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Philadelphia Feb 13th 1866

Sir in accordance with the mass meeting of the colored people held in the Hospital yard Eastville Eastern Shore Virginia on the 11th of Feb. 1866 I the Rev Caleb Burriss was deputized by that people to address you in behalf of them in relation to Dr Sydney. This meeting was duly organized on the said day for the purpose of getting the expression of the colored people in relation in relation to Dr Sydney as there had been reports about him which had no foundation it was thought by the most prominent men of that place expedient to call a meeting to get the expression of the people. I being requested to call this meeting (being pastor of the church at that place) by the following brethren Luke Parsons Abraham [[Brickess? Burkess?]] Nelson Baker Peter Coy and many others. This meeting being called and duly assembled at 8 o clock I Rev Caleb Burriss addressed the assembly and notified them for what purpose the meeting was called as follows Brethren & Sisters Ladies & Gentlemen this meeting is called for the express purpose of expressing your desires in relation to Dr Sydney whether or not you desire to have him with you as your choice after which Abraham Brickess rose and addressed the meeting in behalf of the colored people through the entire country country stating that Dr Sydney was our only choice the only man we desire he has been all to us that a friend could be we have found

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-20 23:25:09