“It is even reported that negroes have been killed in the most cruel manner.”
Why heap instances? They might be piled high; but why pain the heart by such an exhibition?
From North Carolina pass to South Carolina, where the testimony is, if possible, still more explicit. The spirit of this Rebel State, yet rebel in heart, appears in the well-known letter from Wade Hampton, which I do not stop to quote. It is especially manifest in the frank speech of James R. Campbell in the Convention, from which I read an extract.
“I believe, that, when our votes are admitted into that Congress, if we are tolerably wise, governed by a moderate share of common sense, we will have our own way. I am speaking now not to be reported. We will have our own way yet, if we are true to ourselves. We know the past; we know not what is to be our future. Are we not in a condition to accept what we cannot help? Are we not in a condition where it is the part of wisdom to wait and give what we cannot avoid giving? I believe as surely as we are a people, so surely, if we are guided by wisdom, we will by the beginning of the next Presidential election, which is all that is known of the Constitution, (for, when you talk of the Constitution of the United States, it means the Presidential election, and the share of the spoils,) I believe then we may hold the balance of power.”
That Mr. Campbell spoke according to the sentiments of the prevailing politicians is attested by a private letter which I have received from a Government officer so situated there as to know the real condition of things. I read extracts only.
“The speeches in Convention and Legislature are doubtless known to you, and the animus pervading all action of these bodies. Mr. Campbell expressed it exactly. Let us do what we have to, as little as we are obliged to, get into Congress somehow, and then pay off the score. One or two minor matters in this connection I mention as showing how the current sets.
“1. The election for members of Convention, 4th September. The favorites in every contested case were those most prominent in Secession proceedings of past years. The majority of them did not take the amnesty oath.…
“2. Not even the prospect of securing a favorable recognition in Congress could secure the election of any man tainted with Unionism, in opposition to any candidate thoroughly established as an opponent to the Government in past time.