[April 23, 1866]
Dear Brother: So
little attention is paid to Wade Hampton's gasconade, that I do not think it
worth while to give it importance by an answer. Indeed, I do not find it
printed in any Northern paper, and having sent you the only copy I have seen, I
find it impossible to get another. The materials of a reply are on hand, and
are entirely satisfactory, but I will let it rest until the charge is taken up
by some one else.
As for the Civil
Rights Bill, I felt it so clearly right that I was prepared for the very
general acquiescence in its provisions both North and South.
To have refused the
negroes the simplest right granted to every other inhabitant, native or
foreigner, would be outrageous; and to confess that our Government is strong
enough to compel their military services, and yet not strong enough to secure
them the right to acquire and hold property would involve a gross
inconsistency. I hope this bill will be made the basis of a compromise. If
fairly enforced in the South, the public mind will be satisfied for the negro
to take his chances for political privileges.
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