Viewing page 85 of 250

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

0838

2

is not only false but unjust to the brave men who have fought in our Armies during the late war and who are now seeking their fortunes in this State.  More than five hundred (500) of these men are now in and around Vicksburg, and at least one hundred (100) more who have served in our Army are acting on the various Boards of registration in this State.
  
The assertion that "the colored men have had so much to contend with both from state and federal officials, that thousands of them do not know they have the right to vote" is utterly false, so far as it relates to federal officials, as I am at the head of the "federal officials" in this State and no exertion has been spared to instruct the freedmen in their rights, duties and privileges.
  
Every assistance has been rendered them in securing their just dues and in protecting them from deception, outrage and