Yours of the 11th is at hand. I don't wonder that you feel
discouraged from your point of view, but let me tell you that the President,
while apparently taking one step back, really takes two forward; as you will
see by the order enclosed for your private use. If you have time to read all
the letters I have sent to Mr. Wellman, you will understand some of the
difficulties I have had to remove. There were others, which, as I could not make
you understand unless you were here, I have not reported. All are now out of my
way and the track clear. Let me sketch to you the policy of the leading
slaveholding Union men of this state. They see clearly that their political and
social existence here depends on the abolition of slavery and the
control of the state by the Union men. Therefore they have entered most
heartily into my plans for the organization of colored regiments and are daily
in consultation with me.
* * * * * * * * * *
Urge the government to repeal all laws that create a
distinction between the colored and white soldier, full pay being as necessary
to enable the former to support his family as it is to the latter; to continue
the present military government of this state until the change of public
sentiment will enable them to control it. This control will be necessary if the
state is declared a territory, and therefore nothing will be gained by such
action, while it will shock the feeling of those who having fought for the
perpetuity of the Union would find it virtually dissolved.
SOURCE: Preston Stearns, The Life and Public
Services of George Luther Stearns, p. 314
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