|
Records of the Assistant
Commissioner for the State of Georgia
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, 1865 - 1869
National Archives Publication M798 Roll 36
"Unbound Miscellaneous Papers"
Request of the Freedmen of Columbus, Ga. to Maj.
Gen. Steadman not to withdraw the Federal Troops and leave them unprotected
Columbus, Georgia
Nov. 5th, 1865
Maj. Gen'l Steadman
Dear Sir!
We the undersigned Freedmen, having learned that the
Federal Soldiers are soon to be withdrawn from Columbus, feel constrained most
respectfully and request in the name of the Lord, to implore you not to leave us
unprotected by Federal troops. We firmly believe that the Almighty has ordained our
freedom; but at the same time, we wish to inform you that if the Federal Soldiers are
withdrawn from us, we will be left in a most gloomy and helpless condition. A number of
Freedmen have already been killed in this section of country; and from expressions uttered
by prominent men in this community in civil life, we have every reason to fear that others
will share a similar fate. We think our commander here might do better than he does. And
we do know that there are men here who would protect us if they had the power.
We therefore most humbly and earnestly pray you General,
not to leave us to the tender mercy of our enemies - unprotected.
(signed)
Harry Watkins
Abraham Smith
George Blunt
S. W. Love
Morgan Gale
and 120 others (colored)
| 