The following letter, from a South Carolina paper, is one of
many in the same sense which found its way to the public.
SENATE CHAMBER, July 3, 1868.
DEAR SIR,--I have never given any opinion in regard to the
Senatorial question in your State, except to express regret that
the golden opportunity should be lost of making a colored citizen
Senator from South Carolina.
Such a Senator, if competent, would be a powerful support to the
cause of Equal Rights. His presence alone would be a constant
testimony and argument. Nothing could do so much to settle the
question of Equal Rights forever in the United States. The howl
against the negro, which is sometimes heard in the Senate, would
cease. A colored Senator would be as good as a Constitutional
Amendment, making all backward steps impossible.
I write now frankly, in reply to your inquiry, and without any
purpose of interfering in your election. You will pardon my
anxiety for the cause I have so much at heart.
Accept my best wishes, and believe me, dear Sir, faithfully yours,