We hope and trust you will favor us with such reply as will serve to enlighten our minds upon this subject and impel our people to go forward in the right direction. Our confidence in your judgment is so firm, that, in our opinion, thousands of the intelligent colored voters of the country will be guided in their action by your statement and advice.
Hoping to receive a reply soon, we have the honor to be,
A. T. AUGUSTA, M. D. SAMUEL PROCTOR. DAVID FISHER, sr. J. J. KETCHUM. JNO. H. SMITH. CHAS. N. THOMAS. EDWARD CRUSOR. WM. H. SHORTER. WM. H. A. WORMLEY. HENRY HILL. WILLIAM P. WILSON. FURMAN J. SHADD. R. W. TOMPKINS. GEO. D. JOHNSON. JOHN H. BROWN. CHRIS. A. FLEETWOOD. HENRY LACY. CHAS. F. BRUCE. W. H. BELL. DAVID FISHER, jr. J. L. N. BOWEN. DAVID KING. JACOB DE WITTER. WM. POLKENY.
If I have delayed answering your communication of July 11th, which was duly placed in my hands by your committee, it was not because the proper course for you seemed doubtful, but because I wished to reflect upon it and be aided by information which time might supply. Since then I have carefully considered the inquiries addressed to me, and have listened to much on both sides; but my best judgment now is in harmony with my early conclusion.
I am touched by the appeal you make. It is true that I am the friend of your race, and I am glad to be assured that in your opinion I have held a consistent course in the Senate and elsewhere as the special advocate of your rights. That course, by the blessing of God, I mean to hold so long as life lasts. I know your infinite wrongs, and feel for them as my own. You only do me simple justice, when you add a belief that my counsel at this critical juncture of your citizenship “would be free from personal feelings and partisan prejudice.” In answering your inquiries I can have no sentiment except for your good, which I most anxiously seek; nor can any disturbing influence be allowed to interfere. The occasion is too solemn. Especially is there no room for personal feeling or for partisan prejudice. No man or party can expect power except for the general welfare. Therefore they must be brought to the standard of truth, which is without feeling or prejudice.