Confederate army — and had fled the conscription hunters, and joined the U. S. army — had guided Sherman and "ought to be hanged any how." I thought I could see in this letter, coupled with the givings out of the devil who presides over Radicalism in N. C, my official decapitation — and as an act of duty to the peo ple of the State, went to see the president. He was aston ished with my account of military usurpation in N. C. — and requested me, urgently, to fumish him in writing a narrative of the facts I bad stated to him : — interference 1102 North Carolina Historical Commission. with our juries — Court martials for the trial of civilians — arbitrary arrests — and removals from office, etc with copies of my remonstrances against these things. I have been confined to my fireside by sickness since my return — but have just completed the narrative, sustained by un answerable proofs — copies of my correspondence with Sickles and Canby. I expect it to result in Canby's re moval — or in my removal. The Prest. will sustain me with all the power he has. This rapid review brings me to the purpose of this letter. It may become very important to me to know all that is known to Mr. Griffith, as to his arrest and trial. AVere Johnson or Tourgee — or either of them examined or their affidavits brought forward on the trial ? AVhat did they prove ? What were the charge and specification vs. Griffith ? To what costs and expense was he subjected? Any other facts you deem it important for me to know. In Genl. Canby's letter to Grant, he lays dovsm as a principle of public law, sustained he says by the Presi dent's proclamation of the 29 Apl 1865, that all the pre- ceedings in our Courts during the rebellion, are absolutely null and void: hence the indictment against Johnson was a nullity: and that the Court would have been guilty of "murder if he had been hanged". The subject is too wide to allow me (oppressed with other duties) to go more into detail. In view of all the circumstances, public and personal I am sure you will not regard me as asking too much of you. Yangeyville. To Commander of Post, Newbern. Raleigh Jan. 1/68. I am informed that a large band of banditti who have been committing robbery and murder in Pitt County have Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1103 been arrested and are now confined in jail at Greenrille. I am afraid they will be rescued or make their escape. I have sent a (commission to Judge Warren to hold a Court of Oyer and Terminer in Pitt at an early day for their trial. As we are not permitted to organise the militia, wiU you send without delay an adequate detail of reUable soldiers to guard the jaU until their trial: — and if con- ricted, until they shaU be executed. To Raleigh. Jan. 2nd 1868. I have long kno-wn Bryan Tyson by reputation. He Uved in this State at the breaking out of the late war (I think he is a native of this State). By printed publica tions and otherwise he strongly opposed the war and has always been an ardent supporter of the Union. I think no man can be found in America who has at all times more consistently supported the Union. He is an enterprising man and has done much for the distressed people of North Carolina since he took up his residence in Washington City, some three or four years ago. He has my fervent wishes for success wherever he be and in whatever business enterprises he may engage. Like all zealous Union men he is now reviled by many new converts in this State. To Bryan Tyson. Raleigh, Jan. 2nd 1868. I came home from AVashington quite sick some four weeks ago — ^have been able to get to my office only twice on very special business, remaining only a few minutes, since my return from Washington. I have hardly been 1104 North Carolina Historical Commission. able to attend to my important official duties. I regret that among the many things deferred has been such delay in answering as to draw from your note of the 9th ult. As it does me unintentional wrong, I herewith return it, its theme being oppressive. My health is not restored — and I write with difficulty and a tremulous hand. AA^ASHINGTON CiTY. To Governor Charles J. Jenkins.' Raleigh, Jan. Various matters Judging fro-m your last annual campaign and other connected with ^ . ^ . i i Reconstruction, sourccs of information, I have thought there was much accordance between yr. views and mine in relation to the late convulsions in the National Government — and the measures proper to be adopted to repair the terrible mis chiefs resulting from it: — and being in Washington city last spring to collect all the information I could by which to shield my conduct in the anomalous condition we were placed by the legislation of Congress: and learning from Judge Sharkie and Govr. Parsons, that you had gone to N. Y. and that your return to Washing-ton was daily ex pected, I waited several days to see you and interchange views with you as to the course we ought to adopt, in the then existing state of affairs, particularly in reference to the question as to the expediency of seeking relief from the acts of Congress, then recently passed, through the Supreme Court of the U. S. Believing that the plan of Govrs. Sharkie and Walker would not elicit a decision of the Court on the constitu tionality of the acts — I decided not to make N. C. a party to the proposed suit. Your stay in N. Y. being protracted beyond what your friends expected, I returned home, dis appointed as to meeting you. I have never doubted as to the unconstitutionality of these acts, or as to their vicious tendency. 1 Governor of Georgia. CoRRESPOXDENCE OF JONATHAN WoRTH. 1105 I was always friendly attached to the old Constitutiou and Union party: an ardent admirer of Clay and AA'eb- ster — and their co-adjutoi-s: was a member of the Senate in this State — and even in May, 1^01, voted against the Convention to dissolve the Union, only two others acting -with me. Strong as were my convictions against the views of our Secession friends, they were stronger against the other disunion party, — the Abolitionists. AA'hen my ef forts to avoid war were ineffectual, I did not deem it ex pedient to desert my section, and abandon my home and kindred, and thereafter cooperated in good faith with my section, until war decided the contest; since which 1 have ardently sought to soothe sectional animosity and restore the govemment to its old status. I regard the actions of Congress since the war wdth positive abhorrence. After these preliminaries I reach my point. Our abominable Convention assembles on the 14th inst. The State of our Treasury would enable us, without ex haustion, to meet the reasonable expenses of this Revolu tionary assemblage. It is probable that Genl Canby wUl require (with the sanction of the Convention) that these expenses be paid out of the State Treasury, The Treasr, by the laws of the State, can pay only on the warrant of the Govr, The Go-vr. can give a warrant only in con formity -with the laws of the State. The legislation of Congress, as I understand it, (even if Constitutional) does not warrant the military Comt to make such order. With the lights now before me, I vrill not obey such mandate, if issued. Such order, if issued, may be directed, as I in fer from news-paper accounts, it was directed, in your State, to the Treasr — overlooking the Govr. In this case it would not be material to me, as Governor. The respon sibility would rest on the Treasr. Our military comt. is, con amore, a Radical. He be Ueves, as he has assured me that the laws he is appointed to execute, are not only constitutional, but wise. He con siders these laws as investing him with unlimited despotic Vol. 2—29 1106 North Carolina Historical Commission. power over the laws and Constitution of this State. Sick les maintained these views as a partizan and politician. Canby maintains them as a narrow minded conscientious Radical — Both have issued edict after edict, until they have made a new code for us, — destroying the respectabil ity of trial by jury, — forcing the most manly of our judges to resign rather than be the instruments of execut ing their code: have established new tribunals of justice, held by men having no pretensions to law learning, with jurisdiction in many counties extending to every thing civil and criminal, save murder, manslaughter. Rape and Arson, — and where this Court has not been established, authorising arrests by military detectives — and the im prisonment in distant military fortresses, of civilians, without preliminary trial ; and trial by Court martial without colorable pretext that justice is not impartially administered by our Courts: the removal of innumerable officers, assigning no cause for such removals — and filling these places with men not only intrinsically unworthy — ^but excessively odious to the communities in which they are to act, etc. I foresee, if the Prest. shall not remove Canby, it is not unlikely I shall be removed. I have not deemed it expedient to make any public official announcement of my utter detestation of the whole Congressional programme — but it is well known that I should have voted, if not dis franchised, against the call of this Convention, and that I would not vote to ratify the action (whatever it may be) of what I regard as an unconstitutional — revolutionary convention. How stands this matter now, as to paying your Con vention between the Convention and your Treasr. and your self ? How happens it that Pope did not remove your Treasr. and you for not obeying the mandate issued by him and the Convention requiring you to pay ? Any information you may find it convenient and agree able to you to give me touching this paying of the Conven- Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1107 tion, which 1 foresee is soon to be upon us, will be thank fully received. MlLLEDCiEVILLE, Ga. To W. G. Moore. Raleigh, Jan. k 1868. I enclose new edict of Genl. Canby No. 164 which ap- Military govern ment, peared in the news-papers yesterday. The simple read ing of it vrill satisfy you that it would be a relief to our civU authorities if the General would blot out all sem blance of civil rule, providing he would find other agents to carry out tbe ucav mandates he is continually issuing ab rogating otu- laws and creating new ones. I heard from a reliable source that some weeks ago be removed the Shff. of Richmond County, as usual -without assigning any cause, and appointed another: that the new appointee could neither give a bond — ^nor take the iron clad oath : that he has been acting ever since without quali fying and without taking any oath of office: that a mili tary agent was sent there to see if a man could be found fit to fUl the office who could give bond and take oaths: that the agent reported to Col. Cogswell, Post Commander of the district in which Richmond is situated, that no such man could be found; but, recommending that the new appointee be aUowed to go on performing the duties of Shff. without giving bond or qualifying: that his re port was sent Genl. Canby, who has referred it to Col. Bomford, Post Commander in this City, the military posts having been recently changed whereby Richmond County is attached to this post: and that Col. Bomford has the subject under consideration and is greatly per plexed — One of the expedients being suggested to him, being the appointment of a Sergeant from the army to go to Richmond County and act as Shff. thereof: I learn that the Colonel, Bomford, has not yet decided whether to 1108 North Carolina Historical Commission. adopt this expedient or not. If Canby be continued in command the State government will be in a positive state of chaos ; and already every civil officer is bewildered by the innumerable innovations and partial recovations of previous military edicts. The code military is not con solidated in any volume, but our civil officers and people are expected to understand and obey and preserve them. None of our news-papers being authorised or paid to pub lish them save the Standard and Pioneer, two ultra Radi cal Journals, which are warmed into life by money paid them from the National Treasury, to traduce us and nur ture Radicalism. I cut from a news-paper edict No. 164 and inclose it. I dare not indulge in commentary on it. All of it is unnecessary. Even his display of benefi cence to the poor in diverting the money arising from li censes to the retailers, from the fund set apart for the sup port of common schools. The wreck of this fund consists of $600,000. in one of our best Rail Roads — and above $300,000. ante-bellum State bonds. Since the war our legislation has looked to building up this fund and more than $100,000. have been added to it. The tax on Re tailers' licenses have been set apart since 1825 in aid of our School fund. He never consults me as to any of his edicts remodeling our laws. I think from the ill success of all my remonstrances, that to continue them would be as useless — as it would be undignified. The proposed relief to debtors for the purchase of ne groes, almost universally enures to the benefit of the ne gro speculators and to the injury of widows and orphans. The regulation as to bail operates only to let adventurers who have eome among us and abused the credulity of our people by contracting debts run away without paying. I have never heard of any honest man being beset to give bail. His paragraph headed "Executors and Trustees" is absurd as applied to this State. We never had any law Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1109 authorising guardians, executors etc to invest in Con federate bonds. Under an old Statute, passed some 20 years ago, they were authorised to invest in State bonds, and all our bonds issued to carry on the war were repudi ated by our Convention of 1S65. His chapter "District Courts " is wholly unnecessary. I have power and am continually exercising it, of appoint ing Courts of Oyer and Terminer, to try criminals and ex tra terms, where necessary. Our Courts of Quarter Ses sion having concurrent jurisdiction with our Supr Courts, as to petty offences, sit every three months. Six regnlar terms are held in every county each year. Special terms to save costs by trying petty offenders would cost more than they would save. Our laws provide that each county pay the costs not paid by defendants, for the prosecution of offenders : — and county revenue is provided for the purpose. He charges the expense of these special terms to be paid out of the State Treasury, not supplied with funds for this purpose. His pilotage order is issued to reverse a decision of our Courts. His section 6, if carried out, will essentially affect the amount of Revenue to be collected this year. Our laws require the o^vner of lands to list for taxation (poll tax) and pay for all persons liable to pay such tax, who are in their employment on the 1 Apl each year. The o-wner of the land is allowed to retain enough, (out of the wages of such employees), to indemnify himself. In this way mi gratory persons are listed, who would otherwise evade list ing, and a large amount of taxes are collected from per sons from whom nothing could be had by distress. It operates alike on white and black. Under this edict al most nothing will be made from men (white and black) who work for wages. Its operation will be to save from the payment of any tax nearly all the negroes and many white man. AVith this brief commentary I dismiss the subject. 1110 North Carolina Historical Commission. Our Convention is called to meet on the 14th inst. I suppose the General will require me to issue my warrants on the Treas to pay the expenses of the Convention. This I will not do, unless I can see some new light on the subject. I write this expecting you to bring it to the attention of the President. I am still indisposed, (but improving), and my hand is so tremulous I fear you will be at some trouble to read what I have written. Washington, D. C. Concerning the appointment of a judge. To Thomas J. Wilson. Raleigh Jan. k 1868. I am greatly annoyed by the uncertainty in which I am left, as to the acceptance or non-acceptance of our friend Poindexter of the appointment of Judge. I do not know his postoffice. I have twice written you to as certain and report to me whether he would accept or not — in the latter letter written by my secy., inclosing to him his commission. I have recd. no answer. Should he decline, it is hardly probable now to get together my Coun cil and act in time for his Circuit. What is the matter? AA^INSTON. Concerning the appointment of a judge. To Thomas S. Ashe. Jan. 6 1868. I am today notified by Mr. Poindexter that he declines the acceptance of our nomination, for the reason, among others, that he cannot conscientiously take the teste oath. I am in doubt whether I ought again to put the mem bers of the Council of State to the inconvenience of as sembling here. I know of no one having any just pre- Correspondexce of Joxatiiax AA'orth, 1111 tensions to be a judge, who would accept the appointment under the existing circumstances, I suppobC, if we make no nomination, some sergeant or other officer of the U. S. army, or some worse man who is a citizen of the State, will be appointed. AA'ill you favor me with your personal opinion whether I ought again to assemble the Council, or to report that I can make no recommendation fit to fill the position, who will accept and take the required oaths, thus throwing the responsibility exclusively ou the military Court ? Will you do me the favor to respond promptly. W.VDESBORO. To W. A. Wright. Raleigh Jan 6 1868. 1 am this day in receipt of a letter from Mr. Poin- conoCTmng the ^ dexter, declining to accept the appointment of judge, the^""^®- reasons among others, that he cannot take the teste oath. Before incurring the expense and subjecting the Coun cil to the inconvenience of assembling here, I request that you ascertain definitely from Air. Baker whether he would accept the appointment. If he will not I incline to the opinion that we had bet ter, limited as we are, throw the whole responsibility on Genl. Canby. Give me your views on this. It is important to have your answer as soon as possible. Wilmington. 1112 North Carolina Historical Commission. To E. II. Cowan.' Raleigh Jan 6 1868. Some five or six weeks ago, Genl Canby sent me for my remarks, an appeal by certain clients of Vance and Dowd (names not now remembered) praying for military inter position to compel your Road to pay them for work done for you since the war (building bridges, I believe) for which they had obtained judgments against your Com pany, but which could not be enforced on account of the mortgage which the State holds on your Road and all its effects. This appeal represented the appellants as poor men who had re-built certain bridges, destroyed in the latter part of the war, or carried off by other casualty, under a special promise by persons making- the contract in be half of your Company, that the work should be promptly paid for on its completion: but that the work being done your Company sheltered itself from payment under said mortgage. The case as presented by the appellants and the arguments of their counsel, exhibited wanton bad faith on the part of the subordinate authorities of your Company. As I knew nothing of the facts, save what appeared from this ex-parte showing, I replied that no action ought to be taken against your Company until you were heard: that these parties must be presumed to have known of the existence of the mortgage and that the State ought not to be deprived of the benefit of the mortgage, even if the officers of the Company were guilty of the bad faith im puted to them — and wound up promising to investigate the matter. I soon afterwards saw Gov. Vance who told me he had made an appeal to you, as prest. of the Road, in behalf of his clients — and that you had ordered the payment of 1 President of tlie Wilmington, Cliarlotte and Rutlierford Eailroad. CoRRESPOXDENCE OF JONATHAN WoRTH. 1113 his clients' claims : but that your subordinate (ilr, Guion I believe) obstinately disregarded your order. I was going to Washington a day or two after, and de signed seeing you on the subject, but on my arrival there, on inquiry, found you were gone to New York. The mat ter, thus postponed, went out of memory until my atten tion was recalled to it by a late letter from Genl Canby. I request that you give immediate attention to the mat ter and favor me with an answer as soon as you can: if the memorialists state the facts truly, that you take care that they be paid without delay. WlLMIX^GTOX*. To D. F. CaldweU, B. P. 2IcLean and E. Gorrell. Raleigh, Jan. 6th 1868. When I was informed of the arrest of the Shff. of Cas- Military arrests. well upon information furnished by Tourgee and John son, and his transportation to Charleston to be tried be fore a Court martial, having made to Genl. Sickles and Canby ineffectual remonstrances against such arrests and trials, I addressed the Prest on the subject and charac terised Tourgee and Johnson, as men of "most destable character" in this State. My letter was referred to Genl. Grant and by him sent to Genl. Canby for his remarks. Canby sent me a partial copy of a little volume which he -wrote to Genl. Grant, in which he says that my account of the character of Capt. Tourgee is "not accepted". In my reply I stand by my assertion. This affair is likely to culminate, I think, in the removal of myself or Canby. I have the most emphatic assurances of the Prest that he will sustain me. I am certain that all the power of the ultra Radicals will be employed to bring about my re moval — and I know nobody in stronger sympathy with the ultra Radicals than Cauby. I am certain Canby will remove me if not restrained by apprehension of his own removal, if he do so. 1114 North Carolina Historical Commission. To-night I have recd from Genl. Canby a letter in which he says "Air. A. H.'- Tourgee has been nominated to fill a vacancy in Civil Office in N. C. and would have received immediate appointment but for the charges affecting his moral character made against him by you in your official communication of the 30th Nov. 1867." With a view to the investigation of such charges I de sire you to furnish me with the names and address of all parties from whom you derived the information upon which your charge was based. And also a statement of any matters within your knowledge that may be important to such inquiry. It is of great interest to the public that men of es tablished character should fill the public offices, and of no less importance to the nominee that an opportunity should be offered him to vindicate his character from public charges which, if true, disqualify him from holding of fice." Now I am sure I have heard more than 100 men speak of Tourgee all representing him as a man of "most detest able character" and I never heard one speak well of him — but I can designate only a few of them. All I can now remember are two of you, Messrs, McLean and Cald well; B, S, Hedrick, Hiram AA'orth and Jesse Wheeler — and I believe the two Messrs Gilmers and Peter Adams. Will you see these gentlemen and ascertain of them whether they remember to have spoken to me in disparag- inent of the general character of Tourgee. AVill you also give me the names of other good men who will say, if called upon that he is not generally regarded as a man of good character for truth and honor. I would prefer, if not objectionable, to have the signatures of a number of your prominent citizens to a certificate of this sort — Being requested by Govr. AA'^orth to state whether we know the general character of A. H. Tourgee among the most respectable and intelligent citizens of Guilford ' This is an error. A. W. Tourgee is intended. CORRESPOXDEX-^CE OF JONATHAN AVORTH. 1115 County, as to truth aud honor, we answer that we do kuow his general character among these classes and that it is bad. Jan. 7 1868. Poindexter refuses to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Fowle. I presume this is the va cancy Tourgee seeks to fill. I beg you to answer very promptly. [P. S.J What does Major Worth think of .Tourgee. To William Eaton. Raleigh, Jan. 6 1868. I am this dav notified bv Mr. Poindexter that he can- concerning the - . -^ appointment of a not accept the appointment of J udge. He cannot con- Judge. scientiously take. the test oath. I know no one having any respectable pretensions to fill the place, who wiU accept. In the present aspect of af fairs would not acceptance itself be strong evidence of unworthiness. Will you favor me with your personal advice and opin ion whether I ought to subject the Council of State to the inconvenience and the State to the expense of again convening the Council ? Limited as we are will it not be best to throw the responsibility on the military comt. ? Warrextox'. To John Kerr. Raleigh, Jan. 6 1868. On recpt. of your letter touching the arrest of Mr, Miiitarj- arrests Griffin, having made divers ineffectual remonstrances to Genl. Canby against such arrests, I wrote the Prest, (a copy of which I inclosed to you on the 1st inst) in which I speak in strong terms of the "detestable character" of Tourgee. I am this evening in receipt of a letter from Genl. Canby in which he says "Mr. A. H. Tourgee has been nominated to fill a vacancy in civil office in N, C. 1116 North Carolina Historical Commission. and would have recd immediate appointment but for the charges affecting his moral character made against him by you in your communication of the 30th Nov. 1867. "AA'^ith a view to the investigation of such charges I de sire you to fumish me with the names and addresses of all parties from whom you derived the information upon which your charge was based : and also a statement of any matter within your knowledge that may be of importance to such inquiry." "It is of great interest to the public that men of unblem ished character should fill the public offices, and of no less importance to the nominee that an opportunity should be afforded him to vindicate his character from public charges, which, if true disqualify him from holding office". I have made no specific [charges?] against him save for his lying speech at the Convention of Sept. last in Phila, but I have stated that his general character is very detestable iu this State. Can you promptly furnish me the names of some prom inent men in your County who will sustain me in this general allegation against his character? Poindexter declines to accept the appointment to fill vacancy occasioned by the resignation of judge Fowle. I have no doubt this is the vacancy Tourgee seeks to fill. All I have heard of the man has led to regard him with positive abhorrence. Yangeyville. To Jesse G. Shepherd. Raleigh Jan. 7/68. Concerning the Poiudexter refuses to fill vacancy occasioned by the appointment ot a ,/ ,/ i^^se. resignation of Judge Fowle. I am in doubt whether it is expedient for me to re assemble my council to make another nomination, — From Correspondexce cf Jonathan Worth. Ill" the material to which 1 am limited I know no one I can nominate having any just pretensions to be made a judge. I incline to the opinion that I ought to decline to act and throw the whole responsibility where the act of Congress places it, on the mUitary despot who is ajipointed to rule us. The result of this wUl be the nomination of some mean Northem adventurer. I have cogent reasons to be lieve that A. H. Tourgee. the very meanest of this class, is applying to Genl, Canby for the appointment, and that the Greneral would have nominated him but for the terms of loathing in which I have lately referred to him in an official correspondence -with Genl. Canby and the Prest. of the U. S. I am now officially called upon by Genl. Canby to sustain myself, by naming the persons ivhom I have heard speah in disparagement of Tourgee. He says Tourgee has applied and would have been appointed to fiU a vacant ciril office in N. C. but for my assault on his character in an official letter, in which I say his char acter is "detestable in this State". I am much indisposed — forced to do more than I am physicially able to perform — cannot go further into details — ^With aU the lights now before you do you think I should again assemble my coun- cU and recommend some boy or superannuated la-wyer for a judge, if I can find even one of these who will take the required oaths ? or should I say to Genl. C, that I decline again to caU the council together because I can hear of no one having any just pretensions to fitness who will take the oaths — and that I therefore decline to re-convene the Council and leave him to fill the vacancy without any rec ommendation on our part ? Fayetteville, 1118 North Carolina Historical Commission. Concerning the appointment of a judge. To Henry Joyner. Raleigh, Jan. 7th 1868. I made diligent inquiry before the last meeting of the Council to get the name of some respectable lawyer, old or young, who would consent to take the oaths and fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Fowle. AVe nominated Genl. Poindexter in the hope that he would accept. He was strongly recommended by prominent law yers in his neighborhood. I had written immediately on receipt of his recommendation to ascertain whether he would accept and got no answer. I recd a letter from him yesterday declining to accept. If we make no recommen dation, some mean Yankee adventurer who has come among us to traduce us and get office, will probably be appointed. If we recommend we can recommend no one at all fit to be a judge, who will take the oaths. Under all the circum stances do you think I should again assemble the Council — or should I say to Genl Canby, limited as we are, that we decline to recommend an unfit man, and let him designate a successor for Judge Fowle ? I have reason to believe that one Tourgee, who claims to have been a Capt. in the U. S. army and who settled in Guilford, after the war, and whom I regard as the very meanest of this class who has settled among us, seeks the office, and is a man who exactly fills Genl. Canby's no tion of fitness for the position. I -write to each councilor for his advice whether I ought again to convene the Coun cil. AVhat is your opinion ? Halifax, C, H. Concerning the appointment of a judge. To Giles Mebane. Raleigh Jan. 7 1868. Genl. Poindexter notified me yesterday that he could not take the teste oath, consequently declining to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Fowle. CORRESPOXDEX^CE OF JONATHAN AA'ORTH. 1119 Genl. Canby wrote me, asking that I convene the Coun cil aud recommend to him for aiipointmeiit as siiccessru- to Judge Fowde. After diligent inquiry 1 can hear of no lawyer in the State, having respectable pretensions to fit ness, whom I can recommend. If we recommend nobody some one of the meanest Yankee adventurers, who has settled among us will probably be appointed. AA'e can not recommend, so far as I know, any fit man who will take the oaths. I ask to-day the opinion of each of the Councilors, whether it is expedient that I re-convene the Council for this purpose — or shall I say that, limited as we are to the range of selection, we respectfully decline to act further on the matter i I have strong reason to believe that Tourgee has ap plied for the appointment — that he is a man who exactly fiUs Genl. Canby's ideas of fitness for the position: and that the General's action is suspended upon the result of an inquiry into the truthfulness of an official allegation of mine to Gen. Canby, made in the case of Griffin — that Tourgee is a man of most "detestable character" in this State. I am officially called upon by Genl. Canby to fur nish him the names of the persons whom I have heard speak ill of Tourgee — and their several post-offices. If I shall furnish a few, as I can, how many of them will shirk or buck out from apprehension of oppression ? thus leaving me with the bag to hold. If I fail to fumish any Tourgee is triumphant — and where am I. I take a day or two to arm myself for the onslaught. If everything else fail me I shall at all events be shielded by the conscious ness of right. Please answer promptly. 1120 North Carolina Historical Commission, . To E. A. Jones. Raleigh Jan 7th 1868. appnStment'Jffa Poiudexter by letter which reached me yesterday says ^^^se- i^xat he cannot accept the office of judge, for the reason, among others, that he can't take the iron-clad oath. If I re-assemble my Council, with present lights, I cannot recommend any body having any just pretensions to fill the place. If we recommend any body, it must be some one manifestly unfit. AVill it not be better to throw the entire responsibility on the military comt ? If we recommend any body it must be a super-annuated lawyer or some boy who has not tarried long enough in Jericho for his beard to grow. I have good reason to believe that Tourgee, the meanest Yanlcee who has ever settled among us, has applied to Genl. Canby for the appointment, and that he would al ready have been appointed but for the fact that I recently said of him, in a letter to Genl Canby, that he is a man of most "detestable character." This is made the occasion, in effect, of an attack on me. Genl. Canby calls on me to de fend my assertion by naming the persons and address of any person whom I have heard speak in disparagement of Captain Tourgee. There is great congeniality of temper and sentiment between the General and Tourgee. I am thrown on the defensive. Matters must soon culminate in my removal or his. Please favor me with your opinion as promptly as pos sible, whether I re-assemble the Council of State. Patterson. To B. 8. Hedrick. Raleigh Jan. 8/68. Canby's course as The course of Genl. Canby has sho-wn in his government military governor. '' _ = of this State, that he despised the axiom that the Governor CORRESPOXDENCE OF JONATHAN AA'oRTII. 1121 should have respect to the will of the governed. He has not put his foot on our soil. He has not communicated to me, as Governor of N. C. elected by the choice of her people, without electioneering on my part, any of his contemplated changes in our code : — in his numerous re movals of civil officers the first notice I have had has been his buUetin of removal. He has not consulted me in a single instance as to the fitness or respectability of his new appointees. This contempt of the popular will could not have sprung from any apprehensions of my loyalty, in the just sense of the much abused word. As our ruler he was bound to have made himself acquainted with my antecedents, personal and political. He could have found nothing in them to warrant the contempt exhibited by aU his official acts. No man haring any pretensions to be regarded as a gentleman, whether citizen or army officer stationed among us, has ever presumed to impute to our judges want of personal character, legal learning or impartiality in the administration of Justice. After a series of acts exhibiting a total disregard of our laws and of our Courts, against which I had remonstrated in vain, I learned some weeks ago, that he had caused the arrest of the Sheriff of Caswell, one of the best men in the State, — a Union man — and consequently not a Radi cal, — upon the evidence of a convicted felon, one Wm. Johnson, (whom I had been induced to pardon by the false compassions of our people and the importunities of the military power appointed to rule us) and upon the eridence of .4. H. Tourgee, a disbanded Captain of [A line is missing here] as Genl. Canby says, — I say, on this evi dence, as I was informed, the Shff. of Caswell, a County on the Northem boundary of N. C. was seized under the or ders of Genl. Canby, -without preliminary trial and trans ported for trial before a Court martial in Charleston for an alleged offence of which our Courts have cognizance. Worn out by the contempt uniformly exhibited by Genl. Vol. 2—30 1122 North Carolina Historical Commission. Canby, towards the judiciary of the State, I addressed a letter to the President in which I characterise these in formers as most "detestable men" to the people of this State. The President referred my letter to Genl. Grant who referred it to Genl. Canby. Genl. Canby makes a voluminous reply to Genl. Grant, a partial copy of which he sends to me, impugning the integrity of the legislative and judicial authorities of the State — and says my ac count of the character of Tourgee "is not accepted" : as signing as a reason why it was not "accepted" that Tour gee was [A line is missing here] . I have just recd from Genl. Canby a letter in which he says "A. H. Tourgee has been nominated to fill a vacancy in civil office in N. C. : and would have recd immediate appointment but for the charges affecting his moral char acter made against him by you in an official communica tion of Nov. 30th 1867. AVith a view to the investigation of such charges I de sire you to furnish me with the names and addresses of all parties from whom you derived the information upon which your charge was based: and also a statement of any matters within your' knowledge that may be of im portance to such inquiry. It is of great interest to the public that men of unblem ished character should fill the public offices — and of no less importance to the nominee that an opportunity should be afforded him to vindicate his character from public charges, which, if true, disqualifies him from holding office." The following is what I wrote to the Genl. on the 30th Nov. touching Tourgee. "As to my allegation that Tourgee and Johnson were men of bad character, I can only say that I have heard many men, some of them United States' officers of esti mable character, and I have never heard any one speak well of them. I believe the character of each of them, in this State, to be very bad among virtuous men". Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1123 Now Genl. C. knows that I could not give the names and addresses of all whom I had heard thus speak. I can give many of them — Among the U. S. officers I can name are H. H, Helper, Jesse Wheeler, Hiram AA'orth and your self. I have no doubt that Genl. Canby, through representa tions by Tourgee, and such as he, intends to find a pre text for my early removal — and the filling of my place with an ultra Radical. I shaU feel no personal grief at such removal — ^but I owe it to the people of North Caro lina to frustrate this design by all legitimate means. I have been confined to my fireside by indisposition since my return from AVashington : have been slowly improv ing: am now nearly well but it would be the extreme of imprudence for me to go to Washington to ask of the Presi dent the protection of which he may deem me deserving so far as he may be able and wiUing to protect me. I have no doubt the vacant office Tourgee seeks to fill is the judgeship made vacant by the resignation of Fowle on account of his conscientious unwillingness to obey mil itary edicts in conflict with our laws. Now you know the utter disgust all the respectable peo ple of this State would feel at putting on our bench of judges such a wretch as Tourgee who stinks in the nostrils of all men of honor. Now my purpose is to ask you to see the President — make kno-wn to him the contents of this letter — and if he desire it, to put it in his possession to be used as he may think proper — and to tell him what you know as to the standing of Tourgee in N. C. It can scarcely be that one whose whole course here has exhibited such malignant baseness, can have a good charac ter wherever he comes. Can you not find some agency by which I can be correctly informed of Tourgee's standing in the neighborhood whence he came ? Washixgton, D. C. 1124 North Carolina Historical Commission. In opposition to the appointment of A. W. Tourgee as a judge. To General Canby. Raleigh Jan. 9/68. Yours of the 4th inst. is before me in which you say "A. AV. Tourgee has been nominated to fill a vacancy in Civil office in North Carolina, and would have recd im mediate appointment but for the charges affecting his moral character made against him by you -in your official communication of Nov. 30 1867. With a view to the investigation of such charges I de sire you to furnish me with the names and addresses of all parties from whom you derived the information upon which your charge is based — and also a statement of any matters within your knowledge that may be of importance to such inquiry." I regard this as a most extraordinary request. The character of General AVashington is very good — that of Genl Arnold very bad. I am sure of this; and yet I not only could not give the names and addresses of all I have heard say so, but I am not sure I could give the name and address of one of them. I happen in this case to remember a few. I name B. S. Hedrick, holding a prominent posi tion in the U. S. Patent Office, AVashington, D. C, H. IL Helper, U. S. Assessor, Salisbury, N. C. Jesse AVheeler, U. S. Assessor, Greensboro, N. C. Hiram Worth, U. S. Comr. " " Hon. J, R, McLean, " " Hon, J. A. Gilmer, " " Hon. Jno. Kerr, Yanceyville, N. C. In addition to the above gentlemen who I can remember to have heard speak in strong terms of disparagement of Tourgee, I have been informed and believe that the fol lowing gentlemen know his character well and that they will fully confirm what I have said of him. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1125 Thos B. Keogh, Register in Bankruptcy, Greensboro, N. C. Jno. Crane, Collector Int. Revenue " Ralph Gorrell, " " Jesse H. Lindsay, " " Jed. H. Lindsay, Jas. Sloan, •• " W. L. Scott, Leri M. Scott, ¦• " David F. CaldweU, Hon. Jas. T. Morehead, Nathan Hiatt, " " Jonathan Cox, •• " Jonathan Harris, '• " Cyrus P. Mendenhall, Robt. P. Dick, Nereus Mendenhall, '¦ " Hon. Bedford Bro-wn, Samuel P. HiU, Wm. Long, Thos. Trotter, Hon. Jas. il. Leach, D. H. Starbuck, U. S. District Atto., Thos. J. Wilson, I also refer you to the record of certain suits in Guil ford County Court, at Feb. Term, 1867, or about that time., Cyrus P. Mendenhall vs. Tourgee and certain Ca. Sa. cases in which freedmen were plaintiffs and Tour gee was defendant. I have not the names of the plaintiffs. The Clerk of the County Court of Guilford can if you wish them. Major Worth, Sth U. S. Infantry, A. B. Chapin, Surgeon of U. S., Thos. Burly, freedman. You do not indicate to what vacant civil office Tourgee would have been immediately appointed but for my charges against him; and therefore I am not called upon to speak of his fitness, in other respects than moral char- YancepiUe, Lexington, Salem, Winston, Raleigh, N. C. ii ii Greensboro, X. C. 1126 North Carolina Historical Commission. acter, to fill such office. I hear, from sources to which I give credit, that he seeks to be placed by yr. appointment, on the bench of judges of our Supr. Courts of law, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Fowle. I think he has neither practised law nor obtained a license to practise in this State. As your communication does not ask for any information as to his fitness, and as you have not hitherto deemed it expedient to ask my views as to the suitableness of any one of your numerous appointees to civil office in this State, I am not unconscious that any suggestion from me in this direction may be deemed ob trusive : — but duty to those who placed me in the position I occupy constrains me to say, that I entertain no doubt that few men can be found, mentally and morally less un fit to fill such a position. In fact if I were called upon to name one for judge particularly unfit for the position and disgusting to the bar and virtuous intelligence of the State I should regard the name of A. AV. Tourgee as most fit. You ask me for a statement of any matters within my knowledge that may be of importance to the inquiry. I do not know Tourgee personally — but I know he was appointed at a rural meeting in Guilford, a delegate to the political Convention held in Phila in Sept 1866. He had settled in that County soon after the close of the war. having been, he said, a Capt. in a company of Ohio Vols. He was reported in the N. Y. Herald as having made a speech in that Convention to enlighten the North as to the character and temper of the people among whom he had settled. I quote from that speech as follows — Speaking of "loyal men who have worn the blue uni forms," he said, "I come here to say that selling every thing they had at a nominal value, twelve hundred of these loyal men have been driven from the State. I know hun dred of these loyal men who were threatened with death if they wore the blue, and they are now wearing the gray." and "I was told by a Quaker in North Carolina as I was coming here that he had seen the bodies of fifteen mur- Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1127 dered negroes taken from a pond. Seven hundred loyal men had petitioned President Johnson for redress from the rebel depredations, and the petition was referred back to the disloyal Govemor ed' that State and came back to the authorities of their own to-wn." I believe, and the respectable people of the State believe every statement in the foregoing quotation, was a ma licious falsehoofl, made to engender and inflame the ani mosity of the Northern people against us: and I hnow the last statement was false. The President had referred but two petitions to me: — the one from some forty men in Camden County — representing that they had been Union soldiers ; and that they were crueUy persecuted by indict ments in the Courts of their County for acts done as Union soldiers. I requested D. D. Ferebee of Camden, then a member of the State Convention, and Hon. Geo. W. Brooks, judge of the District Court of the U. S,, and also a member of the State Convention, residing in the neigh borhood of the petitioners, to investigate their allegations. They reported that they had examined the records of the Court, and that there were only t^^o indictments against any one of them — the one for retailing liquor vrithout a license; the other for Fornication and Adidtery. The other was a petition from Clay County, imputing oppression to one of the Courts in a prosecution for an offence of which one had been found guilty, which proved to be an equally groundless complaint, as all like com plaints honestly investigated -will turn out to be. The Secty of State though proper to write me a note comple menting me for the manifest fairness with which these in quiries were conducted. Charleston, S. C. 1128 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Dr. G. D. Paulson. Raleigh, Jan. 10, 1868. Of the wreck of my estate which the late unfortunate war left me, a considerable part is invested in our co-part nership — but the harassing cares of my public position leave me no time to devote to my personal concerns. I hear from Mr. Wiley and Mr. Coffin very favorable ac counts as to your management and success — ^but more fre quent letters from you touching the matter would be more acceptable. The absence of such letters makes me feel uneasiness. Did you get the spts turp. you asked me to have sent you? I took measures to have it sent. How turns out your purchase of the Aurora gas light? Have you found the note we gave for a balance on this pur chase ? What have been your monthly sales anything else tending to show the good or ill success of our enterprise. I think you should keep me more fully informed as to our business. Salisbury. To W. A. Graham. Raleigh, Jan. 10, 1868. Military govern- 'jj^g frequent and wantonly absurd orders of Genl. Canby are greatly multiplying my cares and perplexities, and are likely, as I believe, to culminate in an order for my removal. Major Bagley informed me that he learned from you on the cars yesterday, that you would be several days in AVashington, and that a letter from me to you, to care of Hon. Reverdy Johnson would reach you. I was much gratified to learn this. I have been much indisposed lately — am now nearly well, I believe, but am required by my physician to remain at my fireside for some days yet. I am unable to go to AVashington however great the emer gency. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1129 I desire to have your opinion in the event of an order for my removal, (whether coming from Canby pr the Convention), whether I cannot, by refusal to obey the mandate, or surrendering the office on the ground of mili tary duress, by Writ of Habeas Corpus, — or a AA'rit of Mandamus, have the validity of such act of removal tested before the Supreme Court of the U. S. — And if you think this feasible and expedient, exact instructions as to the proper course for me to pursue : to what judge should I in the first instance apply ? I would like to have you, if you deem it expedient, get the views of Reverdy Johnston or any other constitutional la-wyer you prefer. I am wUl- ing to pay a suitable fee to you or him or both. Under an act of the last Genl. Assembly I am authorised, when I deem it necessary, to employ counsel in any case effecting the rights of the State, and to pay by drft on the Pub. Tr. As I could not so draw after removal it would be best to draw in anticipation : and if nothing should be done ; — if the removal should not be attempted to refund it. AVhen I saw the Prest. about a month ago and gave him a narrative of Canby's action in the Spears case from Bun combe ; his orders touching juries ; his Provost Court in Fayetterille; his numerous removals of civil officers; as signing no reasons for such removals, and not in a single instance consulting with me as to the fitness of successors appointed by him; — ^the wanton detail in prison and trial of Mr. McRae — ^the seizing of Griffith and carrying him to Charleston and his trial before a Court martial upon the evidence of the two villians Tourgee and Johnson; — and the rirtual discharge of the Granville negro, convicted of a wanton rape upon a woman of good character by him self and another negro — first one and then the other, in the presence of her little daughter, old enough to be a witness — and the verdict confirmed by a Court martial, the villain Avery, being Judge Advocate, and the case of the removal of the Shff. of Jones and the swearing in of the insolvent Yankees, without a bond worth a straw — the 1130 North Carolina Historical Commission. Prest. exhibited disgust and indignation. He expressed astonishment that these things had not been published. I explained to him that the most of the facts could only be reached through my official correspondence -with ¦ Sickles ¦ and Canby, and that I did not doubt that the publication would be followed by my immediate removal. He re quested me to remain a day or two and to see him again. At the next interview he said the publication of the facts I had disclosed would have much infiuence on the public mind North, now awakening to a sense of right. He re quested me to come home and give him in writing the nar rative I had made to him : and that he would have it pub lished — and that if Canby removed me he would remove him. I prepared it as soon as I could, being sick all the time. It took much labor to make it full and clear — and much copying of extracts to sustain its facts. It was sent him 10 days ago — and to prevent its falling into Grant's hands — as my letter to the Prest. had, touching the arrest of Griffith, I sent it to Col. W. G. Moore the President's private Secty. He was out of the City and only got it last Sunday. I still thought and so -wrote the Prest, that Canby ought to be removed, and then the publication made; because if he removed me, though the Prest. would immediately re move Canby aud give us a sensible commt., such comt. could not re-instate me, because I could not take the teste oath, I doubt whether the Prest., in the midst of grave cares, will not be deterred from reading it. There are some 30 pages of it and the extracts besides. If you have leisure I wish you would get it and read it and then confer with the Prest. about it. I would not have you or he think that I have great per sonal solicitude as to my removal — ^but I dread public cen sure if a Radical fire-eating Govr. be appointed in conse quence of any supposed imprudence on my part. I am perfectly willing, if you and the Prest. think it expedient, that the publication should be made, to retire from my Correspondence of Jonath.\n AA'orth. 1131 harrassing position if you think the public good require it. I inclose you a copy of a letter from Canby and my reply, touching Tourgee. It wUl serve to show you what a fool Canby is — as well as his animus toward^ me and the people of N. C. P. S. I regard it as positively necessary that you, to whom N. C. looks more than to any other man, as a guide, should read this narrative made by me to the chief mag istrate of the State. You will find Col. Moo,re, to be an urbane gentlemanly man, as all men are, who like himself belonged to the old constitutional Union Clay party. If that narrative shall be deemed unduly prolix (I do not think it was capable of much more condensation) it wUl be remembered it was made out when I was sick and continuaUy interi-upted by the harrassing cares of my of fice in our present anomalous condition, Washix'gtox, D. C. To J. B. Whitaher. Raleigh. Jan. 12th 1868. Personal. I see in yr. paper of yesterday Genl. Canby's special state poUce force. order No. 1 dated Jan. 2/68. The striking point of this order is the organization of our armed police forces in which negroes are to be the more numerous element. White and black to work to gether. An article appeared in the Sentinel immediately after the pubUcation of this order, giving a sketch of the four Shffs. who are to organize and employ this force. I have not observed that you have re-published any part of this Sentinel article. As I presume you have an important circiUation in the four counties which this order affects — as has the Newbem Commercial which has neither com mented on the Sentinel, nor made editorial save to praise 1182 North Carolina Historical Commission. the successor of Harper. I infer that you do not concur in the facts or the reasoning of the Sentinel. The North has not required negroes and white men to act together in the same companies. I have been sur prised at the publication of this order without editorial comment on the remarks of the Sentinel. Have you re frained because you have doubts as to the accuracy of the facts stated in reference to the removal of the old Shff in Jones, which are astonishing and interesting to the whole country? This Editorial in the Sentinel has attracted much attention in other parts of the State. The Wil mington Journal has republished all of it — or nearly all of it. Why have the two Journals near the scene, neg lected to publish these articles? Are the facts inaccu rately stated ? ' The case of the appt. of Colgrove without bond or security to fill AVilson's place, with powers to col lect arrearages of tax due AVilson, is the climax of ab surdity and mean oppression. If the facts stated are incorrectly set forth, a true version should be given. I write this simply to call your attention to the matter. Goldsboro. To W. T. Faircloth. Raleigh, Jan. 13/68. Will you give me yr. views on inclosed petition ? Upon the ex-parte representation of the petitioner, I incline to shorten his imprisonment and let him go home and provide board for his numerous family — ^but shall refer to your judgment — ^you knowing all the circumstances which should control my action. I would consult the judge if I knew where to address him. Goldsboro. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1133 To Calvin II. Wiley. Raleigh, Jan. Ik/ 68. Protracted illness and the pressure of duties of the ut- saie ofthe swamp ^ landa. most gravity, have entirely overtaxed my powers for the last month. I regret to say that among the things postponed is yr. communication and acct. neither of which has been ex amined. My health is gradually improving but I am still much indisposed. You wiU remember with how much reluctance I ap proved the acct of expenses of Comrs. to N. Y. touching our Swamp lands, which I regarded as very extravagant. They amoimted to more than $900. From respect to the feelings of the members of the board, I concluded to ap prove it, with misgivings as to the propriety of such ap proval. The acct exhibited, drawn up by Genl. Gwynn, purported to cover all the expenses of the commissiou. Your part of the bill, as I remember it, exceeds $400. To my great amazement. Mr. Best now exhibits a further account exceeding $200. including more money for parlor rent. I am not less annoyed than pained at this account and the responsibilities which the extravagance of the whole bill devolves on me. I have deferred action on Mr, Best's claims until I see a specification of the items mak ing up the amount paid to you and Genl Gwynn. It dis tresses me to feel constrained to ask for such items — ^but I have been employed on more commissions than one since our troubles commenced, quite as dignified and which did not approach in expenditure the expenses of your com mission. I hope it may be convenient to you to be here at some early day, (our continuance in authority is likely to be short) in order to confer with you and Air. Husted to put these matters in shape to enable me to justify myself be- 1134 Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. fore the public for the warrants I have issued and am re quired to issue on the school fund. Greensboro. To Eichmond M. Pearson. Jan. 15, 1868. I am feeling comparatively well to-day — ^but my physi cian has positively enjoined it on me not to leave my fire side for some days. Besides the matter of appointing a Librarian, in which I am not anxious to participate, there are other matters of which I deem of much gTeater importance about which I very much desire to confer with you and your associate judges: and hence I requested yesterday a conference at my residence. If such conference be of any value to the public it should take place without delay. If it suit you I will send over a conveyance to bring you over at such hour after your adjournment to-day, as you will designate this forenoon to Major Bagley. To W. B. Y' right. Raleigh, Jan. 16/68. * ****** congre"s°^ Our publlc affairs are in a most appalling condition. The devils now claiming to be the Congress of the U. S. seem determined to leave no vestige of the wise and benefi cent government under which we so long prospered and commanded the respect of the world. Not a man of them can elevate himself above the behests of mere partizanship. Actual physical resistance or submission to military des potism seems to be the only alternative offered to this great nation. Fayetteville. North Carolixa Historical Commission. 1135 To Andrew Johnson. Raleigh, Jan. 10 1868. Having just learned that my friend Col. AA'm. M, John son will be in Washington City to-morrow, allow me to ask the favor that you grant to him a brief interview — and that you communicate to him any information touching the present crisis in National affairs, which you may think it would be useful for me to know — particularly as to what you think of the expediency (if Genl Canby require it) that I cause the expenses of the Convention to be paid out of the State Treasury, To Andrew Johnson. Raleigh, Jan. 16, 1868. Learning that my friends Genl. J. AL Leach and Dr. Wm. B. Mears are on their way to AA'ashington City — aud feeling profoundly the responsibility of my jjosition in the present crisis of affairs I shall regard it as a personal favor, if you will accord to them a brief interview and give them the benefit of your views ou such matters as may concern my action at this juncture — particularly as to the propriety and expediency, of my granting my warrant for the paying of the expenses of the Convention out of the State Treasury. To David G. Worth. Raleigh, Jan. 17/68. I am feeling better to-day than I have done for weeks concerning ws o '' state of health. past — * * * I still stay at home under the dex;- tor's orders. I have transgressed a little ; on two or three pressing occasions, to my manifest injury. I have all the time dispatched more business at home than I could have 1136 North Carolina Historical Commission. done at my office, and may not subject myself to the ex cessive annoyance at office which awaits me, whenever I fall into the old routine, for several days yet. I think there will be nothing in the odor of the Convention to quicken convalescence. * ****** I know nothing as to the .doings of the Devils claiming to be the Congress of the U. S. which the public journals do not disclose. To B. G. Worth. Raleigh, Jan. 18/68. My health, I trust, is about re-established. By staying at home and submitting to a real siege of Doctoring I be lieve I am about cured of what I feared would prove chronic Diarrhoea. *****-»* Am philosophically awaiting the orders of Canby or Grant to retire from the governorship, which may come at any hour -without occasioning surprise. The helm of the great Ship of State seems to be in the hands of a set of Devils and the great nation, with comparative quiet, as sents to the pilotage of these devils. We are tied here hand and foot — The folly of our hotspurs rushed us into war — and the ignoble baseness of our conquerors delights to torture us, involving all in a common ruin. If there be any sense in the great masses of the people, a proper rebuke to these devils and wretches they propose to use in executing their purposes will soon be admin istered. If not, civilization will surrender to anarchy. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 11 31 To David Heat on. Jan. 22, ISoS. Having entire confidence in vr. personal he>nijr, what- suggesting an *" i 11 ttrvicw. ever may be the difference in our views as tci the prominent political questions of the day. it has occurred to me that a confidential interview between us might result iu ijublic good. I am so much indispc^sed that I cannot leave my fireside with the approval of my physician. If you can perceive no impropriety in it, as I cannot, I shall be gratified if you will call on me at my residence this even ing or to-night, at such time as may suit you, to hear from me certain suggestions, confidentiaUy, touching pub lic affairs. I do not propose to have any friend present at such interriew — ^but am wUling and even prefer, that you bring -with you Mr. Goodloe, in whose personal honor I have implicit confidence, — or any other political friend of yours for whom you are wiUing to vouch as a gentle man. Raleigh. To David Heaton. Jan. 23/68. I regret that my indisposition forbids my leaving my fireside to-day — and hope that this -wiU be deemed suffi cient apology for troubling you by coming here on what may tum out to be of no benefit — ^but the interview is asked in perfect candor -with some hope that public good may result from it. Come over whenever it may be perfectly convenient to you — as I am confined at home and one hour is quite as convenient to me as another. Raleigh. Vol. 2—31 1138 North Carolina Historical Commission. To George Mahepeace. Raleigh, Jan. 2k/68. In the midst of my many cares (my health poor too) I am far from indifferent as to the prospects of my inter est in Cedar Falls Co. I made the investment as a re source for declining years and may possible be thrown upon it as my chief resource at no distant day. I have heard that you contemplate retiring from the management at an early day. If so, have you any one in view as a fit successor ? What are the present prospects of the company. Can a dividend be made at once without unduly crippling the resources of the Company ? Any in formation touching the present condition and the future prospects of the Company will be most thankfully received. Try to write me soon. So heavy are the responsibilities of my situation (con fined as I have been for weeks past to my fire-side by in disposition) that I cannot go into an exposition of my views of the political situation. Aly decapitation at an early day is not improbable — ^but my friends shall have no cause to blush at such event, if it occur. I look for relief, at no distant day, from the action of the Supreme Court of the U. S. — Or if this fail, from the awakening of the intelligent North to the folly of a Radi cal-Disunion Congress. Love to Lucy. Franklin^sville. To J. M. Worth. Raleigh, Jan. 2k 1868. I have written David to be sure to attend meeting at Fayetteville on the 11th proximo. I write to-day to Makepeace to get at his plans. I am not so entirely despondent as you are as to politi cal matters, though I deem it not at all improbable that I Correspondence of Jox^athan AA'orth. 1139 shall be decapitated very soon — but I have strong faith in the Supreme Court of the U. S. — and still stronger faith that the masses North will before very long crush Radical ism. Negro domination cannot long prevail. My health is not re-established — and my labors, mental and physical, very oppressive. I feel mentally competent to meet all my responsibilities — ^but scarcely have strength to conduct my responsible correspondence and attend to my duties. A little freedom from care, which I shall get at removal from office, woidd probably do more than physic to restore my health. Whether removed or not, if you return by here from F. I think I will go do-wn with you and get the benefit of a vacation and your medi cal experience. As a slight specimen of my labors I wiU ti-y to inclose you a copy of a letter I lately wrote Genl Canby which has extorted from him a manly letter of re traxit. I hope you -will read it with some pride. I am not sick enough to be a fa-wning dog. To 21. E. 2Ianly.' Raleigh, -Inn. 2k/ 68. Our military ruler is courteous enough to allow the concerning the n 1 r^ "^ -1 , 1 !¦ T 1 apnointmentofa (jovr. and Council to recommend a successor of J udge judge. Fowle. This recommendation is likely to be ratified. If we make no recommendation the vacancy will be filled by an extreme Radical, deriving his authority to act exclusively from military appointment. No native, so far as we can learn, having any pretensions to fitness, will take the teste oath. The alternative is presented to make no recommendation and thus bring on us the ap pointment of A. W. Tourgee or other villianous Radical, having no personal or professional pretensions to be a 1 Matthia.s E. Manly, of Craven, a former .Justice of the State Supreme Court. He had been elected to the United States Senate in 1865 but was not admitted. 1140 North Carolina Historical Commission. judge with ignoble malevolence towards our people: — or selection from among the Yankees who have recently set tled among us, some one less exceptionable for another. My Council meets on this matter next Friday. It is repre sented to me that Mr. Seymour of your place is among the least exceptionable of those to whose selection we are confined. Will you do me the favor to confer with my friends Clark, Haughton, and other prominent members of your bar and favor me with your views on this general question — and particularly as to the most fit man, among your acquaintances, according to your views, who would accept the appointment. [P. S.J Brevity is unavoidable with me — I am now, and have been for weeks, confined by illness to my fire side. To Kemp P. Battle. Alonday morning Jan. 26/68. offlciai^aotion'''^ Since learning that Gov. Graham is of opinion that it will be inexpedient for you or me, in case of my removal from office by military authority, to resort to any legal steps for restoration, I am clearly of opinion that we owe it to North Carolina to hold on to our positions, if we can do so without positive dishonor. If you may surrender your office and funds upon a mili tary mandate, without recourse to law, surely you may obey a mandate to surrender no part of your funds. I have arrived at the conclusion that if Canby should issue his edict, requiring you to obey the order of the Con vention, you and your bondsmen will be sunh, pecuniarily — and your official dignity and honor better preserved by a partial yielding to such order, than by a total surrender. which I shall regard as most disastrous to the best inter ests of the State. Correspondence of Jonathax' AVorth. 1141 I think, therefore, that it should be managed, without its appearing to be done by your resquest, that Canby super add his order to that of the Convention, aud that you yield obedience. I put these views iu writing because I desire to assume my full share of responsibility. If the state of the weather, in the opinion of my phy sician shaU warrant it, I will go over to my office this moming and confer with you. Appearances now forbid it. To Charles C. Clark. Raleigh, Jan. 28 ISoS. I thank you for yours of yesterday. After most diligent inquiry previous to the meeting of Concemingthe . i' appointment of a the Council of State a month ago. neither I nor any mem- J"^ Co. and refuse it to me. The party -wUl -wrangle so much in bestowdng the Sen- atorship, that I am not sure that I would stand a fair chance to beat Dockery. if a dispensation were granted to me. He voted in Dec. 1S60 an appropriation of $300,000. to arm the State, and he voted in Alay, 1861 for the Con vention, I spoke and voted against both. My position is better every way than his save that he is a Radical. I am not. I am now and always have been for the Union on the basis of the Constitution, but not for the Union Radi(5alism would force on us. The great error, in our late contest, sprang from the impatience of the old secessionists to take front seats. I do not know the exact strength of parties in the Legis lature. The conriction of the President, which I look upon as certain. wiU be lasting reproach on the nation, and will expedite the do-wnfaU of Radicalism. No honest senator can believe that the eridence warrants conviction. Washington, D. C. To C. B. 2IaUett. Raleigh, 2Iay 6th 1868. Even if the question were free from difficulty as to the Railroad matters. issue of bonds for yr. Road provided for by the late Con vention, I do not think it would be prudent for the State 1196 xNoRTH Carolina Historical Commission. Tr., for the present, to take measures for issuing them. I regard it as entirely probable that we will be suspended before the job could be consummated. If the printing of the blanks be ordered, Mr. Battle's name, under existing laws, would be engraved, and he will probably be out of office before the work could be done. Holden is now gone to AVashington and will probably succeed in getting amend ments to the re-constructions acts as will lead to the im mediate change of the State officers. The engraving and printing will cost a considerable sum and if the work should not be completed and the bonds issued before our successors come in they would be worthless. I decline to act iu the matter, at least until the result of Mr. Holden's trip to AVashington shall be known. Fayetteville. To D. B. Goodloe. May Sth 1868. I thank you for copy of your printed letter to Mr. Sum ner. I have read it with much interest. I think you establish your main point by unanswerable logic — but with my notions of the principle which controls the present Congress, I cannot hope for immediate effect on that body. Although I entirely dissent from your conclusion as to the adoption of the Howard amendment and the new State Constitution I regard your letter as in admirable contrast with the general discussions of these subjects. Raleigh. CORRESPONDEX'CE OF JONATHAN WoRTH. 1197 To James R. Doolittle.' 21 ay 11 ISOS. As we have no representative in Congress you will ex- Reconstruction. cuse my calling your attention to a matter specially affect ing the people of North Carolina, springing from the action of Congress. You wiU see that in one thing our new Constitution is free from any exception — ^to-vrit ; disfranchisement of the intelligence and wealth of the State: — but one of your sections of reconstructions acts has been construed to allow the election of a go-vr. for four years — a delegation to Con gress judges for eight years — a General Assembly, etc. in which election aU the disfranchised, under the Congres sional legislation, say 15 or 20 thousand, had no voice, the result of which is about to be that for years the State is to be ruled, in its legislative, executive and judicial de partments by officers not elected under our Constitution, but under an Act of CongTess. All the officers holding and certifying such election being appointees of the military authority of the U, S. If Congress ratify our Constitu tion, they want to set aside the election of State officers, and order a new election in confoimity with the new Con stitution. I regard all the so-called reconstruction legislation of Congress as unconstitutional, unstatesmanlike and unwise : — but surely when we have adopted a constitution in con formity -with this legislation. Congress -will allow us to elect our officers according to its provisions. Surely if the State Constitution be ratified, its future govemment ought to be by officers elected under the provisions of such Con stitution. I beg you to make an effort to set aside the election held under military auspices and congressional enactment, and Member of the Senate from Wisconsin, and an ardent supporter president Johnson. He was president of the Xational Union Con- of President Johnson vention of 1866. 1198 A'oETH Carolina Historical Commission. allow us an election as provided for under our Constitu tion. Under the infiuence of secret leagues, the intelligence of the State denied the right to vote — all required to vote on one ticket for or against the ratification of the new Constitution, and for members of the Genl. Assembly, members of Congress, judges, and County officers, it is easy to see that the election was controlled by caucus man agement. The result is that we have for Govr. one who was an original Secessionist, and who did more than any other North Carolinian to produce and foster the sectional alienation which has filled the nation with mourning; we have as one of the judges of our Supreme Court Mr. Rod man, a violent Secessionist who was a military judge in the Confederate army; — for another of said judges Mr. Dick, who was a member of our Convention which passed unanimously our ordinance of Secession — and for a third of said judges Mr. Settle, who entered the Confederate army as a Captain, and resigned when the contest waxed hot — And we have as one of our judges of Superior juris diction, A. AV. Tourgee, said to have been a Captain of a Ohio Company in the U. S. army — ^who settled in this State after the close of the war — ^who has nover had a license to practice law in this State, nor in any other State, so far as is kno-wn here. These are a few samples of the outrageous results of this mockery of an election. I do not give more because I would not weary you. If our new Constitution, forced upon us by negro votes, and disfranchisement, and secret leagues, must, be our fundamental law, is it possible that we are to be denied the privileges of electing our representatives and officers, ac cording to the provisions of this Constitution ? ! ! Genl. Canby has issued an order or written a letter to Gov. Orr that if Congress do nothing in this interim, he will order the installation of the new State officers ten days after Congress shall have ratified our Constitutions. CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JoXATHAN AA'ORTH. 1199 I had supposed this would be deferred until the Howard amendment became a part of the Constitution. Washington, D. C. new constitution. To the Editors of the National Intelligencer. 2Iay 11 1868. You will have observed that in one thing the ecw Con- ^2,".''™i«?,!HL stitution of this State contrasts favorably -\rith the Cciusti- tutions of most of the other Southem States, It disfran chises only those convicted for infamous crimes. This Constitution is ratified by the votes of those allowed to vote and is certified by the military authorities. It will doubt less be ratified by Congress. AVhen so ratified is it not obvious that the officers of the State, its legislators, etc. who hold for long terms — Our members of Congress, mem bers of the State Legislature and County officers are elected under military officers, at an election held under Congressional legislation, at which some 15,000 or 20,000 entitled to vote imder this Constitution were denied the privilege. Is it possible that Congress wUl confirm this election ? Is Holden our constitutional Govemor, elected imder mUitary auspices, and not under the Constitution? Is Rodman, a mUitary judge in our Confederate army, to be a judge of our Supreme Court for some eight or ten years — and Dick, who voted for Secession in our Conven tion of 1861 — and Settle, who was a Confederate Captain until the war waxed warm, to be judges of the same Court, by an election at which at least 15,000 of our people were not permitted to vote — the poll-keepers being military ap pointees and the result of the election verified only by military certificates ? Genl. Canby has published a letter, stating, if Congress take no further action the new functionaries will be in stalled 10 days after Congress shall have ratified our Con stitution. 1200 North Carolina Historical Commission. I am nearly in despair — In fact can see no rational ground of hope for good government in this State at any early day — but if the late election were set aside and an other election ordered under the new Constitution we would probably elect a more worthy set of officers. I would not have my name appear in the papers touch ing this matter and submit this idea to you to suggest an editorial, if you deem it worth while. Washington, D. C. to Sumner, To B. 8. Hedrick. May 11 1868. Goodioe's letter I have read with much interest Mr. Goodloe's letter to Mr. Sumner. His logick, on the main point, is answer able, save that I do not doubt that it was the purpose of Congress, that our rulers, for the present, should be men selected under the auspices of the military and under the rules of disfranchisement prescribed by Congress. They did not intend that our new Constitution should be opera tive for a few years, lest Radicalism should not be entirely dominant : and hence I have no hope that his argument will produce any results. For years partizanship has not allowed virtue, or honor, or respect for the Constitution to be in the way of the attainment of a party end: and hence I regard the hope that there may be virtue enough in a few Senators to acquit the President, in a case where there is no evidence against him, as absurd. It is under stood the verdict -will be rendered to-day. I entertain no doubt that he will be convicted, having lost all confidence in the rirtue of our rulers. In commending Mr. Goodloe's production, I must not be understood as approving his idea that we ought all to have voted for the Howard amendment or the new Constitution. AVhatever ill betides us it is fit that some of us retain self respect. I go for neither until I can be convinced that it Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth, 1201 is honorable and expedient to purchase favor by fawning. If there had been nothing else objectionable in the new Constitution, its provisions as to the Judiciary would have made me view it with horror. It is said we might hope to amend this and other objectionable features, I regard this hope as positively absurd. Nobody surrenders power. If there be any rational hope of future good govei-nment here it must be looked for in Revolution. At present the basis of our govemment is Ignorance. The dregs of so ciety hereafter rule the State. I still hope (because I am naturally hopeful) that anarchy is not to supplant civili zation, but I can give no reason for this hope. My lamps are trimmed. I expect this Congress shame lessly to remove the disabiUties of Holden, Rodman, Dick, Jenkins & Co, and to hold me, and others like me, who always desired to preserve the Union, unworthy of trust untU we become Radicals which is now the only teste of Patriotism vrith the majority of Congress. Washington, D. C. To Editors of the New Yorh World. May Ik 1868. You -wiU have seen that the so-caUed Constitution of N. concemingthenew consti tutiOD. C. lately adopted exhibits in one particular unusual Uber- aUty on the part of our negroes and their aUies. The 15,000 to 20,000 men, embracing nearly aU the property and inteUigence of the State, disfranchised by the late Disruption acts of Congress, are enfranchised — but one anomaly of our eondition may have escaped your attention. Assume that our new constitution is duly framed and rati fied and become our fundamental law. It makes the ju diciary elective by the people, negroes and all, as weU as the GDvemor and all the rest of the important officers of the State and (counties. The Governor's term is raised from two to four years — the judges elected for 8 years — Vol. 2—35 1202 North Carolina Historical Commission. but our Convention took care to cause the election for all the officers to be held, legislative, delegation to Congress and all, under the auspices of the military authority of the U. S. which denied this right of suffrage to this 15,000 to 20,000 disfranchised men. So we are, under our new Constitution, to have a govemor. Legislature, judges, dele gation in Congress, etc., not elected under the provisions of our fundamental law, but by poll-keepers appointed by Genl. Canby. They can have no evidence of their elec tion but his certificate, and we are to be ruled over for years by officers not elected under our fundamental law. Under Genl. Canby's orders each voter was required to vote on one ticket for all the officers, executive, judicial, legislative. Congressional and County, whereby each ticket embraced some 50 names. There is not one voter in 100 in the State who can tell the names of all or over one half of the men he voted for. The fitness of the persons voted for was not considered. A caucus nominated the candi dates, and the Loyal Leagues and Freeman's Bureau offi cers settled on the names to be chosen and the poor ne groes, ignorant whites and followers of the office seekers voted the ticket placed in their hands for the purpose. All honest men view with loathing these officers thus elected. A sample of the higher officers elected are — • Flolden — whose record you know — and Rodman, a strong Secessionist and military judge in the Confederate army, — Dick, who voted the State out of the Union in 1861 — Settle, who went into the Confederate army as a Captain and resigned when the contest waxed hot — ^these three are elected judges of the Supreme Court, on account of their present devotion to the negro. These are some of the least exceptionable men appointed to rule over us under the mockery of an election. I have made this hastily written letter longer than I intended. My intention was simply to call your attention to the anomily, that the officers of our new government are not elected in pursuance of its provisions but by military authority and under military supervision. CoRRESPOXDENCE OF JONATHAN AA'ORTH. 1203 I intend these as mere suggestions, but not for publica tion over mv name. To -James T. Morehead. Alay 15th 1808. It would be interesting to know what amount of the County and State taxes were paid last year by the mem bers of our late Convention and by the members of the Genl Assembly shortly to assemble. WiU you furnish me this information for your County i If you cannot an swer before I go out of office, please answer afterwards. I would like to have the same information as to each of our members elect to Congress. Greexsboro. Copy sent to each County. To B. S. Hedrich. Alay 17 186S. I am more at leisure iu this transition state of govern mental affairs than I have been at any time since I as sumed the Gubernatorial robe, and hencje find time to an swer yours of the 14th inst. You remark that "Johnson has so acted towards the Defense of Presi- 1111-11 1-1 ¦!¦ dentJohnson, men who elected him, that they are as hostile against him as they could well be." If the understanding be that the nominee of a party is thereafter to conform to the new principles his party may avow, and that he is to be deemed a traitor if he adhere to the principles he had avowed before such election, — and if his personal convictions of duty are thereafter to con form to the -will of those who elected him: Johnson is a sinner and deserves the denunciation to which vou refer: 1204 North Carolina Historical Commission. but if, after election, he may honestly stand by the prin ciples he had avowed before said election, Johnson is guilt less. He has stood firmly by his ante election and well knovsm principles. His party has changed its principles. If he was honorably bound to surrender the keeping of his con science after election to those who elected him, he is justly obnoxious to the hatred to which you refer. If he was justifiable in standing firm by his ante-election principles, he is still entitled to retain his self-esteem and the respect of mankind. If it was his- duty to make the convictions of his understanding and conscience bend to the variant re sorts of his party, he is the just subject of hatred. I hold that no one deserving the appelation of a man, is required or will submit to put his conscience in the keeping of others. I read with pride Johnson's speeches immediately preceding and in the early stages of the war. I regarded him then as a pariot, and I regard him now as a patriot, in adhering to them, and I abhor the partizans who "hate" him for manly adherence to his principles. It is so plain that it is not a debatable question among honest men, that no evidence has been adduced furnishing colorable ground of impeachment against the President, and that the House of Representatives were so conscious of this, that the prominent managers were selected to con duct the prosecution, not on account of legal learning and personal probity, but because of their eminence in buUy- ism. If the further attempt to continue this inquisition and persecution be countenanced, it will prove that all rirtue is lost.Although Fessenden and other Republicans who voted against the impeachment performed only a duty which common honesty required, we have reached a period in human affairs when the nerve to be honest, is so rare, that we are disposed to accord to them brilliant reno-wn. Moral obliguity and turpitude have become so common — CoRRESPOXDENCE OF JONATHAN AA'oRTH. 1205 we are so famiUarized with them that common honesty commands ferrid gratitude. I would not be understood as claiming more rirtue for one set of politicians than another. Partizan rage North and South, has been heretofore and is now, entirely re gardless of moral rectitude. Washingtox', D. C. To H. J. Harris. Alay 20th 1868. Yours of the ISth inst. is to hand. In riew of the extreme uncertainty resting on my of ficial existence, I perceive no means of serving you offi- ciaUy. If, in a few days, as now seems probable, new officers are to be instaUed in whose election some 15,000 or 20,000 have been denied the right to vote, who are entitied to vote under the present new Constitution, it would seem inju rious, rather than beneficial, for me to interfere. Trix'ity College, N. C. To C . K. Lenoiv. Raleigh N. C. 2Iay 22/68. I cannot answer your inquiry of 22 Jan. last. I can refer you to two instances, the one State vs. John Hex)ver. 1839, where a master was convicted for the murder of hisj slave — and the judgment of the Superior Court confirmed by the Supreme Court. Devereux & Battle's Law Re ports Yols. 3 and 4th page 365. The other State vs. Christopher Robins — 1855 Jones' Law Reports page 249. In both these cases the Supreme Court confirms the deci sion of the Court below, condemning the master for the murder of his slave. I suppose the convicts were exe- 1206 North Carolina Historical Commission. cuted, but do not know — will ascertain and report here after. I know that public sentiment here would always have required conviction in such a ease where the proof justified conviction. Of course few instances of wanton depravity would occur where a man would destroy his own property. If these criminals were not executed our Courts are not responsible. When I ascertain I will report whether they were executed — and if not, why they escaped. There may be instances of a conviction of a master for the murder of his slave. I do not remember others and have not time to make much inquiry. The moral sense of the people of this State would always have revolted at the murder of a dependent slave by his master, and juries would have as readily convicted as in any other class of murder. You will find in your State library, or other appropriate department, the cases to which I refer, the reading of which will show you the axioms of our Courts and juries touching said cases. New York City. To 8. 8. Jachson. Raleigh Alay 22/68. I inclose $5. to pay for vinegar and keg, which cost $4.50. You do not give the cost of delivery at High Pt. I suppose 50 cents will cover it. When you again have occasion to send us any thing by R. R., let it come by freight. The Express Co. charged me $1.25 for this keg. The freight train would have de livered it as safely and expeditiously at much less cost. I am quite at sea as to when Holden is to take my place — but presume it will be very soon. AsHEBORO. CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JoXATHAX AA'ORTIl. 1207 To Dr. J. Jachson. Raleigh, 2Iay 22/68. I believe the Conservatives elected to office pay much more tax than the Destructives, and my purpose is to exhibit the contrast — and to show that the poor devils, now made our rulers, have little interest in the well being of the State, so far as property is cx)ncerned, I have fumished your name to Mr, Badger, If the new officers shaU be installed under Genl, Canby's orders, I sup pose you wiU be required to take the iron-clad. If Con gress act further in the matter nobody can guess at their action -with any degree of certainty. The Supreme Court of the U> S. has held this iron-clad oath to be unconstitu tional and that Court, though demoralised, is not yet anni hilated. I would so act as not to surrender my legal rights, should it tum out that any legal rights wUl be recognized by the powers that be. I regard the late elec tion as unconstitutional and absurd. Not a civil officer of State has been elected by the electors entitled to vote under the new Constitution and not one can estabUsh his election save by military certificate — ^but it is not possible to know where the revolution is to end nor what is to be the practical result of present legislation. WniTESVILLE. To B. S. Hedrich. Raleigh, 2Iay 22 1868. We have taken no pains to show the contrast by ante- Radical methods. cedents, between the men elected in 1S65 and this year. for the reason that the Republican party has no respect for union antecedents. The only thing they respect is present adherence to Radicalism. By this teste the com parison you indicate would bring us into much greater disfavor. The men of 1865 were generally noble, patri- 1208 North Carolina Historical Commission. otic. Union men — Those of 1868 are generally ignoble inferior men having no moral principle. The men of 1865, almost universally, hate Radicalism, as all good constitutional Union men do. The latter, of whom Holden and Butler are fair specimens, — shout for Radicalism — and are embraced by Sumner, Wilson, et id omne genus. I may appeal to my whole life to show my devotion to the Union, unless my yielding to the powers that were during the Rebellion, always ready to see the Union restored and never pretending to the contrary, be absurdly held an ex ception — but Sumner, AVilson and every other Republican find no difficulty in removing the disabilities of Holden while not one of them would place me on the same footing. They are mere partizans, not patriots. I have lost all confidence in their virtue and honor. I always detested, as I do now, every thing tending to produce sectional alien ation. Hence I abhorred Secessionism, and equally abhor Republicanism, as exhibited by reconstruction Leg islation. If Congress, when they white wash Holden, would white-wash me, as his late rival and presenting Union record infinitely better, I should give them credit for some honesty. Neither Tourgee or Heaton paid any County or State tax last year. The great body of the Convention and the Radical members of the Genl Assembly, paid next to no tax for the support of the State whose guardians they are made, under Loyal League aud negro suffrage. I am col lecting authentic information on this matter and will publish it, when complete. Enough is now ascertained to show that the new order of things ignores those whose industry and prudence have given them interest in the preservation of the fruits of industry, aud gives the helms of State to the worthless carpet bagger. This is the natu ral sequent of universal negro suffrage. Washington, D. C. Correspondexce of Joxathan AVorth. 1209 From Rev. Job Berry (colored) to General Canby. Hillsboro No. Ca. 21 ay 25 1868. Genl. Canhay Honard Sir I now sit down to ask a favor of you if you please. .Asking aid for hu My sone was taken from me when he was about 10 years ' old. I being a Slave therefore I had no control over him. He was haired of from home at the close of the war. At the close of the war he went to Wilmington No. Ca quite a youth. And there he got in-to bad company, was led astray and was put in prison for five months before his trial. And beaing conricted he was sent to the work house for 2 years. He has bin there for about nine months. He was at first the body servant of the Hon. Judge Nash of HiUsboro. He has been a g(X)d boy and of a good eharactar. But after the death of the Judge he was hire- ard out in the country and got with the wild rapling low class boys in the county that he got out of a greate many of his old study and going to church ways in fact theare was not a church in 6 or 10 miles of the place that he was haired. Deare Ser you know how rouning it is to boys to be a way from theare parents so long from 10 to the age of 19. He -will be 21 one years old this July and he is my oldest sone and the only one -with a trade he is a good carpenter. I am getting advance in years and my -wife are afflicted. I have a family of 10 children but by the help of God I am trying to live I wrote to Wilmington to try to get him bailed, it was $200. to get him out but I have not got the money so by the help of God nowing that he is in your hands and if you will releace him and let him come home to me I -wUl try by the help of God to keep him withe me for I need his help. If you wish to know my charecter you will be so kind as to apply to Hon Hugh D. Waddell of Wilmington he raised me from a boy my poor boy have been sufring so long I think that he will learn a lesson to stay at home My deare Sir I hope that the Lord will en able you to consider my great disstress hoping to heare 1210 North Carolina Historical Commission. from you very soon. May the Lord bless you and keep you it is my prayers. I am sir your humble servant P. S. My sons name are Marcellus P. Berry. To William P. Fessenden.' Raleigh, Alay 26th 1867. tionsTnufe'stete! '^^^ \A^ regard I have always had for your character as a statesman and your recent exhibition of conscientious ness on the impeachment question, as N. C. is unrepre sented in Congress, are my only warrant in calling your attention to a matter of the gravest important to us. It would be useless to get a member acting in the minoi-ity to interpose in our behalf. Believing, notwithstanding the unjust obloquy now heaped upon you, that you wish to act justly and patriotically and to rest your claims for future reno-wn upon these elevated grounds, I lay before you what I deem awful grievances to the people of N. C. which can be remedied only by Congress. The reconstruction measures of Congress profess to have in view the establishment of a Civil Government in these States, looking alike to the general welfare and the future well-being of the States now excluded from par ticipation in National legislation. I assume this is the sincere purpose of Congress. Under this plan the State has formed a new Constitu tion. Is it not manifest that this new State Government ought to be administered by officers chosen in pursuance of its provisions ? Under Art 6 sec. 1 of this Constitution, a large class of our people who are denied the right to vote under these reconstruction Acts, are enfranchised. This class em- 1 Former Secretary of the Treasury and at tliis time a Senator from Maine. He was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Recon struction. CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JoXATllAX AA'ORTH. 1211 braces at least 15,000 — perhaps 20,000 of our citizens owning most of the property aud comprising the chief in telligence of the State. The new Constitution entitles this class to a voice in the State Government, but the Convention directed that the election of a Governor for four years. Judges for eight years, members of the General Assembly, members of Con gress, and aU our other inferior officers. State and County, should be elected under the present 2Iilitary Government of the State, those only being allowed to vote who were registered by the Military in pursuance of Congressional legislation. Not one of the State or County officers, whose duty it wUl be to carry out the new State Government, can show any other evidence of his election, save the certificate of Genl. Canby. If you sanction our new Constitution, is it possible you wiU put this new Govemment in operation by officjers not elected by the electors entitled to vote under its provisions ? ! ! ! I cannot suppose it possible that Congress can approve such an anomaly — not to say absurdity. This election was held by general ticket for Governor, Judges and other State officers and each voter was required to vote on the same tichet for members of CongTess, Solici tors of the Judicial Circuits, members of the General Assembly and County officers. I inclose the orthodox ticket for this County to show how this election was con ducted. This was the caucus ticket. I do not believe that one in 100 of the voters — even the white voters — can tell the names (much less the fitness, of the State officers for whom he voted: and not one in one thousand can tell the names of aU the candidates for whom he voted. Is not this a mockery of Republican Govemment. It is claimed that the restoration of the Union and the establishment of good govemment was the object of this election. It is notorious that ]\lr. Holden, by the Standard news paper which he edited, advocated Secession and that he 1212 North Carolina Historical Commission. did more than any other citizen of the State to alienate our citizens against the Union. He was a member of our Convention of 1861 and voted for the ordinance of Secession and gloried in that vote and for years reviled the prominent Union men of the North. When the tide of battle turned against the South, he changed his tone, not for the restoration of the Union, but for "peace and independence." When the war was over he claimed to be a par excellence Union man — suc ceeded in getting the President to make him Prov. Gov emor and for a time exhausted his powers of panageric on the President and his policy. At the election for Governor in 1865 the real Union men of the State, who never did and who never vrill vote for Holden, induced me to run against him. It was well known I had always opposed Secession — that as a Senator I had voted against the call of a Convention even in May 1861, after war had actually begun, and although I after wards co-operated with the South : it was well kno-wn that I desired at all times that hostilities should cease on the basis of the Constitution of the U. S. The strong Union counties of the State gave me large majorities — and very many ultra-sessionists preferred me to one who had for merly acted with them and then turned upon and reviled his old political friends. I was elected by a very large majority; and re-elected in 1866, without opposition — ^the first instance of the election of a Governor by the people of this State without opposition. I refer to this because Mr. Holden and a great majority of the Northern press have always pretended that my election was a secession triumph — whereas it was a Union triumph. This is but incidental. If I should succeed in awakening your atten tion to my main purpose, and you should for any reason desire to know more of Mr. Holden, or of me, I beg to refer you to B. S. Hedrick of the U. S. Patent Office, an honest man who knovps all about both of us. As soon as it appeared that the Congressional policy was Correspondence of Jonathax AA'orth. 1213 likely to prevail over the President's he tumed upou and reriled him and extolled Congress. His latest dem'onstra- tion is his lying and foolish telegram published in the Chronicle, that Civil war here would be the result of the acquittal of the President. This is a rapid sketch of our Civil Govemor, elected under Military authority, whom you are called upon to white-wash and prepare for the wearing of his official robe. Wm. B. Rodman, elected a Judge of the Supreme Court, was an ultra Secessionist and during the war a Military Judge in the Confederate Army, carrying out our Con script laws. These are two conspicuous instances, of which there are many minor ones, where new born fervor in favor of the Union is rewarded by high office, to the utter disgust of aU real Union men in this State, of re spectable inteUigence. Of the men elected to high office, few have any impor tant interest in the weU-being of the State; for instance A. W. Tourgee, of the U. S. Army, who settled or rather stopped in the State, after the war, is elected a Judge of the Superior Court of law. He has never practised law in this State nor had a license to practice. I have been unable to ascertain that he ever had a license to practise in the Courts of Superior jurisdic tion in any other State. He has not listed or paid one red cent of County or State tax in the County, Guilford, in which he claims citizenship. Heaton and French elected members of Congress were both late members of the Radical Convention, both recent squatters among us, did not pay a dime last year towards the expenses of the State Govemment or County police — including support of the poor. Results of like character might be enumerated ad infinitum — all the results of uni versal negro suffrage. Loyal Leagues, the Freeman's Bu reau and disfranchisement of the substantial population. In the list of persons elected are very many notoriously conspicuous for bringing on the war, negro traders, men 1214 North Carolina Historical Commission. who opposed not only negro suffrage, but were also opposed to allowing- them to testify. Most remarkable is the con trast between the result of this election and that held under the orders of the President in 1865. In the elec tion of 1865 every person elected to Congress, every one of our eleven Judges and the Govemor elect, always con scientiously opposed Secession. After war was actually in augurated and they were compelled to take sides in the conflict, they co-operated with the South. The converts from Secession to Radicalism here embrace the meanest of their party — ^but I am amplifying much more than I in tended. If our new Constitution is to be ratified by Con gress, in the name of Justice I beg that Congress annul the elections held under Military authority and allow us to elect our rulers mider our fundamental law. If we are to have Civil Government let the officers who are to carry it out, be men elected in pursuance of its provisions. AA'^ASHINGTON, D. C. To David Worth. May 26 1868. Your late letter is received. Opinions of the J regard a pretended civil government not one officer of new government. or' & which can prove his office save by Genl. Canby's certificate — and in whose election some 15,000 or 20,000 of our people, entitled to vote under this new Constitution, were denied this right, as coming exactly up to what a common sense old friend of mine, calls "compound nonsense." The judges for eight years — The Govr. for four — and every County and State officer is to hold his xiffice under an election managed by the military authority aud in which the great body of our people, having property and intelli gence, were not allowed a voice, is a fair specimen of "compound nonsense" and shameless villiany. When the great mass of grown up men, — white and black — are asked by one general ticket to elect their judges Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1215 for limited periods; and not one in one hundred can teU who he voted for — much less his fitness to fill the office, — and protection to character, property and life is mere matter of chance — but I can't dwell ou these matters — Executive duties, though I am soon to give place to my successor, crowd upon me. If you were to leave North Carolina in the hope of better government elsewhere, to what State or government would you go '. If you sacrifice the fruits of years of toil, are you sure you wUl better your condition i Mankind has always been plunging into war and other foolery. If you lived in a community where there were many negroes. I would advise you to fly. It will be a long time before ' they perish out ; and there can be no property where they exist in large numbers. They have always been savages and drones in a free state and human reason can judge of the future only by the past. In view of your age — the comforts around you and the smaU number of blach negi-oes around you, I advise you to remain where you are. It cannot be long before white negroes come to their senses. Jeffeesox. To C. K. Lenow. Raleigh. 21 ay 29 1868. I have information from the Sheriffs cif the Counties in which Hoover and Robins were convicted for the mur der of their slaves, that both of them were duly hanged. I have found these cases because they were reviewed by the Supreme Court and the evidence is indubitable. Doubtless inquiry would disclose other cases. Depravity has never got such hold here that our Courts and juries would not hang a man guUty of murdering his slave as soon as any other murdered. New York City. 1216 North Carolina Historical Commission. To W. L. Springs. June 1 1868. Our late so called Convention caused only a few copies of their Constitution to be printed in pamphlet form, those few copies were sent only to the faithful, being ac companied by an address to the people by a committee of their body urging the ratification. Not a single copy of this was sent to me. I cannot furnish you, therefore, -W'ith a copy of the instrument, unless I can find an old news-paper containing it. Not ^^^ of those who voted to ratify it had read it or heard it read. It is a disgrace to modem politics that the people are to be governed by a constitution, purporting to be ratified by them, when four- fifths of those by whose votes it was ratified, could not have read it, if they had been furnished a copy, and when not one in twenty of them was furnished a copy. By order of Genl Canby, each voter was required to vote on one tichet for or against the Constitution and for all the State and County officers. I send you a ticket. This enabled the Loyal Leaguers to put a ticket in the hands of each of the faithful. There is not one man in one hundred, even of the white voters ; and not one in ten thousand of the negro voters, who can give the names of the persons for whom he voted. Such a government can not long be respected — and I therefore recommend that you make no investment in our securities, based on the action of the Convention. While the Constitution makes the wholesome provision that the Legislature shall provide for paying the State debt, the same body authorized the issue of some five millions of State bonds, in aid of sun dry works of Internal improvement, which bonds they knew would be sold by the several companies at about half their face. They did not contemplate their payment. No debtor who promises to pay a dollar for fifty cents, intends to pay. At no distant day I hope and believe, that all the re- Correspondence of Jox-athan AA'orth. 1211 construction acts and the doings of Srate Conventions caUed in pursuance of this unconstitutional act and devil ish legislation, will be wiped out by returning national sanity. My opinion is that investments in our State stocks. es peciaUy in the bonds issued under the ordinance of our late Convention, are very insecure. Philadelphia, Pa. To B. S. Hedrich. Raleigh, N. C. June 2nd ISOS. I goto Chapel HiU tci-day with Gov. Seymour of Conn., Pouucai matters. who is to deliver the address before the Societies — and cannot find time to carry out your sensible suggestion in your letter to Major Bagley — that I present my views of a Constitution for North Carolina, looking to what is practicable and to national government. If I had time to carry out your suggestion I would make our old Constitution the basis. It looked to the protection of the non-property holder, by allowing every male, white or black, of the age of 21 years, the right to vote for a member of the Commons — provided he had paid a public tax — proving he had any interest in the weU-being of society. The voters and members of the Senate were required to own a certain quantity of lands, agi-iculture being the great interest of the State. As the concurrence of both" branches of the General Assembly was essential to the enactment of law. this scheme protected the two great ele ments of loyalty — the property, and the non-property hol der. I can never cease to admire this evidence of wis dom in the formation of our first Constitution. Had I the time to carry out your suggestion, I would make our old Constitution the basis and would not ¦Vol. 2 — 36 1218 North Carolina Historical Commission. repine one minute. I would prefer that a tax of $'5. on real-estate paid a year in advance of the elec tion should be substituted for 50 acres of land, as a quali fication of an elector for the Senate; and that a tax of $20.00 paid one year in advance of an election, to qualify a man to be elected a Senator. But, I would be content, if deemed more practical just now, with the exact pro visions of the old Constitution. The universal suffrage principle, for both branches of the law-making power, I regard as undermining civili zation. I would embrace the ordinances of our Convention of 1865, abolishing slavery — and, if necessary to make the scheme practical, the provision abolishing the war debt. This scheme would protect the recently emancipated slave. He would be placed on the same footing with white men. His rights would be fully protected by the House of Commons — and the Senate would protect the great Agricultural interests of the State. To make any scheme practical, it should conform, as near as possible, to our established idea of government. No people will readily yield to numerous and important innovations on their ancient laws and customs. Such an exhibition of respect for the government estab lished by oiir wise and patriotic ancestors would reconcile our people to Republicanism. The present plans will re- ^ suit in settled sectional hatred and damage to all the people. If there be the slightest ground to hope that party rage has so far subsided that the voice of reason may be heard, I would most gladly go to Washington, and confer with Republicans as to a compromise on the above basis. I infer, from your suggestion, that you think some rational compromise could be effected. If any be practicable I do not doubt that I might contribute essentially to effect such result and would willingly go to AVashington to add my mite. The Government being established for this Correspondence of Jonathax^ AA'orth. 1219 State is so utterly absurd, that no rational man can look to that quiet submission to it, essential to the well-being of Society — and it is scarcely possible that the Republican party can long survive on its present policy. AA'ashingtox", D. C. To Joshua L. Lee. Raleigh. June 3 1868. Yr. package of N. C. Treas. notes came to hand this morning. I am sorry to say to you that you have been misinformed. Nothing can be realised from them at present. Comrs. were appointed under an act of the last Genl. Assembly to investigate and report, what indebtedness of the State contracted during the war, ought to be paid under the ordinances of the Convention of 1865. They submitted a report, recommending the payment of certain debts — ^but there has been no session of the Assembly since the making of the report, and consequently even if the report should propose to pay a part of your notes, it will not avail you imtil ratified by a future Genl Assembly. Tt will be worth while to preserve your notes — but I fear you will never get any thing for them. How shall I re turn them to you ? You had better get some one passing to call for them and not pay express charges on them. Give my kindest regards to Airs. Kendall. I should be truly glad to see her. Thomasville. To Andrew Johnson. June Sth 1868. I see there has been no appointment made of Commis- Recommending sioners of Patents — and feeling that N. Carolina might 1220 NoETH Carolina Historical Commission. well claim some additional recognition, at the hands of the Government, in the way of appointments, I again take the liberty of suggesting and recommending to you for this appointment. Prof. B. S. Hedrick, of this State, hold ing at present the position of Examiner in that office. Prof. H. is a gentleman and a scholar of high scientific attainments, and would in every way honor the position. He is a RepubUcan, bitterly opposed to Holden, and not, I am sure, unfriendly to you. I should feel highly grati fied if you could find it consistent with the public inter ests to nominate bim to the Senate. To C. B. Mallett. Raleigh June 10th 1868. Yours of the 8th inst. is just received. I am grievously perplexed as to the issue of bonds for sundry works of Int. improvement reported to have been authorised by ordinances of the late Convention. I say "reported" because I cannot see the ordinances. They are not filed in the office of the Sec. of State. I hear that they provide that the bonds ordered shall be signed by the Govr. and Treasr — but does this mean the present "so called" Govr. and Treas. — or the incoming "loyal" officers ? The Pub. Tr., Judge Pearson, and, as I understand, the lawyers generally hold that none of these ordinances have any validity until Congress shall ratify the Consti tution, unless they be ratified by Genl. Canby. I am now in nubibu.s and quite dizzy: — will try to- recover my vision soon — and if I decide to sign the Chat- bam bonds will order the preparation of yours without delay. Fayetteville. CORRESPOX-DEX-CE OF Jox-ATHAN AA'oRTH. 1221 To B. W. Ives. June 12 1868. Yours of the 9th inst. is received asking me to use my official influence to release you from imprisonment under a decision of a Court martial in time of peace, you being a civilian. As to the merits of your case I know norhiug except ing what you represent : — and I cannot, simply upon your representation, interfere. It is not probable that I could quicken the attention of the Federal authorities to your grievance even if you presented .a proper case for my interposition. I think you have no reason to hope, save in the return of the nation to sanity. There is good reason to hope for this. Morehead City. To Charles A. Eldridge. June 15 1868. I infer from Congressional proceecUngs that the gov- ontuning condi- -,. r. -11 111 1 1 tions in the State. ernment of this State is shortly to be placed under the control of a set of officers disgusting to nearly all our people having property or reasonable inteUigence. That the negro vote, consolidated by secret societies, -with the co-operation of a few meaner whites, with the aid of Genl. Canby's general ticket order, elected nearly all the State officers and about two-thirds of the Legislature. About aU the Radicals elected as State officers, and probably a majority, (excluding negroes) elected as members of the Genl. Assembly, are excluded by the provisions of the Howard amendment and the iron-clad oath. They are expecting a dispensation, by act of Congress. Without such act their Govr. and Judges and most of their mem bers of the Legislature, Sheriffs Clerks, etc could not qualify. Will it not be well to offer an amendment grant ing the same dispensation to all persons elected ? 1222 North Carolina Historical Commission. Nearly all the respectability of the Senate belongs to the one-third of Anti-Radicals. If they are excluded (I presume not one of them would take the iron-clad oath) then two thirds of the Assembly will adopt the Howard amendment — etc. — etc. Is it the policy to give rope to these red Republicans? We would like to have a few conservatives to watch their motions. If a general pro vision be not adopted granting dispensation to. all who have been elected, we shall not have a conservative mem ber in the Assembly, so far as I know. AVashington, D. C. To Addison Coffin. June 15 1868. Yours of the Sth inst. is received, for which please ac cept my thanks. The Radicals in and out of the State have kept up such a constant succession of lies to make the impression at the North, that we are a set of devils here that I long since despaired of being able to counteract their malice, trusting to time to correct the evil — and sure of one thing — namely conscious rectitude. I have ever been ready and am still ready to vindicate the Quakers, and only regret to find many of them now sustaining such villians as Holden because he professes now to be radical and he has obtained favor with the negroes and dominant power of the nation by propagating the lie to which you refer and thousand others less pardonable. Anx^o, Iow^a. To William A. Graham. June 16 1868. Asking advice as What remedy is there for the villainous government im- to how to avoid -^ ° removal. poscd OU US ? There is no gronnd to hope that the new Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1223 Constitution can be amended excluding universal negro suft'rage, at any early day, if at all, under the provisions of 13th Art. of said Constitution. Once the new State govemment is put in operation, even if the Supreme Court of U. S, should in some case decide the re-construction acts unconstitutional, I do not see how we are to get the benefit of such decision, aU the offices of the State being fiUed by men elected under this new Constitution. So far as I know or have heard no further effort is contemplated to obstruct the new order of things, but I do not know of any sufficient reason for despairing of reUef from the Supreme Court of the U. S. Personally I prefer to re tire, but I shrink from no responsibility which duty im poses. 'When Holden shall demand of me to vacate, would you advise that I yield to the demand, with or without protest — or that I refuse to yield to it with the view of raising the question as to the constitutionality of the law under which he claims to be elected i Could I get up the question by such refusal '. If put under arrest I have no idea that any of our judiciary would relieve me on habeas corpus i I think Brooks would probably find ways to avoid action. I do not know whether I could ask Judge Chase for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, he not being in the State at the time, but suppose I could not. I would be glad to have your views touching these matters. Hillsboro. To C. B. 2Iallett. Raleigh, -June 18 1S6S. Yours of the 15th inst. is received. I presume Holden will oust me about the 1 July. I don't understand a proclamation based on an act of Con gress, which is not yet an act — but do understand, that, backed bv the miUtary, he may do what he pleases. I think he will cause the bonds to issue to vour Road. 1224 North Carolina Historical Commission. I feel personal relief at the prospect of getting clear of my anomalous responsibilities but grieve that such villains as Holden ancl his co-adjutors are made helmsmen for the good old ship of State, Fayetteville. To Edward Coningland. June 22 1868. Besides the difficulties you suggest as to the appoint ment of a judge to hold a Court of Oyer and Terminer, is the expected transition of the State government, in which case it might be held that the appointee could not hold the Court under my Commission. In view of this difficulty I have regarded it inexpedient, to limit myself to Mitchell and Buxton, now judges, and who will be judges under the new regime — and also to consult Holden to know whether he will confirm my appointment, in case he be inaugurated before the day which the judge may appoint for the holding of the Court. He answers that he will confirm my appointment if the Grenl Assembly interpose no obstacles. I send a Commission to Judge Mitchell to hold the Court, and have notified him of your suggestion that he fix on the 1st Monday of July as the time when the Court will be opened. You know the judge appoints the day. Halifax. To II. G. Leisering. June 30 1868. oSs*''"'^"^"' Soon after you left I got a few of the Radical tickets for the ratification of the State Constitution and election of State and County officers. I inclose one. This election was held by poll-keepers appointed by Genl. Canby. I officially asked him to appoint one man CoRRESPOXDENCE OF JONATHAN WoRTH. 1225 to be designated by the party oppcise'l to tbe ratification of the Constitution to supervise and see the votes counted at each precinct. He declined to grant my request. Many of the poU keepers were candidates. Three of the members elect to Congress, French, Heaton and Deweese, are carpet baggers and did not pay a cent of tax for Srate or County purf)Oses last year, Menninger and Ashley are carpet baggers, having no interest in the weU-being of State. Coleman stands in dicted in his County, Cabarrus, for an attempt to commit a rape on a negro woman, the -wife of a negro. .lenkins was a negro trader. Rcubnan was a violent Secessionist and served as militai-y judge in the Confederate army. Dick was a member of the Convention which voted that .State out of the Union. Settle was a Captain in the Con federate army — ^who resigned his commission when the fight waxed hot — E. G. Reade was a -Senator in the Con federate Congress. Most of the elected Judges of the Supr. Courts are men without reputation as lawyers — and Tourgee — carpet bagger — ^never practised law in this State — or elsewhere, so far a- is known here. Philadelphia, Pa. To General Canby. Raleigh July 2nd 186S. I know of no principle of Constitutional law which restrains a State from taxing the income of its citizens, no matter from what source derived. I think a law taxing specially income derived from U. S, bonds would be un constitutional, as placing the State in antagonism to the United States. I am unable to refer you to any adjudication touching thi- point, but entertain un doubt to the right of the State to tax the general income of a citizen, including income derived from untaxable U. S. bonds and all other sources. ] 226 North Carolina Historical Commission. I do not know whether you expect an answer from you, since you removed me from office, but answer for what it may be worth. To J. P. Andrews. Raleigh. July kth 1868. parfin^lmth'of Major Bagley informed me yesterday evening that July celebration. ^^^ j^^^ mentioned to him that it was desirable to you to know whether I accepted your invitation to join in the ceremonies of this National Anniversary. It had not oc curred to me that you expected an answer to your invi tation. I would most -willingly have joined in the proposed ceremonies if satisfied that the proceedings contemplated held no connection with partizan politics. The inquiries I have made have led me to believe that the prominent features in the programme of the day are intended rather as a party ovation, than the celebration of a National epoch, and being unwdlling to desecrate the day by con necting its festivities with party passion and feeling I decline to accept your invitation. Raleigh. To John Baxter. Raleigh, July 13 1868. * * * * * * * Hurrah for Seymour and Blair. Believing that it is al ways expedient to do right I would have preferred the nomination of Andrew Johnson and J. Q. Adams, but will support -with zeal any body opposed to Radicalism. Gov. Holden is still himself. He appoints Genl. Lafii'n, a miserable carpet bag fop without property or intelli gence and no sympathy with us, to represent N. C's in- Correspondence of Jox'athan Worth. 122'i terest in N. C. R. Rs. All his nominations are character istic. Knoxville, Tenn. To Frank B. Goddard. Raleigh, N. C. Jidy 1.3th ISOS. Yours of the 10th inst. addressed to me as Gov. of N. C. 2'"°?''^''?"^^tion about Xorth finds me disrobed of office under the military power ex- Carolina. ercised by the fraction of the Congress, contemplated by the Constitution of the U. S., and I am in some doubt whether you desire the letter from me, or the Gentleman now claiming to be Go-vr. of N. C. If my answer which I inclose shaU not serve your purpose, you can cast it aside and ask Govr. Holden to supply the information desired. The partizan representation which foreigners or Yan kees who come to settle among us as permanent citizens, where they treat us respectfully and do not make it too conspicuous that they come among us to seek the offices, and to rule over us by catering to the prejudices and pas sions of the poor negro, is a slander on us. In every lo- caUty in the State we receive with hospitable cordiality every worthy immigrant who comes to settle among us. The best of our people detest the professing Generals, Colonels, etc. who pay no taxes here but get into the best offices by the votes of the negroes and our base natives -who seek office by the same ignoble means. The bona fide settler who comes here to improve his condition and thus benefit the State is every where received with cordiality. The deUghtful and healthy climate, the fertility and cheapness of our lands, Dur inriting mineral resources and the universal anxiety of the majority of our people to- have immigrants come among us to improve and de velop our resources are thus far unproductive — few im migrants come here, because partizan representations have 1228 North Carolina Historical Commission. made the false impression that we are a set of savages. North Carolina can boldly challenge comparison of her statisticks of crime and the purity of her judiciary and other civil institutions, as primarily continued, -with any other State -of America, or any other Country. It would be untrue to represent that the great body of our popu lation is content with our government [Line illegible] in which every [illegible] purporting to be a civil govern ment. The Govr. of the State holds his commission from a Major Genl of the U. S. Army. Such is the case now from the Governor downwards. We have seven members of Congress. Three of them — French, Heaton and Deweese, found their way here since the war as professing officers of the U. S. Not one of them contributed a dime last year in support of the State govemment or the poor. We hope this state of political affairs which places government in the hands of the ig norant and ignoble, will be corrected. If this shall hap pen, I doubt whether any clime can be found offering more attractions to an honest and industrious immigrant than North Carolina. The State has a University at which were educated Thos. H. Benton, James K. Polk, and many others who have held high places in the Government service. A Lunatick and Deaf and Dumb Asylum admirably con ducted up to this time, -^rith spacious and commodious buildings. The present dominant party here suspended the operations of the University, removed the supt. of the asylum for lunatics, and changed the Directory of all these institutions, hitherto under the discretion of the best educated and most virtuous of our population, and put in power over them mere partizans, among them a recent immigrant negro — every one of them distin guished, not for learning and probity, but for zeal as a Radical. A truthful exhibit of all the facts tending to enlighten those who may think of settling in this State, demands. Correspondence or Jonathan AA'orth. 1229 as I think, this exiiosition of our political conditiou, but if you deem it expedient you may omit this part of my narrative. The two printed documents I send you, both prepared under my ausjiices, may be relied on as entirely authentic. Any amount of land, in the sandy portion of the State, which is peculiarly suitable for the culture of the scupper- nong grape — and which is generaUy very salulnious, may be bought at from $1. to $2, per acre. New York City. To W. AI. Robbins. Raleigh July 16 1808. I send you a report which I made to the Legislature in 1S6T and reeiuest you to read it. It was submitted at a time of great political excitement and about the close of the session and received little or no attention. It contained a report upon the facts set forth touching the interest of the State in the C. F. and Deep River project. The report was that the whole interest of the State had been sold [illegible] transferred to the Deep River transportation Co. [Several lines are here illeg ible.] It was a deed signed only by Govr. Yance and myself. The facts of its not being signed by our Direc tory [Several lines are illegible]. Nothing was left ex cept the machinery of two [illegible], a pump at Wilming ton and the decayed locks, etc. [illegible]. The pump, which cost S1250. ; and for the storage of which an enor mous bill is accumulated, and the franchise of the boats StiU belong to the Co. I had no authority to do any thing -with them. As the base of aU the lines remains firm, I thought the franchise ought to be sold. If it brought only a nominal sum and the main line was perfected; much benefit would result to the State — and I had reason to hope that 1230 North Carolina Historical Commission. the northern proprietors of the Eg-ypt Coal mine with others whom they might operate upon might buy the fran chise, and perfect the navigation. It is worth trying, and as the work is not likely to be forwarded by the State and in its present condition is not only worthless but a nui sance. These fragments of State property — the pump and the boat engine are worth nothing. Nobody has now any control over them. But the main idea of the report was the development of the Iron and Coal of Deep River by locating a peniten tiary there. The principal idea was to make the dam the State had built avail them in construction of the Peni tentiary. [Line illegible.] R. R. would employ the con victs in excavating the coal and iron ore and in melting up and iu manufacturing the iron ore. The feasibility of the idea, then altogether theoretical, has been confirmed by subsequent information, as to the practicability of einploying convicts. After the date of this report I sent the State Geologist to examine the state of the land, the prospects of coal and iron and the most eligible site for a penetentiary to carry out my views. His written report on file represents Lockville, as the most eligible site for a Penitentiary. At this point is a dam and water power of the most sub stantial character. It is on the line of the Chatham R. R. which I suppose will soon be completed. There is abundant material of sandstone on the river for the erec tion of the proper buildings, etc. I regard it as quite possible to make the location of our Penitentiary at Lockville, not only accomplish the chief object of punishing criminals, but developing the coal and iron of Deep River — supplying to our R. Rs. the car wheels and rails, etc. required, and making avail able to some extent the expenditures of the State in building the dams on Deep River. If these views strike you as of any value I will gladly CoRRESPOXDENCE OF JoX'ATHAN WoR'TH. 1231 aid you in any way I can in making them available to our State. Deplorable as is the condition of our State I would sti-uggle to the last to renovate her prosperity and save her from the degradation which the present ignoble rulers seem to be providing for her — and knowing that you concur -with me in these views, I make you these suggestions, hoping you may turn them to some accoimt. The report I send you is the only one I have. Notwith standing the neglect of the Genl. Assembly, I regard it as a respectable feature of my administration — and when you shaU have considered its suggestions, I will be obUged to you to return it to me. To Rev. S. S. Ashley.' Raleigh July 16th 1868. I received to-day your communication of the 13th inst. covering resolution of the Board of Education, of the 9th inst., authorising you to receive from me "all books, papers and aU other property of the Literary Board that may be in my possession. This resolution seems to be based on the idea that I have in my possession some of the books, papers, or other property of the Literary Board. On surrendering my office as Executive of the State, aU such 'Hbooks, papers and other property" were left in their appropriate place in the capitol, and I am surprised at a resolution which assumes that I retain any of them in my possession. If you need assistance in finding them, my late private Secy., Major Bagley, will give all necessary information, if called upon for this purpose : but as they are methodi cally arranged in the capitol I suppose the resolution is 1 .Superintendent of Public Instruction of North Carolina, a native of Massachusetts, and later one of the most despised of the "earpet- bai'gers." He had been a member of the convention of 1868. 1232 North Carolina Historical Commission. predicated on the assumption that I retain some of these documents in my possession. I cannot imagine on what this mistaken assumption is based. Raleigh, N. C. To William W. Holden. Raleigh July 16/68. I inclose memorial of Protest of Kentucky, transmitted to me to be laid before the Legislature of North Caro lina. There has been no session of the Genl. Assembly after the date of this protest, to which I could transmit the same. I place them in your hands to do with them what you deem proper. To Colonel W. G. Moore. Raleigh, July 16 1868. Recommending I am Very soUcitous for the pardon of the persons men- certain pardons. , , , \ tioned in your late communication. I am not personaUy acquainted with them and am influenced only by what I deem justice. Owing to the multitude of the Presi dent's cares I fear he has not read my letter. I hope you will not feel that I am imposing too much in asking you to exert yourself in the matter and get the Presi dent's attention dra-wn to it. [The next few lines are illegible.] He has appointed as Trustees of the Univer sity and Directors of the Asylums for the Insane and the Deaf and Dumb, a miserable set of carpet baggers, ne groes and baser natives. We managed to keep up through the war and since, our University and Asylums. Hith erto our men most distinguished for virtue and learning and intelligence have guided their operations. The ope rations of the University are suspended by an edict of Correspondence of Jonathan AVorth. 1233 our Scalawag Govr. and his aUies. The old Supt. of the Lunatic Asylum who has most acceptably filled the place from the foundation of the institution is remnved and a miserable scalawag, distingu^hed for nothing save hi^ fervor as a Confederate officer while our army were suc cessful, and ignoble subserviency since to our conquerors, is his succes;or. Oh my country 1 1 Holden has even is sued an order displacing the Mayor and other municipal officers of the City and iDutting in their place a set of poor derils of his stripe. Our Mayor refused to recognize his authority and an appeal went up to Massa Cauby who refused to act until the parties were more fully heard. He still claims to be arbiter — but shows more sense than common in ilesiring to hear both sides before deciding. I do not doubt that hi- sub-ervient tCMils. called the Genl Assembly, will furnish Holden with a military f jrce corresponding to Bro-wnlow's and that the fate of Tennessee awaits us. Washixgtox-, D. C. To Dr. AI. A. Jobe. Raleigh July IS OS. NeiU McKay who sends the within is a very intelligent and prominent citizen of Harnett — has represented his County several time5 in the Genl. A--embly — was State solicitor for his judicial circuit imder the old dynasty — and was re^-elected under the new — and the other peti tioners are men of high standing iu Harnett. I earnestly commend their sugge-tiou« to your favorable considera tion, there being so far as I know, no other community suffering so badlv for want of mail facilities. Vol. 2—37 1234 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Calvin Graves. July 27 1867. Your communication has been forwarded to Dr. John with endorsement from me likely to secure immediate action. I thank you for the expressions of approval of my efforts to discharge the embarrassing duties of my posi tion. I am sure you can appreciate them. I am con stantly drifting between Scylla and Charybdis. It is diffi cult indeed to guide the shattered bark [without ?] a word from an intelligent member of the crew, especially amidst the continuous cries of many who seem willing to see the vessel go to pieces, in the hope of enriching, themselves of the wreck. To W. W. Holden. Raleigh, July 28 1868. P^itentiary ^^g stated in the vrithin letter from Mr. Wiggins, at the instance, or rather by the order of Genl. Sickles, I summoned Mr. Wiggins, R. Y. McAden and J. C. Har per, Air. Harper being then Chm of the House branch of the joint committee on Finance, Mr. Wiggins Chm of the Senate branch and Mr. McAden Speaker of the House of Commons, who together with the Public Treasurer and myself, as a board, were directed by this order No. 114, to consider and report upon the expediency, practica bility and cost of providing a suitable temporary place of confinement for prisoners undergoing sentence for felony, etc. We were directed "In determining the loca tion to take" into consideration the probable erection hereafter of a permanent Penitentiary and the employ ment of the prisoners in mining, or other works on metals, quarrying marble, brick making, or manufactures, whereby the Penitentiary may be self supporting and the convicts taught some useful art". CORRESPOX^DEXCE OF JoXATHAN WoRTH. 1235 Each of those genilemen attended one day upon my summons. AVe considered that we had not the accurate personal knowledge to enable us to answer satisfactorily this wide range of inquiry: and after direcrting a circu lar to be sent to our Sheriffs to ascertain the number of felons confined in their respective jails — the length of their imprisonment, etc: and requesting the State Geolo gist to examine and report to us the condition of the dams belonging to the State on Deep River with the view to use this water power to drive the machinery needful in a Penitentiary; and the probabiUties of obtaining iron and coal in the ricinity. and employing the convicts in mining for the same, etc. we adjourned. I have no au thority to draw a draft to pay these gentlemen and they were paid nothing. Before a report was received from the State Geologist and the Sheriffs. Genl. Sickles was removed; and as I had no authority to pay either per diem or expenses to the members of the board, I did not again assemble them. The State Geologist made a report which is on file in your office and most of the Sheriffs, (perhaps aU of them), responded to our inquiries. These answers are also on file in your office, and certainly -with the report of the State Geologist much useful information touch ing the subject. I think these gentlemen ought to be paid, and that the information we coUected ought to be submitted to the Genl Assembly, or at least to the Committee on the Peni tentiary question. To W. W. Holden. Raleigh, July 29th 186S. It is known to you and the public that upon the occu- Account ..f repairs pation of this city by the military forces of the United States, the Governor's mansion was made the Head Quar- 1236 North Carolina Historical Commission. ters of Gen. Sherman, and that his successors at this military post, continued to occupy the same until the latter part of the year 1867, and that during this occu pation the furnishings all disappeared, and the property was otherwise very greatly damaged. Immediately after the Genl. Assembly in 186Y made an appropriation of $5000. to repair the mansion and supply needful furniture, nearly all of which had dis appeared, I applied to Genl. Sickles for possession of the property. After much delay it was surrendered to me in July 1867. The Genl Assembly contemplated that I would make the mansion my residence as soon as it could be made habitable by needful repairs, and proper furniture should be supplied. It was supposed that the government of the United States would pay rent for its occupation, at least after the President's proclamation that peace was restored; and as the law provided that the Govemor, in addition to his salary, should be supplied with a resi dence, the Governor was authorised to apply for such rent, and to apply the same when received to his own use, to reimburse him for supplying his own residence. My efforts to get rent have been thus far ineffectual. The Quarter Master here upon my application, reported what would be a reasonable rent, but the Quarter Alaster Genl, refused to pay rent for State property occupied by the military. From this decision I appealed to the Secretary of War. This appeal was made preceding the efforts of the President to remove Mr. Stanton as Secre tary of AA'ar, and I have had no response. My corre spondence on the subject will be found on file. I have received nothing- for rent. The repairs required consisted of the building of a new barn, which had been entirely destroyed while in possession of the military — the re-fencing of the grounds, new roofs over the principal buildings, re-papering the interior walls, re-painting, masonry, etc. I could make Correspondence of Jonathax' AVorth. 123'/ no discreet contract by the job for this various work. I therefore employed M. B. Royster, of this city, — a gen tleman every way competent, to buy material, hire labor and execute the repairs under my direction. I agTeed to pay him $2.50 per day. He has performed his duties, as I think, with remarkable judgment, fidelity and econ omy, and I am now ready to exhibit his account accom panied by vouchers, to any committee of the Genl As sembly appointed to receive the same. The whole appro priation has been expended in repairs; leaving nothing for the purchase of new furniture. The wall paper was purchased at wholesale prices in New York — and Mr. W. T. Clemson, of this city, em ployed to paper the waUs. Towards the wind up of the papering, Mr. Clemson informed me there was a small deficiency of paper, which, upon my request, he supplied, amounting, as by his bills filed with me, to $29.10 — and Mr. Royster's account, also filed with me, with accom panying vouchers, shows a balance in his hands of $7.75, which I have directed him to pay over to Mr. Clemson, which wiU reduce the amount due Mr. Clemson to $21.35 for the payment of which I hope the Genl Assembly will make provision. I collected and preserved what furniture I could find, which I will surrender to you on application. I drew the $5000. as follows — For repairs of fumiture 69.30 For purchase of wall paper 668.86 Drafts in favor of M. B. Royster as follows: Sept. Sth 1S67 1000.00 Oct. 25 •• 1500.011 Jan. 17 1S68 1761. ^^4 5000.00 1238 North Carolina Historical Commissiox-^. From B. G. Worih. New York Aug 1/68. The deed is reported all right and Clerk says it will be registered and returned to us soon. I have letter from Baxter in which he says he will coucur in a sale if one can be made. I have not yet struck the right man to take it in hand and sell it, but think I can when the way is all clear about title, etc. I am disgusted and alarmed at the desperate course pursued by your successor. The present rule is ruin certain aud if Seymour and Blair sweep the country and Reconstruction is all reverted and upset — may we not have civil strife in its most terrible form. The contest will be heated and the Democracy certainly has the inside track this far. You may look out for this State. You will agree with me in my esti mate of our Brooklyn Lawyer Henry D. Murphy who drew the Platform. He is a noble man and in his Sterling Sense, and moderation presents to my mind much such talents as I have always attributed to you. I did not speak of him however with a view of wedging in a com- plim.ent to you. I am proud of him as a citizen of Con servative Brooklyn. From J. Henry Foust. Reed Creek, N. C. August 19th, 1868. Our county has just had a visit from you, her most honored son, and many a heart has felt a thrill of glad ness in clasping you by the hand and in listening to the tones of your voice which has ever been raised in de fence of the rights and interests of your constituents. I, myself, can testify to such a feeling, and having inherited from my late lamented father a measure of his implicit confidence in you, I can as far as my immature judgment CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JoXATHAN AA'ORTH. 1239 and faculties are capable, appreciate the unselfish devo tion you have always exhibited, and your arduous labors in behalf of constitutional liberty — the priceless legacy of an illustrious ancestry. And altho' I am painfully impressed with the idea that some few of your old friends in Randolph, from wide estrangement in political views, no longer regard you as such; still, I hope and believe, that during your brief stay amongst us, you found many, aye, most of us to be personally, if not politically, your staunch, unchanging friends. And as regards the former class, a reflection comes up and I am prompted to inquire. Where are they going! Our countryman; our Ex-Gov ernor stands on the sound platform that he did when they left him seven years ago and aided in breaking up the Govemment, and now we find them drifting in a channel which diverges stiU more widely from his, and we repeat with emphasis and anxiety — where are they going! God grant that it may not be to the same dread realities which have once faUen to our lot. I hope, sir, that you may enjoy in quiet, the blessing which health, prosperity, influence, and a devoted family are able to bestow. Under ordinary circumstances I would not presume to trespass thus on your patience, but remembering from your own declaration that you are somewhat at leisure, and having had old recollections forcibly brought up by your presence amongst us, I am constrained to indulge in the foregoing and trust that you -will not misconstrue my motives, feeling and know ing as you must, the high estimation in which you are held by all the good people of North Carolina. And I am confldent that were my father living, he would con cur with you in the line of policy to which you adhere, and would heartily endorse the principles of the con servative party. Personally my aims for life have not as yet been definitely fixed. With an incomplete edu cation and contracted means I find myself unable to pur sue the specific course ir.teuded for me; but have never 1240 North Carolina Historical Commission. despaired of being able to enter my chosen profession (Law) even if I have to do so under the difficulties, which, from the present standpoint, loom up before me, and I think it wholly impracticable for me to continue my col legiate course now, and have thought lately of teaching, which will, I believe, tend to further my plans more rap idly than the business in which I have recently been engaged. Any suggestion which may be prompted by your ripe Judgment and wide experience, and any counsel and encouragement which you may give will be duly appre ciated. I don't know of any local news which will in terest you. My brother returned a few days since from a visit to Mr. Win. Long and reports that he is in a fair way for recovery. His health and faculties are rapidly restoring and his family entertain lively a hope of his recovery. Our district clubs are organizing. AA'e have a meeting in Franklinsville Saturday for that purpose — Expect Mr. Robins down. Our corn is looking fine and warrants our anticipation of a bountiful crop. The fam ily are all well. Sister Emma has gone to live with Sal- lie at her home in Pitt Co. 'islj regards to your family. To Josiah Turner. Raleigh, Aug. 20 1868. con^eSnii''''^ *^^ ^^ '^^^.^' ^^me from Asheboro I spent two days nominations. ^^i^h my sou-ln-law J. J. Jacksou at Pittsboro. A num ber of gentle-men there urged me to accept a nomination to run for Congress against Deweese. In reflecting on it since I am of opinion that I could be elected over him, and being entirely out of business I think I would not decline the nomination if the district convention should tender it to me — but I think — I do not hnow — that Mr. Pell will not favor it. — He prefers, as I think, the nomi- CORRESPOX-DEXCE OF JoN^ATHAN AA'oRTH. 1241 nation of Mr. Argo or some other candidate, not barred by the Howard amendment, and I regard it as probable that the nomination will be very likely to be much in fluenced by his views and I fear will result in the re election of Deweese. The floating vote consists of the old Union men and negroes, many of whom would vote for me and will not vote for a new man. I would be very far from accepting the nomination if a man more likely to be available shall be suggested. It seems to me that either you or I would be the most available man in the district, and if you would like to have the nomi nation I wiU most willingly further your wishes. Think of this and let me hear from you. If you think proper consult with Gov. Graham aud any other reliable persons and let me hear from you. Unless there shall be good men suggested for this, I think there is much danger that primary Democracy will run us into the error we committed in the nomination for Govr. and Lt. Gov. [P. S.] — I don't believe AVilliams, who desires the nomination, would do at aU. Would it not be well for Orange to give the ball a start in the right direction. If it starts here it will probably start wrong. Hillsboro. To A. S. 2Ierrimon. Raleigh. Aug. 21/ OS. I have had about enough respite from business and am casting around for something to keep me busy. When at the bar I was well known to the principal mercantile houses in the Northem cities, doing business with North Carolina, and had a reputation which gave me much lucrative business in the collecting line. If I were to resume practice in the several Courts and in the Supreme Court I am persuaded claims iu all parts of the State 1242 North Carolina Historical Commission. would be confided to me. It has occurred to me that you and I might form a law partnership here mutually bene ficial, my part of the business being chiefly office business. I submit the suggestion for your consideration. Mr. Swepson, when I last saw him, was meditating the plan of getting up here a Savings Bank, on a large scale and oft'ering me the Presidency — And many per sons in this Congressional district are urging my name as the most available candidate against Deweese. I must go into something which will yield me some income and am considering of these several projects. I write simply to present the project of a law partner ship with you for your consideration. I now think I would prefer it to any other plan of business which has occurred to me. I think I could be elected over Deweese, and doubt w^hether any other name can be used, so likely to suc ceed — but several young men — ^Williams — Argo and oth ers seek the nomination and would probably be active, while I shall be passive — and would not accept unless there shall be unanimity in the call on me. I would pre fer the proposed partnership with you to a seat in Con gress, but feel that I ought not to refuse the use of my name to beat Deweese, if our friends should be unanimous in their call on me — ^which I deem improbable. The democrats will prefer an original Democrat over me, if they deem themselves strong enough. Asheville. To Montgomery Blair. Raleigh, Aug. 2kth 1868. Political condi- I have recently travelled in my own conveyance over tions in the State. •' . . '' .,.,. several of the Counties in this State where 'radicalism has taken strongest hold and made four public addresses in some places — and from my intercourse with the people and every other source of information, I entertain no Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 12'! 3 doubt that a large majority, will vote for Seymour anel Blair. But we know that Holden and his minions will appoint base men as poll-keepers at nearly every precinct and his special militia will if possible be used to overawe the timid: but in view of the fact that now, and in 1S65 when I ran against Holden for Govr. every judge of our Courts — every Justice of the Peace, municipal or R. R. officer, and every other State officer, including sheriffs and constables, is a radical aud wiU exert his influence to sus tain the power under which he holds office, we contend against immense odds and feel intense anxiety. Through the agency of our members of Congress and other means the State will be flooded with Radical documents, while we are so poor that we can't supply counter dcxMunents. We have the speaking talent which wiU be exerted as far as possible. AVe are so impoverished that few men can afford to pay travelling expenses of going from point to point to make addresses, while the unscrupulous men have charge of our R. Rs. will give free tickets to the scalawag orators, domestic and foreign. If we had money we could use it in many legitimate ways with great effect. One of these ways would be sending campaign news-papers to many persons likely to be influenced by correct in formation. Another would be the paying of the traveling- expenses of speakers such as Govr. A'ance and many others I could name. The money cannot be raised among us. The object of this letter is to ask you if some money can not be raised for us among our Northern friends. Our people . are becoming thoroughly aroused and de termined to shake off the Tyranny which oppresses us — and I feel confident we shall carry the election even with out money — with such aid as I hope may be extended to us from our Northern friends. I am certain we can suc ceed. Any sum which may be sent to me for this pur pose I will undertake to see used in the most efficient May to accomplish the end. Washix-^CxTon, D. C. 1244 North Carolina Historical Commission. From W. T. Dortch and G. V. Strong to W. E. Pell. Goldsboro, N. C, August 2k- 1868. AA'e enclose fifty dollars partial advancement of Gov. AA'orth's expenses to AA'ashington, and the letter to him, in response to yours of Friday last. We regret that m'c could not send it yesterday — hope, however, it is not too late. Yours, etc., AV. T. Dortch. Geo. A^. Strong. [P. S.] — We can raise more if you think we should. For the sake of secrecy M-e have only approached a few reliable citizens. From Citizens of Goldsboro. Goldsboro, N. C. Aug. 2kth 1868. Asidng the The citizcus of this vicinity are under apprehensions removal of negro . "^ . troops. for the peace and quiet of this region of the State, in consequence of the concentration of the 40 th Reg. of U. S. colored troops at this point, and would be gratified if you can go to Washington and prevail on the President to cause their removal. AA'e apprehend difficulties in con sequence of the action of the Legislature and Gov. Holden. Many of the colored people desire to vote with us, but are overaw^ed by the colored troops and are in fear of their lives if they cast their suffrages with us. AA^e M^ould be pleased to have any number of white troops among us, and believe their presence would tend to preserve the peace. AA'e make these representations in behalf of the good people of this section of the State, who are for order and a free, unbiased, election. You are possessed of full in- CoRRESPOX'DENCE OF JoXATHAX"^ WoRTH. 1245 formation of the condition of affair> in our State, aud consequently we deem it unnecessary to say lunre. Yery truly yours, AVm, T. Dortch Stephex AA'. IsLER L. AA'. Humphrey Gec>rge A'. Stroxg. From Y'illiam Clarh. Economy Wayne Co. [Ixdiaxa] Sth mo. 28/68. It has bin so long since I heard anything from thee, there has bin so many changes and revolutions in your State since I last heard from thee Mhich if I remember right (not having thy letter before) was just before the Election for your Govemor Congress members, etc, Mhich resulted in quite a change of your rulers (it may be I had better say your office holders) as judging from what we hear the same party that has heretofore held the office- StiU to a large extent rules. I have bad nothiug from any reliable source in regard to political affairs except what your newspapers give which is not always reliable how does your people feel in regard to the nominations of the two parties for president how will N. C vote in the fall Elections. What is thee ingaged in and what is thy prospects for the future how is thy health and that of Aunt Alatitia and all the children, we would like ex ceedingly weU to see you all Louisa and I had some little notion of visiting you this Fall but have about given it out, as part of my object wa= to look after my old debts there and from what I hear I could uot collect enough to pay the expence of the trip so that I guess we shaU have to abandone it I leam that some 4 or 5 thousand have availed themselves of the benefit of the bankrupt law in N. C. and amongst them many of my old customers have 1246 North Carolina Historical Commission. gone under. I was glad to hear, Addison had bin able to clear up all his securities from any liabilities on his ac count. I would be very glad to hear of Addisons recover ing and making money, how is Milton suckceeding in his mining enterprise. How is your crops in N. C. the crops in the west are good and with some little prospect of a foreign demand we are looking for fair prices, so that if it was not for our everlasting extravigance and pride in our Country would improve rapidly in that that might be useful but we have abundance of that here to the neglect of those important persuits. Our family are well except Bazilla who has bin a little under the weather for the last day or two we have had a remarkably healthy summer until within the last week or two there is con siderable sickness Jonathan is going night and day the last tM'o weeks. Will you ever get the Rail Road through from Fayetteville to High point it is most surprising to us how the build R. Roads through this Country they get up a railroad project here and in two or three years it is in operation there are many miles of R. Road built here every year so that there are not many points in the state but what are comparatively easy of access by Rail. I suppose though there has never bin in the world a rail Road that has bin put through as the one now build ing through to the Pacific that they now think will be finished iu 1869 I saw today in one of our papers that they had something over 2000 hands imployed and in additions to that many kinds of machinery for the prosi- cution of the work. We have had an exceedingly hot summer more so than any for the last 30 years so say our men -^vho keep the record. I felt it to be more oppressive than anything I had ever experienced. We had a letter from Archibald Worth some time back saying he ex pected to take him a southem wife some time soon and talked of paying us a visit how^ is the thing progressing we would be glad to have the visit. I sat down to write to thee without having anything to write so that it will CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JONATHAN WoRTH. 1207 not be interesting of course so I conclude and remain most .affectionately thy brother. [P S.J — I woiUd like to hear from thee at thy con venience. To ' Raleigh Sept. .30/08. * * * * * * ~ from the mUitary yoke which the North imposes on us. The South eridently now desires peace and fraternity on the basis of the Constitution of the United States aud the North should" leam wisdom from the parable of the father and his prodigal son. Our condition is deplorable enough and continually growing worse — to satisfy the malevolence of the Devil himself and it is as unchristian as it is unstatesmanlike to continue the course which will inevitably result in intensifying sectional hate and to pile up burthens upon those who thus seek to govern us. To ^^'illiarn Cl'rrk. Raleigh Oct. 1 180S. * -^ * * * * * Br. Milton has reached rich ore in the Hoover mine and is in high spirits as I leam from Sam Jackson who was here yesterday. I regard it as about certain that North Carolina will Monacal forecasts. vote for Sevmour, notwithstanding the negro vote and the immense influence of Holden's patronage, who has fiUed every office in the Rail Roads and every civil office under the State and the municipal corporations, with his creatures. 1 First page of letter illegible. 1248 North Carolina Historical Commission. If Grant be elected there is no hope of a change in the policy of the government. The army must be kept up to the present strength, and the present incredible burthens of taxation must be increased instead of diminished — ancl the bitterness increased, which is always the result of military domination. Every body at the South desires peace aud fraternity with the North and is ready to sub mit to the laws of the United States, enacted in con formity with the Constitution, and every body having the instincts of a man, detests a government, which, by the sword and the negro votes, elevates over us a Holden and his vile followers. The present policy of the United States is that so long persisted in by England towards Ireland, which has kept up, by an inflexible law of human nature, for many centuries, the undying hatred of every Irishman towards England and has made Ireland a bur then upon the body politic. By the same law of nature. Northern policy will make the South as hostile to the North as is Ireland towards England, and you will hold us as a burthensome appendage, an enormous burthen upon the national treasury, by keeping up here at all times, as at present, a great national army. The election of Grant is a continuance of present policy — a retaining of your provinces in subjection by the_sword at enormous expense to the whole nation. The policy of Seymour -would hold the parts together by fraternal concord — ^would cut down the army and navy — and enormously diminish the public taxes. I pray you to apply the principles so touchingly taught in the parable of the father and his prodigal son, to our national condition. Ecox'OMY, Indiana. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1249 To Lewis ir. Worth. Raleigh, Oct. k ISOS. I thank you for your letter of the IGth ult, covering your photograph, which M-as recd yesterday. I send as requested tMO more copies of my inaugural address of Dec, lMi6 and my addres- to my constituents in IS 61 and circular to the people in June IS 06. These wiU give you an idea of my national politics, I am not a politician by trade. My ultra opposition to secession made me for a time exceedingly unpopular. I abhor Se cession — still more do I abhor Eadical Republicanism — both intended to engender sectional hate. The prominent features of Republicanism of late are the so called re construction acts, in which the conquered States are put, by means of the sword, under negro domination. At our late election here a military satrap appointed all the poU- holders. All male n^roes 21 years old were allowed to vote and nearly all the white men who were distinguished for intelligence and the possession of any property were denied the right to vote — the result is we now have for Govemor one who had taught Secession all his life, and a set of vile wretches in all the important offices of the State, who, for office, pretend to be recent converts to RadieaUsm. Our most notorious Secessionists are white washed by Congre-s and then elected by the negroes and the ignoble whites, who co-operate with them for office or through cowardice. The ccnsetpience is that all men whose conduct is controlled by manly and honorable im pulses are in private stations anel the negroes ancl kindred spirits are our rulers, while the whole nation is enormously taxed to keep up an army and Freedman's Bureau to carry out the derilish party schemes. The pretence that military power is necessary to preserve order and execute the laws is a lie. — I think the Devil never had a fitter set of instruments to execute his will than the Republicans of the present Congress: As Grant Vol. 2—38 1250 North Carolina Historical Commission. endorsed these measures he will get no votes here save from uegToes and white men who have lost the instincts of gen tlemen. I did not run for re-election under this mockery of the Constitution, the private station being now the post of honor in this State. Family matters. J would be glad to hear from you when you removed to California — are you married — ^what is your occupa tion ? Have you brothers and sisters ? Where are they ? I kept no copy of the letter I wrote you and do not remem ber how fully I went into the Worth genealogy. I am the oldest of my family. Sister Ruth C. Porter, widow residing at Greensboro, N. C. is the next oldest — J. M. Worth Asheboro, N. C. is third in age. He is a merchant doing a prosperous business. J. A. Worth, Fayetteville, N. C, was a merchant before the war. Sherman's army burned up his warehouse and destroyed his means of pay ing his debts. He is very poor but making a good living. B. G. AA'orth, the fourth brother, is doing a heavy and prosperous business as a merchant at 188 Pearl Street N. Y. I have three sisters in Indiana, Miriam, wife of Barney Coffin, pork and beef merchant, Indianapolis — Evelina, wife of Nathan Sennes, farmer — and Louisa, wife of Wm. Clark, farmer and merchant. Both of these live at . Economy, Wayne County, Indiana. Their hus bands are in very independent condition and their chil dren prosperous and promising. I lately paid a visit to them. I have but one son, David G. Worth, who is doing a very large and prosperous business as a merchant at AA^ilmington, N. C. — and five daughters — the oldest a widow, whose husband was a wealthy planter and died before the war. By the emancipation of her negroes she and her little ones are left comparatively poor — three other daughters are married to lawyers of good standing in the §tate and the other to a doctor. Your uncle David was a tanner by trade, but long years ago made this occupation secondary to merchandise and farming. He lost a good many negroes and other prop- CORRESPONDEK^CE OF JONATHAN WoRTH. 1251 erty by the war, but was out of debt and is comparatively wealthy and his children well educated. From this hasty sketch you may infer that your kin are generaUy in prosperous circumstances. Not a blemish spot upon any of the race as to integi-ity and honor, so far as I have ever heard. The most illustrious of the race was Genl AVorth, renowned for his achievements in the Mexican war. California. To A. C. Cowles.Raleigh. Oct. 7 th 1868. You vrill have understood that for the past year I have not enjoyed my usual good health. I had been accustomed before I came here, to going to Courts, attending to my farm and other multifarious duties requiring much exer cise in the open air ; and I, and my physician, attribute my ill health to want of this accustomed exercise, bad [Wore? illegible] and a staid sedentary occupation. I resolved on an extensive tour through the North and West, and set out about the last of Angst, and travelled by easy stages to Washington, New York, interior of Connecticut, back to N. Y., up the Hudson to Albany, then by Rochester, Niag ara, Troy, Buffalo and Cleveland to Indianapolis ; and home by way of Cleveland, 0., AVheeling, W. A'a. and Bal timore. I was out about a month and for the past two weeks have been perfectly weU. I refer to this to explain my delay in answering your kind letter of 18th Aug. The trip, too, not only restored my health but afforded me constant pleasure with no alloy save the depletion of a purse not well filled and continually sinking without any accretion. I presume the day of your proposed mass meeting in Yadkin has passed, and consequently that I shall not have the opportunity of being present. 1252 North Carolina Historical Commission. In North Carolina are settled all my children. Here I wish to live out my days — but under the vile govern ment now forced on us in which villainy and ignorance are rampant, and the highest judicial functionaries are sunk into semblance of manhood in ignoble subserviency to partizanship and ambition to retain their offices, I see no hope for the future, if healthy basis cannot be restored to public sentiment. I am ready to do what I can do to avoid the necessity of flying from my native State in my old age. Present financial plans, besides the overthrow of integrity, must soon destroy the property holder and result in anarchy and further Revolution. I shall per severe, wdiile I can see any hope in resisting the demorali zation and the ruiu it must produce, and to this end shall attend public meetings where I may hope to be useful. I am invited to a mass meeting in AA'^ilkesboro on the 27th inst. and will be present if possible. At what price can you furnish me on R. R. a bbl. of good whiskey or brandy. A good article of apple brandy suits me as well as whiskey. A pleasant prescription of my physician is a continuance of my old habit of using moderately whiskey or brandy of N. C. manufacture. This indulgence, at Raleigh prices, draws too heavily on a lean purse. My hopes of defeating Radicalism two weeks ago were rather depressed. My hopes are now bouyant as to Na tional success and still more so as to State success. Hamptonville. To C. B. Dibble. Raleigh Nov. 11 1868. ******* I am in despair for my native State. I regard the elec tion of Grant as a national endorsement of the Congres sional plan of re-construction, which is confessedly based CoRRESPOX-DENCE OF JONATHAN WoRTH. 1223 on the groimd that we are to be treated as without the pale of constitutional protection and to be treated as con quered provinces. With ignorance made the basis of leg islation, instead of intelligence, I have no ground of hope in the early future. New York City. To A. L. 21 clean. Raleigh. Nov. 12th ISOS. I have carefuUy considered yr. proposition submitted to your County Courts proriding a plan for paying your County debt. If they intend to make provision for pairing the debt, the plan proposed is as favorable to the County as any citizen could expect and I can conceive of no rea son for delay in carrying it out. Indefinite postponement IS eciuivalent to repudiation. I beg you to urge action. I wiU fund as proposed but desire to know soon what I am to depend upon. [P. S.J The sinking fund should be invested in the purchase of yr County bonds at their market value. Fayetteville. From W. F Leak. Rockingham Dec. 9/68. I am about collecting a "GaUery" or "Group" of my Asking for most distinguished contemporaries, (of such men as Ruf- ^ oograp fin. Manly, Bro-wne, Edwards, Graham, aud others) for placing in a frame of men who have the moral courage "to do right, regardless of any outward pressure", yes of such men as "had rather be right (as H. Clay once said.) "than to be President". What the country and even the M-orld now M'ants is "moral courage" the resolution to be and do the right, re- 1254 North Carolina Historical Commission. to gardless of consequences, such men we once had and a few still remain, but they will shortly have passed "that Bourne from which no Traveller has*yet ever returned". I should be pleased to have the likeness of my old Quaker frienel, and ask you, to send me by letter your Photograph. From W. H. Bagley. Raleigh, Deer. Ikth, 1868. AVe received your letter of the 10th, night before last as, also, one from sister, and were glad to hear you were, at least, as well as when you left, and that Mrs. Worth, sister and children were all well. We regret your busi ness detained you so long, and trust you will soon dispose of it to your entire satisfaction. The creditors of the Bank of N. C. have postponed the ajipointment of an Assignee until next Thursday. I have no further indications as to the person likely to be se lected, save that Swepson informed me, on last Friday, that the delay was favorable to you — as it was caused by failure to select one of the rival factions among the credi tors and that he thought each party would have to agree to a compromise, and you were most likely to suit all the parties, so, if you are selected, you will not be the choice of either and, hence, -will be independent of all. I have no doubt in my own mind, if the friends of Mr. Mordfecai do not refuse to sustain you, you will be chosen, as, I am confident, you are Swepson' s choice as a compromise. Tell Sister I will attend to the "Sentinel" matter for her today. Sister Elvira will reach here Thursday, as, I believe, I wrote you before. She says, in her letter, she will be unable to go to Wilmington and Sister's, as she had orig inally intended. So, if Sister wishes to see her, she had better come home with you. CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JONATHAN AA'oRTH. 1255 Your hogs are pretty fat and in a goeid killing condition Mr. Buffaloe thinks, and so I think too. Your com has given out and I had to purchase some this past week, at SO cts, per bushel. They eat nearly half a bushel a day, and, I am sure, their increased weight will not pay for the com they wiU hereafter cousume at that price. If you remain at Sister's longer than this week, as Sister inti mates in her letter, you will hardly finish the dam in that time, it is, perhaps, worthy of consideration whether you had not better authorize us to kill them. Addie has some misgivings, however, as to her competency to attend to trying the lard, etc. You must not attribute this sugges tion to any peculiar desire on our part for spare bones or any special yearning after sausage meat — as Addie and myself have been contenting ourselves with oysters, and -wishing, at the same time that you had a gallon or two at Sisters. Your old hen in the stable, had fixed-up to set — having 15 eggs — and we had to take them out to prevent her. They wiU be kept separate from other eggs until your re turn. The other hen had haK a dozen eggs under her, and, this moming, I found them all frozen and five of them bursted. TeU Mrs. Worth she has two hens in the egg business, and we hope to have a dozen or two for her when she returns. Tell her I have spent two whole Sun days trying to find her guinea chicken's nest, but to no purpose. I believe I have told you everything of a domestic na ture worth relating — except the fact that Zilpha has drawn two overcoats from the Bureau. Addie sends love to aU. 1256 North Carolina Historical Commission. To J. AI. Worth.' Raleigh Dec. 25 1868. Pla ns for removal to the North-west. Consequently in effecting sale I hoped to promote the secondary interests of yourself. Makepeace and my other Randolph friends, and enabling myself to buy Minnesota or California lands or business which I might regard as more profitable, or at all events more agreeable. I continu aUy think it is better for all of us to sell out at any sacri fice, and move to Minesota or California where the States are out of debt and common schools and universities paid for out of the National Treasury, and R. R.s built every where out of the public lands. Here, it seems to me, negro drones and their baser allies, will eat out all the honey in the hive. I see no hopes for an honest man. I am out of money or employment, old, and in bad health, and I view things through a distorted eye. Information as to North Carolina. To H. G. Leisering. Raleigh Jan. 7th 1869. Ill health and other engagements have prevented a prompt reply to yours of the 1st inst. I think I have such thorough knowledge of the subjects of your inquiries that I can answer without any fear of leaving your or your friends into error. First you ask what is the character of the people resi dent in the Counties of Caldwell, Burke, ]\IcDonald, Yaucy, AVilkes, AA'^atauga and Ashe, their habits, condition, and feeling toward Northem people generally. The people of these Counties, as of all the Western Couuties of the State, are quiet, law-abiding agricul turalists ancl have not [Word illegible] no repugnance to 1 The flrst page of the letter is illegible. Correspondence of Jonathan AVorth. 12c a Northern man on account of the place of his nativity, but cordially receive all emmigi-ants who come here to co operate with us in building up our shattered fortunes — but a large portion of them detest butterfly generals and others who come here to get the offices, our best men be ing disqualified for office by teste oaths, the Howard amendment, etc. T'his class of immigi-ants all gO(od men detest. The kindest feeling exists towards all Northern men, who are honest men settling here to do business and not for poUtical objects. Second. What is the proportion of colored and white persons in the counties named, and how do they mingle sociaUy ? The large proponderance of population iu these Coun ties is white. You can ascertain the proportion by the last census more accurately than from any other source. The better class of whites in these Counties, or elsewhere, do not recognize negroes as sociaUy their equals, but the rights of property and personal protection are entirely se cure and political franchises to which they have become entitled under the re-construction laws, are every where respected, however distasteful to many of our people. Third. Are the white and colored people disposed to labor where work is offered them and are they equally disposed to work -with and for parties from the North and South < I answer distinctly — yes. AU laboring for wages here, white or black, are poor and improvident. Any amount of labor can be had of either color, by men who pay promptly by the iveeh or by the day and at very low wages. I consider your fourth inquiry substantially answered. The idea that any prejudice exists here, growing out of the late conflict, which would operate to the prejudice of Northem capitalists, who may come here or invest their means for legitimate business purposes is without color of foundation. Of course vaporing men, unnecessarily re- 1258 North Carolina Historical Commission. preaching us with the late war and abusing our represen tative men, would act unwisely and to some extent .become unpopular in many localities, but even they would be per sonally safe, unless outrageously rude. No exception is taken against a Northern man who may respectfully main tain that the North was right and the South wrong — but a discreet man would maintain his position respectfully and temperately.. Our people universally desire such immigrants as you describe and they would be received not only courteously — but cordially. Philadelphia, Pa. To Y'illiam A. Graham. Raleigh. Jan. 9th 1869. Frank AA'heeler, a son of Jesse Wheeler, the father well and favorably known to you I presume, desires to be appointed assessor of Int. Rev. in the Greensboro District to fill vacancy soon to occur by the resignation of his father. I know him well and have recommended his ap pointment to Prest. Johnson, as a young man well quali fied — of exemplary moral character and more acceptable to the respectable people of this district than any person I know who can take the teste oath and be confirmed by the Senate. He belongs to a class of men in Guilford who voted for Grant, but who detest Holden, Deweese, Tour gee & Co. and who do not approve of the reconstruction measures. His competitor, as I understand, hopes to be preferred on the ground of superior loyalty. Mr. Wheeler thinks anything you can say for him, based on my rec- omendation or other source of information (he says you do not personally know him) would be likely to benefit him. If you think proper to say anything, and I suppose any Guilford gentleman will confirm my representation, I will forward what you may say to him. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1259 To George W. Rose. Raleigh, N. C. Jan. 13 1869. In reply to your inquiries I regret to say that I cannot with proper candor advise you to come to this State in the hope of bettering your condition by the employment indicated. The intelligent portion of this State are barred by the legislation of Congress, ancl the powers of mak ing laws, imposing taxes, etc. placed in the hands of the negroes, carpet baggers and their baser allies — and con sequently the better classes are depressed and aU enter prise paralysed. Ignorance and corruption are the striking characteristics of our men in authority. I would like to see worthy immigrants settle here, but I cannot honestly adrise a man doing well in N. J. to come here. I am no Secessionist — never was — just the reverse. To William Clarh. Raeeigh, Jan Ik 1869. ******* I have not changed my political views. The election pouacai opinions. of Grant is an endorsement of the Reconstruction meas ures. They have forced upon the South universal negro suffrage and the disfranchisement of the most intelligent and virtuous of our people — ancl filled our Legislative halls and all other offices with negroes, carpet-baggers and baser native white men, who have allied themselves with the Radicals for a share of the spoils. These measures produce the very opposite of fraternity between the North and South. The North, with the bayonet, has forced the South, to incorporate these iniquitious provisions in our Constitutions, which cannot be altered without the con currence of two-thirds of the voters. All the negi-oes and only the more baser and ignorant of the whites being al lowed to vote in most of these States — and in all of them 12G0 North Carolina Historical Commission. the best and most capable men by the Howard amendment aud iron-clad oath, excluded from office State or National, with a standing bribe offered us by Congress, to get the disabilities for holding office removed by turning Radical. The election of Grant, by a majority of the people of the U. S., including the negroes and excluding the disfran chised whites, but by a minority of the white men of the U. S., is an approval by all who voted for him of those violations of vital principles of Republicanism and the Constitution of the United States. The patriotism which once animated the people is fully merged in greed. Money has become the God of this country, and men, otherwise good men, are almost compelled to worship at her shrine. The evidence of this is found in the facility by M'hich the National Legislature and all the State Legis latures are bribed by money or controlled by corrupt rings, I regard Andrew Johnson as the Cato of the U. S. I do not concur in your views that the election of Grant is not to be regarded as sectional. The reason you assign is that many of the Southern and Southwestern States voted for him. He did not receive a majority of the white vote in one of them, notwithstanding the iniquitous dis franchisement of a vast number of white men — and you know the negro vote w^as controlled by Northern organs and influence. A vast majority of the whites voted against him, scarcely a respectable white man voting for him. who did not expect office as his reward. Such as Pearson, Reade and many others I could name. Grant is not elected by a majority of the Constitutional voters of the U. S. Three States were not allowed to vote at all and the show of an election in the other States of the South was a mere mockery of an election. I expect as we all do, to submit to and obey the powers that be — ^but I cannot expect Grant to repudiate any of the Reconstruction series, save such of them as were en acted to restrain the President from executing his Con stitutional functions. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1261 Unfettered by party, 1 think Grant would make a good President, but he cannot honestly break the fetters M-ith which he sought to be bound to the most wicked party which has ever controlled this nation. What is the repentance M-hich you exact of us as a con dition of forgiveness ^ Is it that we repent our resistance to the U. S. i No — the only evidence of repentance you exact is to become a Radical. AA'itness Holden, Rodman, and thousands wdio were ultra Secessionists, Any body can get forgiveness who will declare for and vote the Radi cal ticket. This demand of repentance is in exact accord ance -with your entire legislation. I and Graham aud a large majority of the whole popidation of N. C. resisted Secession until the Nation could not protect us. Any of us can be pardoned if we will declare ourselves Radicals, the only evidence of repentance you will accept. I neither ask nor -wiU accept forgiveness on these degrading- bases. Since the old Whig party went under, there has been no party to which an honest, good man could cordiaUy at tach himself. We have been forced upon a choice between evils. We have honestly differed as to what was the lesser one. I hope you were right — ^but in view of the alliance between Grant and the Reconstmetion policy which I re gard as entirely subversive of the Constitution of the U. S. ; highly detrimental to the whole Union and ruinous to the South, I look upon (rrant's election as a great ca lamity. I did not intend to allude to National politics until I took up yours of the 13 Nov. to which this is intended as a reply. I lately got into correspondence with Lewis W. Worth, in California. He is a son of my cousin Zeno Worth. In a late letter from him, while he does m it inti mate his political status, he regards the politicians of the U. S., so corrupt, that the moon every time she passes over us, would hold her nose. I regard the idea as a good one, and believing there is now no chance to abate the nui sance, the best thing we can do is to hold one's nose and 1262 North Carolina Historical Commission. say nothing — and I think I shall in future, as I have done for sometime past, keep silence on the subject. If my health become sound, I think I shall try to con vert my property into money, at what it will bring, and go into Minnesota or some other place in the Northwest, and buy a ranch and try to colonise my children around me I regard it as certain that there is no ground for hope of right here for some generations. If I do this, it will be for my children. I am too old to move for my ovm ac count, and would much prefer going South than North, but for the negro. Economy, Indiana. To Fred Wolsroth. Raleigh. Jan. Ik 1869. Owing to my very bad health, the fact that I had been turned out of office under the reconstruction laws, and therefore had no control over the documents you desire, and other causes yours of Oct. 15 was laid aside and over looked until to-day. I send it to Gov. Holden, who, I hope, will comply with your request. I inclose descriptions of a tract of land in which I am chief owner, large enough for a little colony — with at least 750 acres of it of remarkable fertility — 150 acres of it cleared and capable of producing immediate crops of cotton or com — And the rest covered -with valuable timber and within seven miles of flat navigation. The purchase money could be paid in installments. [P. S.] All the representations you see that loyal per sons and foreigners are not well received here are lies dis seminated with partizan designs. All immigrants who come -here with the honest purpose of making a living by honest pursuit of their vocations are cordially received. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1263 We have no affection for the vile carpet baggers who come here to rule over us by fa-s'or of tbe poor deluded negroes and the vile natives who co-operate with them for selfish ends: — and even these carpet baggers are not molested. New York City. To B. G. Worth. Raleigh. Jan. 15 1869. This State is being driven into bankruptcy and Repudi- ?"°^®™f'sJS?" ation in a gallop. Untold milions of our bonds, payable legistature. in gold, are being put in market and sold at a price iu currency equivalent to less than 45 cents on the dollar in coin. The most shameless corruption and wanton extrava gance mark all the legislative and executive proceedings. The ring, speculating in State bonds, may carry through a revenue bill to meet the interest on the State debt, so as to raise the price of the these bonds and sell out at a speculation, but that revenue bill must quite more than quadruple the expenses we have paid since the war. There is no money in the Treasury for any purpose. $325,000 due for coupons payable 1 Jan. int. About a like sum will fall due on 1 Apl. to which must be added the ordi nary expenses of State govemment and building of peni tentiary, etc. If this revenue bill must raise $1,000,000. to be collected and paid in the Spring; and to meet in terest falling due in July and 1st Jan 1870, at least an other million must be collected and paid in next Fall, or the purposes of the bond ring will fail and the wheels of the State machinery stop. The heaviest amount raised by any Rev bUl since the war is about $400,000. The ring and the interests of officials in getting their salaries will probably pass a bill imposing this quintuple tax: but if it pass, the next Legislature will be composed of a ma jority in favor of out and out repudiation — but the enor- 1264 North Carolina Historical Commission. mous expenditures on the R. Rs. etc produce some enter prise in the localities where the expenditures are made. The State's bonds to the amount of $1,200,000. have been loaned to the Chatham R. R. Co. Their road was graded to or near Haw River during the [war ?J This State aid has enabled the Co. to resume operations. They are rapidly laying clown iron aud will speedily complete the Road to Egypt. This will insure the value of your land on Deep River, if the fear of taxation should not paralyse agricultural enterprise here. I do not doubt but the land may be sold at a fair price now or shortly and I believe J. J. Jackson is the best agent that can be found here to effect a sale. I have gone into this explanation to en able you to decide what is best for your interests. If you decide to sell, I think you had better fix on a minimum price — and make him a power of Atto. to sell, looking for his compensation to what he may get above your mini mum. He tells me he is now authorised by you to sell so much of your land as lies South of the road running between Lockville and Egypt, which he says is very poor land, giving no external evidence of value for mining. As agent for the o-wners of the Klegg Copper mine, he has ef fected a sale, by which he makes some $1000. for him self and he is negotiating a sale of his copper mine, which he reserved when he sold to you. He has made a condi tional contract of sale, which he is confident will be made absolute, at some $6,000. for his interest, and embraces in this conditional contract for your benefit, 100 acres of your land South of said road, at $10.00 per acre. My health has been poor for the past six weeks — ^not so bad as it was when I was with you, but all the time suf-- fering in the old way. For the past two weeks, I have staid at home — dieted — and followed Jonathan Clark's prescription and have improved until I am nearly well — but you will see in my tremulous -writing that I am not perfectly restored. Roxana's affairs had become deplorable, by reason of CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JoXATHAX AVoRTH. 1265 a complete failure of crop of 1S67. She was out of corn by 1 Jan. 1S6S and had to buy aU last year. Her mill dam had broken iMrice and she had incurred heavy ex penses in two abortive efforts to repair it. Many of her hogs and cattle had been stolen, etc. She was getting dangerously in debt. I staid a month with her and per sonaUy superrised the business operations in repairing her dam. It gives promises of being effectual and I have made such changes in her operations as wiU enable her to pay her debts at an early day. It was terrible effort for me. My mental condition and personal anxiety were in jurious to me in my feeble condition. ******* I have no income save what comes from my factory and boat stock and a Uttle money bearing interest. My taxes for State, County, corporate and National and support of my family exceed this income. This is annoying. I see no means of avoiding this state of things and am patientiy waiting in the hope of getting well and for something to "tum up". There is now a strong probability that Major Bagley, who has been on his oars for six months, -wiU be elected Clerk of the Supreme Court. The office is worth at least $3,000 a year. He is admirably fitted to fiU it, and would be likely to retain it permanently. To Leujis Hanes. Raleigh Jan. 17 1869. Some three years ago I advanced, through our friend Dr. Jones, a smaU sum to aid you in getting under way -with your newspaper. My understanding was that it was a loan to you and that you were to give me your note. I have not received your note and kept no memorandum, and do not remember the amount or date of the transaction or Yol. 2—39 1266 North Carolina Historical Commission. whether it was to bear interest or not and do not know whether I ought to remit to you for your paper since I ceased to be Governor or not. The matter will be ad justed according to your recollection and understanding — and you will oblige me by letting me know how the matter is. Since I retired from office, I have gone into no busi ness and have no income save from a few investments yielding less than my unavoidable expenses. If it was regarded by you as a loan and it be inconvenient to you to pay, you must not take this as dun, but only as desiring you to send me your note. I desire to have it adjusted ac cording to the understanding at the time which you and Dr. Jones will remember and which will be satisfactory to me. You will have observed that the Sentinel is publishing some of my correspondence touching the military admini strations of Sickles and Canby. I notice that the Wil mington Journal is re-publishing some of them with the remark that "as a matter of history alone these letters are most valuable. As a matter of justice to Gov. Worth these letters should be published". Should you take this view of the subject, I point out some important errors of the Sentinel press. In the letter published in the Sentinel of the 14th Jan., speaking of statements made to Canby by Tourgee and others the printed copy has it "copies of which were sent to me." It should be "copies of which were not sent to me". In the letter published on the 15 Jan. speaking of the victim of the rape and her daughter who witnessed it, I say neither of them was summoned or examined and at this "homes in the county — County is printed "Country." — And further on I quote from the report of the Court of Inquiry the words "The woman's husband was engaged in overseeing slaves." They have substituted the words "split ting staves" for "overseeing slaves". In my letter published in the Sentinel of the 16 Jan, touching Tourgee, no error occurs. CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JoXATHAN AA'oRTH. • 1267 These letters are not published at my request or upon my suggestion — but I am gratified that they are being published and regard the remarks of the Wilmington Journal as just; and as the Sentinel proposes to publish other the editor has consented to allow me to read and correct the proof sheet. As to the republication of them in your paper I make no request — but should you deem it expedient to publish them, I suggest that these mistakes be corrected. Salisbury. To Engelhard & Price.' Personal Raleigh Jan 21 1869. I have been gratified at vour commentaries on the ex- concemingthe • T ,'--^. . publication of his tract from my letter to the President. 1 entirely concur letters. -with you that they furnish in the most reliable shape, a historical record of the derilish despotism under which we lived during my administration and I confess that I felt a strong personal wish that the public should know that I did not meanly cringe for the mere purpose of re taining office. It is matter of pride to me that I in no instance, asked these tyrants to do anything, but I was con tinuously struggling to get them not to do. I could not furnish any part of this correspondence to the press when it was occuring without incurring immedi ate dismissal from office. This I deemed it was my duty to avoid as long as I could hold my place with dignity. On one occasion I asked Genl Cauby for his consent to publish our correspondence touching the subject we were then discussing. He refused his consent. The publication of these letters now, is not at my in stance, or upon my suggestion, but I confess my gratifi cation that it is being done. Alany of my letters will disclose important facts not generally knp-wn to the pub lic. Hitherto I have not supervised the publication and 1 Editors of the Wilmington Journal. 1268 • North Carolina Historical Commission. some important errors of the press have miscarried the sense. For instance in the Granville rape case, the Mili tary Court of Inquiry, by way of mitigation or excuse for the negro, say, in a -written report to Genl Sickles, that the victim of the outrage was of bad character, and in fact "her husband was engaged in overseeing slaves and was in the rebel army". It is printed splitting slaves. The error I greatly regret. Of course the error occurs in your re-print. I shall endeavor to get permission to read the proof hereafter. In the copy of Canby's letter to Grant, which the former sent me, he did not furnish me with copies of the exhibits which accompanied the letter to Grant, such as the affidavits of Tourgee on which he justifies the arrest of Griffith: — and the documents on which he bases his reflections on the Legislature and the Judiciary. This was an omission. The word not is omitted in the printed copy, whereby I am made to say these exhibits were fur nished me. In the last number published — ^my letter is dated Deer. 31 1868 instead of 1867— and the word "power" substi tuted for "however with comma after it, which makes nonsense — And the word "appelation" substituted for "appellate". I furnished the copy of my Tourgee letter published in the Sentinel of the 6th. inst. It is correctly printed Whether you intentionally omitted insertion in your paper or not, I do not know. I regard it as one of the best of the series and should be pleased to see it in your paper. It defeated Holden and his crew in getting Canby to make Tourgee a judge and drew from Canby an apolo getic letter which will hereafter appear, with my reply calling his attention to an injurious falsehood, in his let ter which he hnew was false, for which he made no excuse. Should you continue the publication of these letters the Tourgee letter ought to be published to render intelligible others which will follow. Correspondence of Jox'athan Worth. 1269 To John Pool. Raleigh. Jan. 25 1869. You know the salary of Governor in this State for Regarding the TTT, governor's years before the war was $3000. a year. AATien I was™*°sion. govemor it was made $4000. in riew of the depreciation of the currency. In addition to his salary Rev. Code Chapter 55 Sec. 14 prorides that he shaU be fumished a residence, and time out of mind his house has been fumished at the expense of the State. At the time of my election and inauguration the Gov ernor's mansion was occupied as lodgings of the U. S. miUtary stationed here, and during this occupancy the houses, fences, etc. were so damaged or destroyed that I (K)uld not occupy it until very extensive repairs were made, the making of which could not be completed until I was superceded by operation of the Reconstruction laws: So I never occupied the mansion. Nearly aU the fumiture had evaporated. In 1S66 the Grenl. Assembly passed a resolution (I have not the resolution before me) directing me to apply to the proper, authorities of the U. S. for rent for the oc cupation of these buUdings, and to appropriate whatever might be aUowed in consequence of the State's faUure to supply me a mansion. I was advised that the proper mode of presenting the claim was through the Quarter Master's department aud I accordingly presented it to Capt. Aiken. in the year 1867. He reported it to his superior Genl. Tyler, stationed at Charleston, which report approved by Col. Bomford, military commandant here, that $125. per month was fair rent for it. This report was forwarded by Genl. Tyler, as he informed me, to the Qr. Alaster Genl. I learned from Genl Tyler that it was not allowed on the ground that he was not aUowed by law to pay any rent for State property occupied by the military, after the pacification. I had personally seen the gentleman at the 1270 North Carolina Historical Commission. head of the Qr. Master's department in Washington (Genl. Meigs was absent), who told me the claim, as he thought, would be allowed, at least as to rent which accrued after the President's proclamation of peace. I could hear nothing further from it. I was never notified what be came of the claim and I wu-ote to Secy. Stanton, but got no ans-wer. It has occurred to me that your official posi tion may enable you to ascertain the status of this matter, and whether there is any chance for the allowance of this claim. [P. S.J We all highly appreciate your zealous and ef fective efforts in getting Major Bagley to his very ap propriate and desirable position. Washington, D. C. To Perrin Busbee. Raleigh. Jan. 25 1869. Your- late letter expressing your gratitude to me for my efforts to get you into the position you occupy, was duly received and was most gratifying to me: gratifying because I have always regarded you as a worthy descend- ent of your excellent ancestry, and at the same time free from the vanity and affectation which often disqualify me to appreciate merit otherwise entitled to my regard. I re garel you as eminently deserving of the efforts I have made for your advancement, and as far as I am concerned the consciousness of duty performed, in this as in all my ac tions, personal or official, is sufficient reward: but your appreciation of my efforts for you is the surest guaranty that you will leave nothing undone on your part but avail yourself of the advantages of your position and thus lay the foundation of a successful and honorable career in life. Aim always at the highest standard of rirtue and honor as the surest road to self esteem and enjoyment and real CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JoXATHAX AA'oRTII. 12,1 greatness — And notwithstanding the many examples our times furnish of villainy rewarded by the attainment of high places, always so act as to retain your own self es teem, and this consciousness of rectitude -wiU reward you, even if an undiscriminating public shall not duly appre ciate you : but virtue and honor, nearly always bring their reward in the way of public appreciation and honor. Never aUow any apparent present advantage to make you do an act not strictly honest, upright and honorable. If Proridence should gi-ant me lengthened years, it will be most gratifying to me if I shall hear that you have fol lowed this adrice from one who wiU always feel a deep interest in your public career. ^ly health has been poor for more than a year : not severely but almost aU the time disqualifying me for active business. I have been slowly but regularly improving for the past month and hope I may ultimately get weU. AxxAPOLis, Maryland, To Engelhard & Price. Raleigh. Jan. 27 1869. I am greatiy obUged to you for your frank and friendly concerning roatter letter of the 23rd inst. and at an early date -will furnish you with some material for the friendly commentary you propose to make after the conclusion of the publication of my official correspondence. My interview with the pub lic induces me to believe that the intelligent portion of our people read these letters with much interest, both on ac count of the fact that they disclose much of the working of Reconstruction, in authentic form, not previously pub lished, and because they show (what I could not disclose through the press at the time) that I did uot meanly truckle to our military rulers, but did all I could to miti gate the severity of the infernal despotism which ham pered me. 1272 North Carolina Historical Commission. I understand Mr. Turner will continue to publish after the conclusion of my letter to the President, a number of others addressed to Genls. Robinson, Sickles and Canby— but they will appear only occasionally, as current matters may allow. If you publish these letters in your weekly, with cor rection of the typographical errors I have indicated, please send me a dozen copies and let me know how much I owe for them. The object of this letter is to submit to you the rea sons of my action in the matters to which you frankly say you were violently opposed. You will see I could not pru dently vindicate myself at the time, through the press, and the continuous pressure of public, duties did not leave me time, through other channels, to post my friends. As to Norfleet — Ever since Norfieet, Dockery, Dick Settle, Rodman, Pearson, Reade, etc. gave in their adhe sion to Reconstruction and courted the negro vote for office, I have viewed them with positive loathing. I abhorred to nominate Norfleet upon his participation in the negro Convention here. Entertaining these sentiments you nat urally ask why I nominated him over such distinguished gentleman as Judge Howard and Gov. Clark, who were my personal friends and who had zealously advocated my election over Holden while Norfleet voted against me. I have always maintained that Howard ought to have been re-elected judge and I had always felt and still feel to wards these gentlemen high personal regard, nothwith- standing they are alienated from me. At the time of this appointment, I knew, from the most reliable sources of information, that Holden and his min ions were using their utmost influence over Genl Sickles to induce him to assume control over the public works of the State aud that Sickles was lending a favorable ear to tlieir importunities. If I had then nominated [Here follows a page which cannot be read.] I had long been satified that the prominent stockholders Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1273 of the R i: G. R. R., had managed, in favor of their Road, to control the management of the N. C. R. R., to the prejudice of the State, Mr. AA'ebb, also though a worthy gentleman and my friend, concurred in this management. AVhUe he continued to be President of the N. C. R. R., or any other man of ordinary nerve, I thought this man agement could not be changed. I regarded Jo. Turner as a man who had the capacity and the nerve to shake off this thraUdom and decided to nominate him as a Director in 1866, hoping he would be made President I did not deem it proper to exact any promise from my appointees as to their vote for Prest. In looking over the directory of the N. C. R. R. for a number of years I found Wilming ton the chief commercial town of the State and whose citizens had contributed with lavish liberality to the building of this Road, had not been accorded a director. I decided that Wilmington ought to have a director. The time was at hand when I had to act. In looking over the Directors I had settled upon, I found that only one of the seven, in the old organization of parties, was a democrat, although I had not thought of party iu fixing on their nomination. I went to WUmington and upon my inrita- tion held a conference -with a number of your prominent citizens, among whom I remember Mr. Engelhard, Genl. Ransom, W. A. Wright, O. G. Parsley. I stated to this meeting that I wished to give a Director to Wilmington. aud that I preferred he should be a democrat to protect me from the reputation of having made partizan selec tions. They agreed on Mr. Strange and I- appointed him. He voted for Mr. Webb, as President, who was elected, and the policy I condemned, favoring the R. & G. R. R- as I thought, to the prejudice of the State was continued. Among the Directors recommended by me for 1S66-67 was Mr. Boyden. Although he had been an appointee of Holden in 1865 — had been made president — and had grossly neglected his duties, under all the surroundings I deemed it expedient to re-appoint him a Director. I be lieved he would vote for Turner. He voted for Webb. 1274 North Carolina Historical Commission. Out of 12 meetings of the Directors in 1866-67, Mr. Boyden and Mr. Strange were very rarely present. In 1867 I nominated Mr. Coffin in place of Boyden and 0. G. Parsley in place of Mr. Strange, putting the discon tinuing of the gentlemen upon the ground of their neglect of duty. The new appointees, as I hoped, though I had no pledge, voted for Turner, which resulted in the change of management manifestly promoting, as I thought, the States's interests. I know of no one for whom I feel a more cordial per sonal regard than I do for Mr. Strange, but I thought then, as I do now, that the interests of the State would be better advanced by the appointment of another. Ac cording to my views then and now, the interests of the State and your town were promoted by the election of Turner. I mean no reflection on Judge Strange. He, no doubt acted, as I know I did, according to his convictions of duty. The discontinuance of both Strange anel Boyden, both at the time, my friends, was a painful duty, but I submit that even if I erred, I erred on the side of my con victions of duty to the State. As to the appointment of Martin, I have only to say that I knew nothing at the time as to his personal or po litical antecedents, save a representation from some par ties and personal .friends whose letter is among the Execu tive files, I believe, that he was a gentleman of means about to visit Paris. There was no compensation attached to the appointment and no political significance belonged to it. I gave the matter little consideration — and issued both to him and Genl. Clingman, who was about going to Paris, a commission. I afterwards learned that there was a blem ish on the moral character of Martin, which our friends, about the same time, deemed venial in another dis tinguished citizen of your town. I may have erred in this apointment, but coupled with the appointment of Genl. Clingman I submit that it ought not to subject me to violent censure. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1275 Although unwell and writing with difficulty I have made this prolix explanation because I have the highest regard for the ability and dignity which always distinguish your Journal, and although I regard my political course as run, I desire to remove, what I regard as an erroneous impression as to my official cjonduct. I regard your course in forebearing from injurious comment under your con- rictions, as springing from manly and noble motives, of which few men are capable. Wllmixgtox. To Engelhard & Price. Raleigh. Jan. 28 1869. You once mentioned to me that vou had the documents sioan and Jones 1 ¦ 1 c " fraud. relating to the theft of Sloan & Jones, laid up for publi cation whenever Jones should again seek public prefer ment. That time has come. No time should be lost in printing them and haring a copy placed in the hands of every voter in the district. The Conservatives or Jones' competitor should pay you for it. AVith this disclosure before him, no honest voter can support Jones. You may use editorially any of the facts stated in the narrative which I herewith inclose. AVould it not be well for you to address Kemp Battle in relation to the facts set forth in the latter part of this narrative ? The ami ability of my friend Battle has led him to exhibit too much leniency, I think, towards these villains. To the Editors of the Wilmington -Journal. Raleigh Feb. S 1869. Not seeing my letter touching Tourgee published in yr paper, I fear Mr. Turner may have failed to send you his paper containing it. 1276 North Carolina Historical Commission. The fact that such a wretch is made a judge under re construction and at the same time made a Code Comr., drawing a salary of some $5,000. from the State Treasury is a very striking- exhibit of the workings of recon struction. The fact that Holden was using his influence with Canby to appoint Tourgee a judge, was apparent by the editorials of the Standard. This letter defeated the scheme. It exhibits some of the mean crouching, on my part, to which so many at that time, actuated with what I regarded as short sighted and ignoble views of expediency. It extorted respect from Canby, as exhibited in his reply, which Turner will prob ably publish. I am a little proud of the clincher with which I wind up the array of names I cite to prove Tourgee's bad charac ter, to-wit — "Thos. Barley, freedman, Greensboro, N. C. : As much as to say, if these names will not satisfy you, Genl., I close with one you can't fail to respect. To- At Home Feb. 3 1869. Jones fraud matter. A. J. Joncs is & candidate for the Senate from Bladen, Brunswick and Columbus. The editors of the Wilming ton Journal ask me to send them a copy of the communi cation I sent to the Genl Assembly touching the cotton speculation of Sloan and Jones. It was printed in the Legislative Documents of 1865-66, of which I have no copy. Will you lend me your or procure one for me? The Editors promise to return it. Being quite unwell I deem it imprudent to turn out to procure it. I think I remember that in a subsequent account ren dered to you by Swepson, Mendenhall, & Co. the State was debited with $500 claimed to be advanced to Jones, on Probably Kemp P. Battle. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1277 account of the cotton then in transitu sold to Jones and Sloan. AVas this $500. paid to the State? If so, who paid it? If I could prudently go out, I would see you instead of addressing to you this note. [P. S.J Please seM me the document to which I re fer by the bearer. To E. B. Drahe.' Raleigh Feb. 3 1869. You -will have observed that the Sentinel has of late pub- concemingthe ^ pnblicaaonofhis lished certain official letters of mine and that some of his letters. exchanges are re-publishing them with complimentary commentaries. Among them is the Wilmington Journal — a paper with much ability — This paper remarks "as a matter of history alone these letters are most valuable: As a matter of justice to Gov. Worth these letters should be published". If it should be your purpose to publish them in your weekly will you correct certain errors in the printing which I will indicate, please send me a dozen copies, informing me what to pay you for them. My letter touching Tourgee in the Sentinel of the 6 Jan. is correctly printed. In my letter published 14 Jan., towards the middle of it, speaking of the statements made by Tourgee (A) and sundry reports (B. C. D.) furnished to Genl. Grant I am made to say "copies of which are sent to me" It should be "copies of which were not sent to me". I have never had a copy of these papers. The error is a very important one. AVhile Genl Canby professes to send me a copy of his letter to Genl Grant, he does not send me a full copy. These exhibits were the essence of his letter. They are suppressed. I and the public would gladly see them. It was impossible to reply to his expressions, the facts on which he professes to rest them being withheld. 1 Editor of the Statesville American. 1278 North Carolina Historical Commission. In the letter published in the Sentinel of the 15th Jan. speaking of the victim of the rape and her daughter,- who witnessed it, I say neither of them was summoned or ex amined, although both were at their homes in the County "County" is printed "Country" : and further I quote from the report of the military Court of Inquiry the words "The woman's husband was engaged in overseeing slaves. The printed copy has it "splitting staves" instead of "overseeing slaves." This is a terrible error. In my letter relating to Provost Courts the printed copy has it "copies of which were sent to me". The word "not" between "were" and "sent" is omitted, entirely changing the sense. In the letter published Jan. 15 the printed copy makes me say the victim of the crime and her daughter who "wit nessed it were in the Country. It should be County. The error takes away the significance of the remark. Further on the printed copyi has it the woman's hus band was spitting slaves instead of "overseer of slaves." This error is terrible. In the paper of Jan. 20, latter part of paragraph pre ceding the last it is printed which power arrogant etc. It should have been which however arrogant etc. In the last paragraph, appelative should be "appellate". I am certain these letters are read with much interest by the best and most intelligent men in the State. Statesville. To Josiah Turner. Raleigh Feb. 8 1869. I send herewith a document I should never have pre pared if I had anticipated the amount of labor it has re quired. I accompany it with the letters from which I derive the facts. Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1279 If you shall deem the article too long for publication, you can use such facts derived from it as you think proper. I desire that it be so managed as not to bring me promi nently before the public. There is nothing- in the liquida tion by which these facts were ascertained M-hich I may not honorably avow — but I -wish at present to be quiet. I am persuaded the facts will surprise your readers — and that their publication wUl benefit your Journal and promote the public interest. If the entire table can be published without occupying too much room, it will be much more impressive than the summing up, without the details. Let me ask you to read it carefully, and then act as you deem right. To E. B. Drahe. Raleigh Feb. Ik 1869. I send you one No. of the AVilmington Journal contain- ^^gy^^f ofius ing my Tourgee letter and S Nos. of the Sentinel contain- lett^s. ing my letters to President Johnson. These letters, as I think, present in authentic form some of the monstrosities of reconstruction, which are worthy of preservation as a part of the history of the times — and it seems to me that their publication is due to me — as well as to those who made me Govemor of N. C. : but I know how prone we all are to over-estimate our o-svn pro ductions and hence I have not directly or indirectly asked for their publication. I have noted in pencil certain typo graphical errors affecting the sense materiaUy, I believe they wiU be read with much interest by your patrons ; but I would not have you publish them to the exclusion of mat ter which you may think likely to be more acceptable to your readers, I have reason to feel gratified by the numerous expressions of approbation which reach me from the class whose regard I appreciate — as m-cU as at the si lence of the degraded portions of our press and people Mho 1280 North Carolina Historical Commission. from cowardice or baser considerations lick the hands of the poor devils who have ascendency over us. I thank you heartily for your generous offer, if you pub lish these letters corrected, to fumish me with some num bers • of your paper containing the corrected edition. I have no copies than those I send you. I would be glad to re-place them in my file if you can use them conve niently without mutilation. To Thomas^ AVilcox. Raleigh. Feb. 16 1869. In my correspondence with Genl. Canby touching your removal and the appointment of your successor, etc. he sent me a very long document from one of his subordinates purporting to explain the grounds of his action. In the vast amount of duties I was then called upon to perform', I could not, with my clerical force, make you a copy. The document is on file in the Governor's office and I can have it copied and send you the copy, but -will have to pay some $5. to the copyist. It has occurred to me as possible that you would like to have the copy which tends to explain the machinations of your enemies. If you do not care to in cur the expense of the copy it will be unnecessary that you answer this note. Trenton. To John Pool. Raleigh Apl. 9 1869. Concerning rent I had hoped that I might be paid some house rent by mansion. ^he Geul. Assembly in lieu of my right to a furnished mansion. A bill was pending to allow Gov. Holden $1000. for furnishing his o-wn house. I did not occupy the man- Correspondence of Jonathan Worth. 1281 sion during my term, commencing 2-- Dee. lMi5 to date of my removal July 1/69, because I could not get the mili tary to surrender it to me tUl 17 July l>'tJ7 and the re mainder of the time Mas required to repair it. I thought I was as much entitled to rent as Gov. Holden, who volun tarily declined to occupy the mansion. But the Genl. As sembly, to avoid putting my claim on the footing M-hich it would have ancl instead of alloMULg him $150<). rent, raised his salary to $5000. As it is about certain that I would not be alloMcd any thing I do uot care to expose myself to a refusal, and shaU not present the claim — ^but desire to press the claim before the proper authority of the U. S. The Genl. Assembly authorised me to prefer this claim against the U. S. and to apply what might be aUowed to my own use, in lieu of the mansion to which I was entitled by law. I preferred the claim for rent to the Qr. Master here. He reported, as he informed me. that $125. per month was a reasonable rent for the build ings. The mansion was occupied by the chief of the mili tary and Freedman's Bureau here. They and their sub ordinates occupied every room in the main building and aU the out houses. Col. Bomford, Commandant of this Post approved the report of the Qr. Master. This for the 18 months of military occupation would amount to $1875. This report was sent to Genl. Tyler, at Charleston, the superior officer of the qr. master here. He told me ver bally that he approved it as to amount and forwarded it to the Qr Mastcr Genl., but stated that he did not think it would be aUowed, because the department has decided to allow no rent for the occupation of State property. At the suggestion of Gen. Tyler I addressed a letter on the subject to Sec. Stanton. He did not answer. As to the action of the Qr. blaster Genl. I am not informed. As to the occupation of the mansion, I was as much entitled to it bv law, as I w^as to the Executive offices in the Capitol. Its detention was a wrong to me. The Genl. Assembly having authorised me to ask for rents and appropriate the Vol. 2—40 1282 North Carolina Historical Commission. amount to my own use, I can perceive no color of equity in withholding the rent from me. My object in this recapitulation is this. I presume your appropriate duties leave you no time to look after claims of this sort — and if so I would have you employ an efficient claim agent at a commission on the amount he may collect, to be agreed upon between him and you, to press this claim, if the facts stated, all of which I can authenticate, entitle me to anything. And to this end you may place this letter in the hands of such agent, with a view to direct correspondence between such agent and myself. [P. S.J — I regard the tenure of office bill as unconsti tutional and likely to injure in its effects — and think there fore it should be repealed. The amended act I regard as equally objectionable. Washington, D. C. To Josiah Turner. Raleigh Apl. 23/69. I inclose thirteen dollars — $3. for weekly Sentinel to be sent to Jesse G. Henshaw — New Salem — ^via High Point : He would like to have his subscription begin with that containing your account of the intended assault on you at Depot by J. Holden and others, if you have the back numbers. $5. for B. Moffitt — Asheboro, for daily Sentinel. $5. for my subscription from time you became pro prietor. From John Pool. Washington, May S, 1869. Concerning rent I presented your claim before the Sec. of War, and was mansion. bv him referred to the Qr. Master General. I laid the CoRRESPOX-DENCE OF JoX'ATHAX' WoRTH. 1283 facts before him. He is not, at all, favorably disposed. But holds back his decision for further inquiry, etc. He promises to give me or you his decision in writing before many days. We can then see how the matter stands, and can prepare a case, with all the facts, dates, etc. clearly stated, and then take it before the Attomey General — or if an Act of Congress be necessary, before that body, at its next session. But I still hope for a favorable answer from the Qr. Master General. I thought it best not to call in any lawyer or claim agent in this City until after hearing from the Depart ment, and being able to see whether such aid is necessary. If we have to call in a lawyer or claim agent, I think the best is the firm of McLellan k Benedict, 448 Fifteenth St. But you may see better about it when the Depart ments have been heard from. I shall leave the City in a few days, but expect to re turn in July, or perhaps, June, and spend most of the summer here. I will cheerfully render any aid in my power in this matter. To E. B. Drahe. Raleigh 21 ay 18 1869. I went over to-day especially to inquire into the suit against you for $4000. Confederate money which you bor rowed from the Bank ()f N. C. near the close of the war. Mr. Dewey showed me a copy of a letter he lately sent you touching the matter. Presuming you have received his letter I need not state its contents. On his terms you can compromise or settle at '$1.00 in $50. Yr. acceptance fell due in Alay 1865 when Confederate money was worth nothing. On his terms you can get rid of the demand for some $100. in present currency ; and the costs of the suit. Tou say you tendered payment in Con. currency and that 1284 North Carolina Historical Commission. it was refused — ^AVhether this tender was made before or after your debt fell due, you do not state. Upon the facts before me I can not advise you whether it is best to com promise ou the terms proposed by Mr. Dewey or not. Accept my sincere thanks for the accurate printing of my letter to the president. I hope the space occupied, was warranted by the matter and that the publication has been acceptable to the readers of your paper. I desired to pay you for the extra numbers of yr. paper, covering this letter, which I have duly recd, but you de clined to receive pay. I inclose $5. which you will please credit to me in such way as you think proper — and if you need any further interposition in the suit against you, wherein I can serve you, command my services. Statesville. From F. M. A. Drahe. La Prairie, Ills. July 8/69. I desired to pay you for the extra numbers of yr. paper, and am truly sorry to learn of your indisposition. I am in hopes by this time you are rapidly improving, and will soon regain your health. I was apprised of the death of your daughter Mary — and that of your grand-children. I receive the Sentinel and American every week besides letters almost as frequent from friends, and consequently I am pretty well informed of matters and things in my dear old Native State. And I can assure you that there is no citizen of the State at present that feels any greater degree of contempt for the Mean Scallawags and carpetbaggers there than I do, I do sincerely hope that the people of the State may be enabled to realize their condition while under the control of such thieves and scoundrals, and that they will immediately take steps to put them from place and power. There has. been a great deal said about traitors but, the Meanest Correspondence of Jonathan AVorth. 1285 traitors in the world are those that betray their om-u coun try, and people, for a few paltry greenbacks, (Judas like). I think Holden is corruption deeply corrupted. There is certainly no deeper depth of infamy to attain than he has already attained, it would seem that like oue of old, he would "be eaten of worms" for his wickedness. I am glad to leam that you have good crojis in North Carolina, and other Southern States. I am always glad to hear of the prosperity of the South. But it is not the case with us here in Illinois, the com which is our main stake is an entire failure, and the wheat crop will certainly be lost unless it ceases to rain immediately. It has rained here so much this spring that the farmers could not plant a full crop, and the worst of it is they have never been able to cultivate what they did plant, and it is still raining. When it will cease we don't know. The times are gloomy with us, altho we have a considerable quantity of old com and wheat on hand, so that we will not perish. ^YiUiam H. Bagley to Dr. H. R. Noel. Raleigh. N. C. Sept. 1.3th 1869. Govemor Worth died about eleven o'clock, Sunday xotice of Gov. " Worth's death. night, the 5th inst., as you have, no doubt, been informed by the news-papers ; — and I write at the request of Mrs. Worth, to express to you the deep feelings of respect and regard, which she, and all her children, entertain for you, for your kind and unselfish attentions to the lamented dead, while under your treatment. They all feel that his death was, in no wise, attributable to any fault of yours. Indeed, they have the satisfactory assurance that you did all that skill and kind attentions could do, under the cir cumstances. The retJoUection of these kindnesses will be cherished with the memory of the departed, ancl your name 1286 North Carolina Historical Commission. will be remembered in the prayers of bereaved hearts, as that of one "M'ho had a heart to feel for other's woe," and a hand to help. The Govemor often spoke of you before his death, in words of admiration of your kindness, of your devotion to your patients, and of confidence in your skill. He is now gone, and ive, alone, are left to thank you and pray for your happiness. Our pathways are far apart ; but should occasion ever bring you near to them, be assured that the doors of those, who in life were dear to him they now mourn, will be opened wide to you, and their hearts, also. Trusting that Providence may long spare you to do much good, and to acquire that reputation in your noble profession, -\vhich your merits deserve, I subscribe myself, Rockbridge Alum, Va. Correspondence of Jonathan AA'orth. 1281 APPENDIX. The foUo-wing letters w^ere found too late for insertion in regular order: To J elm L. Holmes. Jan. 21 07. I hope you will not hesitate to act under the commission which will be haneled you by Genl. Seawell M-hom I here by introduce to you. I wish you not only to act with him on the special cases referred to but also in a case in Johnson County to which he -will call your attention. I vrill recommend and the Genl Assembly wiU no doubt readily pay you not only your expenses but as much as they pay themselves — say six doUars per day for the time you may be engaged in this service. And as our treasury is very lean I hope this compensation -will be satisfactory to you. I inclose to you copies of correspondence touching the cases in New Hanover k Robeson. Wilmington. To P. H. ^yinston. Jan. 22 67. I have recommended yr friend Erasmus L. Simmons as a fit man to be appointed surveyor of the Port of Windsor, N. C. WlX'DSOR. 1288 North Carolina Historical Commission. To Joseph A. Worth.' CoMPANY^s Shops Sunday, Apr. 22/65 1 parted from David in Raleigh at about noon on last Wednesday week. I hope he got safely to Roxana's, but have not heard from him or my family since. My in tention then was, the R. R. North & AVest of Greensboro being cut by the enemy, to have the State wagon train pushed out to Morrisville there to meet the train, have the State valuables aboard — and to escape with them to your neighborhood. The State wagoners ran away and others could not be supplied till Wednesday night — Sherman being then in 6 miles of Raleigh. The wagon train was then directed to push forward to Durham. It made such slow progress, not being able to pass the army trains, that it had not reached Durham at sunset Thurs day night. It was then too late to risk escape by the wagons. Raleigh was occupied Thursday morning and Thursday night the advance of the enemy was at Morris ville and its Depot fired by our rear-guard. I then moved here, and after waiting till 4 o'clock, P. M. on Friday and the wagons not coining up, moved on to Greensboro. On Tuesday before the capture of Raleigh Gov. Swain ^ame to Raleigh, and it being understood that Lee -with his army had surrendered. Gov. Swain urged upon Gov. A'^ance that further resistance was vain and that he ought to ask Sherman to suspend hostilities under a promise that he would call the General Assembly and recommend a restoration of the Union. The Gov. asked Gov. Graham by Telegram to go down for consultation. He arrived in Raleigh at midnight. Gov. G. and Gov. S. who had previously agreed ou this plan urged it upon Gov. X. I was posted as to all this on Tuesday night. On Wednes day morning, I saw Gov. Y. alone. He told me he could not concur in their plans — I suggested to him then 1 Received too late to be inserted in proper chronological order. CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JoXATHAX AVoRTII. 1289 * whether he coiUd n .t ^.nd Gov. S. and Gov. G. under a flag of truce to ask protection for the Capitol aud a ^us- pension of hostilities with the view to a general pacifica tion. Gov. G. came iu soou after, intending tu leave for home by the next train. Gov. Y. asked him if he M-ould consent to go. He said being a member of Cougre.-s, he doubted whether the enemy would not hold him a pris oner — that he had left home suddenly and ought tc.i return home to proride fc>r the approach of the army. I urged upon him that he alone could save the Capitol from piUage perhaps from destruction — and that he ought to incur the hazard and inconvenience. At this stage my duties compeUed me to -withdraw from the conference. Gov. G. and S. were soon after dispatched with a flag of truce and special train, but without any permit to pass our lines.^ On reaching Genl. Hampton commancUng the rear guard, he would not allow them tij pass his lines, until he could hear from Genl. -lobuson who was then, as I understand, in conference with Prest. Davis at Greensboro. The President refused to let them pass. In the meantime the rapid advance of the enemy caused a change of the picket lines by which they fell within the lines of the enemy and KUpatrick captured them and claimed them as prisoners of war. They were carried to GeiU. Sherman's headquarters who received them courteously — decided that having entered his lines in good faith they should return in good faith. He refused to suspend his march after the Confederate Army but gave assurance in writing of protection to the city aud all State officers and State property and alloM-ed the Gov ernor aud all the State officers to return and remain un molested in their offices, with all the State papers, re straining us not to go more than 12 miles from the City. 1 This Is a mistake. The commissioners had gone with Jolmston's approval and with a pass from fieneral Hardee. For a full account see Spencer, Last yinety Days of the War. pp. 142-4: Hamilton, Re construction in Xorth Carolina, pp. 91-4. 1290 North Carolina Historical Commission. Gov. V. regarded this as a sort of prison bounds, as to him, and would not have accepted the privilege, and the Confederate authorities would not, and will not to this time allow us to return. On last Friday week, the advance of the enemy being near Hillsboro and Genl. Johnson's at Greensboro, the enemy having previously captured Salisbury and burned up vast stores there belonging to the Confederacy and the State, including all our State clothing — also High Point anel Salem, — the Prest., with a ^ guard of 300 cavalry left Greensboro. About the same time a flag of truce passed between the armies, and Genl. Johnson went do-wn and met Sherman. An armistice, applying to all the troops this side of the Mississippi was agreed upon and it is understood that terms of peace have been agreed upon. Rumor says these terms are generous towards us and are awaiting ratification. The army would have rapidly melted away but for the hope of an honorable discharge. The war is at an end whether the terms are ratified or not. The vast supplies along the R. R. are destroyed, wasted and consumed and our troops supplied by foraging parties. I have no doubt that my family and property at Ra leigh is all safe — ^but fear I have lost my teams, wheat at Pittsboro, and cotton in Anson. I have been suffering from a bilious diarrhoea — am much improved but not well — and awfully worried at being senselessly detained here by our own authorities. The bridge at Jamestown is burned, — also the University bridge near Hillsboro, and the bridge over the Catawba, the former by Stoneman, the two latter by our troops, and nothing being done to repair them for want of la borers. It is unkno-wn here where Davis is — or whither he has gone. We have rumors that he has retumed to Greens boro. Fears are entertained that the assassination of Lin- CoRRESPOXDEXCE OF JOX'ATHAX AA'ORTH. 121)1 coin will prevent the ratification of a treaty favorable to us — It was a criminal and unwise act. Arch, Graham, son of»Archd. Graham near your place, is here, well and sound. Report this to his father. TeU David Anderson that Mr. Wiley^ is with me and weU but awfully homesick. John- called at my house as the army passed Raleigh. I did not see him. The family reported him well. I saM' Alex McAlister at Greensboro last Saturday — well and sound. Bingham^ was captured with Lee's army, weU and on his way home ou parole, I -wish you to get this letter to David and Roxana. Having leisure, I have given you a long narrative. Pos sibly many of its facts may be already known to you. Lee's returned men will have given you the particulars as to his surrender. Grant behaved nobly. He refused to receive Lee's sword or his parol — and shed tears when Lee tendered his sword. The foregoing embraces all the reliable facts of im portance which occur to me. I will not relate the rumors on every breeze. Johnson's retreat from Smithfield to Greensboro was eridently made -with the vIcm- of forming a juncture with Lee, and hene?e he made no halt at defensible points. It was conducted with his usual skill — and his men in good spirits and ready at his command to go into the fight. Our Cavalry are apparently without discipline — the terror of everybody as far as I can hear, who has a horse or a mule -within twenty miles of the line of march. Either peaQC must result very soon from the present armistice — or a resumption of hostilities. In either event we ought to accept at once the permission to put our State archives in the Capitol. I can conceive of no one so ob stinate and reckless as to refuse the privilege to us to 1 Philip A. Wiley, his chief clerk. 2 John Worth, a, son of Joseph A. Worth. 3 Eobert Bingham. 1292 North Carolixa Historical Commission. return them except Davis. Gov. V., who is at Greens boro, sends me a telegram that Genl. Johnson refuses to let us pass the lines. I presume he acts under orders from Davis and hence infer that he is still in this State. If he is the ruling spirit, I expect no peace except by the dissolution of the army and the ruin of what little is left us worth preserving; — Gov. V. however in the same telegram says, "Settlement soon expected." Fayetteville. To Airs. Roxana McNeill.' Raleigh Feb. 12/68. ****** * At present my removal from office is less ¦ threatening than it has seemed to be for the last two inonths. The news is that Ala. had defeated the Radical Constitution. The political aspect, excepting Congress which daily be comes more savage, is rapidly growing better. The future is still dark, but less so than it has been. I can't go into details. P. S. General Canby and Staff arrived here. They immediately made a complimentary call on me. He seems very courteous. My late correspondence, I have reason to think, has extorted from him more respect than he has been exhibiting heretofore. 1 Received too late to be inserted in proper clironologieal order. INDEX. Abernathy, Robert L., letter to, O.S'.i. Abolitionists in North Carolina, 110-113, 115, Adams, J. Q.. 1226. Adams, X. X., 754. Adams, Peter, 1114; letter to, 84S. "Advance," operations of, 266, 270, 274-9, 324, 440. Alamance county, 44-47, 102-4, 108-10, 114, 117-8, 120-3. Albright, William A., letter to, 461. Alderman, William, 623. Aiken, Captain, 1269. AUen, , 1170. Allen, Daniel, 229. Allen, William A., letter to, 719. Allison, Lieutenant, 945-6. Allspaugh, J. W., 822-3; letter from, 823; letters to, 692, 1084. Alston, M. A., letter from, 190. Alston, Mollie, letter to, 693. Anderson, David, 1291. Anderson, William W., 481. Anderson, Lieutenant, 241. Andrews, J. P., letter to, 1226. Andrews, Leigh D., letters to, 160, 162, 183. Arendell, B., 695-6. Arendell, M. F., 674, 701-2, 818; letter to, 682. Arendell, T., 696, 703. Arendell, William L., 674, 687. Argo, T. 11., 1241-2. Arnold, Paul, 173; letter to, 184. Arnold, PenneU, 742. Arrington, A. H., 430, 662, 667, 677, 752, 841, 926, 977-8, 981. Arrington, Dr., 842. Ashe, Thomas S., 248, 841; letters to, 1018, 1110, 1174-6. Ashley, , 120-1. Ashley, .S. .S., 122.5: letter to, 1231. Ashworth, Joel, 344, 565, 742, 815. Askew, Benjamin, letter from, 1069. Atkins, Captain, 1093. Atwell, , 6-24. Avery, General, 963, 972, 074, 1088, 1129, 1183. Avery, W. W., 101, 125. B. Badger, George E., 218-9. Badger, R. C, 519, 1207. Bagley, William H., 288, 335, 467, 532, 554, 557, 562, 573-4, 674, 687, 755, 910, 1047, 1128, 1134, 1147, 1217, 1226, 1231, 1265, 1270: letters from, 459, 530, 534, 687, 698, 747, 757, 847, 904, 906, 916-7, 927, 929-33, 935, 085, 1091, 1285; letter to, 1254. Bain, J. C, letters to, 595, 686. Bainum, G. W., letters to, 113, 115. Baker, Daniel B., 1018, 1111. Baker, John W., Jr., 623. Ball, Mrs. Isham, 508. Ball, Robert, 921, 933. Banner, Salisbury, 78, 80, 85. Banson, Daniel, 274. Barnes, David A., 304, 319, 320, 519, 845, 992, 1083. Barnes, Simon, letter to, 1045. Barringer, D. IL, 581-2, 937, 951, 959, 965-6, 968; letter from, 578; letter to 935. Barringer, Victor C, 98n, 101; letter to, 98. Bason, J. L., letter to, 388. Batchelor, Joseph B., 125. Battle, K. P., 468, 504, 709, 790, 900-1, 985, 1196, 1275-127C: letter from, 749; letters to, 487, 1140. Battle, Richard H., 790 ; letter from, 200. Battle, William H., 300, 607, 1003, 1019. 1040. 1291 Index. Baxter, John, 531, 533; letters to, 503, 511, 1008, 1226. Beasley, J. R., 332. Beauregard, P. T., 301. Beekerdite, D. B., letter to, 259. Beckerdite, E., letter to, 506. Beebe, , 1056-7, 1097, 1182-3. Bell, E. U, 818. Belo, 646-7. Benbow, D. W. C, letter to, 461. Bennett, 945-6. Benton, Thomas H., 1228. Berry, Colonel, 885, 889; letter to, 889. Berry, Job, letter from, 1209. Berry, John, 335, 519, 559, 646-7, 652-3, 669, 722, 737, 1164; letter to, 915. Berry, Marcellus P., 1210. Berry, Thomas, letter from, 200. Best, R. W., 810, 812, 1066, 1133, 1147, 1175; letter from, 749. Bibb, William W., 842, 845. Billings, B. L., 769. Biggs, Asa, 498, 927; letter to, 593. Biggs, William, letter to, 879. Bingham, Robert, 330;. letters to, 330, 598, 1291. Black, George, 323, 565, 815. Black, J. S., 922-3. Black, William, 573. Blackmer, Luke, 619; letters to, 119, 941, 973. Blair, B. F., letter to, 194. Blair, E. T., 742, 815. Blair, F. P., 1226, 1238. Blair, Montgomery, letter to, 1242. Blalock, William, 726. Blankard, Mrs. J. J., letter to, 567. Blount, , 568. Blount, Ira G., 219. Blount, ffhomas, 219. Blount, William, 219. Blythe, James, 892. Boardman, , 917. Boddie, William, 743. Bolemins, A. W., 1059. Bomford, James V., 847, 889-90, 901, 904, 916, 918, 922, 927-9, 930-3, 960, 966, 974, 1003, 1046-7, 1093, 1107, 1269, 1281; letters to, 804, 916, 985, 1175, 1189. Bond , 640, 644, 722. Boner, Joshua, letter from, 1076; letters to, 281, 1078. Boyd, John, 726. Boyden, Nathaniel, 323, 560, 568, 649, 652-3, 669, 672, 683, 732, 737, 764, 770, 812, 892-3, 986, 990-1, 1273-4; letters to, 609, 847, 876, 885, 991, 1193. Boyden, Spencer, 242-3. Bragg, Braxton, 333, 336, 366. Bragg, Thomas, 327, 521, 556, 751, 812, 849, 1010; letter to, 48. Branch, Thomas, & Sons, letters to, 444, 464. Bridgers, Robert R., 125, 430, 550, 569, 593, 661-2, 667, 677, 752, 841, 926, 977-8 ; letter from, 748. Bright, Edward, letters to, 886, 889. Broadfoot, W. G., 331. Brogden, Curtis H., 350, 352, 522. Brooks, George W., 473, 479, 562, 620, 640, 773-4, 983, 1127, 1223; letter to, 606: Brookshire, W. F., letter to, 328. Brown, All, 383; letter to, 248. Brown, Bedford, 124, .466, 489, 848, 858-9, 863, 1125, 1253; letters to, 492, 864-5. Brown, Cato, 357. Brown, Darling, 905. Brown, I. H., letter from, 345. Brown, Jo. L., letter to, 329. Brown, John, 82, 99. Brown, John L., letter to, 445. Brown, William, letter to, 298. Browne, Washington, 686. Brownlow, Ella, letter to, 693. Brownlow, W. G., 525, 1233. Broyles, Isaac M., letter from, 234. Bruce , 1177. ' Bryan, James A., letter to, 418. Bryan, John H., 1010. Bryan, William H., letter to, 698. Ixdex. 129c Bryns, Andrew, 196. Bryson, Thadeus D., 819, 852: letter from, 807; letter to, 816. Buchanan, James, 125, 127. Buchanan, William B., letter to, 551. Buie, Miss M. A., letter to, 850. Bulla, J. R., letter to, 964. Bulla, James, 179, 183, 187. Bulletin, Charlotte, 189. Bulimy, Henry C, letter to, 514. Bullock, David B., letter to, 530. Bunting, Samuel R., letter to, 1145. Burgwyn, Henry K., letter to, 332. Burkhead, S. F., 1193. Burley, Thomas, 1125, 1276. Burney, , 190. Burns, Andrew, 739. Busbee, Perrin, 534-5, 553-4, 589, 599, 671, 673-4, 687; letter to, 1270. Bush, Sheriff, 565. Butler, Thomas A., 531-3. Butner, J. A., letter to, 717. Buxton, Ralph P., 1003, 1224; letter to, 1083. Bynum, William P., 643, 692; letter from, 725; letters to, 1011, 1018. Caldwell, David A., letter from, 586. Caldwell, David F., 75n, 425, 721, 742, 756, 770, 772, 1114, 1125; letters from, 471, 485, 711, 736, 799, 829, 836; letters to, 75, 704, 708, 720, 732, 768, 790, 847, 885, 947, 974, 976, 1052, 1113, 1143. Caldwell, Judge David F., 101, 690, 743; letter from, 618. Caldwell, Tod R., 80n, 432, 435, 476, 560, 569, 697; letters to, 80, 532. Caldwell, W. A., 460. Caldwell, W. T., letter from, 709. Calhoun, John C, 436. Calicotte, Henry, 671. Calton , 197. Cameron, John W., 573. Cameron, Paul C, 430. Campaign of- ISOO, 102-4, 108-10, 114-G, 120-3. Campaign of 1864, 306-9, 317-8, 321-3, 326, 661. Campaign of 1865, 442-50, 455, 565, 574, 675, 765, 1212, 1243. Campaign of 1866, 519, 538-9, 547, 555, 563-4, 570, 575, 619, 622-3, 626, 630, 638, 641, 044, 650, 663-7, 670, 675-6, 68-2-3, IjSO-7, 689-90, 704-5, 707, 717, 723, 739-44, 747-8, 753, 756, 762-8, 770-2, 781-4, 787-92, 797-8, 804-5, 807-8, 816-21, 823-4, 826, 839-40, 1212. Campaign of 1868 (State), 1161, 1165- 71, 1173-6, 1184-5, 1216-7, 1221, 1224-5, 1228. Campaign of 1868, (National), 1226, 1238, 1240-3, 1247-8, 1259-60. Campbell, Captain, 530-1. Canby, E. R. S., 1049, 1054-5, 1061, 1069- 74, 1079-80, 108-2, 1085-7, 1090-1, 1095, 1098-9, 1101--2, 1107-15, 1117- 23, 1128-31, 1135-6, 1139-43, 1149-50, 1157, 1170-1, 1173-4, 1176-7, 1188-9, li»8-9, i:::02, 1207, 1221, 1224, 1-226, 1233, 1266-8, 1272, 1276-7, 1280; let ters to, 1075, 1082, 1091, 1124, 1146, 1151, 1162, 1209, 1225, 1292. Cannon, Joseph D., 824. Cannon, Joseph L., letter from, 447. Caimon, William, 815. Cantwell, Edward, letter to, 1148. Carolinian, Fayetteville, 707. Carpenter, C. H., 460. Carr, Colonel, 727. Carr, Nicholas, 1050. Carr, O. W., letter to, 177. Carroll, Mrs. M. A. T., letter to, 693. Case, A. H., 651. Case, Daniel, 597, 601-2. Cass, Lewis, 127. Cawthome, W. W., 1003. Cawthorne, John B. (or V.), 461, 648. Chandler, W. S., 672. Chapin, A. B., 1125. Chappell, Horace R., letter to, 967. 1296 Index. Charlotte Democrat, 275n, 8^12, 882n. Chase, Salmon, P., 983. Chronicle, Charleston, viii. Chronicle, Washington, 568, 856, 1037. Chur, Jacob F., 957. Cilley, Clinton A., 1158; letters to, 934, 955, 1145, 1149. Clapp, John H., 114. Clark, , 856. Clark, C. C, 494, 538, 541-3, 684, 702, 764, 1140; letter from, 662; letters to, 653, 789, 806, 870, 1141. Clark, Henry T., 466, 521, 558, 594, 927, 1272 ; letters from, 944, 1038 ; letters to, 65, 788, 939, 950, 1043, 1049, 1072. Clark, Jonathan, 1264. Clark, Louisa, 1250. Clark, William, 1250; letter from, 839; letters to, 425, 969, 1062, 1095, 1154, 1187, 1247, 1259. Clements, L. L., 745; letter from, 731; letter to, 744. Clingman, Thomas L., 124-5, 498, 927, 1274. Clemson, W. T., 1237. Cobb, David, letter to, 570. Coffee, Austin, 726. Coffin, Addison, letter to, 1222. Coffin, Barney, 840, 987, 1096, 1250. Coffin, J. M., 650, 652, 737, 986; letter from, 619; letters to, 625, 669, 998, 1074. Coffin, Miriam, 1250. Coffin, Stephen, 987, 992. Coffin, Z. S., 1052. CogdeU, Lewis, 1013, 1015. Cogswell, Colonel, 847, 1107. Cohen, S. A., 588. Cohoon, J. F. P. C, letter to, 459. Coleman, D., 637-8; letter from, 603. Coleman, William M., 1225. Colgrove, D. D., 1089. Colgrove, O. R., 1089. Colston, R. E., letter to, 755. Colton, H. E., letters to, 93, 330. Coltrane, David, 194-5. Coltrane, Jesse, 194-5. Commercial, New Bern, 867, 871, 1131. Conigland, Edward, 520-1; letter to, 1224. Connor, P. J., letter to, 546. Conscription, 187, 212-5, 225, 229-30, 239, 246, 249, 251, 293, 298, 304, 309-16, 320, 347. Conservative, Raleigh, 261-2. Convention of 1861, 128, 437. Convention of 1865-66, 372, 375, 395, 413-4, 420, 425, 433', 445, 515, 532, 570-1, 593, 600, 619, 626, 631-2, 635, 644, 651, 749, 758, 766, 1091-2. Cook, Levi, 352. Cooke, 0. D., letters to, 1044, 1048. Cooper, Henderson, 959, 961, 1089. Cosby, John, 659. Cotton, Robert, 624. Cotton, James, 382. Council, Captain, 366. Cowan, R. H., 722; letters to, 1112, 1160. Cowles, A. C, 336, 353; letters to, 857, 1251. Cowles, Calvin J., 473, 513, 680, 812, 826, 995-6, 998, 1002. Cowper, Pulaski, 519, 558. Cox, Charles, 194. Cox, Jonathan, 1125. Cox, Lindsay, 740. Cox, Nere, letter from, 242. Cox, Seth, letter from, 242. Cox, William R., 707-8, 716-7, 742. Craig, W. F., letter to, 570. Craige, Burton, 752, 977. Crane, John, 1125. Craven, A. J., 489. Craven, Braxton, 411 ; letter from, 976. Crawford, J. J., letter to, 761. Cunningham, John W., 329, 336, 520. Curtis, C. C, letter to, 460. Curtis, Benjamin R., .921, 923, 930. Ixdex. 1297 D. Daniel, N. G., 853; letter from, 650; letter to, 648. Daniels, Susan J., 959. Dargan, Atlas J., 573; letters to, 547, 748. Davidson, A. T., 282, 752. Davis , 108. Davis, Alexander M., letter to, 636. Davis, D. A., 625, 646, 653, 737, 851; letter to, 649. Davis, George, 134, 281, 320, 549, 752, 926. Davis, Jefferson, 282, 300, 381, 575, 639, 1152, 1-289-90, 1-292. Davis, Robert, 974. Democrat, Charlotte, 275n, 812, 882n. Dennis, N., 840. Denson, C. B., letter to, 753. Duncan, 696. Deserters, 230, 265, 285-6, 348-9, 351, 354, 356-60, 362-3, 368-9. Destitution, 234, 290, 296, 567, 573, 578, 581-2, 586, 598, 036-7, 791--2, 851, 886, 890, 901, 904-6, 916-9, 927-33, 935, 951-2, 959, 965-7. Devereux-, John, 268, 440, 656. Deweese, John T., 1173, 1177, 1225, 1228, 1240-2, 1258. Dewey, Charles, 556, 1-283-4. Dewey, T. W., 851. Dibble, C. B., letters to, 384, 454, 463, 854, 1252. Dick, John M., letter to, 57. Dick, R. P., 112, 335, 425, 444, 521, 619, 624, 641, 649, 666, 683, 685-6, 732, 737, 741-2, 769-70, 789, 924, 1125, 1198-9, 1201-2, 12-25, 1272; letters to, 995, 1084-5. Dickey, 600. Dickenson, P. R., 646-7. Dill, G. W., 696, 702; letter to, 423. Dilsworth, A., 919. Dispatch, Wilmington, 050, 707. Dockery, Alfred, 638, 041, 650, 683, 7(i4, 783, 788-93, 796-8, 804-5, 807, 811, 813-4, 817, 8-20-1, 823, 8-26, 839, 1188, 1195, 1272. Dockery, Oliver H., 252, 519. Dodge, \V. C, 544. Donnell, Richard S., 218-9, 432, 435, 532, 683; letter to, 335. Doolittle, John E., letter to, 1197. Dorsett, Robert, 201. Dortch, William T., 208, 667, 077, 752, 841, 926, 978, 981; letters from, 771, 1244, 1245. Doughty, W. T., 818. Douglas, B., & Co., letter to, 49. Dowd, H. A., 301. Dowd, W. C, 341, 1007, 1162. Drake, E. B., letter from, 826 ; letters to, 809, 1277, 1279, 1283. Drake, F. M. A., letter from, 1284. Drane , 842. Draugham, , 200. Duekett, James L., 1004. Dudley, 1201. Duncan, Navaro & Co., letter to, 851. Dunn, Jones, 839. Durham, Plato, letter to, 957. Durham, W. C, 707. E. Earle, Henry M., letter to, 821. Eaton, William, 877, 922; letter to, 1115. Eckert, Thomas L., 553; letter to, .534. Edmundson, William B., 624. Education, 47-8, 53-4, 389, 407, 411, 414, 420, 512, 833-5, 1007, 1081, 1108, 1146-7, 1231. Edwards, L. C, letter to, 525. Edwards, Weldon N., 516, 521, 550, 752, 1253. Egerstane, James A., letter to, 685. Egerton, Mrs. A. D., 578. Eldridge, Charles A., letters to, 1151, 1221. 41 1298 Ixdex. Elliott, H. B., letters to, 153, 159. Ellis, John W., 58n, 115, 563-4, 79S. Emery, Charles, 672-3. Emmons, Ebenezer, 517, 546, 563; letter to, 166. Emmons, Mrs. Ebenezer, letter to, 563. Englehard, J. A., 1059, 1273; letter to, 877. Englehard & Price, 1267, 1271, 1275. Erwin, Marcus, 125-6. Estes, L. G., 460, 466, 469-70, 472, 477-8, 481, 484. Eure, Mills L., 850; letter to, 988. Everett, Edv/ard, 151. Everett, James H., letter to, 562. F. Faircloth, William T., 447, 1170; letters to, 672, 867, 1013, 1132. Farlow, Sewell, 772. Faucett, Chesley F., 105, 108, 118; let ters to, 101, 115, 121-2. Fayetteville Observer, 79-80, 82, 84, 187, 253, 292. Federal appointments, 460-2, 464-6, 468- 70, 472-3, 477-81, 484, 506, 572, 620, 627, 629, 631-4, 641, 644, 647-8, 650-1, 653-5, 660, 662, 667-9, 684-5, 691, 732-5, 744, 757, 760-1, 763, 1258, 1287. Federal taxes, 489-91, 494, 500-1, 506-7, 719-20, 827, 865, 1076-8. Federal troops, 208-9, 308-10, 456, 483. Ferebee, Dennis D., 519, 556, 619, 626, 685, 744, 773-4, 1019, 1127; letter to, 667. Fessenden, William P., 469-70, 1204; let ter to, 1210. Finances, State, 233-6, 275-9, 294, 302-3, 334-5, 337-8, 383-6, 388, 392, 394-6, 398-400, 404-5, 408-9, 414, 419-24, 427-8, 440, 448, 471-2, 485-6, 512, 524-5, 594-5, 622, 758, 765-6, 822, 884-5, 1005-6, 1263-4. Finley , 737. Fisher, Charles, letter from, 35. Fisher, Charles F., 61n, 101, 110, 119, 121, 123, 712; letter to, 92. Fisher quarrel, 61-81, 85-102, 104-7, 118-9. Planner , 246, 412, 440-1. Foard, 0. G., 646-7. Fogleman, John, 218. Folk, T., 366. Foster, A. G., 52n, 108, 170; letters t:), 56, 114, 117, 122, 153, 156, 159, 167, 173, 247, 282, 336, 564. Foster, H. H., letter from, 957. Foster, James P., 629, 631, 633, 630, 763; letters to, 668, 757, 760. Foster, Major, 9fi8. Fourteenth Amendment, 607, 645, 6CG, 764, 737, 779, 784, 788-9-2, 795-8, 801, 804-7, 813-5, 817, 820, 824, 900, 1067, 1075, 1170-1, 1184, 1196, 1199, 1200-1, 1241. Foust, Isaac H., 74n, 108-9, 115, 158, 174, 292-3, 36 In; letter from, 217; let ters to, 74, 188. Foust, Mrs. Isaac H., 362. Foust, J. Henry, letter from, 1238. Foust, Peter, 221. Foust, Thomas, 109. Foust, W. H., letter from, 343. Fowle, Daniel G., 218, 336, 482-3, 098, 823, 845, 1003, 1083, 1115-8, 1118-9, 1123, 1126, 1139, 1141, 1145, 1150, 1158; letter from, 483; letter to, 251. Foy, William, letter to, 487. Francks, Maria, 808; letter from, 207. Freedmen's Bureau, 467, 480, 482, 503, 509, 533-4, 540, 549, 617, 635, 637, 651, 685, 745-6, 777-8, 832, 849, 890, 901, 922, 932-3, 941-3, 954, 972, 1005, 1047, 1059, 1066, 1094, 1177, 1202, 1213, 1281, 1287. Freeman, Daniel, letters to, 905, 929. Fremont, S. L., 842-3, 950; letter from, 579; letter to, 580. French, John E., 1213, 1225, 1228. French, R. S., 832; letter to, 393. Fiieiids, see Quakers. Ixdex. 1290 Friends' Rerieir. 523. Fries, William F., 070: letter to, 71. Froneberger, , 744. Fry, James H., 505. Fuller, F. A., 629, 633, 639, 641, 644. 647-8, 654, 660, 668. 733, 763; Utter to, 651. Fuller, Thomas C, 485. 489, 1056; let ters to, 494, 734, 972. Fuller, William P., 464. Furr, John, 573. Futrel, Julia A., 857-^. Futrel, Thomas, 857. Gahagan, George W., 637, 664. Gaither, Burgess S., 752, 841, 926, 977 : letter from, 476 : letters to, 485, 954. Gales, Seaton, 525: letter to, 994. Gardner, Stephen B., letter from, 31. Garner, Fred., 223: letter to, 683. Gash, L. S., 597-8, 638: letters to, 596. 680. Gatlin, R. C, 348-9, 375. Gatlin, E. M., 239. Gee, John H., 642. Gibbs, .J. J., 975. Gibson, E. M., letter from, 1037; latter to, 1040. Gibson, George, 1037. Gilbert, L. W., letter to, 851. Giles, James F., letter to, 1053. Gilliam, Eobert B.. 833, 1003, 1074, 1083: letter from, 844: letter to, 1034. Gilliam, Thomas H., letter to, 1090. Gilmer, John A., 374, 430, 519, 04C-7, 652-3, 069, 723, 732, 737, 742, 75fi, 704, 768, 770, 808, 848, 858-9, Sl)2. 864, 1114, 1124: letter from, 649; letters to, 55, 06, 559, 760, 772, 777. 863, 891, 1085. 1087. Gilmer, John A., Jr., 675, 683, 704. 7! !, 739, 847, 1114: letters to, 527, 534. Glenn, S. B., 974. Goddard, Frank B., letter to, 1227. Gordon, O. C, 241. Gorrell, Ralph, 04S, |]73. 1125; letter tf.. 1113. Goodloe, Daniel R., 473. 470. '.I24. 996, 9IIS, 1137, 114.5. iKjii. 1200; lette. s to, 465, 1196. Goodrich, John, letter from, 993. Graham, Archibald, 1291. Graham, William A., 143, 151, 253, 314, 331, 373, 381, 430, 461, 485, 493-4, 509, 514, 519, .523, .548, 5.i7. 565. 509, 580, 594, 653, 662, 666-7, 077-8. 688, 715, 752, 756, 704-5, 768, 770. 841, 862, SOO, SOS. 908-9, 921, 926. 977, 995-6, 999-1000, 1019, 1140, 1161-3, 1223, 1241, 1261; lettei s from, 200, 481: letters to, 190, 309, 407, 581, 848, 802, 1010, 1086, 11-28, 1165, 1171, 1222, 1258. 1288-0. Grant. U. S.. 381, 697, 710, 717. 73i. 1006, 1090, 1101-2, 1113. 1122, 1130, 1141, 1248-9, 1253-4, 1258-61, 12C8, 1277, 1291. Graves, Calvin, letter to, 234. Gray, Eobert, 157, 173-4; letter to, 154. Gray, Eobert T., 64. Grayson, William, 220. Green, George 609. Greensboro Patriot. 62n, 76, 78-80. 85. 95, 99, 101, 104, 118, 472. 809: let ter to, 77-1. Grier, E. C, 329. Griffin 1115, 1119. Griffin. G. M., letter to, 1035. Ciffith, .Jes=e C, 1058, 1102. 1268. Griffith, Loui* P., letter to. 512. G'i"Om. Eugene. 336: letter to, 643. Guion. B. S.. letter ti. 635. Gu^nn. H. W., 166: letter to. 235. Gvvnn, Walter, lOiO, 113.3, 1147. Ilacknev, Daniel, letter from, 201. Haish, Charles T., oS.i. H:ii<.'li, Charles F., 500. Hale, Edward -T.. 370, 521; letters to, 8?, 05. 100, 106. 157. 196, 243, 506, 1040. 1300 Ixdex. Hale, Sarah, '229. Haley, A. C, letter to, 1009. Hall, Edward D., 1038. Hall, E. W., 125. Hamlin, Jack, 189. Hamlin, J. J., letter to, 325. Hamlin, J. M., letter to, 907. Hampton, , 973. Hampton, Wade, 1289. Hancock, John R., 443. Hanes, Lewis, 249n, 426, 493, 565, 660, 675-6, 682, 864, 892-3, 1168; letters from, 353, 627; letters to, 486, 533, 573, 647, 669, 685, 863, 885, 1265. Hanner, Eli A., 194. Harden, P. E., letters to, 444, 449. Hargrave, Alf., 926. Hargrove, J. E., 269. Harkness, William B., letter to, 1016. Harper, .J. C, 1234. Harris, C. L., 1003, 1173, 1177. Harris, David, 945. Harris, H. J., letters to, 940, 1205. Harris, James H., 924, 945. Harris, Jonathan, 202, 425, 652, 654, 756, 760, 767, 769, 776, 815, 1125. Harris, Richard, 336, 428. Harris, Samuel A., letter to, 849. Harris, Washington, 335. Harrison, , 454, 491. Hathaway, J. L., 415, 447; letter to, 399. Haughton, John W., letter to, 1073. Haughton, William, 539, 1140, 1143, 1188. Hawkins, W. J., 569, 938. Hawks, Francis L., letter to, 407. Hay, James, letter to, 828. Haywood, E. Burke, 556; letter to, 239. Hearne, W. A., letters to, 879, 888. Heartt, Dennis, letter to, 1173. Heath, R. R., letters to, 521, 524". Heaton, David, 427, 1208, 1213, 1225, 1228; letter from, 647; letters to, 1137, 1150. Heck, Mrs. J. M., letter to, 693. Hedrick, Benjamin S., 446-7, 461, 465, 51,5, 562, 582, 587-8, 63-2, 757, 924, 996, 1017, 1036, 1099, 1114, 1124, 1186, 1212, 1220; letters from, 406, 468, 470, 472, 479, 483, 487, 599, 602, 606, 620, 624-5, 638, 644, 648, 660, 673-4, 687, 690, 718, 730, 743, 754, 781, 845, 894, 898, 900-1, 938, 992, 1002, 1006, 1019, 1081; letters to, 433, 477, 491, 497, 505, 530, 543, 550, 553, 559, 566, 568, 576, 584, 589, 619, 628, 641, 654, '665, 671, 682, 693, 709, 731, 752, 769, 778, 785, 804, 815, 822-3, 841, 857, 860, 891, 899, 907, 981, 984-5, 996-7, 1000, 1042, 1120, 1156, 1161, 1177, 1190, 1194, 1200, 1203, 1207, 1217. Hedrick, John A., 639. Helper, H. H., 469, 481, 942, 1123-4, 1166; letters to, 940, 982. Helsebeek, S. H., 529-30; letter to, 531. Henderson, Leonard, 219. Henderson, C. C, letter to, 585. Henley, Hiram, 229. Hennys, Smith & Townsend, letter to, 99. Henry, P. T., letter from, 1002; letter to, 1004. Henry, R. M., 637-8, 763, 765, 775. Henshaw, Jesse G., 1282; letters to, 245, 256-7. Hepburn, A. D., 361. Herald, New York, 772, 783, 793, 1126. Hiatt, Nathan, 1125, 1177. Higgins, B., letter from, 1020; letter to, 1053. Hildesheimer, J., 413, 418. Hill, . ., 197. Hill, A. B., letter to, 455. Hill, Captain, 184. Hill, 0. H., 826. Hill, Riley, letter from, 204. Hill, John, 344. j Hill, Samuel P., 1125. Hill, Samuel W., 204. Hill, William, 888, 1100. Hines , 951. Hinks, J. W. & Co., letter to, 824. Hinshaw, William B., 840. Hinton, Joseph D., 218. Ixdex. 1:501 Hodge, Captain, 734. Hogan, John. 1173, 1177. Hogg, Thomas D., 519, 652-3, 055, 764. 824. Hoke, John F., 125, 152, 252. Hoke, Robert F., 300. Holden, Joseph W., 793, 70S. 1282. Holden, William W., 53, 125, 196, 218-20. 245, 249, 251, 253-8. 261-3, 265, 282, 299, 303, 306-10, 317-8. 321-3, 326, 353, 390, 407, 430, 432-5, 441-3, 447-50, 453, 455-6, 465-6, 469-70, 472-3, 470, 478, 484, 4S8, 491-5, 498, 513, 515-6, 520-2, 525-6, 536, 538. 543, 547, 550-1, 553, 555-7. 559, 561, 569, 572, 574-5, 585, 588-90, 593-5, 603, 605, 607-8, 62-2, 624-6, 629, 631-2, 638-42, 649, 660-1, 663^, 666, 669, 670-1, 674-5, 678, 680, 683, 686, 696-7, 701, 703, 705, 707-8, 713-4, 733, 737, 740, 742, 744, 748-9, 751, 753-4, 759, 765, 772, 783, 785, 788-93, 797-8, 805. 809- 14, 816-7, 822-3, 845-6, S59, 862, 865-6, 876, S94, 896, 900-2, 913, 924-5, 939, 943, 948, 950, 977-8, 981, 995, 997, 1006, 1008, 1052. 1061-3, 1070-1, 1152-3, 1173-4, 1176-7, 1181, 1188, 1190, 1194-6, 1199, 1201-2, 1206, 1208, 1211-2, 1222-4, 1-220-7, 1-233, 1243-4, 1247-8, 1258, 1-261-2, 1268, 1273, 1276, 1280-1, 1285; let ter from, 847; letters to, 67, 306, 431, 434, 439-40, 464, 747, 1232, 1234, 1235. Holland & Wilder, letter from, 642. Holmes, John L., 1287. Holmes, P. C, letter to, 735. Holmes, R. C, letters to, 965, 1082. Holmes, Theophilus H., 349. Holt, Isaac, letter to, 46. Holt, Joseph, 634; letter to, 63. Holt, Samuel L., letter to, 64. Holt Thomas M., letter to, 542. Hoover, B. F., 152, 291-2. Hoover, John, 1205, 1215. Horner, Lewis, 756. Horner, Clarkson, 183. 42 Horton, .Jonathan, 727. Horton, Phineas T., 032. Howard, Oliver 0.. SOO, 901. Howard, George. 1272; letter from, 707; letters to. 8(17, 05(). Hubbs, Ethelbert, 1.84; letter to, 066. Hudson, H. T., letter to, 935. Huglies. Isaac W., 216. Hughes, J. T. (or T. J. ) , 440, 453-4. Humphrey, L. W., letter from, 1245. Humphreys, Benjamin G.. 438. Hunt, Andrew, 328 ; letters to, 419, 594. Hunt, Nathan, Jr., letter from, 206. Hunter, J. T., 114. Hustead, H. W., 520, 538-9, 556, 688, 72L 849, 1080, 1133. Hutchings, J. F., 301. Ingold, A. W., letter to, 433, 878. Ingram, E., 402-4, 428: letter to, 400. Inzalla, Captain, 1074. Iowa, Conditions in, 1841, 32-4. Isler, Stephen W., letter from, 1245. Ives, B. W., 1221. Jackson, Andrew, 127, 220. Jackson, Dr., 332. Jackson, J., letter to, 1207. Jackson, J. H., letter to, 588. Jackson, J. J., 122, 305-6, 345, 406, 528, 564, 739, 937, 980, 1240, 1264: let ters from, 202, 356, 365, 739, 1043, 1046; letters to, 51, 124, 126, 171, 221, 238, 282, 290, 308-9, 327, 342, 351, 360-2, 366, 371-3, 375-6, 379-80, 410, 427-8, 446, 638, 706, 716, 949, 1149. Jackson, Samuel S., 204, 262, 291, 299, 400, 404, 425, 742, 1247; letters from, 51, 192, 196, 200, 223, 268-9, 342, 346, 355-6, 362, 369, 814, 937; letters to, 269, 367, 406, 793, 820, 1184, 1192, 1206. Jackson, Mrs. S. S., 268, 363, 1254; let ters from, 163, 368. 1302 Ixdex. James, R. A., 328. Jarrell, Manleflf, 347 ; letters to, 325, 429. Jenkins, Charles J., letter to, 1104. Jenkins, Dkvid A., 1201, 1225-6. Jenkins, William A., 648. Jobe, M. A., 936, 938; letters to, 545, 1233. John, Dr., 234. Johnson, Andrew, 433, 438, 446, 456, 466, 520, 536-7, 599, 618, 621, 644-5, 666-7, 671, 697, 730, 744, 752-3, 770, 903-4, 970, 977-8, 984, 1122, 1129-30, 1203-4, 1226, 1260, 1279; letters to, 392, 504, 549, 562, 595-6, 605, 676, 925, 1056, 1059, 1099, 1135, 1219. Johnson, M. C, 861. Johnson, Reverdy, 518, 895, 899, 1128; letter to, 500. Johnson, William, 887, 1056, 1085-6, 1101-2, 1113-4, 1121-2, 1132, 1135. Johnson, & Farnsworth, letter to, 150. Johnston, Major, 932. Johnston, Joseph E., 370-1, 379, 1289-92. Johnston, William, 181-2, 256, 550, 752. Jones, A. H., 494, 601, 638, 681, 778, 783; letter to, 597. Jones, Andrew J., 470, 472, 478, 480, 497, 504, 1275-7. Jones, .Mrs. A. S., letter to, 693. Jones, Charles R., letter to, 528. Jones, Dr., 1265-6. Jones, E. A., letter to, 1120. Jones, E. W., 473, 481, 606, 627, 1150. Jones, H. C, letter to, 581. Jones, J. M., 624. Jones, J. W., letter to, 627. Jones, Joseph R., letter to, 757. Jones, Mrs. Joseph S., letter to, 693. Jones, R. K., 602, 754. Jones, Redding, 602, 624. Jones, Willie D., 561, 656. Jones, W. H., 655. Jones, William H., 218. Jordan, Mrs , 357. Jordan, Allen, 814; letter to, 747. Jordan, J. Parker, letter to, 508. Jordan, W. G., letter from, 211. Journal, Wilmington, 227, 869, 871, 877, 1067, 1132, 1267, 1271, 1275. Joyner, Henry, 764; letter to, 1118. Julian, Floyd, letter to, 263. Justice, administration of, 603-4, 670, 685, 690, 693-4, 697-8, 704-5, 709-11, 716-9, 723-8, 756, 773-8, 786, 844-5, 855, 867-73, 875, 877-80, 882, 956-9, 968, 979-80, 1007, 1070-1, 1126-7. K. Kearney, Lieutenant, letter to, 182. Keeht, T. F., 1077. Kelsey, N., letter to, 947. Kelso, William, letter to, 1015. Kemp, A. S., letters to, 1055, 1175. Kenan, Owen R., 748, 752, 841, 927. Kenan, Thomas S., letters to, 574, 941. Kendall, Mrs , 691-2. Keogh, Thomas B., 1125. Kerner, J., letter to, 819. Kerr, John, 1056, 1124; letters to, 887, 1100, 1115. Kerr, W. C, 350, 517, 556, 563, 713, 720-2, 737. Keyes, Wade, letter from, 193. Kilpatrick, General, 1289. King, Pendleton, 480. King, Richard W., 606, 620, 687, 732-4. King, W. H., letter to, 1042. Kinley , 184. Kinley, George, 742. Kirkpatrick, J. S., letter from, 588. Kistler, W. L., letter to, 589. Knapp, Colonel, 945. Koonce, , 818. Kyle, James, letter to, 827. Kyse, Jesse K., letter to, 179. L. Lacy, Drury, letter to, 917. Laflin, Byron, 1226. Lamb, A. L., letter to, 285. Lamb, Miles, letter from, 699. Lambert, Lieutenant, 201. Land, W. W., letter to, 645. Ixdex. 1303 Lander, William, 596, 661--2, 667, 677, 752, 841, 926, 977, 981. Lane, Dr., 116-7, 152. Lane, H. C, letter from, 204. Lane, William K., letter to, 158. Lash, Israel G., 466, 468-9, 484, 487, 491, 498, 551, 558, 1168-70; letter to, 426. Lassiter, R. W., 569, 722, 732, 737, 812. Lavender, Benjamin, letter to, 1179. Lawrence, Mark E., letter to, 1020. Laws, George, letter to, 1177. Lawyers in Guilford and Randolph coun ties, 49. Lazelle, Captain, 975. Lea, James H., letter to, 1079. Leach, James M., 539, 563-5, 569, 609, 630, 633, 639, 644, 739, 743, 841, 848, 858-9, 862, 864, 1125, 1135, 1168; letters from, 629, 631; letters to, 641, 864, 884, 1084. Leach, James T., 470; letter to, 810. League, Union, 866, 964, 1187, 1202, 1208, 1213. Lea.k, Walter F., 650; letter from, 963; letters to, 859, 868, 937, 1253. Ledford, T. E., 603, 773-5. Ledford, W. C, 603, 773-5. Lee, J. E., letter to, 691. Lee, Joshua L., letter to, 1219. Lee, Robert E., 353, 381, 731-2, 1288, 1291. Legislature of 1860, 124-7, 159. LeGrand, , 269. Lehman, R. F., letter to, 651. Leisering, H. G., letters to, 1224, 1256. Lenow, C. K., letters to, 1205, 1215. Levy, James B., letter to, 1157. Lewis, G. F., 1096; letter from, 835; letter to, 1037. Lewis, J. J. D., letter to, 600. Lilly, Captain, 357. Lincoln, Abraham, 127, 132, 134, 137, 147-8, 150, 155, 158, 329, 381, 621, 670. Lindsay, Jesse H., 290, 486, 646-7, 679, 850, 916, 918-9, 938, 986, 1125. Lindsay, Jed H., 1125. Lindsay, R. C, letter to, 918. Lineberry, W. H., letter from, 213. Literary Board, 519-20, 525-0, 538, 547, 552, 556, 688, 833-5, 849, 1006, 1008, 1053, 1080, 1146-7, 1231. Literary Fund, 389, 406, 411, 414. Little, Alexander, 1018, 1083. Little, George W., 630, 655; letters to, 70, 81, 83, 105. Livingston, John, letter to, 528. Loftin, S. E., 568. Logan, George W., 742, 748, 762-3, 765, 781, 846; letter to, 463. Long, Fannie, letter to, 163. Long, James A., letter to, 77. Long, John, letter to, 44. Long, Rebecca, 229. Long, Thomas N., 1004. Long, William, 336, 1125, 1240. Long, W. F., 112, 169, 174. Long, W. J., 118, 122; letters to, 108, 153, 169, 274, 293. Long & Sherwood, letters to, 62, 68, 85. Love, James R., letter to, 532. Lucas, J. J. D., 573. Lucas, Joel, letter to, 1158. M. McAden, John, 109, 118, 121-3. McAden, R. Y., 1234; letters to, 793, 1074. McAllister , 814. McAllister, Alex., 363, 1291; letter to, 178. McAuley, Sheriff, 815. McBee, Vardry A., 585. McCane, Hugh, 358. McCormick, John, letter to, 1181. McCoy , 829. McCuUoch, Hugh, 629; letters to, 494, 516, 606, 621, 632-3, 650, 672, 684, 691. ilcEachern, John H., 573. McFarland, William, 906. McGehee, Montford, 336. 1304 Index. McGowan, James M., letter to, 724. JIackey, Charles, 570. McKay, John, letter to, 1086. McKoy, Neill, 1233. McLean, A. D., 573. McLean, Archibald, letter to, 260. McLean, A. L., letter to, 1253. McLean, J. R., 605, 629, 1114, 1124. McLean, R. P., letter to, 1113. McLean, Robert A., 639, 841, 926, 978, 981. Mc leRoy, , 733. McMasters, Sidney, 179, 183, 187. McNair, Ray, 573. McNair, Rory, letter to, 1157. McNeely, , ,744. McNeill, A. S., 402, 404; letter to, 960. McNeill, George, 328; letters to, 52, 110. McNeill, James, letter to, 135. McNeill, John, 566, 960. McNeill, John, Jr., 566. McNeill, Roxana, 191-2, 198, 226-7, 318, 327, 339, 367-9, 374, 382, 451, 566, 746, 1264-5, 1288, 1291; letter to, 1292. Macon, Eli, letter from, 242. Macon, Thomas, letter from, 138. Macon, William, 815. McPheeters, William, 391. McPherson, Thomas H. N., 1186. McRae, Duncan G., 958, 926-3, 972, 982, 1129; letter from, 994; letter to, 1088. McEae, D. K., 282, 525. McRae & Co., 120. McRae, McL., 832; letter from, 952; let ter to, 961. McRae, W. H., letter to, 1047. Madlin, John, 710. Makepeace, George, 269-70, 340, 342-3, 351, 1014, 1138, 1256; letters to, 295, 1138. Mallard, D.., letters to, 573, 582. Mallett, C. B., letters to, 77, 422, 1188, 1195, 1220, 1223. Mallett, Peter, 176, 187, 238-9, 274, 304, 316, 327. . Malloy, Philo Z., 489. Manly, Matthias E., 715, 1000, 1143, 1253; letter to, 1139. Manning, Charles G., 620-1. Manning, John, 539. March, , 973. Marler, J. B., letter to, 792. Mart, P. P., letter to, 544. Masters, J. W., letter to, 1097. Martin, S. N., 1274. Marvin, , 862. Mason, W. S., 515, 537. Massey, P. T., letter to, 1054. Masten, J., 824; letter to, 1084. Matthews, Washington, 603. Maxwell, Lydia, letter to, 872. Means, J. S., 985-6. Meaus, Lieutenant, 916, 928. Means, Samuel, 561, 640, 646-7, 649, 652-3, 669, 723, 986. Meares, William B., 1135. Meares, Oliver P., letter to, 1050. Mebane, Giles, 103-4, 109, 120n, 121-2, 323, 986; letters to, 120, 123, 334,' 1118. Mendenhall, Cyrus P., 76n, 171, 207, 496-7, 522, 646-7, 649, 653, 1125; letters to, 76, 140, 1085. Mendenhall, D. E., letter from, 241. Mendenhall, J. C, letter to, 70. Mendenhall, J. R., letter to, 980. Mendenhall, Nereus, 538-9, 556, 689, 713, 720, 722, 760, 767, 769, 776, 849. 1125; letter from, 523; letters to. 407, 514, 519, 552, 749, 756, 772, 808, 864. Menninger, Henry J., 1225. Merrimon, Augustus S., 597, 603-4, 681. 697, 699, 764, 773, 775, 846, 848. 858-9, 863-4, 1003, 1008, 1011-2. 1018, 1171, 1175; letter from, 601: letters to, 600, 637, 1011, 1169, 1241. Michaux, H. C, 427. Miles, Nelson A., 942-3, 950-1, 955-6. 962-3, 1005, 1177; letters to, 956! 958, 968. Ixdex. 130.- Military occupation, 410, 450, 483, 504. 511, 551, 719, 725-9, 734-6, 745-6, 804, 832, 845, 959-63, 994-6, 1050-7, 1069-72, 1084-5, 1087-94, 1097-8, 1100-1, 1103, 1106-8, 1115-6, 1128-30, 1182-3, 1189, 1202, 1221, 1235-7, 1244-5, 1208-70, 1278, 1281-3. Miller, A., letter to, 825. Miller, Faimie, 544. Miller, W. J., letter to, 511. Mitchell, Anderson, 482, 697, 699, 709-11, 1083, 1224; letter to, 483. Mitchell, James P., 1170. Moffitt, Ben, 415, 1282: letter from, 344; letter to, 423. Moffitt, Mrs. H., 248. Moon, John, 299. Moore, , 120-1. Moore, A., 114. Moore, Alexander, 804. Moore, Bartholomew F., 58n, 496, 666, 1010; letter to, 58. Moore, David, 726-7. Moore, Eobert, 647, 652-3, 669, 722, 737, 986. Moore, William G., 984-5, 1130-1; letter from, 754; letters to, 977, 1098. 1107, 118-2, 123-2. Mordecai, William, 646, 839. Mordecai, George W'., 556, 732, 751, 850; letter from, 210. Morehead, James T., 113, 675, 806, 1125; letters to, 920, 1012, 1203. Morehead, J. L., 640, 646-7, 649, 683, 702 ; letter to, 653. Morehead, John M., 118, 378, 569, 634, 679. Morehead, .John M., Jr., 1038; letters to. 561, 635, 1163. Morris, Wilkes, 386. jMoss, C. M., letter to, 932. Moss, Solomon, letter to, 1186. ]Murchison , 260. Murchison, Captain, 187. Murchison, Mose, 370. Murdoch, , 696, 701-3, 737. ilurdoch, William, 637, 640-7. Murphey, , 336. Murphey, David, 572. Murph.v, Henry D., 1238. Murphy P., 566, 573; letter to, 572. Murphy, William; letter to, 587. Myrover, H. L., 716; letters to, 140, 710. N. Nash, Frederick, 1209. Xational Intelligencer, 482, 803, 813, 832, 1096; letters to, 813, 1199. Negroes, 731, 964, 967, 1004, 1095-6. 1154-5. Negroes, apprenticeship of, 827, 832, 890. Negroes, arming of, 353, 744. Negro Code, 616-7, 635, 651. Negroes, conduct of, 482, 746, 874-5. Negroes in the courts, 467, 509, 566. 571-2, 745-6, 988, 1082. Negro suffrage, 568-7, 608, 784, 807, 809. 855, 859, 865-6, 874-5, 899, 902-3, 953, 1048, 1052, 1058, 1062, 1066. 1068, 1145-6, 1165, 1213, 1218. Negro troops, 1244-5. Nelson, William W., letter from, 212. New Bern Commercial. 867, 871, 1131. New Bern Progress, 321, 523, 707-8, 717. Newby, Nathan, 755. Newlin, James, letter to, 185. Newlin, Joseph, letter from, 207: letter to, 321. Newlin, Newton, 419. Newman, Eobert, letter from, 882 ; let ters to, 852-3, 886. Xeirs. Fayetteville, 590. Xeirs. Goldsboro, 870. Newton, Thomas, 945. New York Herald, 772, 783, 793, 1126. New York Tribune. 523, 636n, 774-5, 793. New York World, letter to, 1201. Noel, H. E., letter to, 1285. Nowell , 473. Norfleet, .John, 945, 950, 1272. Norfleet, S. A., 024. 1306 Ixdex. Northcote, Ben, 354. Norwood, S. L., letter from, 205. 0. Observer, Fayetteville, 79-80, 82, 84, 187, 253n, 292. Odell, J. M., 340; letter to, 341. Odell, L., letter to, 180. Odom, J. B., 335. Old Xorth State, Salisbury, 627, 809, 973. Oliver, William H., letter to, 418. Orr, James L., 1149-50, 1198; letters to, 617, 635, 845-6, 894, 897, 943, 1007. Osborne, J. H., letter to, 946. Osborne, James W., letters to, 588, 1068. Outlaw, David, letter to, 89. Owensby, James, 1004. Packard, Colonel, 530-1. Page , 197. Page, James, 740. Palmer, D. A. G., 905. Pardons, 476, 479, 483-4, 498, 505-6, 915-6, 532-3, 535-7, 543-4, 549-51, 553, 562, 564, 566, 572, 574, 589, 593-6, 599, 602-3, 605, 618-9, 624-5, 628, 631, 641, 648-9, 660-2, 671, 677-8, 687, 690, 743-4, 748, 752, 755, 769-71, 815, 822-3, 841, 845, 926-7, 977-8, 984-6, 1232. Parker, Joseph E., 691, 735, 744. Parks, Lewis, 740. Parks, Marshall, 569, 818; letter to, 761, 817. Parrott, J. M., 340, 561, 1080; letters to, 339, 823, 979, 1014, 1079. Parsley, Oscar G., 722, 986, 1273-4; let ter from, 842. Parsley, 0. G. & Co., 916; letters to, 901, 904, 916. Parsons, Lewis E., 862, 897, 920, 1104; letters to, 896, 898, 923. Paschal, E. B., letter to, 1061. Patriot, Greensboro, 6-2n, 76, 78-80, 85, 95, 99, 101, 104, 118, 472, 777, 809; letter to, 774. Patterson, E. L., letter from, 678 ; let ter to, 687. Patterson, S. P., 335, 688. Patterson, W. N., 426; letter from, 200. Payne, J. W., letter to, 443. Peace, J., letter from, 731. Peace movement, 222, 247, 249, 253-8, 260-5, 282-6, 289, 292, 296-8, 306, 319, 341-3, 346-8, 351-2, 376, 661. Pearce, Eebecca, 229. Pearson , 101. Pearson, Eichmond M., 300, 318, 607, 846, 1003, 1220, 1260, 1272; letters to, 698, 1134. Peebles, W. W., 1038. Pell, William E., 406, 536, 589, 608, 619, 624, 626, 629-30, 645, 655, 779, 782-3, 802-3, 1240; letter to, 1244. Pennington, J. L., 282. Perkins, , 884. Perkins, J. J., 856-7, 1049. Perry, John M., 695, 818; letter to, 684. Person, Samuel J., 125, 208, 329, 336. Pettigrew, James J., 240, 246. Phifer, W. F., 588. Philadelphia Convention of 1866, 748, 756, 759-60, 767-9, 772-9, 781-2, 785, 808-9, 1126. Phillips, 1057, 1183. Phillips, Charles, 1039. Phillips, Lewis, 229-30. Phillips, Mark, 963. Phillips, Eeuben, 229. Phillips, Samuel F., 336, 353, 461, 519, 532, 558, 764; letter from, 200; let ter to, 1089. Pierey, William E., letter from, 234. Piermont, E., 470, 477, 481, 735, 744; letter to, 734. Pigott, Jennings, 465, 481, 653, 684-5. Pioneer, Hendersonville, 704, 707, 1108. Pledge, James S., letter to, 765. Poindexter, .John F., 1084, 1110-1, 1115-6, 1118, 1120, 1141-2. Ixdex. 130i Poindexter, Joseph P., 474. Political discussion, 40, 44-7, IJ6, 102-4, 108-10, 114, 117 8, 120-3, 256, 322-4, 770-8, 778-84, 787-95, 797-8, 804-5, 807-9, 1178-9, 1185, 1187-8, 1191- 1208. 1210-18, 1222-5, 1240-3. Polk, James K., 1228. Polk, L. L., 558; letters to, 906, 920. Pomeroy, , 546. Pool, Charles C, 164. Pool, John, 115, 335, 435, 472, 494, 565, 569, 607-8. 619, 624, 641, 666, 683, 708, 764, 850, 1188: letters from, 164, 1282: letters to, 288, 429, 432, 554, 574, 1269, 1-280. Pool, Solomon, 472, 478, 481, 484, 491, 1173, 1177. Pool, Stephen D., 336, 538-9, 558, 689, 695, 721, 751, 849: letter to, 547. Porter, Lieutenant, 932. Porter, Ruth C, 1250. Porter, Thomas, 229. Poulson, G. D., letter to, 1128. Powell, Luke A., 335. Powell, R. J., 481, 484, 487, 491, 515-6, 533, 536, 553, 572, 582, 607, 648, 675, 900; letters to, 462, 531, 572, 583. Powell, William M., 473, 478, 481. Powers , 754, 1056, 1097, 1183. Presbyterian. North Carolina, 135. Presley, William, 740. Presnell, John, letter from, 212. Press, Salem, 287. Price and Englehard, letters to, 1207, 1271, 1275. Pritchard, Mrs. R. C, letters to, 921, 933. Progress, New Bern, 321, 523, 707-8, 717. Progress, Ealeigh. 314, 487. Public lands, 475. See also. Swamp lands. Pugh, W. P., 382: letter to, 445. Purdie, J. W., letter to, 1060. Purifoy, G. W., 624. Purnell, William, 346. Pylic, C, letter from, 459. . Q. Quakers, 165-6, 207-9, 242, 514, 51S, 523-4, 068, 751-2, 756, 760, 767-0, 776-7, 780, 8U0, 815, 951, 10.50-1, 1154-6, 1166, 116S. Quin, Lewis J., letters to, 1001, 1017. Quince , 639. Eailroad matters, 01-Sl, 85-93, 98-102, 104-7, 118-9, 121, 123, 173, 362, 538, 540-3, 556, 559-02, 568-9, 593, 809- 12, 610-20, 622, 625, 630-1, 834-8, 646-7, 649-50, 652-3, 855-6, 663, 669, 678-80, 682, 684, 688, 694-8, 700-4, 712-4, 721-3, 732-3, 751, 786-7, 812, 829-30, 836-9, 842-3, 915, 938, 950, 081, 086, 990-1, 998, 1005, 1074, 1112-3, 1160-2, 1164-5, 118.S-9, 1195-6, 122o-4, 1272-4. Eains, Gabriel J., letter to, 826. Ealeigh Con-icrratire. 261-2. Ealeigh, Evacuation of, 373, 380, 1288-90. Ealston, J. G., letter to, 82. Eamsey, , 696, 701-2. Eamsey, James G., 88n, 108, 318. 538, 541, 555-6, 508-9, 611, 825, 835, 721-2, 732, 737, 751, 761, 812, 817, 841, 986, 990; letters to, 88, 92, 94, 118, 634, 781, 818, 1191. Eandolph County, 40, 44-7, 49, 66, 102-4, 108-10, 114, 163-4, 174, 1S7-S, 211, 230, 265, 322-4, 33S, 348, 354, 356- 60, 362-3, 416-7. Eansom, Matthew W., 650, 666, 675, 683, 764- Eansom, Eobert, 1273. Ray, J. S., 1052. Reade, Edwin G., 281, 432, 1225, 1260, 1272, ; letter from, 846 : letters to, 396, 840. Reconstruction, 599-600, 606-7, 620-1, 848-9, 859, 861-2, 865-6, 868, 880-1, 885, 891-6, 898, 901-3, 907-8, 912-7, 920-5, 930, 939-54, 982, 965-7, 960- 1308 Index. 72, 979, 982-3, 987-9, 992, 995-1004, 1007-12, 1034-5, 1045-51, 1054-5, 1058-72, 1074, 1079-80, 1082, 1087-90, 1104-8; 1119, 1229, 1233, 1242-4, 1248-9, 1259-60, 1265-8, 1292. Red Strings, 866, 976. Reed, Isaac A., 570. Reese, , 974. Register, Raleigh, 6 In, 63, 65, 83-4, 244. Reid, James C, 464. Reid, William B., 470. Rerieher, A., 37-44. Rhodes, A. E., letter from, 694; letters to, 684, 700. Richardson, Sarah, 534. Eichardson, W. K., 464. Eicketts, George E., letter to, 510. Eidenhour, P., 241. Pitch, W. H., 627, 640, 644. Bobbins, D. B., 840. Robbins, F. C, 948. Bobbins, William M., 938; letter to, 1229. Robins, Christopher, 1205, 1215. Robins, Marmaduke, 179, 183, 187, 205, 214-5, 218, 321-3, 326, 406, 528, 739, 793, 1240. Roberts, B. B., 646-7, 652-3, 669, 723, 986. Roberts, Nathan W., 671. Robinson, Benjamin, 590. Robinson, John C, 672, 693-4, 697, 699, 716-7, 725, 734, 736, 745, 777-8, 827-8, 832-3, 901, 1272; letter to, 671. Rodman, William B., 1181, 1188, 1195. 1198-9, 1201-2, 1213, 1225, 1261, 1272. Rogers, Sion H., 1148; letters from, 745, 754; letters to, 508, 517,- 749, 1069, 1181. Rollins, E. A., 518. Rose, George W., letter to, 1259. Eound, George C, letter to. 591. Eoyster, M. B., 1237. Euffin, P. B., 564, 737, Ruffin, Thomas, 112-3, 235, 392-3, 560, 715, 90S, 923, 930, 1163, 1253; let ters to, 861, 877, 909, 920, 923, 984. Ruffin, Thomas, Jr., letter to, 59. Ruger, Thomas H., 403, 406, 428, 443, 456, 474, 487, 496, 508, 511, 524, 531, 617, 735-6; letters to, 410, 429, 456, 482, 489, 524, 527, 529-30, 546. 562, 587, 616. Rumley, , 465. Rumley, D., letter to, 1017. Rush, James, letter to, 1174. Rush, Ninevah, 742. Rush, Noah, 252, 357, 565; letter to. 252. Rush, Sheriff, 741-2. Rush, Zebulon F., 425, 939. Russ, J. H. P., 288, 292, 1052. Russell, C. L., letter to, 179. Russell, Daniel L., 558, 573; letter from, 832; letters to, 296, 827-8, 890. Eussell, James, letter to, 305. Russell, T. L., 495. S. Salisbury Old Xorth State, 627, 809, 973. Salt Works, 161-2, 165-8, 170, 194-5, 197, 202-3, 207, 215-7, 228-9, 236, 247, 250, 262-3, 272-3, 301, 308-16, 318-20. 326, 331, 333, 354-5. Satterthwaite, F. P., 1001. Satterthwaite, F. B., letters to, 856, 978. Saunders, David L., letter from, 818. Saunders, James, 866. Saunders, L. H., 822. Saunders, E. M., 122; letter to, 59. Savage, Eichard, 632-4, 639, 641, 644. 648, 651-2, 054-5, 668, 757, 760. Scales, Alfred M., 605, 629, 639. Scott, Alex., 229, 1144. Scott, J. S., 109; letter to, 109. Scott, Levi M., 1125. Scott, W. L., 1125. Sewell, F. D., 1287. Secession movement, 124-37, 798, 805, 811. Seely, G. A., 534. Ixdex. 1309 .Sellers, Dr., 595, 670. Sennes, Evelina, 1250. Sennes, Nathan, 1250. Sentinel, Ealeigh, 195, 388, 406, 433. 436n, 471, 491, 511, 589, 600, 008, 638-9, 644-5, 860, 730, 707, 780, 782. 870, 994, 1131-2. Sequestration, 193. Settle, Thomas, 563, 619, 626, 638, 641-2, 644, 687, 890, 742, 924, 1100-1, 1188, 1198-9, 1202, 1225: letters to, 959. 1056, 1085. Seymour, Augustus S., 1140, 1143. Seymour, Horatio. 1226, 1238. 1247-8. Seymour, Thomas H., 1217. Seward, William H., 381, 871, 675, 693; letters to, 571, 631, 660, 1006, 1059, 1140. Shackleford, , 652. Sharkey, W. A., 438, 860. 862, 920-1, 933, 1104; letter to, 922. Sharpe, L. Q., 437, 660-1. Shaw. Duncan, 566. Shepherd, Jesse G., Ill, 196. 336; letter to, 1116. Sherman's march, 351, 353, 360, 364-74. 377, 379, 510, 591-2. Sherman, William T., 381, 1288-9. Shipp, William M., 697, 699, 725, 1083, 1149; letter to, 1158. Shipp, W. T., 329. Shober, F. E., 391 ; letter to, 443. Showman, M., 1190. Shrier, Mrs , 1149. Sickles. Daniel E.. 738, 845-6, 872, 922, 939-43, 946-8, 950-1, 955-6, 959-62, 984, 967, 972-3, 979, 982-3, 985, 988-9, 996-8, 1004-8, 1011-2, 1014, 1034-6, 1039-40, 1043, 1045, 1047, 1049, 1061, 1069-72, 1095, 1102, 1113, 1234-5, 1266. 1272; letters to, 962, 97.5, 999, 1003, 1034. Siler, , 807-8, 816-7, 819-20. .Simmons, Erasmus L., 708, 1287. Simmons, Joseph D., letter to, 777. Simmons, Locky, 959. Simonton, , 945. Simonton, E. F., liiS, 390, 722, 851. Sinclair, James, 953-4. Skeen. Allen, letter from, 216. Skeen, J. C, letter to, 416. Sloan, James, 1125. Sloan, William, 447, 497, 504, 1275-7; letter to, 497. Slocum, General, 438. Smith, A., 190. Smith, Alfred, 383. Smith, General, 228. Smith, Stark D., 708. Smith, T. M., 573. Smith, William C, 406; letter to, 402. Smith, W. N. H., 519, 556. Solby, , 556. Sommerville, ilaria, 693. Southern Citizen. 32. Southerner, Tarboro, 867, 869-70, 877-8, 879n. Sparrow, T., 1001. Speed, James, 538. Speed, Eufus K., 850. Speight, A. D., 823. Spelman, John, 128, 261-2, 609. Spencer, .J. G., letter to, 959. Springs, W. L., letters to, 60, 791, 880, 1216. Springs, Oak & Co., 415; letter to, 143. Spnmt, James M., letter to, 1020. Stafford, R. M., 922. Stale, T. S., 489. Standard, Raleigh, 11, 67n, 68, 71, 75, 78, 83, 245, 249, 253, 256, 280-1, 263-4, 280. 284, 286, 292, 299n, 300, 406, 420, 415, 433n, 442-3, 446, 448. 450, 455, 481, 505, 514, 523, 547, 556, 559, 590, 602, 630-2, 661, 666, 670, 707, 717, 730, 751, 756, 780, 787, 793, 805, 809-10, 821, 892, 1108, 11.52. Stanly, Edward R.. 779: letter from, 609. Stanton, Edwin M., 1238, 1-281; letter to, 579. Stanton, Nathan, letter to, 498. Stanton, William, 268, 369. Star, Rutherford, 707. 1310 INDEX. Starbuck, Darius H., 426, 473, 475, 558, 640, 646-7, 691, 718, 824, 901, 1078, 1125; letters from, 474-5, 821; let ters to, 283, 286, 300, 404, 426, 652, 794. State agent, 481, 484, 515-6, 533-5. State debt, 394.7, 404-5, 413-7, 419-23, 445-6, 468, 524-5, 570-1, 622, 690, 765-6, 822, 827-8, 1223-4. State finances, 233-6, 275-9, 302-3, 334-5, 337-8, 383-6, 388, 392, 394-400, 404-5, 408-9, 414, 419-24, 427-8, 440, 448, 471-2, 485-6, 512, 524-5, 594, 622, 758, 765-6, 822, 884-5, 1005-6, 1263-4. State Journal, Raleigh, 26 In. Steadman , 484. Steed, .Nat, 565. Steed, Shipp, 225. Steele, Walter L., 370; letter to, 535. Stephens, Alexander, 677. Stephens, W. B., letter to, 394. Stephenson, Thomas, letter to, 1052. Stevens, Thad., 464, 510, 536, 575, 577, 591, 657, 770-1, 891, 893-4, 896. Stipe, W. B., letter from, 659. Stone, Mrs. David, 220. -Stoneman's raid, 375-8, 380, 474. Stout, H. C, 530, 587. Strange Robert, 669, 722, 737, 764, 991, 1273-4; letters to, 963, 991. Street, Nathaniel H., 125. Stronach, George, letter from, 488; let ter to, 496. Strong, George V., letter from, 1244-5; letters to, 930, 934. Stubbs, Jesse R., 335, 494, 519, 668. Suggs, Joseph, 545. Sullivan, A. V., 242, 352; letter from, 787; letters to, 340, 785. Sullivan, Samuel, letter from, 36. Sumner, Charles, 464, 577, 770-1, 1196, 1200, 1208. Swaim, , 830. Swain, David L., 281, 381, 408-9, 507, 516, 518, 537, 548, 583, 632, 709, 826, 865, 909-11, 1019, 1039; letters to, 350, 504, 509, 858, 908, 1100, 1288-9. Swain, ilarmaduke, 194. Swain, Peter D., letter to, 64. Swamp lands, 528, 552, 832-5, 838, 849, 1006, 1008, 1042, 1044, 1053, 1055, 1077-8, 1080-1, 1133-4, 1147. Swepson, George W., 406, 824, 1242, 1254; letters to, 399, 496. Swepson, Mendenhall & Co., 406, 503, 1276; letters to, 385, 504. Swift, M. J., 223. Syme, J. W., letter to, 61-2. Tapscott, John, letter to, 69. Taylor, Eliza, 554. Taylor, James F., 793. Teague, Charles, 822. Teague, Elijah B., 821, 824. Thomas, Charles R., 561-2, 612, 695, 701, 798; letter to, 312. Thomas, John W., 529, 531, 564, 646-7, 733, 737, 986. Thomas, W. E., 779. Tliomas, William H., 808, 819. Thompson, Franklin, 815. Thompson, Henry C, 938. Thompson, J. W., 815. Thompson, Lewis, 432, 435, 440, 519, 641, 664, 683, 764, 789; letter to, 429. Thompson, Walter A., letter to, 580. Thompson, William H., 461, 469-70, 478, 481, 484, 487, 491, 498. Thornburgh, Captain, 154. Times, Hendersonville, 597n. Times, New Bern, 639, 704, 707. Tolar , 754, 962-3, 972, 983, 1056, 1097, 1183-4. Tolar, John R., letter to, 983. Tomlinson, Allen M., 282, 447; letter from, 518; letters to, 165, 261, 322, 435, 767, 780, 951, 1050. Tomlinson, Allen M., & Sons, letters to, 280, 501, 1185. Tomlinson, Sidney, 1051. Tourgee, Albion W.. 773-7, 780, 785-6, IxDE.X. 1311 793, 808-9, 895, 1056, 1085-6. 1101--2, 1113-24, 1126, 1129, 1131, 1139, 1141, 1143, 1185, 1198, 1208, 1213, 1225, 1-258, 1266, 1208, 1275, 1277, 1279. Townsend, Malcolm, letter to. 463. Tribune. New York, 523, 636n, 774-5, 793. Trogden, Reuben 976. Trolinger, General, 120. Trotter , 460, 462. Trotter, Thomas, 1125. Troy, John B., 177; letter to, 150. Tucker, Rufus, 846-7, 853, 855, 669, 986. Tucker, Thomas G., 754. Turner, , 1181. Turner, John, 646, 1173, 1177. Turner, Josiah, 430, 437, 447, 494, 519, 558, 560-1, 568, 594, 630, 647, 652-3, 655, 660-2, 668-7, 669, 671, 673-4, 677, 723, 737, 752, 784, 806, 841, 926, 977, 981-2, 984, 998, 1042, 1272-6; letters from, 466, 540, 670, 990; letters to, 195, 245, 338, 564, 846. 985-6, 1036, 1096, 1164, 1169, 1240, 1278, 1282. Turrentine, J. C, letter to, 932. Tyler, Robert O., 1156, 1269, 1281; let ter to, 1092. Tyson, Bryan, 1103; letter to, 1103. Union League, 866, 964, 1187, 1202, 1208, 1213. University of Xorth Carolina, 51-3, 407-9, 420, 1010-1, 1016, 1018-9, 1037-9, 1044, 1096, 1100. Utley, Joseph, letter to, 151. Yail, I. L., 553. Vail, Thomas L., letter to, 553. Yance. Zebulon B., 181-2, 202, 216, 228, 238, 240-7, 250-4, 256-8, 261-2, 266, 274, 276, 281, 287, 293, 298, 303-4, 306-18, 320-2, 326-7, 331, 333, 336, 349, 360, 364, 373, 379, 381, 397, 404, 406, 504, 568, 582-3, 655, 601, 675, 679, 680, 709, 733, 737, 741, 7.51, 757, 908-9, 926-7, 075, 977, 1074, 1112, 1162, 1166, 1109, 1229, 1243; letters from, 609, 067; letters to, 175, 187, 201, 229, 2.30-1, 234, 281, 315, 319, 390, 412, 440, 540, 559, 593, 630, 697, 935, 1073, 1167, 1174, 1-288-90, 1292. Yance, Mrs. Zebulon B., 390. Yenable, A. W., 661-2, 667, 677, 752, 841, 926, 977-8, 981. Virden, Dr., 154. W. Waddell, Hugh, 1209. Waddell, Tom, 202. Wade, Benjamin, 904, 992. Walcott, Frank, 725-7. Walker, Bettie, 367. Walker, Dawson A., letter to, 577. Walker, Jesse, 425, 742, 910, 912; letters to, 419, 911. Walker, Robert J., 920-1, 1104. Walkup, Samuel H., 152n., 489, 673; let ters to, 152, 493. War, preparations for, 150-3, 159. W'arden, Jesse, 962. Warren, Edward, 540. Warren, Edward J., 683, 968, 1003, 1083 ; letters to, 850, 1170. Watchman, Salisbury, 37. Watkins, Dr , 269. Watkins, , 754, 1056, 1097, 1183. Watson, E. F., 102-3, .109-10, 114-8; let ter from, 200; letter to, 103. Waugh, H. il., 892, 938. Weaver, John B., 481. Webb, Thomas, 559, 588, 633, 646, 649, 6.5.5, 737, 1273; letters to, 242, 688. Welborn, E. :\I., 441. Welborn, John H., letter to, 1084. Welborn, Scott, letter to, 502. Welsh, John, letter to, 930. \\ heeler, Frank, 1258. Wheeler, .Jesse, 481, 772, 1114, 1123-4, 1258; letter to, 770. 1312 In-dex. Wheeler, John H., 536, 690, 709, 718; letters to, 515, 582, 1069. Wheeler, W. H., 475; letter to, 548. Whitaker, J. B., letter to, 1131. Whitaker, S., letter to, 421-2. Whitaker, Thomas G., 301. Whitaker, W., letter to, 910. Whitaker, Wesley, Jr., 845. Whitaker, Willis, 823, 845. White, John, 391, 397, 412, 440-1. White, William, 194-5. Whitehead, William B., 641. Whitehurst, J. M., letter to, 745. Whitford, John D., 48, 538, 560-1, 569, 609-12, 701-3, 8o0; letters to, 541, 543, 1144. Vv biting, W. H. C, 203, 216-7, 227-8, 266, 310-6, 318-20, 327, 333. Whitlors, Martha, 586. Whitlors, M. C, 586. Whittlesey, Eliphalet, 596; letters to, 451, 533, 540. Wiggins, Mason L., 335, 1234. Wilcox, Thomas, letters to, 1089, 1280. Wilder, , letter from, 642. Wilder, S. S., 919. Wiley, Calvin H., 508-9, 519, 1017; let ters from, 520, 833, 1080; letters to, 47, 53, 387, 407, 512, 522, 1055, 1133, 1146. Wiley, Philip A., 210, 212, 270, 341, 378, 850, 1291. Wiley, Samuel H., 473, 481. Williams, Dr., 367-8. Williams, J. C, 573. Williams, Jack, 367. Williams, John, letter to, 989. Williams, Nicholas, 242, 785, 787, 857, 1082-3; letters to, 163, 232. Williams, Samuel A., letter to, 961. Williams, Samuel T., 1241-2. Wilmington Dispatch, 650, 707. Wilmington Journal, letters to, 869, 1267, 1271, 1275. Wilson, Henry, 464, 1208. Wilson, John H., letter from, 586. Wilson, N. H. D., letters to, 384, 389, 411. Wilson, Peter A., 821, 824. Wilson, Thomas J., 732, 743, 1125; let ters to, 271, 1084, 1110. Wilson, William J., letter to, 786. Winningham, E. H., 183, 186; letter to, 181. Winningham, Gains, letters to, 148, 171, 1182. Winslow, Nathan, 229. Winslow, Thomas L., 169, 179, 183, 187. Winstead, Charles S., 335; letter to, 791. Winston, Patrick H., 294, 466, 519, 521, 538, 541, 543, 555-6, 558, 611, 634-5, 721, 751, 761, 781, 812, 818, 848, 858-9, 863, 986, 990; letters from, 200, 519, 568, 655-6, 763; letters to, 302, 51.3, 659, 708, 817, 1005, 1287. Wolsroth, Fred, letter to, 1262. Wood, John C, letter to, 1036. Wood, Landy, letter to, 928. Woodfin, Nicholas W., 504-5, 550. Wolf, Melvina, letter to, 933. Woollen, C. W., 425, 478, 481; letter to, 145. Wooten, Council, letter from, 733. World, New York, 499; letter to, 1201. Worth, A. C. C, letter to, 1172. Worth, Albert G., 226-7, 231-2, 267-8, 291-2. Worth, Barzillai G., 369-70, 374, 380, 399, 425, 623-4, 841, 911, 1250; letters from, 210, 212, 222, 271, 992, 1238; letters to, 158, 165, 167, 175, 264, 387, 417, 442, 447-8, 912, 987, 1060, 1094, 1136, 1148, 1161, 1263. Worth, Rev. Daniel, 110-3, 115, 145-6. Worth, Daniel, 329, 530, 587. Worth, David, 1250; letters to, 931, 1214. Worth, David G., 162, 221-2, 250, 262-3, 270, 308-10, 329, 361, 367-9, 371, 373, 377-8, 382, 416, 598, 853, 1138, 1144, 1250; letters from, 197, 202, 226, 301, 353, 938, 1067; letters to, 144, 155, 191, 247, 272, 294, 304, 312-3, 316, 320, 326-7, 332, 336, 339, 348, 386, 392, 746, 763, 936, 1058, 1135, 1288, 1291. Index. 1313 Worth, Mrs. David G., letter to. 249. Worth. H. C. letter to, 1085. Worth. Hiram, 1114. 1123-4. Worth, J. D., letter from, 211. Worth, James M., letter to, 176. Worth, John, 1291. Worth, John M., 165, 174, 194, 210, 247, 250, 263, 265, 321-3, 326, 426, 454-5, 739, 911, 1247, 1250; letters from, 215, 228, 237, 348, 352, 357, 363-4; letters to, 161, 236, 239, 246, 253, 290, 3-26, 337, 353, 358, 449, 503, 910, 1077, 1138, 1256. Worth. Jonathan. 390-3, 668, 737, 739, 757, 838-9. 847, 916. 956, 960, 085, 1239. 1244, 12S5-8. Address to Tenth Congressional District, 37-44. Address to constituents, February, 1861, 129-33. Address to constituents. May, 1S61, 135-7. Address to people of North Caro lina, October, 1885. 438^0. Address to people of North Caro lina. December, 1865, 457-9. Circular to people of North Caro lina. 1866, 613-6. Candidacy for Congress, 1841, 35-7. Candidacy for Legislature, 1858, 55-58. Candidacy for Legislature, 1862, 169, 173. Candidacy for Gfovemor, 1865, 429-38. Defense, 154-5, 177-86, 757-60. Election as Treasurer, 188, 190. 195, 202, 207, 216-7. Life, v-xiii. Political opinions, 50, 55, 133, 135, 141-8, 157-8. 187, 383. Record, 813-6, 705-6, 750, 795-7. 811, 814, 1105. Worth, Mrs. Jonathan, 225, 303, 1285: letter to, 30->. Worth, John, 1076. Worth, Joseph Addison, 135, 210, 221, 317, 369-70, 374, S-^U, 382, 993. 1246, 1250; letters from. 209, 225, 267, 622; letters to, 256, 317, 333, 386, 447, 566, 12SS. Worth, Lewis W., 1261; letter to, 1240. Worth, Major, 1084. 1115. 1125: letter to, 048. Worth, Shubal G., 156-7, 173, 175, 240, 255, 265, 201; letter from, 840. Worth, Thomas Clarkson. 209; letters to, 141, 165, 167, 175. Worth. William, 470, 480-1. Worth, William H., letter to, 572. Worth, Zeno, 1261. Worth & Co., letter from, 346; letters to, 331, 342. Worth & Daniel, 3S6; letters from, 266, 270: letters to, 262, 815. 014, 027. Woub, , 814. Wren, James. 742, 793, 815; letters to, 670, 705. Wrignt, Riley, 223. Wright, William A., 558, 885, 722, 764, 850, 1273: letters to, 917, 1018, 1111, 1149. Wright, W. B., letter to. 1134. Y. Yates, William J., letters to, 275, 492, SS2, 1194. Yeates, Jesse J., 513. York, A. J., 916. York, 'Tyre, letter from, 630; letters to, 676, 988. Y'oung, Colonel, 329. Young, John A., 554. 'ill I ' ! iiiiii ""I ' 'll I j»i >>i 'f'-i !ir'|il'.'i',.,i|,,, nil, 1' i'll"'! I llfciiii-i'iiiS ip.ii;. .Iii ill liHi,' I till \m\'h DitiP ¦It i!riiii;ii!!; I.I '1 1,1 Ul II IHiliM' > llfll m iliiS'' i.'i" iiiiliiii! II , I ii!iii;;i|ti:i;'iil:ii^i'Siilil!!iSi:|ili!lsi^