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Howard University,
Washington, D. C., March 17, 1870.The letters in this pamphlet, written by Mr. J. W. Alvord, General Superintendent of Education of the Freedmen's Bureau, furnish, in a small compass, late information bearing upon the education, the industrial interests, and the present state of society amongst the Freedmen. I have thought it wise to print them together. These letters were written with a view to correct the false impressions which have gone abroad with regard to the colored people of the South. We find it a very easy task on the part of those who predict evil, and earnestly desire it, to deceive travelers from the north, even old and tried abolitionists; to have rehearsed in their ears, on the cars, in hotels, in steamers, everywhere they go, stories enunciating such propositions as these: "They are all dying off." "They are killing their children." "They are guilty of inebriation." "They are guilty of infanticide." "The whole population is diseased and degraded." "They cannot rise." "They are thriftless and idle." "They will not work," and so forth
It is wonderful with what pertinacity, and how universally such stories are reiterated. They have been told so often that they are doubtless believed by themselves.
I hope the letters will be carefully read, for they are discriminating and truthful, having been written from the field of actual observation.
O. O. HOWARD,
Bvt. Maj. Gen. U.S.A., Commissioner.
Columbia, S. C., January 7, 1870.
Dear General: I will not report in detail the Schools in Columbia, as you were an eye witness to their condition.
The absence of advanced and older pupils, is said to be from the fact that young colored men here, who were boys during the war, grew up especially vicious, and are now, therefore, comparatively indifferent to an education. From the younger class we are undoubtedly to expect the largest results in all parts of the South, as well as in this city.
These colored schools are the only public schools of the Capital of South Carolina, and in their well arranged and spacious building, under the fine direction of so efficient a corps of teachers, will certainly accomplish great good.
The older colored people of the city and surrounding country, as I learned, are unusually intelligent and prosperous--one man, a skillful mechanic, being worth $50,000. More than forty heads of families have within the last six months purchased city property for homes, at from $500 to $1,200 each. It is the testimony of well-informed gentlemen that the whole colored population of upper South Carolina is, in general, in a thriving condition--with better houses, clothing, and family comforts from year to year.
South Carolina appropriated last year $200,000 to buy land in the upper part of the State which has been sold to Freedmen for homesteads. Upwards of 40,000 acres of this land have been actually sold during the year to poor men of all colors. The Governor says he intends this year to recommend for the same purpose an appropriation of $400,000. Colored members of the Legislature, whom I met in the interior counties, asked me earnestly for more schools for their children, which were promised as strongly as I dared.
I have been much interested in witnessing the social elevation of the Freedmen at this place. The Governor, General R. K. Scott, in his receptions makes no distinction among the members of the Legislature, (125 of whom are colored); all are taken equally by the hand with the graceful urbanity for which his honor is distinguished. All alike, on such occasions, crowd around his luxurious refreshment tables, where, as his accomplished lady told me, no invidious distinctions are made.
You will remember at the dinner party given on your account by the Governor, and at which I had the honor of being a guest, his Secretary of State, the Hon F. L. Cardozo and lady, (both colored,) received equal attention with other officials, and ladies and gentlemen of the highest standing. I could but feel as I looked around upon that agreeable circle that equality of character and culture were the true conditions of equality in social life. I learned of other occasions when the Governor had followed the same rule, and in conversation he assured me he could allow himself to adopt none other.
His opinion is that in our higher institutions of learning cultured youth of both colors will come, at length, to associate on equal terms, and that scholarship and general refinement on each side will gradually settle the whole question of mixed schools.
At Orangeburg I found the Claflin University in the large and beautiful building (late the Orangeburg Female Academy, bought recently by the Methodist Episcopal Society, and repaired by Major Deane, of the Bureau, at an expense of $2,500,) with about one hundred students, under the efficient training of Dr. Webster. This is a very promising Institution, and in a commanding and well chosen locality. It will probably ask for further assistance from the Bureau.
Will write you next from Charleston.
I have the honor to be yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
Gen. Supt. Ed., Bu. R., F., & A. L.Major General O. O. Howard.
Charleston, S. C., January 11, 1870.
Dear General: In Charleston I have visited the schools, eight in number, with, in all, about 2,500 pupils, and, with one or two exceptions find them in good condition. The "Avery Institute" and the "Shaw Memorial" rank first. Each of these have an enrollment of about 300 pupils. The Morris Street School, with 800 pupils, in charge of the City Board, is conducted on the Southern plan; strict in discipline, but with less that cultivates the mind and heart. It is, however, an honor to the city. The Orphan School, (100 inmates,) now in charge of the State, is much neglected. The lady manager, Miss Boorn, is energetic, but needs assistants and more means. I have directed Mr. Cook to send her books, and will see the trustees to-day. South Carolina is at present too much immersed in politics to care thoroughly for orphans.
The "Freedmen's Pay School," (150 pupils,) with colored teachers, is a landmark, showing the progress of these people. All its expenses are met by the Freedmen. The school of the Episcopal Society, in the old Marine Hospital, is respectable in conduct and attainment, with 160 pupils, but the building needs repairs. I went thoroughly through Rev. A. T. Porter's "Parochial Orphan School" with much interest; eighty boys, well kept and taught, and the whole Institution on a larger scale than I expected. Mr. Porter deserves much credit for his earnest labors, and in my judgment what you have done for him has been within the law and well deserved.
Since I was in Charleston, three years ago, there has been great progress in our educational work, seen not only in the schools themselves, but in the general elevation of the whole colored population.
We are not to contrast these people with the white race, long favored with opportunities. Their history of utter demoralization is to be constantly kept in mind, and progress only (in comparison) from that stand-point noted.
In this advancing civilization, nothing is more apparent than the altered apparel of the Freedmen. From linsey wolsey, ragged garments, clumsy brogans, or bare feet of former times, we notice the change to clothes of modern material; shoes or gaiters on the feet of boys and girls; whole schools as tidily dressed as most of the common schools at the North. While the same make of clothing, bought with their own money from the shops, or skilfully made with their own hands, is everywhere to be seen. It gives the adult population in the streets and churches an air strikingly in contrast with the menial raiment with which slavery had clothed them. It is the costume of freedom, each choosing his or her dress, according to taste, and all mainly in the respectable raiment of society around them.
The point to be gained in our schools is to retain more permanently the advanced pupils; they pass away t0o soon, called by the stern necessities of life.
Some liberal fund is needed to keep choice, select scholars for two or three years until they can be thoroughly prepared as teachers and leaders of the people.
The Normal Schools and classes, of all the Northern Associations, should be more thorough, with special effort and expenditure to carry pupils entirely through the course.
On the whole, I am satisfied that educational matters in this State are running in the right direction, and if the new State school bill passes, we shall be able to accomplish much more than at present.
With respect, yours, &c.,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
SEA ISLANDS.
Savannah, Ga., January 13, 1870.
Dear General: In Charleston and on Sea Island plantations I had excellent opportunity of seeing the Freedmen's condition. The statements of Mr. Pillsbury are exaggerations; extreme cases, as there are, would not justify his account of things.
I have visited the same class of plantations and negroes, and from all parties, have usually, a flat contradiction and denial of such allegations as he made, especially from the old planters and the more intelligent Freedmen. As a very respectable old colored preacher said to me, "Whoever say such tings don't speak de trut." Possibly, mothers and babes do not have the care which slavery gave them when the birth and life of the latter was of such pecuniary advantage; but in spite of neglect and poverty, I have invariably seen around cabin doors respectable squads of juveniles--"children enough," everybody says.
Infanticide, as such, is never known. An eminent Southern physician, whom I consulted, remarked that "the negroes, with their strong domestic affection, were incapable of such a crime."
Similar testimony comes from planters, freedmen, preachers, cotton-factors on the wharves, and officials of both parties. Among the latter are the mayors and both chiefs of police in Charleston and this city. The people are poor, and their children die, as do the suffering poor everywhere, but not as the result of deliberate barbarity.
As to intemperance there is certainly quite too much of it among the Freedmen. Three reasons have been given me for its prevalence: 1st. In the interior the "whiskey wagons" perambulating the country; 2d. The unrestrained sale of liquors in towns and cities; 3d. The negroes now have money. The general admission, however, is that there is not as much drunkenness among the blacks as whites. Your friend, Gen. Robt. Anderson, chief of police of this city, (as did his first lieutenant,) assured me that this was so. The arrests for this crime may be greater among the negroes, for as these officers said, "they are usually boisterous when intoxicated." "We do not," said they, "arrest a drunken man who is quietly trying to get home."
I will send you soon a synopsis of the police reports of crime from Charleston and Savannah for the last three months as in comparison between the whites and blacks. It will show you the precise facts, which are vouched for respectively as correct by both the mayors. Also, I will send the mortuary reports from the officers of the city clerks showing how Freedmen do not "die off" as reported.
It is remarkable what a general reputation the Freedmen have for good behavior and industry. "They work well when paid," is a universal remark. "We don't want Chinamen," said a planter to me, and he pointed around to the cabins of his laborers, saying, "these people are used to our work, and we are used to them." Mr. Wm. Whaley, acknowledges that "the people on Edisto are industrious and well behaved," and, said he, "we are satisfied with their labor." He will plant next season six hundred acres.
The Freedmen are very eager for land. The savings they have placed in our Banks, and the profits of cotton this year, are enabling them to make large purchases. In Orangeburg County, South Carolina, hundreds of colored men have bought lands and are building and settling upon them. In a single day, in our Charleston Savings Bank, I took the record of seventeen Freedmen who were drawing their money to pay for farms they had been buying, generally forty or fifty acres each, paying about $10 per acre. I met at at a cotton merchant's in that city ten Freedmen who had clubbed together with the proceeds of their crop and bought a whole Sea Island plantation of seven hundred acres. The merchant was that day procuring their deed. He told me that the entire purchase price was paid in cash from the balance due them on the crop of the season. Here, then, besides supporting their families with provisions raised, these men had each, by the profits of a single year, bought a farm of seventy acres. What northern laborer could do better?
I found on the Islands other clubs forming to do the same thing, and this in a season when the caterpiller has destroyed one-half their cotton. A leading cotton broker in Charleston told me that he thought nearly half the cotton on the Islands belonged to colored men. He had himself already 126 consignments from them, and the amount of his sales on their account had reached over $30,000. As I learned, the average of the Freedmen's crop, or share of crop, of Sea Island cotton is from three to six hundred pounds each.
Much excitement prevails here in political matters, and we are seeing the worse side of things. Much, indeed, to be deplored among all classes, but leading men are preparing, as I can see, to accept what Congress will give them; these men will gradually allow the Freedmen all their immunities. Wages for labor are too low, but prices must improve as the large cotton crop of the next season goes in.
The planters beg off strongly on payment for the "supplies," yet acknowledge that this is a debt of honor, and must be met, unless Congress grant them relief. Mr. Bennett, your agent, is hopeful of immediate collections.
General Anderson sends his compliments to you--a fellow student, I believe, at West Point--and assures me that he is interested in our work. He has aided me most cheerfully in obtaining facts, and testifies strongly to what he says is "the magnificent conduct of the negroes." I presented him with your last report.
I have the honor to be yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
Gen. Supt. Ed. Bu. R., F., & A. L.Major General O. O. Howard.
Savannah, Ga., January 14, 1870.
Dear General: I am obliged to give testimony counter to that of parties who of late have been disparaging the character and conduct of the Freedmen.
The enclosed letter is from the Hon. Gilbert Pillsbury, Mayor of the city of Charleston, South Carolina. He has resided in the State from its first occupancy by Northern men after the rebellion, and during all these years has been actively engaged in Freedmen's affairs. His position gives him opportunities of knowing facts which the visitor of a few weeks at the South cannot comprehend.
Parker Pillsbury, esquire, of Massachusetts, who has recently been writing on the subject, is a brother of the Mayor.
The following is the Mayor's letter:
Mayor's Office, City Hall,
Charleston, South Carolina, January 10, 1870.Dear Sir: In reply to some of the questions which you proposed to me yesterday, I have only time and proper information to answer briefly. As to comparative intemperance between whites and colored, I will say that while intemperance is the crying evil in our community amongst all classes, it is evidently most prevalent amongst the whites. I think the cases before the Mayor's Court are fully as two to one; perhaps the proportion is even greater than that.
As to larceny, vagrancy, and other petty violations of the law, I can only speak with regard to the city. Here the preponderance is much against the colored. This fact can be readily accounted for. The colored population is not only much the largest in the city, but is crowded into the uncomfortable, unhealthy, and secluded portions. Then, the demand for labor is extremely moderate, and as a general rule preference is given to the white laborer; not because he works more willingly and earnestly, but because he is white. Then, private charities are more readily bestowed upon the whites, because the white population is not only the most able to bestow, but they are sure to supply the white sufferer first, and the colored, never. Hence, poverty and neglect among the colored are great inducements to crime.
As to the public charities of the city, they are sought more generally by the whites, as well as bestowed more extensively upon them than upon the blacks.
As to schools they are wofully behind even our degenerate age. Still, in the city, I think quite as large a proportion of colored as white children attend schools. We have at least five schools largely attended by colored children, hut these are sustained almost wholly by Northern charities while I know of but one school, and that a small one, supported by the colored population of the city. Our white schools do not excel, if they equal, the colored, either in numbers or in efficiency. Several of our colored schools would do credit to any age or latitude.
I think, in the few particulars I have mentioned, the State generally is upon about the same footing as the city. It struggles against poverty and ignorance. Give us schools and fair inducements to labor, and we will cheerfully risk the consequences. The old inclination to crush and rob and keep in ignorance the colored race, is as strong as ever. Although nominally free, yet if abandoned by their great northern deliverers to their "old friends" of the south, their liberty, which cost the nation so dear, would not long exist, even in name.
As to your inquiry whether the colored element is dying out and wasting away, I am certain it is not the case. Emigration from certain localities may diminish the population there, but they are somewhere. This southern country is full of them, and I believe they are still on the increase. It is true there is room for the Chinese and Coolie here, but their is no need of them, if we will but do simple justice to the laborers at our door. Slavery has left them in most deplorable condition; but liberty can and must restore them.
The work may be termed what the lamented Lincoln denominated a "big job;" but it must be done, and that largely by the strong, benevolent arm of the north. It will never do to give it up so. You have taken us from the "horrible pit and miry clay," but you must steady us, or we shall merge back again.
We have made great general progress on the whole; but don't leave us alone. I would write more, but have not time now.
Yours, most respectfully,
G. PILLSBURY,
Mayor of Charleston, S. C.Rev. Mr. Alvord.
The Mayor subsequently assured me that all he had stated in this letter could be relied upon, and that he was satisfied with the moral and educational condition of the Freedmen in the city.
To substantiate his statements in regard to crime he gave me access to the police records for the last three months, from which I made a detailed transcript of all crimes committed in Charleston under their several titles, as in comparison of the two races. The whole table is interesting, but I give you only a summary of the months of October, November, and December, 1869:
Crimes committed by whites, 246; crimes committed by blacks, 222; total in above months, 468. The principal of these crimes were: Larceny--whites, 21; colored, 68; total, 89. Violation of city ordinances--white, 35; colored, 8; total, 43. Drunk--white, 72; colored, 14; total, 86. Drunk and disorderly conduct--white, 74; colored, 81; total, 155. Applied for lodgings--white, 22; colored, 11; total, 38. Crimes of all other kinds--white, 22; colored, 40; total 62.
These statistics reveal the actual state of things better than any general statements, and are certainly creditable to the colored population.
The census for Charleston gives 42,000 population, the colored slightly in the majority.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard,
Savannah, Ga., January, 14, 1870.
Dear General: I find in this city the "Beach Institute," with three hundred pupils and seven teachers in the different departments, all in excellent condition and making good progress. The building is large, (erected by the Bureau,) of the most improved modern construction, and well kept. Although the children and colored population generally here, are not as far advanced as in Charleston, yet this Institute is a credit to our work, and seems to command the respect of all classes.
This is a continuation of the schools we started when your army from Atlanta met us on the coast. Changes have taken place but the organization, as you recollect, with a colored educational committee and ten colored teachers, was placed under the general patronage of the American Missionary Association, occupying, by leave of General Geary, who was left in command of the city, the old "Bryan Slave Mart." Now we have a permanent Institution, under the best possible direction and well endowed, having had a total expenditure by the Association and Bureau of over $40,000. One thousand dollars were given by the Freedmen at the time of starting.
I called together the old colored educational committee (these are the men whom Secretary Stanton met and conferred with when at Savannah in 1865,) for examination of these schools These fathers were highly gratified with the wonderful exhibition and progress made, and promised to visit the Institution, in an advisory way, on the first Tuesday of each month. This will continue their own interest and help the association in the estimation of all the colored people.
I visited the private schools taught by colored men. They are quite respectable, with, in all, about one hundred and twenty pupils.
The Catholics have a school of sixty pupils, managed by the Bishop and taught by the St. Joseph Sisters, an order in France trained expressly for African missions. By especial dispensation of the Pope a band of them have been seat here, and others to St. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida; they have a small school, as I should have informed you, at Charleston. After looking in upon one of these schools, with very polite reception by the teacher, I called upon the acting bishop. The call was in every way agreeable. He complained, however, that your officers had refused to their church the aid given, under the law, to other parties.
I promised, on his invitation, to examine the school more thoroughly, and if found to be teaching the elements of an English education would report in favor of its receiving such assistance. But knocking for admission next morning, the teacher held the door partly open and positively forbade my entrance--said "the father (after my call) had ordered her so to do." I was of course surprised, but parleyed pleasantly; told her that "the father" had invited me to "visit the school whenever I wished," but in vain. She "presumed the permission had been reconsidered," and said that "the teachers were a priesthood," "took no pay," "were mainly teaching religion," &c., and reiterated her positive refusal to admit me. I could only express my regrets, and on leaving sent my official card to "Father Hamilton," with the message that I was very sorry not to be able to see the school; that our government made no distinction in religious denominations, and that if the school could be reported on our blanks, the usual Bureau aid would be most cheerfully granted. On the back of the card I noted that I should be happy to see him at the Beach Institute at any time during the day, but he did not call. This bishop should not complain of you hereafter.
The general testimony of the citizens of Savannah (I saw all classes) is that our schools are a great benefit to the Freedmen. Old families exclude our teachers from their social circles, yet no longer denounce their Christian work.
The industry of the Freedmen is also admitted, and the good influence of the Savings Bank. The mayor and other officials were quite surprised when I told them the branch in their city had on deposit over $80,000. A prominent physician assured me that in constitutional health negroes had suffered from the influences of slavery; that in their extreme poverty, no doubt, many infants died from want of care. "In the old time," he said, "they were cared for as animals to be bred."
I went through the public market, along the wharves, out into the suburbs, noting carefully the conduct of the colored population, and can only say there are signs of constant improvement. I was in business in this city when a young man, nearly forty years ago; often visiting the place since, and cannot be mistaken.
The general condition of the Freedmen along all this coast, (city, county, and islands,) is comparatively low, but so far as my observation goes, they compare favorably with other laboring classes in moral conduct, temperance, chastity, especially in a desire for quiet home-life, wherever they can buy and settle upon lands. The taxes upon their accumulating property and homesteads are already swelling the revenue of both the city and surrounding parishes. And these Freedmen have just reached a condition to make, if elevating influences are continued, still more rapid progress.
I have the honor to be yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard, Commissioner, &c.
Augusta, Ga., January 17, 1870.Dear General: Arrived at this place, by night train, yesterday morning.
The schools in Augusta are among the best I have seen, not so much in advancement as in high tone and enthusiasm. The older classes are well sustained.
They are under the care, as you know, of the "Baptist Home Mission Society," with the exception of one (sixty pupils) supported by county commissioners, and two smaller schools, the expenses of which are paid by the Freedmen themselves. I am happy to report the above society as doing so well. The superintendent, Rev. W. D. Seigfreid, appears, in all ways to be the right man. Their seven teachers (three of whom are colored) are accomplished and thorough. Mr. S. has also a class of seventeen men who are studying the Scriptures, in order to become preachers. The county school is well conducted by one of the excellent teachers of the American Missionary Association, but she fails of prompt pay from the county commissioners Excellent singing was noted in this school.
In the evening we had an enthusiastic meeting in one of the churches, when the subjects of education, savings bank, and general prosperity of the Freedmen were the themes; a number of the speakers were colored; audience deeply interested.
One half the population of Augusta, numbering in all 12,000, is colored. With much to struggle against, and some division among themselves in religious matters, the Freedmen here are fully meeting our expectations. As a body they are more intelligent and enterprising than those on the coast.
Just out of the city is a settlement of about one hundred families-something like the Barry Farm at Washington--where small homesteads have been purchased and are being paid for; average value of each from $100 to $500. These families are joyously cultivating their own gardens and provision grounds, also finding work in the city. The Bureau has erected for them a convenient house, now used for a school and chapel.
Further in the interior the Freedmen are buying or renting land and raising their own crops. A community of such families, about thirty miles out, (in South Carolina,) came in, a few days since, to market their crops for the season. They had chartered a railroad car for $140 the round trip, and loading it with cotton, corn, &c. exchanged the same for clothing, furniture, implements of husbandry, and supplies for putting in their next crop. They came to us on returning, and begged very hard that a teacher might be sent to their settlement, promising to pay all expenses. These are indications of the drift of these people towards independent home life and profitable labor. Although the savings bank here is one of the most recently established, it has had deposited over $60,000, of which 31,000 is still to their credit
One of the worse habits of Freedmen in Augusta is spending money for lottery tickets. Lottery offices are on every business street, tempting the unwary, and by an occasional prize, these ignorant people (not all of them) are lured to this species of gambling. Mr. Ritter, the cashier of the bank, told me that probably more was thus wasted than is brought to the bank
A trifling incident at the above meeting may interest you. Without my expecting it, one of the prominent colored men rose at the close of the addresses, and said he had heard that "the Bureau was to be abolished," and wished all who were opposed would raise their hands. Instantly their came up a whole forest of arms from all parts of the house. Of course I gave assurances that their request should be reported to Congress
I regret to find that the educational association in Georgia, spoken of in my former reports, composed of both white and colored men, is embarrassed by the political conflicts of the State. The colored men are greatly incensed that some of their leaders are tampering with the rebel element. Almost to a man the entire freed people of the State are intensely loyal; and colored members-elect of the approaching Legislature will vote to sustain the action of Congress, and the enactment of a code of laws providing for universal education.
I have the honor to be yours, &c.,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
Macon, Ga., January 18, 1870.
Dear General: I enclose to you a synopsis of criminal arrests from records of the Mayor's court in Savannah. You perceive cases marked "colored" predominate. This differs from the record at Charleston, a copy of which, made with great care, I sent you, which showed nearly an equality as to color. The disparity is more apparent than real: 1. At this season of the year laborers come, in great numbers, from the plantations outside of Savannah to help in shipping cotton. They become what are called "long-shoremen;" have small jobs on the wharves at twenty-five-cents per hour, and are exposed to every species of temptation. I counted twenty-five square-rigged cotton ships in port, with crews of idle sailors on shore demoralizing both sexes. This greatly swells the criminal calender of the city at the present time.
2. The authorities and police in Savannah are of the old rebel class, (Charleston has Northern men,) and the colored race in court suffers in comparison with the white. You notice the record is one of "arrests." A negro with firearms about him, and many now feel obliged to carry them, or any considerable sum of money in his hand, is liable to arrest on suspicion. Not so with white men. The latter also, when intoxicated, are often conveyed home, while the former are sure to be held for trial, when comparatively far less testimony convicts the black. The old slavery feeling remains, and, from past negro habit and character, presupposes that the accused is surely guilty; respectable parties declare that in Southern cities, if still governed by a native magistracy, at least twenty-five per cent. should on this account be abated from the colored criminal list. It has been to me a noticeable fact that where recorded crime is against color, the verbal admission of magistrates has been that "there is less drunkenness with Freedmen than among the white population."
Allow me to add my own observation. I have now travelled 1,200 miles, through city and country, conversing with fellow passengers, mingling with numerous colored assemblies, making excursions on the coast and islands by row-boat, carriages, and on foot, always going in the lowest purlieus and carefully observing all classes, and I declare to you, General, I have not seen one colored man or woman who appeared intoxicated. I did see white men in this condition. Before reaching my hotel, as I entered Charleston, two gentlemen of high (political) standing, whose names I could give, were pointed out to me reeling in locked arms along the street, helping each other home!
I beg you will note that those who make statements in regard to the morality of Freedmen seem to have forgotten the deplorable influences of slavery; the embruted condition from which these people have been so lately taken. A few months, or years, even, are only sufficient to make the first stand against such moral ruin. Give us time to rally them, so as to start fair in the race with the hitherto privileged class. A generation at least should be granted for an even chance, and all judgment (as to comparison at present) should be stayed, or else made with this reasonable allowance.
Those of us who have often seen the negro, both before and since emancipation, feel assured that such progress as has already been made is evidence of a vitality prophetic of a rapidly rising people. Notwithstanding delinquencies and admissions, we must not ignore the evidences of improvement in all private, social, industrial, educational, moral, and religious life.
The following is the abstract above referred to:
To J. W. Alvord:
Arrests by police force of the City of Savannah, from October 1 to December 31, 1868, inclusive:
Month October...................................... November................................... December....................................
R. H. ANDERSON, Chief of Police.
If space permitted I would state in specific detail the various crimes in the abstract here given.
Yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
Atlanta, January 18, 1870.
Dear General: My Sabbath was in Macon visiting colored schools and congregations, observing the religious habits of this people, and addressing them. On Monday examined schools, banks, business marts, police stations, &c.
More general prosperity is apparent than in the lower part of the State; cotton crop abundant, and of the 80,000 bales already sent, to the Macon market, 10,000 bales are the property of Freedmen. Not less than $1,000,000 (as the brokers say) have been paid them in that city for this crop the present season. It is supposed by good judges that one-third of the cotton in all upper Georgia belongs to colored men. This has been raised generally on shares or rented land. There are three method of working on shares: 1. The laborer has one-third of the corn and one-fourth of the cotton, with all supplies found. 2. He has one-third of all crops and found. 3. One-half of all, and shares equally in expenses.
Rents of land are from $1 to $2 per acre. These rentals are much more common than heretofore. With the proceeds of the present crop a large amount of land will be purchased.
I find the following history of the Freedmen's labor: The first year they worked for bare subsistence; second year they bought stock--mules, implements, &c.; third year many rented lands; and now, the fourth year, large numbers are prepared to buy. This is the record of the most industrious, others are following at a slower pace. In this process difficulties have been encountered--low wages, fraud, ill-treatment, &c., some becoming discouraged, but the majority are determined to rise. As illustrations: Several Freedmen in Houston county have bought from 100 to 600 acres of land each. One man is now planting for fifty bales of cotton. A colored company (called Peter Walker's) own 1,500 acres. Two brothers (Warren) saved in the bank $600, and with it obtained a title to 1,500 acres, having credit for the balance, and both are now building houses and preparing to make a crop which they expect will clear off their whole debt. In Americus fully one hundred houses and lots belong to colored people.
Wages in this part of the State are better than below, usually $12 per month, and for the coming season promise to be still higher. I saw a group of laborers at the mart contracting with planters for from $150 to $175 per year. Emigration for laboring purposes is rapidly going from Georgia to the west and southwest especially to the lower Mississippi. The train on which I came to this city had a large company--poor whites as well as blacks. This will soon relieve the depressed population of the coast, and help to increase wages throughout the State.
The testimony of all parties in Macon is that the freed people are industrious, more sober than the whites; though there are worthless characters, and all spend too much money in childish shows, circuses and lotteries, yet as a people they are becoming saving and thrifty. Mr. William P. Goodall, cashier of the city bank--a southern man--with whom I conferred on banking affairs, spoke of the Freedmen, as a whole, in terms of high commendation.
The Speaker of the State Senate, Mr. Conly, of Augusta, said to me: "I have been in this State forty years, and I never knew a Christmas and New Years pass off with so little intemperance among the colored population as the recent one. "I was travelling," he said, "and saw hundreds about the depots, but none were drunk"
Our schools in Georgia have silenced open opposition, even in this time of fearful political excitement. I, as yet, hear of no increased violence to teachers. In Macon the schools of the American Missionary Association, (five hundred pupils,) under the care of Mr. Sawtell, are in excellent order, and the large and substantial building which the Bureau has erected, is admirably arranged and kept in good repair. I could not find a pin scratch on a single desk. Some others, especially the private schools, are not in as good condition.
The thing to be deplored is that the older classes cannot be retained and carried forward to the completion of their studies. The "fund," to which I alluded in a former letter, for the support of worthy youth is great needed. These are almost sure now to be forced away by the incessant calls of actual life. Who can be drawn upon? Will the Northern people do this or the General Government? I asked Mr. C. R. Robert, of New York, whom I met at Macon, if he could not start such an educational fund. He admitted its urgent necessity, but pointed to his "Lookout Mountain" enterprise. These Southern States may do well in legislation, but if left to themselves will not take earnest hold of this school work for years to come.
The bank is starting well--a colored cashier of good ability. On deposit, $15,000. Chapel and church enterprise by the American Missionary Association promising. We had delightful services on the Sabbath, with more special religious interest than I have before seen.
Of the political status in this city (Atlanta) you are, of course, informed by the daily press. General Terry is very firm and the commission on membership is earnestly at work. One old friend of ours (I need not give his name) seems to be foolishly selling himself and his party, if he can, to the opposition. Not a colored member goes with him in either House. Even though he were honest in saying that he "can now hold the balance of power and afterwards turn it into the hands of the Republicans," he greatly over-estimates his strength. His best friends in all the State will drop him.
Passing through the halls of the House, I overheard a group of Democratic leaders cursing him in the most blasphemous terms, and then, in an undertone, saying, "but we've got to use him; can then throw him out," &c. Don't credit his telegrams and letter-writers. I have had a number of interviews with him, and he told me distinctly "he'd rather the whole Republican party in Georgia should be a failure than that Bullock should triumph." His more intimate advisers, I have seen, and know their character, and can assure you that no true Republican here stands by him.
Yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard
Atlanta, Ga., January 20, 1870.
Dear General: * * * Do not suppose I have been much occupied with the political situation; I imagined you would like to know the facts Georgia will be very wretched if such chicanery as is now going on at its capital prevails.
I have to-day finished the examination of schools in and around this city. The American Missionary Association schools have their usual excellence, and the Methodist's are doing well. There are two or three small private schools, but of little note. Catholics, so far as I can learn, are as yet doing nothing here, though promising much in the future by extensive buildings in progress. By far the most important institution here is the new "Atlanta University." The location is beautiful, overlooking the city, on the precise ground where the rebels intrenched in resistance to Sherman's approach. The building is very substantial, economically constructed, and has about one hundred and forty pupils in all, sixty of whom are boarders, and well advanced in all the English branches. I am stopping with them. The order and neatness in rooms and halls, good behavior, even high culture at meals and elsewhere is very striking. We scarcely equal it at our own University.
Teachers are interspersed at table with the students, and all seem like one great well-bred and happy family. It is a remarkable fact that most of the pupils have come provided with money for self-support. I can now see that, in view of the coming prosperity of these people, more, many more, will hereafter be able to do this throughout all the South than I had anticipated. The great majority, as yet, are very poor; but in a few years, Freedmen who are children; continued eagerness for learning is our guarantee that saving money and buying land, will be able to school their own they will do this. Previous to the full endowment of this school, Howard University may expect many talented youth, graduated here, to join its higher professional departments.
We had a pleasant interview with Governor Bullock. [Editor's note: Gap in text] us that our schools were a great blessing to the country. "They help," he says, "all our institutions; our political prosperity must be based upon intelligence; the Freedmen will be upon the right side if they are well instructed." But the Georgia people, in his opinion, "will not, in any event, be prepared to sustain their schools for the present." Your Bureau," he added, "will be wanted for a long time to come." He spoke with great interest and intelligence on general educational matters, and promised to use his influence in continuance of our work in his own State.The new savings bank opened on Saturday under the most favorable auspices. Some of the influential white men (old residents) are upon the advisory committee. Deposits already amount to some thousands of dollars.
I regret to learn to-day of recent atrocious outrages in some of the counties by organized bands, generally in the night time. Their attacks are invariably upon innocent and loyal men. The recent bold assumptions of certain political leaders, who expect to gain control of the State, have given countenance to these outlaws; though it should be said the better class of citizens in their declarations utterly condemn them; yet the laws seem powerless in their punishment. A colored member elect of the Georgia Legislature was lately taken from his house and beaten nearly to death. One of our teachers was driven away from Greensborough, and the man with whom he boarded (white) was taken out of his house at night and whipped unmercifully. When will such inhumanity cease?
Yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard, Commissioner, &c.
Atlanta, Ga., January 21, 1870.
Dear General: I may perhaps write oftener than you wish, but you desired of me short letters rather than one lengthy report at the end of my tour. My impressions at the moment are also more distinct and accurate than they would be after delay.
I am carefully collecting statistics of industry, mortality, crime, &c., as well as general information. City clerks and chiefs of police do not hesitate to answer all my queries, but are slow in making the transcripts from their records. I will forward the full documents by subsequent mails. Below you have my notes of the general facts in Savannah, Macon, and this city:
Comparative mortality among whites and blacks.
SAVANNAH
Deaths from White. Colored. Total. October, 1865, to October, 1866 622 993 1,615 October, 1866, to October, 1867 598 720 1,318 October, 1867, to October, 1868 570 639 1,209 October, 1868, to October, 1869 2,318 2,825 1,001 From 1866 to 1869 the colored population was in excess of the white nearly in the ratio of 9 to 8. Now they are estimated as equal; if any difference the colored still predominate.
MACON.
Population equal.
ATLANTA.
Deaths from White. Colored. Total. October, 1865, to October, 1866 622 993 1,615 October, 1866, to October, 1867 598 720 1,318 October, 1867, to October, 1868 570 639 1,209 October, 1868, to October, 1869 2,318 2,825 1,001
Colored population about equal to white.
It will be seen by the above, that since the close of the war the ratio of deaths among both colors has steadily decreased, but especially among the blacks. Atlanta has increased 10,000 since 1866, and yet deaths have actually decreased. All its population is now suffering less from exposure to disease and unhealthful influences.
If statistics of births could be gathered in any part of the South it would be seen that these are most numerous among the colored population.
I consult also the colored preachers and sextons, who of course attend all burials. None of them are aware of increased mortality among their race, though they admit that many children died during, or soon after, the war. Conditions of comfort into which the people are now coming, will undoubtedly prevent infantile disease, and tend hereafter to the more rapid increase of these people. Let no one fear lest this population of "African descent" will fail of being abundant. The primary departments of our schools are always the the most crowded. Teachers and missionaries who daily visit the homes of Freedmen, while mourning over remaining degradation, all testify of gradual elevation in domestic comfort, social life, morals, and manners.
There is a species of internal evidence which we do well to notice. With all that has depressed this race, and still is to be deplored in their condition and habits, they are themselves full of hope, expect to live, are planning for improvement, and anticipate having a place, as a people, in the future affairs of our country.
All these facts leave us but one question: What shall be the character of these Freedmen? how fitted to be an element of well-directed power? Politicians, philanthropists, and Christians should be thoroughly interested in this single inquiry. Inferior obstacles besetting their pathway will soon be cleared away, and who can doubt that their improvement, under right appliances, is to be far more rapid than at present? That Divine Being who has watched over past oppression and brought deliverance, has on their behalf a fast-coming and brighter history.
We had a public meeting on Wednesday evening at Storr's chapel--parents, children, members of the legislature, &c., of much interest.
I still find evidence of thrift among the Freedmen. From returns, made at the capital, it appears that in nearly every county of Georgia they have purchased land and commenced farming on their on account. In Athens seventy colored families are living in houses recently bought and paid for.
In this city a large number have purchased lots and built cottages. They have also erected for themselves convenient and well arranged church buildings. I saw in Macon a colored church edifice going up, of brick, to cost $10,000. It was planned and constructed by their own mechanics--tasteful in style, and to be paid for wholly by themselves. The Freedmen give more liberally for church purposes than even towards the support of their schools. During the months of October, November, and December, there were paid by the colored people of the State nearly $5,000 for tuition. This is usually out of extreme poverty. We have now in Georgia, as reported by Colonel Lewis nearly 10,000 pupils under instruction.
Yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
Atlanta University, January 22, 1870.Dear General: I look out upon these entrenchments, which flank the grounds of this university, in wonder at the change which four short years have made. These earth-works, where rebels defied the approach of freedom, have now risen in walls of brick and stone to shelter the children of the free, and endow them with the power of knowledge. The roar of batteries is now exchanged for the music of school songs and recitations.
We are asked for progress! Such altered position is enough. Is not this progress? The institution of such a school in such a place and these fine classes of students, is but the beginning of the end. I have listened to them from the model department to the highest in languages and mathematics, and can testify to the accuracy and enthusiasm of both pupils and teachers. Blackboard demonstrations especially showed ready brains and skillful fingers.
At the opening of the evening session in the large public hall the pupils requested in childlike simplicity permission to sing for me "We are rising," evidently supposing the song at least, if not the incident, to which the genius of Whittier has given world-wide fame, would be new to me. They rendered it in exact time and with much spirit. At the close, I suggested that this must not merely be true in song but in fact; that it is true, perhaps, far beyond what they were aware of. I then made a brief statement of our three thousand or four thousand colored schools of different kinds, varying grades, advancement, &c., from the lowest primary to those of full college classes. I described commencement graduations of such classes which I had witnessed, and positions which the graduates are now occupying; mentioned your honored name as commissioner, and the interest you feel in regard to all, especially Atlanta University.
The whole school bent forward as I spoke, every face beaming with intense interest. I could not avoid the remark, in closing, that if any had messages to send you I should be most happy to bear them. A silent pause of about half a minute, and a tall boy, in a distant corner, slowly arose, stood a moment in thought, and then said, "Tell General Howard we are all thankful for what he is doing for us. We will endeavor to improve these privileges, and prepare ourselves for usefulness;" a short pause, and he added, "socially, religiously, and politically." I give his exact words as pencilled at the moment, uttered with deliberation and most appropriate emphasis.
Before leaving next morning the enclosed written messages, each in the handwriting of its author, accumulated in my hands. I send them without correction, expressed as you see in great simplicity, but they are the voice of those young hearts to yours.
The lad who in this school two years ago gave you the message immortalized by Whittier, is now a half-grown young man and a promising scholar. I am sorry to say he was not present. His mother aids him in all her power, but a step-father (an intemperate man) has taken him from school, insisting that he help support himself and the family. I did not hesitate to sanction measures to have him returned. Will not some one become patron of this interesting boy? His name is Richard B. Wright. He was pointed out to me to-day in front of our Savings bank, (just being opened,) gazing up at the new sign. "Have you any money here?" I inquired. "No, sir," said he, "but I mean to have."
To Chattanooga in the morning.
Yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard, Commissioner, &c.
The following are specimens of the messages to General Howard referred to in the above letter:
FROM THE MODEL SCHOOL.
Atlanta, Ga., 21st January.
Gen. Howard--Sir: It is true that we were in bondage, and if it had not been for the kind people of the North we should have been slaves this day. Instead, we are free. Oh, how thankful I feel because we have learned to pray. Wright Kemp.
[Wright Kemp, the above boy, has lost his right arm, and is about fourteen years old.]
Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 21, 1870.
Sir: You will please tell Gen. Howard we are trying to rise as fast as possible, and I hope we shall soon be able to do much good among our people. And I hope his name will ever be remembered among our people as one that has done much good.
Yours respectfully, Melinda A. Griffin,
Of Augusta, Ga.
Atlanta University, Jan. 21, 1870.
Sir: Will you please to tell the General that we have been expecting him for some time in our city with great joy. I hope we are rising as a people. We are striving with all our strength and minds to progress, both in our books and also in our duty to God. We will ever remember him in our prayers, and do return him sincere thanks for his kindness in aiding us so much.
Respectfully, Lucy Sauey, Of Macon, Ga.
Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 21.
Dear Sir: We are glad to hear you have done so much for us, and we will never forget you so long as the world stands.
Your friend.
J. W. Marlow.
Marietta, Ga., January 22, 1870.
Dear General: Left Atlanta a few hours since, and here under the shadow of Kenesaw and Lost mountains, still bearing on their flanks the great scars of your victories, I stop to look about and make a few notes. The town (county seat of Cobb county) was much torn by troops in the rebellion, but is now rebuilding, in a region, as you remember, beautifully picturesque, and by the war made classic ground. This mountain region (so New England like) gives to the traveler refreshing relief from the piney levels or slightly rolling country on the coast, and slopes of this Alleghany range. From Atlanta the way is thick with localities of interest. Tourists will hereafter often trace its scenes of thrilling history. Marietta has two colored day schools and two on the Sabbath. They are not large, but will increase as the town recovers its former population.
We have seen along the road more emigration to the West and Southwest. Yesterday a train with 150 freedmen passed through the capital, and to day we met another train, well loaded. Labor agents go through the country, contract with and conduct these laboring people to their destination. These agents have much opportunity for fraud. Some, with whom I conversed, appeared heartily interested in their welfare--told me that first-class hands would get $15 per month. One had them in families, and his whole company were stopping a day for the funeral of one of their children.
A recent tour of Colonel Lewis, superintendent, to the States on the Mississippi river, reveals some contrasts to what is found in Georgia. More general immorality prevails. Frauds on colored soldiers having claims against the Government are attempted, and so complicated that their fellow-freedmen are often involved in them. As accomplices of dishonest men, they are taught to deceive and cheat each other. Would it not be wise to have pensions and bounties for colored soldiers, which sharpers are so apt to get from them, (even after the money is in their own hands,) placed, in some way, in the savings bank as a depositary or receiver, thus affording these soldiers its friendship and some legal hindrance against their enemies?
Your officers in Georgia are excellent and efficient men, diligently at work in all the interests of the freedmen.
On that most interesting of questions, the industry and economy of these people, permit me to add another fact: Mr. Harris, our inspector, who resides at Beaufort, S. C., and whom I find earnestly examining the freedmen's banks in this region, has given me the record of nearly two thousand families now settled on Sea Island lands owned by themselves. For these purchases most of them had saved their money in the savings bank, at Beaufort.
I distributed bank papers to-day from the cars which were eagerly taken by the younger freedmen who could read.
Our train is off in a few minutes.
Yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
Chattanooga, Tenn., January 24, 1870.
Dear General: I came over the "fighting ground" between here and Atlanta by daylight to see your line of march, entrenched positions, battle-fields, &c. My companion, Rev. S. P. Smith, former field agent of the Christian Commission, could point me to each locality of struggle, hospital work, and Christian labor. Thus I spent one of the most interesting days of my life, in this long review of one hundred and thirty miles up to the broader battlegrounds and fastnesses of Chattanooga.
Here bad weather for a day has prevented much out-door work. Saturday evening and Sabbath I addressed the people, and have now visited the schools in town, and on Lookout mountain.
Tennessee is paralyzed by the late political revulsion. You feel it as soon as you cross the line. Georgia struggles manfully, but this State succumbs--perhaps can only do this. A gleam of hope comes from the fifteenth amendment, and some possible further action in Congress.
The assistant superintendent lately had fifteen or twenty schools in this (Hamilton) county, doing well; all of which he has been forced to close, and is now confined to diminished members within the limits of this city. It would not be safe, he says, to at present go beyond. General enterprise feels the shock; capital shrinks from investment; good men are cast down, and though the freedmen struggle to stem the tide, yet they are planning for emigration to the Southwest; many have already gone.
About one hundred pupils are in the Chattanooga schools, with teachers worn by toil and anxiety. The colored church, with commendable zeal, still sustains its excellent pastor, Rev. Mr. Tade.--He has a Sabbath school of two hundred; a "Band of Hope," (temperance,) of an equal number, besides a temperance league of sixty adults Both parents and children in these associations are pledged to abstinence from tobacco; a remarkable fact, when we consider the almost universal custom in Tennessee of smoking, chewing, and "dipping."
More general intemperance, however, prevails in Chattanooga among the freedmen than I have previously seen. Low drinking saloons are numerous, and, as I observed, in the back streets, too well patronized by colored customers. The present depression of the people is demoralizing, and greatly increases this evil.
More money should be appropriated for this place by the educational societies, and perhaps by the Government, if we are to retain the foothold we now have, and especially if to make a vigorous advance. The Bank, though suffering from large drafts from laborers out of employment, is holding on its way; probably at the present time is doing more for the people than the schools.
On Lookout I had a hearty reception and a fortunate mountain view. Above where Hooker fought (and the day I went up literally "above the clouds") stands the "Lookout Mountain Institute." As I reached the summit, dark masses, for days having deluged the country, were struck by a west wind, and in broken fragments like retreating squadrons, were rolled up and over the topmost crest, revealing below and around that most magnificent panorama. The wide, low valley, the city in its bosom, the grey hillsides, and loftier peaks of blue beyond were sharply defined, and through rifted clouds flecked with huge patches of glittering sunlight. Old mountain residents expressed admiration, and declared that a view so striking was very rare.
Pity that slavery should ever have blighted the beauty of such a land. Missionary Ridge in distant view, up which lately swept the long line of our victorious army, had once a redeeming feature; its missionary station and work among the Cherokees, often read of with interest in my boyhood. Noble men there struggled long against environing influences; obliged finally to abandon the field. Its school buildings and mill are now nearly in ruins.
This institute at present is in vacation, but numbers of pupils remain and the general routine continues. Mr. Bancroft, superintendent, and his corps of teachers appear without fault; buildings well cared for; the recent appropriation by Colonel Compton economically expended, and so far as the design of the generous founder is concerned, the school is a fine success. It may be hoped that its youth, mostly from the poor and middle class of Southern whites, will, in after life, cleave to principles they are now imbibing. Its whole catalogue, male and female, numbers sixty pupils. Those now present are working daily in self-support, and at our Sunday evening prayer meeting the young men showed ability, and an active christian spirit. If the bureau has funds still to aid white schools in the South, I feel assured this institute is well worthy of your patronage.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
Nashville, Tenn., January 26, 1870.
Dear General: Impressions at Chattanooga are somewhat modified here. This city is the centre of culture and political influence in Tennessee, and is now quite astir with the State convention and Legislature. Both bodies indicate within the last few days some advance in the right direction, as seen in the discussion of further educational provisions and enactments against that nuisance now beginning to be universally felt--the Ku-Klux," or, as they are here called, "masked marauders."
The excellent system of schools which by law had favored all colors are, as you know, now set aside, leaving in a loose way the whole subject of education to the counties, only two of which, out of the eighty-five in the State, have voted for any public instruction. But there is undoubtedly reaction. The people, of both colors, will have schools. A taste has been had, the dawn of light seen, and they will not go wholly back to the old starvation and darkness. Public leaders feel the pressure, and pushed also by national events, are making promises. All this is well; still the more thoughtful Union men evidently lack confidence. Indeed I notice general mistrust, forebodings of the future, and a disposition on the part of freedmen to leave the State.
We spent an hour in the Legislature to-day where there seems to be but one party, of course having things their own way. Tomorrow we look in upon the Convention and examine schools.
Our bank, and the bounty office have been obliged to leave their excellent location. Objection, I understand, was made to the crowd of claimants and depositors in that aristocratic locality. Their present offices, however, are convenient and eligible.
A gathering of the colored preachers of the city and vicinity, whom we met to-day in the chapel of the University, indicated unusual intelligence. They expressed great interest in you personally, and in our educational work, desiring it to go on. This is the sentiment of all leading colored men. They would feel "wholly unprotected," they say, "if the Bureau should cease." I assured them that the Government would provide some agency to care for their interests, and that the schools will doubtless be continued.
January 25.--Found the Convention composed of middle-aged, well educated men, from the older class of citizens; the Legislature more nearly representing all classes.
They were on the suffrage question, the debate covering the entire political status, professing love of former times and dislike to northern influence. Said a member (late a rebel colonel): "I'd as soon have asked my regiment, after the surrender, what they expected to do about the Southern Confederacy, as to inquire what we are to do. We went into the war and lost, and now what Congress are determined on they'll have, and we must submit." This appeared to be the prevailing animus, with more or less of insubmission.
Both Convention and Legislature will endeavor to please the General Government and pacify union people--freedmen especially. They say: "It's dead sure, the niggers are to vote." This vote is to be secured; but while promising knowledge, they will take advantage of ignorance, keeping up fair appearances; subsequently, I fear, to disappoint and betray. Controlling events and a constituency demanding justice will alone hold these leaders to what the times demand.
Examined with much satisfaction, the three well-known colored institutions of this city, namely, Fisk University, Central Tennessee College, and National Theological Institute. There are three hundred pupils in the former, and about one hundred each in the two latter, a portion of their young men preparing for the University. All have substantial and commodious buildings, with convenient furniture, and teachers of ability. I heard accurate reading and spelling in the lower departments, good classes in English branches, and recitations in mathematics and languages which would have done honor to students and professors of any institution.
All the above schools are under the patronage of Northern societies, and now are increasing in numbers on account of the closing of so many public schools.
In regard to other freedmen's education in the city and county I can only repeat what has already been said. It is where all would be throughout the the South, if the influence of the General Government should be withdrawn--drooping, discouraged; teachers with blasted hopes, working hard, desperately, but pulling only against the current. Here at the capital, our schools are certainly among the most flourishing of the State; but even these are running with weary pace and clogged wheels.
I regret to be obliged to write thus. It makes the heart ache to see the late flourishing system of this State so suddenly overturned. At Christmas vacation teachers in Nashville were told by the school board that "no time could be fixed for commencing the schools, and perhaps they would not commence at all." It was thought this would induce these devoted Northern ladies to leave, but with admirable courage they determined to remain; consequently about half were employed, and still have in all about five hundred pupils, showing how high had been the standard. Five hundred similar children, equally advanced and promising, and whose parents pay full taxes, have been turned loose upon the streets. The city, it is true, has but little school money, yet makes less effort to obtain it. There seems to be no heart in the work.
After all, the freed people of Tennessee, though cast down in many of their hopes, are yet exhibiting the same patience as in times past. I saw less appearance of demoralization in Nashville than at Chattanooga. The remark to me was, "the people are industrious; far less drunkenness among colored than white men."
I should add, more are paying for tuition than is generally supposed. Even in the schools of the charitable societies it is the custom to have pupils pay fifty cents per month. There is no complaint of this, such is the unabated desire for learning.
Yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
Louisvllle, Ky., January 28, 1870.Dear General: Desirous of seeing the whole line of interior cities and towns, I have taken this northern route.
It is painful to observe in many places between this and Nashville, a large colored population and yet only an occasional school. This is accounted for, partly by the recent abandonment of schools in Tennessee, and in part by hindrances still existing in the rural districts through the whole South.
After all we have accomplished, only about one-seventh of the children of Freedmen, of school age, are as yet under instruction. Groups of these children are seen by the traveler gathered around railroad stations, idly in the way, or offering services not wanted; learning, from the low influences of such premises, only vice.
In this city the proximity of free institutions is very apparent. General education is far better appreciated than below. The colored people themselves have a species of public school system. Aided by the Bureau, and in connection with the several colored churches, some fifteen schools, under care of the colored assistant of General Runkle, are in operation. They are in good condition; teachers all colored, though the places in which they are kept are inconvenient. I took great interest in visiting these schools. They show what the people can do themselves. What is here accomplished, may become universal as soon as the Freedmen have, from their own color, a sufficient number of competent teachers.
The "Ely School," in care of the American Missionary Association, has seven teachers and 300 pupils, in the commodious house built mainly by the Bureau.
It was gratifying to find among the pupils a good degree of religious interest; teachers tenderly devoted to their welfare, and some recent conversions. The building, of brick, needs repair and better ventilation.
"The colored people of Kentucky," as the Hon. Bland Ballard remarked to me "have no civil rights." The more enterprising struggle manfully, but all are heavily burdened. In the first place their property is assessed and taxed like that of the whites; then, in case of the colored, is added a tax of two dollars per capita to support their paupers, the whole of which tax actually goes for that purpose, i. e.: they help pay for white pauperism, education, &c., and then are obliged to support their own poor and schools too, or remain destitute. At the same time, I was assured by the above gentleman that the Freedmen are undoubtedly gaining in means of livelihood and character. Their taxable property in 1868 was $136,902, in 1869 $167,458, showing an increase of $30,556. This increase is mainly on the part of the recently freed population.
The savings bank in Louisville has on deposit over $80,000. Met the very intelligent committee in consultation at the Bank, with invited colored preachers of the city. Some of the latter are men of considerable education. I addressed them on the history of our Savings and Trust Company, its benevolent object, careful management and success. They resolved to make increased effort throughout the city and State. It was also earnestly recommended that we open a branch at Lexington. Mr Horace Morris, (colored,) cashier of the bank in this city, is an accomplished accountant; his books and entire premises in perfect order.
I omitted to mention, in my last, that the branch at Nashville has on deposit nearly $60,000. Its cashier, Mr. John J. Cary, recognized me as his teacher in a colored school at Cincinnati thirty-five years ago. It was a pleasant meeting to both parties; I had wholly lost sight of John during these long years, but the boy had persevered, and is now a man of culture and influence. Had, quite recently, a similar surprise at Raleigh, North Carolina, the cashier there having been my pupil at the same school. We do not, General, labor in vain. As years pass on, and you become as gray in the beard as I am, thousands of prominent colored men will take you by the hand--as did these two boys of mine--and thank you for having been their early benefactor.
The entire number of Freedmen's schools in Louisville is about 25; pupils from 1,200 to 1,500.
The recent "suffrage" news from Washington creates much excitement. The liberty of voting thrills the Freedmen with hope, while the old ruling class are equally animated with disgust. I hear rank cursing of the negro--his "ignorance," "unfitness," "rascality;" cursing engendered of rage rather than reason. To one of these excited men, who had had two sons in the confederate army, I said, "Then you'd better educate the negroes." He looked me steadily in the eye a moment and replied, "that's so," and after a short conversation, fully admitted that, so far as they were capable of improvement, advantages should be given them. This is all we ask: give the colored man a fair chance.
Some portions of Kentucky teem with loyal men and large-hearted philanthropists. These enter heartily into all our plans, and the worst class have, after all, a conviction that when the colored man comes actually to be a voter, their best policy will be to grant him privileges.
I regret since coming here to be informed of increasing outrages in Tennessee.
The morals of Freedmen in Louisville compare well with other places I have visited. A late city paper in giving a weekly report from one of the police stations, says, "There were 42 cases of crime--21 being American, 11 Irish, 10 colored." Is it possible that this report does justice to the white race?
Freedmen's schools in Kentucky number, in all, about 8,000 pupils.
From hence I go into the midland counties of the State.
Yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
Richmond, Ky., January 29, 1870.
Dear General: I wrote on leaving Louisville; then, on a fast train, soon found myself in what is called the "Blue Grass Region" of Kentucky. No part of the country--perhaps of the world--excels in fertility this remarkable belt. Herds of high bred cattle and horses, even at this cold season, are grazing the meadows and rich pasture slopes. Thick stacks of hemp cover large fields, and on every side is the appearance of wealth. These natural advantages, however, are not equalled by actual thrift or comfort. Occasionally a tasteful residence and well kept farm are passed, but in general, even in larger towns where we stop, there is, to a northern eye, an air of unthrift and discomfort; a painful discrepancy between means and ends, as though some strange blight had passed over the land and people, leaving everywhere its poison.
Stopping for the night in this county seat, (Madison County,) we are at a diminutive hotel, not temperance, kept by an ex-rebel. Headquarters of the ku-klux or "marauders" are not far from here; no one is supposed to know where. Many cases of violence have occurred recently. At Christmas, a white man was hung to a tree in the court-house yard within a stones throw of our present apartment. Six or seven colored men near the town have been whipped and one killed within a few weeks. A feeble civil government and whiskey are the immediate incentives, though rebel blood and negrohate are the radical cause of such outrages.
The people seemed excited on learning thai we were from Washington; a rumor in town during the day being that the 15th amendment had passed. While making, after supper, our observations along the main street, a suspicious looking crowd watched us; glowering faces peered through street windows where we entered, and on our return the aforesaid hotel accommodated more bar-room loungers than was agreeable. Our landlord, though evidently having imbibed freely, was attentive, but his son, in terms not to be repeated, positively refused to wait on the yankees; the room jarred with muttered curses. "Is Congress going to set the niggers to voting?" harshly inquired one. Nevertheless, after answering all inquiries, we found the "guest chamber," locked ourselves in, and, barring an occasional street yell during the night, slept soundly.
Find two schools here kept by colored teachers, with a local association of colored men in charge; very good specimens of this class of schools. The chairman of the committee, a man of some education, told us there was no special opposition to schools conducted by such teachers. These had been partially educated in Ohio, and with the allowance of Colonel Runkle, and what they obtain from tuition, have a fair support. They together number 70 pupils. It would be gratifying if, while waiting for better schools, only such as these could be carried on throughout all destitute regions of the South.
Grossest intemperance prevails in this county among both colors. An immense distillery in the suburbs of the town turns out, as the owner himself told me, 35 barrels of whiskey daily; a constant river of death, pouring its ruin everywhere. Do you wonder there are murders? Our landlord said "It's lucky you didn't come last evening; there was a row in the streets all night, half the town was drunk."
The Freedmen of this region seem industrious, and, to live, are obliged to be so. But, with low wages, few can save anything, and many are discouraged as to bettering their condition. If uneducated they are still almost wholly in subjection to the whites; the "ku-klux" power being intended to keep them so. It is intended to compel all, if suffrage is granted, to vote only by dictation of their employers. The expectation of such use of these people, goes, for the moment, far towards reconciling the ruling class to their enfranchisement. The forces of freedom will, however, ultimately find their true limit, and sion, as such, must cease. Even during the existence of the dominant party, there will be internal feud; rivalries for office, each seeking the major vote, thus ensuring to colored possessors of the franchise enlarged privileges and better treatment. The ballot is the grand hope; we must hasten to educate, that it may be a power used intelligently.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard, Commissioner, &c.
Berea, Ky., January 29, 1870.
Dear General: From Richmond I came by stage to this place: fifteen miles through a charming agricultural country, the scene of some hard fighting during the war.
Berea is upon the crest of the Kentucky hills, as they skirt the blue grass region. An undulating ocean and rugged coast are not in appearance more diverse than are these two regions; their precise line of demarcation equally distinct. The base of gravelly and rock elevations rises abruptly from the alluvial below, and the whole vegetable kingdom--tree, plant, and flower--instantly change.
Here, on a more sterile soil, and among a hardier but loyal people, this institution originated in 1858. Its founder, Rev. John G. Fee, a native Kentuckian, proposed, at that early day, to educate irrespective of race or color. The school at once evoked the adjacent mob spirit, violent at times--but survived and prospered until the rebellion. Its teachers then, in daily peril of life, were compelled to abandon the premises, and students fled to their homes among the hills When hostilities ceased, the institution was reopened, still admitting both colors, and has since stood its ground with increased prosperity, though, from its location and poverty, laboring under many embarrassments.
These worthy men, Fee, and his equally faithful colleague, J. A. R. Rodgers, with their assistants, meek in Christian spirit, cultured as scholars, and with apostolic courage, have braved the storm until, we may hope, it has nearly spent its fury.
I regret, however, to report threats and a species of guerrilla warfare still existing. At 10 o'clock last night we were startled amidst the darkness, with the loud cry, ringing through the forest "Hurrah for Jeff. Davis." "Jeff. Davis was a white man," &c. But "ku-klux" know that every male student here carries a revolver--in line on the first alarm, and they did not choose to leave the beaten path.
Berea has now about 200 pupils, one-third females, nearly equally divided between the two colors: some from abroad or distant parts of the State, but mostly from the immediate neighborhood. The white portion are of the best Kentucky fibre; mountain boys, born, many of them, in counties where scarcely a slave was ever known. They come, therefore, to the school with the common prejudice either greatly lessened or easily uprooted. It is a novel sight to witness all colors in the same class-room vigorously competing. I could not decide on relative superiority.
As a body, these students are more advanced than any I have seen this side of Howard University. Recitations listened to in mathematics, latin and greek composition, and other higher branches evinced thorough scholarship and the best instruction.
The boys working in self-support greatly need shops and the privileges of skilled labor. Female pupils, in charge of lady teachers, take care, by turns, of the kitchen and table, (ninety boarders;) male students are now clearing away the sturdy forests. All labor with greatest cheerfulness.
The new college edifice, by the Bureau, costing $17,000, stands, three stories with attic and tower, upon the brow of the high semicircle sweeping out into "the Glades:" a most commanding position, and in all respects a noble and complete school structure.
It is pleasant to find the older pupils, who for years have occupied little shanties, often only the attics in these, now in comfortable though plainly furnished rooms; all are redoubling self-reliant efforts. Inquiring of two fine looking colored fellows in one of the rooms. "How do you pay your way?" They replied, pointing proudly to their axes glittering from use, "We have each cut and piled two cords of wood to-day, (it was Saturday,) and on recitation days work all we can" I happened to know that this wood was the tough solid oak of these side hills. Such hard handed youth of whatever color, will surely, with trifling help, hew their way to manly character and good positions.
We passed the Lord's day here, with delightful services in Sabbath school, Bible-class, sermon and evening meeting for prayer, and since primitive piety such Christian spirit is, I am sure, seldom seen. Prayer in this place of peril is full of meaning, like that of the ancient builders when in the midst of their enemies, "with one hand they wrought in the work and with the other held a weapon."
About 250 people are gathered in families around the institution kindred in spirit, and making in all quite a congregation.
The trustees, professors, and pupils are hearty in their thanks for what you have done, but will soon be again crowded for room, even now needing a hall for girls, including steward's apartments and culinary conveniences. A chapel is also wanted, though application is to be made to special friends and the churches for this.
These lands (400 acres) owned by the institution, will be, when cleared, much more fertile than has been anticipated.
Such an enterprise as Berea, so in advance, in many respects, of all others, must not be suffered to languish. Just these institutions are needed all over the Southern country--founded in faith, impartial in privileges, economical and thorough--to send forth hardy native men and women of both races, commingled and united by culture, to work for God, humanity, and country, in reaching the results to be achieved.
The place is soon to be brought into notice by the "Cincinnati and Chattanooga railroad," which will have a depot within a quarter of a mile of the college buildings.
Pardon me for saying so much of this one institution. I thought you would be interested, as I certainly have been, in these details, especially as you have not been upon the ground to examine it in person.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
Lexington, Ky., January 31, 1870.
Dear General: The past twenty-four hours have been in the midst of "ku-klux." They were out in force on the road as we returned from Berea to Richmond. Three colored men were taken from their beds, cruelly whipped, dragged over the flinty road, until, with bodies lacerated and torn, it is doubtful if they can recover. These were leading men, and the outrage evidently was to deter them and friends from any attempt at political effort or influence.
The news, as we drove into Richmond, was: "Berea has been attacked, a number of its citizens badly beaten, and nine houses burned." This story we, of course could contradict, but excitement was on every face--evidently mischief was brewing. The driver of our carriage out on Saturday, came to us much agitated, saying, "If that had been true I know you'd think I had set them on." Perhaps we should, for we knew him to have been in a previous mob at Berea. He, however, took us to his so-called "hotel" and gave the best it afforded.
But bad men prowled about the premises. They crowded inside to scrutinize and question; we, still obliged to hold them in mystery as to our mission. However, we very distinctly intimated that "the General Government would be obliged to suppress these atrocities;" "life, person, and property must be held sacred;" "it would be much better to have this done by their own laws and influence than by United States soldiers." At this moment a fierce yell, directly in my ear, wheeled me half round with its stunning force. I had before heard the same (multitudinous) on rebel battle-fields. Recovering, I looked the fellow quietly in the face and continued my conversation with bystanders. If this was a "signal" it had no effect. Some power held restraint over the crowd, and soon I had numerous apologies for such rudeness.
The night wore away, and at early dawn, still environed by suspicious men, we entered the stage for Lexington. I may say our courage rose by a number of degrees as we drove rapidly out of this Kentucky "Richmond."
The road from thence to this place is through the beautiful and productive country before described. Plantations large and continuous, some well cultivated. Colored laborers are, at this season, scattered through wide fields "breaking out" stacks of hemp, the scene lively and picturesque.
Ashland, former residence of Henry Clay, a magnificent domain three miles out of Lexington, still gives evidence of the comprehensive plans of that great man. The old mansion stands amidst embowering trees, rare and varied in species, and out upon smooth meadows graze the high bred animals, for which he had such fondness. An air of neglect, however, is upon lawn, garden, circling walks, and drives; tangled weeds crowd the choice shrubbery. The eye that tastefully designed, and the feet which often trod these grounds are gone. I was informed that the State had purchased the premises and on one portion there has been established a large public school.
In this city are about 12,000 colored population, in better condition than usual. Large numbers of them have plots of ground and houses of their own, generally one story with three rooms, many two stories with an increased amount of comfort. It is supposed that the aggregate of property owned by colored people in Lexington is about half a million of dollars. It need not be said they are industrious and saving. Besides all common labor, they are the cartmen, carriage-drivers, small shop-keepers, and mechanics of the city. I am told they were treated with unusual consideration while in slavery. This morning I met many on the road outside the town, with clean white aprons, going to the plantations for labor at "hempbreaking."
Schools here are well arranged, but in poor buildings. The largest, with seven teachers and two hundred and fifty pupils, is in care of the American Missionary Association. This will, during the coming year, enter the new building, 60 x 45 feet, erected by the Bureau.
I still hear of "ku-klux" outrages. A negro was hung just outside of the city last Sunday night, but there is much less danger here than in the country below. In this centre of culture for the State, are a large number of men of high birth and standing, ever true to the country in sentiment, who utterly condemn all such proceedings.
An excellent loyal paper, "Kentucky Statesman," is publish sd here, and a savings bank for the Freedmen is earnestly asked for; it would do well among so industrious and thrifty a people.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
Cincinnati, February 2, 1870.
Dear General: My inspection work on this tour is now finished, and I return to-morrow by way of Pittsburg and Baltimore.
I need not recapitulate. A grouping of the general facts observed would be: Emancipation has been safe; Freedmen exhibit good conduct; have become industrious; save their earnings; are not "dying out;" are capable of being educated; are loyal to the government; as free from immorality and intemperance as the whites; schools of all kinds improve rapidly.
At the same time, the Freedmen are still, in some quarters, oppressed and ill-treated; a majority are poor and ignorant; many are immoral; intemperance is by far too prevalent; teachers are needed on all subjects, and help from all quarters. But the 2,571 day and night schools with 122,317 pupils; the 1,456 Sabbath schools with 88,300 pupils; the 38 normal or high schools with 3,834 pupils; the 5,973 pupils in higher branches, give promise of their future intelligence; while the $12,605,782 put in savings banks; and the $10,948,775 drawn out and used mainly in important purchases, making that amount of social comfort and taxable capital, all show the importance of our work, and that much more should be done for its full accomplishment.
Yours, &c., very respectfully,
J. W. ALVORD,
General Superintendent of Education.Major General O. O. Howard.
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