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Wilmington, N.C.
April 16th 1868

Captain Allen Rutherford
ASA Commissioner
Wilmington. NC.

Sir

The principal and about the only reason we can give why we oppose any appropriation from the Government, for our benefit being placed in the hands of Bishop Atkinson is simply a public declaration made by him on the 20th of March 1868 to wit:

That as he had been nominated by the Republican party for the position of School Commissioner and his silence would in all probability indicate a sympathy for that party, he desired it to be distinctly understood that he was opposed to the principals of that party, and thought their coming in power in North Carolina would be the ruin of the State. The nomination that was tendered was not a political one, and it was distinctly understood, that if possible it should be tendered Christain gentleman.

We of the South have felt the sting of having our church property in white mens hands, and as this is a matter as we understand it, to solely benefit us