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have commenced falling from our eyes: it may be well that they do not disappear too fast: 

The distance from "Universal Freedom" to "Universal Suffrage" is not near so great as was our attempt to Conquer the Rebellion, with the Declaration made by Congress, that "it was not the design to interfere with slavery," and the Status we at present occupy. Every successive step taken to benefit the colored race has been the result more of a defensive - than offensive operation upon our part; we have done so to save ourselves: We emancipated to save ourselves -  We armed them to save ourselves. We must educate them and extend to them the right of suffrage to save ourselves, because they are a part and parcel of ourselves - they are inseparably connected with us - they have been a very great element in our commercial greatness and they will in the future exercise a still greater influence, as they will work with free hearts and free hands; they will not have nor need the Master lash over them.

It would be ungrateful in us to withhold from them any facility by which to strengthen their manhood.

Your friend
& Well wishes
Jno J. Hooker

Genl Clinton B. Fisk