MINUTES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 G> 
 
 m$ 
 
 ti&* 
 
 HELD IN TnE 
 
 CITY OF RALEIGH, 
 
 ON THE 
 
 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th of October, 18G6. 
 
 RALEIGH: 
 
 PEIXTED AT THE STANDARD BOOK AND JOB OFFICE. 
 
 1866. 
 
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MINUTES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Jfreefomm's (fetotifltt, 
 
 HELD m THE 
 
 ON THE 
 
 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th of October, 1866. 
 
 RALEIGH: 
 
 PRINTED AT THE STANDARD BOOK AND JOB OFFICE. 
 
 1866. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2013 
 
 http://archive.org/details/minutesoffreedmeOOfree 
 
MINUET ESS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FREEDMEFS CONVENTION, 
 
 HELD IN THE CITY OF RALEIGH, 
 On the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th of October, 1866. 
 
 RALEIGH, K C., OCT. 2nd, 1866. 
 African M. E. Church, 10 O'clock, A. M. 
 
 Convention met pursuant to the call made by the officers 
 of the State Equal Rights League. 
 
 J. H. Harris, of Wake, President of the State Equal Rights 
 League, called the house to order. 
 
 John R. Good, of Craven, Yice President. 
 
 Wm. Cawthorn, of Warren, was called upon to act as 
 Secretary, pro. tern. 
 
 Rev. G. A. Rue was appointed to conduct the religious 
 exercises. He opened the Convention by singing the hymn 
 " Peace, troubled soul." 
 
 J. R. Page, of Edenton, asked whether this was a State 
 League or a State Convention ? Which question the Chair- 
 man answered after the Convention had been thoroughly 
 opened, refering the gentleman to articles 3rd and 7th of the 
 Constitution of the State Equal Rights League. 
 
 On motion Marcillus Orford, of Wake, and Samuel Wilson, 
 • of New Hanover, were appointed as Sargeants at Arms. 
 
 A motion to receive the Rev. Jos. W. Wood, of Craven, as 
 an honorary member of the Convention created a lively dis- 
 cussion. Motion lost. 
 
 On motion a committee of five was appointed on Credentials, 
 consisting of Messrs. J. T. Schenck of Charlotte, Jas. Bowman 
 
 ■30 
 
of Fayetteville, J. E. Caswell of Raleigh, J. D. Ballad of 
 Rowan, C. D. Pierson of Newbern. 
 
 After appointment tlie Committee retired. 
 
 On motion Jos. R. Tucker, of Craven, was elected Yice 
 President. 
 
 On motion Jas. E. O'Hara was appointed Secretary. 
 
 On motion the Chairman was empowered to appoint a 
 Committee on Rules. 
 
 The following gentlemen were, therefore, appointed to draw 
 up rules for the government of the Convention : Rev. G. A. 
 Rue of Craven, H. Locket of Wake, and J. R. Page of 
 Chowan. 
 
 On motion a special Committee of three, consisting of Rev. 
 A. Bass of Orange, John llyman of Warren, and S. High- 
 smith of Duplin. 
 
 On motion Dr. Brown, of Hertford, was invited to address 
 the audience, which he did in an eloquent manner, confining 
 himself to the subject of Education and Equality before the 
 law. 
 
 On motion Mr. "Williamson of Franklin, Mr. Tucker of 
 Craven, and Mr. Sykes of Pasquotank, were invited to 
 . address the Convention, which they did, each in his turn, 
 making good and earnest appeals to the people to consider the 
 object for which they were assembled, and further urging the 
 members of the Convention faithfully to discharge their duty 
 towards God, towards their fellow-man, and towards them- 
 selves. 
 
 On motion Mr. Leary was appointed as Secretary, but he 
 declined on the ground of inexperience. The Convention not 
 taking his excuse, Mr. Leary was oblige to serve in the capacity 
 of Secretary. 
 
 On motion Jas. E. O'Hara, of Wayne, was appointed to 
 act as reporter of the Convention for the press. 
 
 The Committre on Rules then made their report through 
 their Chairman, Rev. G. A. Rue : 
 
 We, your Committee on Rules, beg leave to offer to this honorable 
 body the following rules for the government of this Convention daring 
 its hours of sitting : 
 
1. There shall he two regular daily sessions of the Convention. The morning 
 eesSion shall commence at 9.30 o'clock, a. m., and adjourn at 12 o'clock, m. 
 The afternoon session shall convene at 2 o'clock, p. m., and adjourn at 5 o'clock, 
 p. m. 
 
 2. One-third of the members of the Convention shall constitute a quorum for 
 the transaction of business. 
 
 3. No member shall leave the Convention without permission from the Chair- 
 man, and no member shnll be recognized or his motion received as before the 
 Convention unless the Speaker is within the bar of the Convention. 
 
 4 No membei shall be allowed to speak more than twice upon the same ques- 
 tion, unless by special consent of the Convention, and notlongerthan ten minutes 
 the first time and five minutes the second time. 
 
 5. Belying on God for the rectitude of our intentions, to secure equal rights, 
 therefore, each session shall be opened with religious devotions by the Chaplain. 
 
 6. Should any member or members of the Convention be found intoxicated 
 during the sitting of the Convention, he or they shall be excluded ffom its 
 sessions. 
 
 7. We recommend that there be a session each night during the Convention 
 and addresses be made by such gentlemen as the Chairman may appoint. 
 
 Mr. Ellison, -of Wake, enquired if the rule concerning in- 
 toxicated members meant that they should be entirely excluded 
 from the Convention. 
 
 3as. E. O'Hara, of "Wayne, arose and defended the rule, 
 stating that there was but one fault which he saw, and that 
 was the rule was not stringent enough. 
 
 On motion Messrs. J. R. Good of Craven, Green of Gates, 
 and Carson Johnson of Warren, were appointed to address 
 the Convention, which they did in a noble and patriotic 
 manner. 
 
 On motion Rev. G. A. Rue was appointed Chaplain of the 
 Convention. 
 
 On motion the Convention adjourned, according to rule, 
 
 AFTERNOON SESSION— 2 O'Clock, P. M. 
 
 Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 Jas. H. Harris in the Chair. 
 
 The minutes of the previous meeting was read and approved, 
 with slight corrections. I 
 
 The Committee on Credentials then reported through their 
 Chairman, Mr. J. T. Schenck : 
 
We, your Committee on Credentials, having carefully examined the 
 credentials of the delegates from the various counties, recommend that 
 the persons representing the following counties be admitted as delegates' 
 duly elected and sent by their constituents : 
 
 RALEIGH, N. C, October, 1866; 
 State Equal Rights League Convention of Freedmen: 
 
 Warren — William Cawthorn, John Hyman, Caesar Johrson. 
 
 Wake — J. H. Harris, Charles Ray, Wm. Laws, S. EllersDn, H. Locket, J. R-. 
 Caswell. Moses Patterson and Wm. High, honorary hiemberB. 
 
 Mecklenburg — J. T. Schenck. 
 
 Franklin— Harry Webb, Henderson Fuller, John Williams. Rev. D. T. Perry 
 honorary member. 
 
 Granville — J. Hogwood, Cuffey Mayo, Wm. Reavis, Aaron Pratchefr 
 
 Gaston— Jas. Ryan. 
 
 Halifax--N. B. Martin, Henry Epps, Noah Hill, Charles Smith* 
 
 Lenoir— E. M. Bell. 
 
 Perquimans — Newman JohnsOn. 
 
 Camden — Henry Pool. 
 
 Richmond— Calvin McCray. 
 
 Alamance — Edmond Bird, Wyatt Outlaw. 
 
 Anson — Henry Powell, Win. Leak. 
 
 Gates — J. A. Green. 
 
 Montgomery — Hubbard Little-. 
 
 Burke — Thos. Hawkins. 
 
 Wilson — Emsley Hinant, Thus. Farmer. 
 
 Forstthe — Lewis Heagle. 
 
 Northampton — J. H. Langford, B. H. Jones, Robert Doles. 
 
 Bertie — Charles Harrel. 
 
 Craven — Richard Tucker, C. D. Pierson, G. A. Rue, J. R. Good. 
 
 Hertford — W. D. Newsum, H. J. Brown. 
 
 Orange — A. Bass, Fred. Lane, Jordan Weaver,. Henry Jones, Samuel Hopkins. 
 
 Guilford — H. Unthanks, Jacob Corsie. 
 
 Cumberland — J. S. Leary, Lewis Harvie, Jas. Bowman. 
 
 Bladen — John Crosslin. 
 
 Sampson — Charles Carter. 
 ■ Pasquotank — T. A. Sykes. 
 
 Duplin — Samuel High Smith. 
 
 Hyde — Elisha Mackleveign. 
 
 Wayne — J. E. O'Harra, John Thompson. 
 
 Randolph — Jesse Skeen, Willis Dorsette, Harry Pope. 
 
 Caswell — Marriee Mayson, Turner Pertilla. 
 
 Edgecomb— Frank Heart, Rev. W. H. Pitts. 
 
 Caldwell — Joseph Howard. 
 
 Chowan — J. R. Page. 
 
 Rowan — J. B. Ballad. 
 
 Davidson— Jas. Hargrave, C. G. Holmes, J. C. Taylor, J. S. Porter. 
 
 Pitt— W. H. Pitts. 
 
 Davie — E. Oakes. 
 
 Cabarrus— Adam Means, Allen Turner. 
 
 Martin— Rev. W. H. Pitts. 
 
 Wilkes — Rev. A. Stokes. 
 
■Chatham— John Smith, Jno. Evans, Nathan Coe, Daniel Blacken, Mr. Perry. 
 
 Buncombe — Felix Grimes. 
 
 Haywood— Alfred Live. 
 
 Rockingham— Juha Dilworth, Sam'l Johnson. 
 
 Stanlt — C. A. Coble. 
 
 Ruthebeobd — Rev. V. Mikeral. 
 
 Polk— G. W. Paine. 
 
 Union— Daniel Cnlherson. 
 
 Habnett — Menry Williams. 
 
 Moobe— Niel Thos. Cain Williams. 
 
 Cleaveland — John Wellman. 
 
 Lincoln— Edward Cobb. 
 
 Hendebson — T. Green. 
 
 Johnston— Rufus Beckwith, J. B. Allen. 
 
 Catawba — Augustus Roseman. 
 
 Gbeene — Dennis Best. 
 
 CuBBiTCCK — A. M. Ferebee. 
 
 Holly Spbings League — Isaac Norris, Ned Valentine, James Howell. 
 
 115 Delegates — 60 Counties represented. 
 
 On motion the law of the Convention was decided on by 
 the Chairman, instructing the Sergeant at arms to allow no 
 person excepting delegates to sit within the bar. 
 
 Mr. Bowman, of Fayetteville, suggested to the house the 
 importance of inviting various distinguished citizens of North- 
 Carolina, and the heads of the Military department. 
 
 Some objections being made, Mr. Cawthorn, of Warren, 
 endeavored to show to the members of the Convention the 
 necessity of endeavoring to form a test of sincere friendship 
 between the two races. 
 
 Mr. Cawthorn was ably sustained by Messrs. J. R. Good, 
 J. T. Leary and EL Morrison. 
 
 The Committee on verbal Credentials then made their 
 report, through their Chairman, Rev. A. Bass : 
 
 We, yonr Committee on verbal Credentials, after examining persons having no 
 written credentials, has fonnd that the omission of said credentials were an over- 
 sight, and in few cases caused by ignorance ; nevertheless, we firmly believe that 
 these persons here present are the persons chosen by the colored people in various 
 parts of the State. We, therefore, recommend these persons to your considera- 
 tion, and would, also, suggest that they be admitted as full members of the 
 Convention, with all rights and privileges accorded to them. 
 
 On motion the President were authorized to appoint a 
 business Committee of five. 
 
 Dr. Brown offered an amendment that the number should 
 
 
8 
 
 be seven instead of five. Amendment received and motion 
 carried. 
 
 The following gentlemen were, therefore, appointed on a 
 business Committee : Dr. H. J. Brown, H. Locket, J. T. 
 Schenck, John Smith, Jno. Sykes, Yinson Mickeral and Geo. 
 A. Kue. 
 
 On motion a Committee on invitation were appointed, 
 consisting of J. R. Caswell, J. E. O'Hara, Harry Pope, John 
 Hyman and John Porter, with the instruction that they in- 
 vite Gov. Worth and other distinguished citizens of North- 
 Carolina, and the heads of the Military department. 
 
 On motion a financial Committee was appointed, consisting 
 of H. Unthank, J. B. Ballard, S. Ellison, and Jas. Bowman. 
 
 On motion Mr. Newsom, of Hertford, was appointed to 
 take the names and post-office addresses of the delegates. 
 
 On motion ¥m. Cawthorn was confirmed as Secretary of 
 the Convention. 
 
 The business Committee then reported through their Chair- 
 man, Dr. H. J. Brown. 
 
 The resolutions were received but not adopted, and laid 
 over to the next session. 
 
 On motion Jas. H. Harris was solicited to address the 
 Convention. 
 
 On motion a collection was taken up to defray the expense 
 of the Convention, amounting to $4.50. 
 
 Convention assembled at 7f o'clock, when the meeting was 
 opened with religious exercises by Rev. George A. Rue, 
 Chaplain of the Convention. 
 
 The President, Jas. H. Harris, was then introduced by J. 
 R. Good, Yice President. 
 
 Mr. Harris' discourse was lengthy and instructive, and 
 founded principally on the objects of the Leauge. He was 
 often applauded. 
 
 Mr. Leary, of Fayetteville, was next introduced, but de- 
 clined on the grounds of incapability. 
 
Dr. H. J. Brown was next introduced, but he declined, as 
 he intends to give a lecture on Phrenology and Physiology on 
 Wednesday evening. 
 
 Rev. G. A. Rue was then called upon, who made a few 
 pointed and humorous remarks. Alter which a collection 
 was taken up to the amount of $3.18. 
 
 After singing " Sound the loud Timbrel," the Convention 
 adjourned. 
 
 SECOND DAY'S SESSION. 
 
 "Wednesday, Oct. 3, 1866—9.30 O'clock. 
 
 Convention assembled pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 J. H. Harris in the Chair. House called to order. 
 
 Rev. George A. Rue, Chaplain of the Convention, opened 
 by reading the 137th Psalm, and singing the hymn " God the 
 spring of all my joys ;" he next offered a prayer. 
 
 The minutes of the previous meeting were then called for, 
 read and approved. 
 
 After calling the roll of delegates, the rules governing the 
 Convention were then read. 
 
 The greater part of the morning was spent in receiving the 
 assessment made on each delegate of $1.50 to defray the ex- 
 penses of the Convention. 
 
 The Committee on invitation then reported that they had 
 received answers from Gov. Worth and other gentlemen, to 
 whom invitations had been extended. 
 
 On motion the letters were then read to the Convention 
 with great applause : 
 
 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, 
 
 Executive Department. 
 Rajleigh, N. C. Oct. 3d, 1866. 
 To the President and members of the colored Convention, now sitting in Baleigh. 
 
 I have received, through your Secretary, James E. O'Hara, an invitation to at- 
 tend your sittings. Having learned, on all hands, that your actions are patriotic, 
 and, in every way, praiseworthy, I thank you for your invitation and will gladly 
 attend. 
 
10 
 
 You shall always find me ready, personally or officially, to do anything in my 
 power to aid your people in their efforts to elevate and improve their condition. 
 Very Respectfully, 
 
 JONATHAN WORTH. 
 
 Raleigh, Oct. 4th, 1866. 
 To the Committee of Invitation of the Colored People's Convention, Baleigh: — 
 
 In reply to your invitation of yesterday, I beg leave to say, that my engage- 
 ments will not permit me to visit yonr Convention ; but I have been pleased to 
 be informed of your efforts to educate your people in the State of North-Carolina, 
 and hope they may be attended with snccess. Of course you do not expect, at 
 once, to establish seminaries for the higher branches of learning, but will direct 
 yonr attention to primary schools, in which are targht those rudiments of knowl- 
 edge which are most useful and necessary in carrying on the ordinary business 
 of life. With the difficulties now existing of a short crop in the greater portion 
 of the State, the unsettled condition of affairs arising out of the late war, and the 
 Budden emancipation of the colored race, with but little property except that 
 which shall be acquired by daily labor, it will not be an easy matter to maintain 
 schools even of this description ; but whenever it is practicable, I hope to see 
 them established. 
 
 But there is much of education, and of the most necessary part of it, that is 
 not obtained in schools. How to do work well, and with the greatest advantage, 
 either in a mechanical trade, or on a farm, or in any other business, i6 the most 
 useful kind of knowledge to people who must live by labor. To have habits of 
 industry in applying one's self to his work, to be faithful to contracts and promi- 
 ses — to be sober, honest aud truthful, are lessons which every parent can teach 
 to his children at home, and which will cost nothing except the care and attention 
 that every one will readily bestow. In the present situation of the colored peo- 
 ple, the first object of every one should be to obtain an honest livelihood for 
 himself and his Jamily, by labor. The idle will be sure to become vicious, lose 
 the confidence and respect of the community — probably fall into crime, and sub- 
 ject themselves to the punishment of the law. Next to being industrious, they 
 should be frugal — save and lay up what they earn, and when they become able, 
 buy land or other property, and thus advance in the scale of life. Both parents 
 and children who are able to do useful work, should apply themselves to it, un- 
 til something shall in this way be accumulated. Then tl ey will have the means 
 and time to attend the schools and improve their time. If both objects can be 
 effected at the 6ame time, it will be so much the better. You will perceive that, 
 in my opinion, instruction in morals and virtue, and the religious training deri- 
 ved from hearing the Gospel preached, and in Sunday sehools, are more neces- 
 snry to your people, at present, than the knowledge of letters and books, and it 
 can be more easily and cheaply obtained. While, therefore, disposed to encourage 
 every well-meant effort to give them schools, I would keep constantly present 
 to their minds, that to elevate their condition nothing is so necessary as to be- 
 come independent in their circumsances, and that this can only be effected by 
 persevering and honest labor. Very Respectfully, 
 
 W. A. GRAHAM. 
 
11 
 
 Raleigh, Oct. 4th, 1866. 
 Mr. James E. CEara: 
 
 Sir : I have received yours of this date inviting me to address the Convention 
 of colored persons of which you are Secretary, now assembled at the African 
 Church in this City for the purpose of promoting the cause of education amongst 
 their race. You assume very truly, that I am a friend to your race. 
 
 I could not be otherwise so long as I may be regarded as a fellow creature of 
 the race of man ; and I am a warm friend to education everywhere. 
 
 Owing to my pressing engagements in highly important cases on trial or about 
 to be tried in the Superior Court of Wake County, now in session, it will be not 
 only inconvenient, but really impossible forme to be present at j'our Convention. 
 
 Allow me, however, to express my 'pleasure, that your race are striving by 
 peaceful means to elevate themselves in the grade of humanity. 
 
 The best means of doing this you can as readily appreciate as any one. They 
 are universally acknowledged to be, industry, and education both moral and reli- 
 gious. That idleness is the parent of all vice is an adge as old as time ; and it 
 requires but the observation of a day to verify this truth, whether among the one 
 race or the other. Respectfully Tours., 
 
 B. F. MOOBE. 
 
 BUREAU REF., FREEDMEN AND ABANDONED LANDS, 
 Office Superintendent Central Dis. Raleigh, N. C. Oct. 3d, 1866. 
 Mr. J. E. CPEara, Secretary, &c. 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of invitation 
 requesting me to honor you with my presence and to address you'during the 
 hours of your Convention. 
 
 I regret exceedingly that I cannot accept your kind and flattering invitation to 
 address you, on account of serving on a General Court Martial in addition to my 
 duties as Superintendent of the Bureau of R. F. and A. L. Even had I the time, 
 I do not think I could address you on account of not knowing the object or pur- 
 pose of your Convention. I hope to be able to visit your Convention some time 
 during the session, and will if possible. 
 With my best wishes for your success and prosperity, 
 
 I Remain Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant, 
 
 A. G. BRADY. 
 BrvH. Col. and Supt. 
 
 On motion, that delegates not present at the call of the roll 
 or fifteen minutes afterwards, should be fined unless a good 
 and satisfactory excuse be rendered, created a very lively dis- 
 cussion, which lasted about half an hour. The motion, how- 
 ever, was carried. 
 
 The motion that no person should be recognised as a mem- 
 ber of the Convention unless they pay their assessments, 
 brought about a very warm debate, several gentlemen partici- 
 pating. Motion lost. 
 
12 
 
 Jas. H. Harris offered a Constitution, governing an Educa- 
 tional Association, which was referred to the Committee on 
 business. Reported upon and adopted, as follows : 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE COLORED 
 PEOPLE OF NOBTH-CABOLINA. 
 
 / 
 
 1st. This Association shall be known as the Freedmen's Educational Associa- 
 tion of North-Carolina. 
 
 2d. The object of this Association shall be to aid in the establishment of 
 schools, from which none shall be excluded on account of color or poverty, and 
 to encourage unsectarian education in this State, especially among the freedmen. 
 
 3d. It 6hall assist educational associations in counties, towns or captain's dis- 
 tricts, to obtain teachers, and in all other matters that circumstances shall make 
 desirable. 
 
 4th. Any adult who is in favor of the above object, may become amemberof 
 the Association by signing this constitution and contributing one dollar at the 
 beginning of each year. The President, Secretary and Treasurer of all auxiliaries 
 shall be members ex officio. 
 
 5th. Any member contributing fifty dollars in one or two instalments, shall be- 
 come a director for life and shall be entitled to attend and yote at all regular 
 meetings of the board of managers. 
 
 6th. The officers shall be a President, three Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a 
 Treasurer and thirteen managers ; nine of which shall reside in or near Raleigh. 
 The President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be ex officio members of the board of 
 managers. The officers hereafter shall be chosen four each year, to hold office 
 for the term of three years. In case of a vacancy in any office the managers shall 
 make an appointment, to hold until the next annual meeting. 
 
 7th. The board of managers shall invite the co-operation of benevolent indivi- 
 duals and associations in the work ol education. They may provide lecturers, 
 &c. They shall require the Treasurer to give ample security, and in general, 
 shall have full authority to conduct the affairs of the Association, subject to its 
 approval. But they shall not without instructions involve the Association in 
 debt, nor shall any of them receive any compensation from the treasury. 
 
 8th. The annual meeting of this Association shall be held on the 20th day of 
 January in each year, at which time the Treasurer and board of managers shall 
 present written reports and officers shall be elected. 
 
 9th. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any annual 
 meeting, Provided, the amendment has been proposed at the previous annual 
 meeting, or re'eommended one month beforehand by the managers, in connection 
 with the call of the meeting. 
 
 10th. It shall be the imperative duty of every teacher to fill out such blanks as 
 may be sent to him by the superintendent, giving a correct report of the condi- 
 tion of the schools. 
 
 11th. No officer shall receive compensation for his services from the Treasury, 
 except his traveling expenses. 
 
 On motion the meeting adjourned to meet at 2 o'clock, p. in. 
 
13 
 AFTERNOON" SESSION— 2 O'clock, P. M. 
 
 Convention assembled pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 J. H. Harris in the Chair. 
 
 The unfinished business of the Convention was then taken 
 up, which was the receiving of assessments from the delegates. 
 
 A letter from ex-Gov. Thomas Bragg was then read to the 
 Convention, as follows : 
 
 Raleigh, Oct. 3d, 1866. 
 To the members of the Convention of Colored People now in Session. 
 
 I have received your polite invitation to attend the session of your Convention. 
 I have only time to say that my engagements are such in the Superior Court now 
 in session, and likely to be in session for the rest of the week, that I cannot pos- 
 sibly avail myself of your invitation. Otherwise I should be glad to accept of it. 
 I approve of its object and hope it may result in effecting something for the bene- 
 fit and improvement of your people. Every good citizen should desire this, and 
 I assure you it will always give me pleasure to contribute in any way that I can to 
 such a purpose. I am Very Respectfully, Tour Friend, &c, 
 
 THOMAS BRAGG. 
 
 Shortly after reading ex-Gov. Bragg's letter, Gov. Worth 
 was announced. Upon which the Sergeant at Arms escorted 
 him into the house. He was then introduced to the President 
 of the Convention by J. E. O'Hara, and by J. H. Harris to 
 the Convention. 
 
 The Governor then proceeded to address the Convention. 
 His discourse was on morality, education and religion. He 
 urges the people to acquire habits of industry, sobriety and 
 honesty ; he also spoke touchingly on the late war ; of the 
 present position and feelings of the most intelligent classes of 
 both races, and in conclusion strongly urges upon them the 
 importance of acquiring knowledge and wealth. 
 
 He was then cordially greeted by J. It. Good as a personal 
 friend, and one who voted for his emancipation in the Legis- 
 lature of 18 — . 
 
 A vote of thanks was then tendered to the Governor by the 
 Convention, upon which the President expressed the feeling 
 and gratitude of the Convention. 
 
 The Convention then sung " Sound the loud Timbrel," after 
 which the Governor retired amidst loud and hearty cheers. 
 
14 
 
 A motion to receive certain gentlemen as honorary members 
 of the Convention created quite a debate by various persons, 
 which lasted some considerable length of time, but was finally 
 carried. 
 
 By order of the President, the business Committee reported 
 through their Chairman, Dr. H. J. Brown, the following 
 resolutions, which were received, but not adopted, at a previ- 
 ous meeting : 
 
 Whereas, In the Counties of Jones, Duplin, Wayne, Craven, Hyde, Halifax, 
 and others in this State, outrages are being committed, such as killing, shooting, 
 and robbing the unprotected people, for the most trivial offence, and, in many 
 instances, for no offence at all ; and, whereas, those criminals who permit these 
 fiendish outrages are allowed to roam freely at large without being arrested for 
 their crimes; therefore, 
 
 1. Be it resolved, That the colored people in every county, district and village 
 throughout the State form themselves into auxiliary leagues, which leagues must 
 be connected with the State organization, its bureau to be located in Raleigh, N. 
 C., and whose duty it shall be to receive reports of outrages from auxiliary 
 leagues, or from the people of said counties, &c, and communicate them to head- 
 quarters, and such newspapers throughout the county as it may deem proper, so 
 that the government and the world may know of the cruelties inflicted upon us 
 and the disadvantages under which we labor. 
 
 2. Resolved, That the representatives of the colored people of North-Carolina 
 fully appreciate, with profound gratitude, and endorse the action of the 39th 
 Congress in the passage of the Freedmen's Bureau bill, Civil Rights bill and the 
 Constitutional amendment. Hoping that a like spirit of justice and humanity 
 may guide the acts of their 40th session, until legislation shall protect equally the 
 rights of all American people, without regard to race or color, for which we 
 ghali ever pray. 
 
 3. Whereas, The unreconstructed States regard taxation without representation 
 unjust, and not in conformity with a Republican form of government ; therefore, 
 
 Be it resolved, That we native born colored citizens of North-Carolina regard 
 the same principle as applicable to us in every relation, unjust and directly in 
 violation to our sacred rights as American citizens ; and, 
 
 4. Whereas, In and through the counties of this State our children, the dearest 
 ties of which binds us to domestic life, and which makes the ties of home en- 
 dearing, are ruthlessly taken from us and bound out without our consent ; there- 
 fore, 
 
 Be it resolved, That we earnestly protest against such violations, and will do all 
 in our power to prevent its further continuation. 
 
 5. Resolved, That it shall be the duty of every member of the Convention on 
 returning home to form or cause to be formed an Equal Rights League in or near 
 the place wherein such member shall reside, and to do all in his power to promote 
 their increase throughout other portions of his county. 
 
 6. Resolved, That the delegates of this Convention advise the colored people, 
 in their respective localities, to form themselves into joint State companies, 
 wherever practical ; also, that they respect and patronize each other in their 
 various branches of business. 
 
15 
 
 7. That a vote of thanks he rendered to the State Legislature for the respectful 
 manner in which they received and acted upon our petition at their last sitting. 
 
 8. Resolved, That the members of the State Legislature have the entire confi- 
 dehce of this Convention, and of all good thinking colored citizens of this State, 
 and that we shall earnestly pray for the reconstruction of our beloved State, and 
 for their prosperity. 
 
 9. Resolved, That a vote of thanks be tendered to the honorable Chas. Sumner, 
 Thaddeus Stevens, Wade, Trumbull, H. Greely and to Fred. Douglas, Henry H. 
 Garnet and other beacon lights of our raee.' 
 
 On motion the above resolutions were adopted. 
 
 It was then announced that Dr. H. J. Brown would deliver 
 a lecture on Phrenology and Ethnology in the evening, doors 
 to be opened at 7 o'clock, and lecture to commence at 8 o'clock. 
 
 According to appointment the lower part of the house 
 was crowded with an audience of both races. 
 
 The Doctor's lecture was one that would have done credit 
 to the most learned person. He did not claim to belong either 
 to the white or black race, but his sympathies were with the 
 negro race, because of their circumstances and their being 
 held as inferior to the Caucassian. He furthermore showed 
 that according to science that no two races on the face of the 
 globe were so much alike as the Caucassian and the negro. 
 He plainly showed that the same imitative, moral and intel- 
 lectual faculties were found in the brain of the negro as were 
 found in the brain of the Caucasian. He farther showed the 
 difference between the American Indian and the Caucasians, 
 stating the fact that the American will not accept nor can be 
 made to appreciate arts, science, literature and religion, 
 again showing that we find men of the negro race who has 
 brought these various branches to perfection, and can compete 
 with white men, showing the negro race superior to the 
 American Indian, and in every respect equal to Caucasian or 
 Anglo Saxon. For an illustration he mentioned Isaiah Weir, 
 of Philadelphia, with whom statesmen and gentlemen are 
 glad to meet in counsel with, and also feel proud to be counted 
 as one of his acquaintances. He next mentioned Henry 
 Highland Garnet, a pure representative of the negro race, by 
 whom statesmen are led, and whenever he speaks they listen 
 with awe and astonishment, and are glad to be permitted to 
 associate with him. Thus did the Doctor show that inferiority 
 
16 
 
 of which the negro is charged, if it is in any instances true, 
 it is owing to the state of slavery under which they have 
 been kept, not allowing the faculties of the mind to be devel- 
 oped ; therefore it is the white man's shame. 
 
 After making a few Phrenological examinations, the songs : 
 " Washington, our Capital, is free," and John Brown's song 
 was sung, the audience was dismissed, with the thanks ot Dr. 
 Brown. 
 
 THIRD DAY'S SESSION. 
 
 Thursday, Oct. 4th, 1866. 
 
 Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 J. R. Good in the Chair. 
 
 Beligious exercises conducted by the Chaplain, G. A. Rue, 
 assisted by Rev. A. Bass. 
 
 The Convention then proceeded to its regular business, 
 calling the roll of delegates, reading and approving the min- 
 utes of the previous meeting, reading the rules, &c. 
 
 Mr. Richard Tucker then stated the necessity of paying 
 strict attention to business. 
 
 J. R. Page introduced several resolutions, which was refer- 
 red to the business committee. 
 
 The remainder of the morning was spent in allowing dele- 
 gates of the various counties to express their views, and m ake 
 a true statement of their treatment in the counties in which 
 they reside. 
 
 J. H. Harris, of Wake, made a few opening remarks, and 
 retired amidst great applause. 
 
 Messrs. Jas. Bowman and J. R. Good concurred with the 
 remarks of the President. 
 
 On motion the Convention pledged itself to raise $2,000 to 
 build a house for School and State purposes. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Pitt, of Edgecomb, opposed the motion. 
 
 Question called for and motion carried. 
 
 On motion a Committee of three was appointed to estimate 
 the cost of building a suitable house, consisting of Messrs. J . 
 T. Schenck, Stewart Ellison and Caesar Johnson. 
 
17 
 
 Mr. Bell, of Lenoir, in his address stated that his people 
 had been outraged, and that the officers of the Freedmen's 
 Bureau had done but very little in behalf of the Freedinen in 
 that sub-district* 
 
 Mr. H. Pool, of Camden, stated that in the section of the 
 country in which he resided, that there is a feeling of perfect 
 love and harmony between the two races, and that everything 
 is prospering with great advantages to both parties. 
 
 On motion the Convention adjourned to meet at 2 o'clock, 
 p, m» 
 
 AFTERNOON SESSION— 2 O'Clock, P. M. 
 
 Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 J. R. Good in the Chair. 
 
 Ninety-two members present. 
 
 The afternoon session was spent in a similar manner to that 
 of the morning, allowing delegates to make their statements. 
 
 After reading the minutes of the morning session, Mr. S 
 Ellison moved its approval. Mr. J. T. Schenck opposed. 
 
 In the discussion the Chairman sustained the minutes. 
 
 Dr. Brown arose, stating that it was unnecessary to publish 
 every trivial matter that occurred in the Convention. 
 
 On motion the minutes were approved, that they be correc- 
 ted by the publishing committee. 
 
 Calvin MacCray, of Richmond, states in his address that 
 the (colored) people residing in Richmond county are most 
 shamefully treated by the whites. Their money and fire 
 arms are taken from them under the pretext that it is an 
 order issued for them to take these things away, and colored 
 laborers are most cruelly whipped on plantations. 
 
 Mr. Edmund Bird, of Alamance, in his address showed 
 that the only prejudice existing against the negro is only en- 
 tertained by the lower and ignorant class of whites, whilst the 
 intelligent and better classes are disposed to help the negro. 
 
 The discourses of Messrs. Powell and Leak, of Anson, 
 
18 
 
 showed that there was a spirit of harmony and kindly feeling 
 existing between the whites and blacks. 
 
 Mr. J. A. Green, of Gates, in his address spoke in the high- 
 est terms of the whites in his county. 
 
 Mr. Hubbard Little, of Montgomery, in his address spoke 
 well of the whites in general, but we were pained to hear 
 from him that a colored man was shot and instantly killed for 
 trespassing on the premises of a white person, and he farther 
 states that his people are in a most deplorable condition, they 
 having no colored church nor school house. 
 
 Mr. Thos. Hawking, of Burke, in his address states that 
 two colored persons have recently been shot down, and the 
 whites entertain a feeling of prejudice and animosity against 
 the blacks. 
 
 Mr. Thos. Farmer, ol Wilson, stated that the people has 
 suffered greatly from injustice, but things begin to wear a 
 bright future. 
 
 Mr. Louis Heagie, of Forsyth, stated that the mass of the 
 colored people in that county were in an abject state of 
 poverty. 
 
 Mr. J. R. Caswell announced that the Rev. Mr. Pell would 
 address the Convention this (Thursday) evening. 
 
 Mr. Caswell also stated that Mr. Harrison would be present 
 also. 
 
 After an address from Mr. H. Langford, of Northampton, 
 Secretary J. E. O'Hara read answers to invitations from Ex- 
 Gov. "W. W. Holden, Col. Bumford, Brevet Major-General A. 
 Carr of the TJ. S. A., and D. M. Barringer, Esq., as follows : 
 
 Raleigh, Oct. 3d, 1866. 
 To Mr. James E. O'Hara, Secretary, 
 
 Dear Sib : Tour letter of yesterday, inviting me to visit the Convention of 
 colored people now in session in this City, has been received. 
 
 The object of yonr Convention, as I am informed, is to promote education 
 among your race, and thus elevate and improve it mentally and morally. This 
 is a noble work, and one in which every patriot and philanthropist is pleased to 
 see yon engaged. I trust the results of your labors may be for good to the col- 
 ored people ; and I feel sure that the country and all its material and moral in- 
 terests will be benefitted in proportion as your race shall be enlightened and ele- 
 vated in the scale of being. 
 
 Be pleased to convey to the Convention my acknowledgments for the invita- 
 
19 
 
 tion thus tendered, and say to them that it will afford me pleasure to visit the 
 Convention before it adjourns. Very Respectfully, 
 
 W/W. HOLDEN. 
 
 Raleigh, N. O. Oct. 4th, 1866. 
 Gentlemen : I have the honor to express my grateful sense of the compliment 
 paid me in your invitation of yesterday to be present at your Convention in this 
 City, as well as for the flattering manner in which that invitation was conveyed. 
 In reply thereto, I beg leave to assure you that it will afford me much pleasure 
 to be present this afternoon: say about half past 3 o'clock, if I may be allowed' 
 to attend simply as a listener, and as a silent iriend, much interested in whatever 
 interests you or your cause. If not, then I must ask the indulgence to postpone 
 my visit to a future occasion. I am Gentlemen, 
 
 Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant 
 
 J. V. BOMFORD. 
 Col. 8th V. S. Infy. Comanding. 
 Messrs J. H. CasweU, of Wake county, Chairman, Henry Tope, of Randolph county, 
 John Hyman, of Warren county, J. E. CHara, of Wayne county, John Porter, of 
 Davidson county. 
 
 Headquabters Post of Raleigh, N. C, Oct. 3d, 1866. 
 Messrs J. B. CasweU, Harry Pope, John Hyman, J. E. CHara, John Porter. 
 
 I herewith acknowledge the invitation this day received at your hands to be 
 present at the meeting of the Convention of the colored people of North-Caro- 
 lina now in session. 
 
 I shall be glad to see something of the workings of your Convention, and will 
 be present at such times as my duties will permit. 
 
 Very Respectfully &c. 
 
 E. H. CARR. 
 BrvH. Maj. Gen. Comanding. 
 
 Raleigh, Oct. 4th, 1866. 
 Mr. J. E. CHara, Secretary of the Convention of Colored People now is Session. 
 
 Sis : I have just received your note on behalf of the Convention to visit and 
 address your body before its adjournment. 
 
 It will not be in my power to make an address before the Convention. But 
 understanding that you have assembled for the purpose of suggesting and adop- 
 ting the best means for the moral and educational improvement of your people, 
 in a new and critical condition, I desire to express my approval of the objects of 
 your Convention. 
 
 It is all-important to the colored as well as the white population, that every 
 thing possible be done to elevate and enlighten the colored race in a true knowl- 
 edge of their duties and responsibilities in their new condition. I 
 
 I am sure you will eventually find the most efficient and cheerful encourage 
 
20 
 
 ment from those among whom you have always lived-^-who know your reel 
 wants, and who will he your best and truest friends. 
 
 With acknowledgements to the Convention for their invitation, 
 
 I am Tours, &c. 
 
 D. M. BARRINGER. 
 
 On motion said letters were received and adopted, and the 
 Secretary ordered to have them in readiness for the publishing 
 Committee, 
 
 Immediately after the passage of the motion, Maj. Gen. E. 
 H» Carr and Col. Bomford was announced to the Convention, 
 and received in its behalf by J. R. Caswell. 
 
 A letter was received and read as follows from John 
 Randolph, jr. ; 
 
 Newbern, N. C, Sept. 30th, 1866; 
 To the Colored Citizens of North- Carolina to Assemble in Convention, at Haleigh, in 
 
 October: 
 
 Gentlemen : In 1865, when I sat in Convention With you, I esteemed it the 
 proudest moment of my life to be thus associated With such men, and engaged in 
 such a work. In the formation of the State Equal Rights League, you did me 
 the hanor of making me Secretary. This enjoins it upon me to be present at the- 
 first Annual meeting of the League, or at the Convention. 
 
 I regret very much that circumstances above my control prevent my atten- 
 dance. But, gentlemen, you may be well assured that if absent in person, I am 
 not in spirit. My heart longs to be with you — not because of the high estimate I 
 place upon my services, but because I am interested, soul and body,, in the good 
 work you meet to perform. 
 
 The Convention of last year did a noble work, notwithstanding all of us, oil 
 our return home to our constitutents, did not receive the welcome plaudit of 
 "■ well done, good and faithful servants." But all was not completed. There 
 etill remains a vast deal to do. 
 
 It is claimed by some that we now have equal rights in law. How far this ie 
 true, you must decide. If you 6hould find it true, then you must consider the 
 extent of our political rights, The education of our people should form an im- 
 portant item in your deliberations; and the laboring interests of our people must 
 not be forgotten. Our people must be taught to confide in each other, and assist 
 each other ; the lack of this is doing a destructive work among us. And they 
 must learn, also, men and women, that " the richest treasure modem times af- 
 ford, is spotless reputatioh." 
 
 It must be remembered that these are peculiar times in which we live, and is 
 all your counsel and deliberations, show yourselves "as harmless as doves, but 
 as wise as serpents," to the end that we all may be benefitted, and peace and 
 good-will prevail. 
 
 May the Presence of God be with you, and His wisdom direct you, that your 
 duties may be performed with honor to yourselves, and profit to the State and 
 country. Respectfully, 
 
 JOHN RANDOLPH, J&. 
 
2i 
 
 Mr. C. Harrel's, of Bertie, discourse was one series of com- 
 plaint, stating that colored men were cheated out of their 
 labor, children were taken and bound without the consent or 
 consultation of their parents, no schools for colored persons 
 in the vicinity. 
 
 Mr. Charles Carter also made the same statement in regard 
 to injustice towards the (colored) laborer, and the binding out 
 of children without the consent of their parents. He also 
 states that these matters are known to agents of the Freed- 
 men's Bureau, but they take no steps to arrest the evil in its 
 onward march. 
 
 The delegates gave way to listen to the address of Rev. Mr. 
 Pell. 
 
 He was introduced to the Convention by Jas. H. Harris. 
 
 Mr. Pell, in his address, stated that he had always cherished 
 a warm feeling towards the colored people, and if the people 
 of both races would go to work as they ought, and they will 
 shortly have to do, North-Carolina will become a giant State. 
 He was loudly applauded. 
 
 A vote of thanks was tendered to Rev. Mr. Pell for his 
 address. 
 
 The Rev. F. A. Fiske, State Superintendent of Schools in 
 Korth-Carolina was next introduced. He made a few remarks 
 touching on the point of education. He then made a distri- 
 bution of some papers for the use of the freedmen. 
 
 D r. Brown then presented the Convention with $22, the 
 proceeds of the lecture given the previous night. 
 
 A vote of thanks was then given to t)r. Blown, who respon- 
 ded in a very feeling and touching manner. 
 
 Great enthusiasm prevailed during his remarks. 
 
 Mr. II. IJnthanks, of Guilford, in his address, informed the 
 Convention that the greatest feeling of love and unity existed 
 between both races in his County. He said that the daughters 
 of Gov; Morehead was earnestly engaged in teaching colored 
 " ideas how to shoot;" 
 
 Mr* T. A t Sykes, of Pasquotank, in his address spoke in 
 the highest terms of the whites in the county wherein he re- 
 sides, and he firmly believes that it is their intention to assist 
 
the colored people in their onward march to education and 
 intelligence. 
 
 It was then announced that Kev. F. A. Fiske and J. W* 
 Hood would speak at the next meeting. 
 
 On motion Convention adjourned to meet according to rule. 
 
 NIGHT SESSION. 
 
 Convention assembled pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 J. R. Good in the Chair. 
 
 Religious exercises conducted by the Chaplain, G. A. Rue. 
 
 Mr. A. Stokes, of Wilkes, addressed the audience. His ad- 
 dress was lengthy, humorous and witty. 
 
 Rev. F. A. Fiske was introduoed to the Convention. 
 
 His address was solely on education. Among other facte 
 mentioned by the Rev. F. A. Fiske, we will notice the follow- 
 ing : " North-Carolina, in regard to free schools for colored 
 people, has a good reputation to sustain. According to a re- 
 cent report of the Bureau inspector of Freedmen's schools, 
 (whose office is located in Washington, D. C.,) she stands 
 second in the number of such schools, and third in the num- 
 ber of scholars under instructions in them." 
 
 Rev. Jas. W. Hood was next introduced to the Convention. 
 He delivered a lengthy and instructive address on the subject 
 of education. 
 
 We greatly regret to learn that John D. Whitford, Esq., 
 was kept in waiting and not able to get to the Convention 
 through the negligence of persons On the invitation Commit- 
 tee, who should have, according to promise, conducted him to 
 the Convention. We, therefore, tender our apology to the 
 honorable gentleman. 
 
 The following resolution was read and adopted : : 
 
 Hesolved, That we, the representatives of the colored people of North-Carolina, 
 in Convention now assemhled, have adopted a Constitution for ah Educational 
 Association, and we would recommend to the petople of our State to recognize no 
 other. 
 
 (For the Constitution adopted see 12th page.] 
 
FOURTH DAY'S SESSION. 
 
 Friday, Oct. 5th, 1866. 
 
 Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 James H. Harris of Wake, in the chair. 
 
 Devotional exercise by the Chaplain, Rev. Geo. A. Rue. 
 
 Roll called and rules read by Secretay, J. S. Leary. 
 
 Reading of Minutes of previous session by Secretary Caw- 
 thorn. 
 
 On motion, the Minutes of the previous session were ap- 
 proved. 
 
 Dr. Brown, Chairman of the Business Committee, having 
 been called away, on account of his family being sick, the 
 duty of Chairman devolved on Rev. George A. Rue. 
 
 On motion, Mr. Ballard was appointed on the Business 
 Committee. 
 
 Ex-Gov. W. W. Holden was announced. 
 
 J. R. Caswell then invited him to address the Convention. 
 
 He was introduced to the audience by James H. Harris. 
 
 Gov. Holden spoke with much plainness and feeling. He 
 told them that if two years ago any one had predicted that 
 the colored people would be free, holding a Convention like 
 this, and would be visited and addressed by the Governor of 
 the State on their duties and responsibilities as a new people, 
 that person would have been regarded as wanting in sanity. 
 He said this to impress upon them a due sense of their situa- 
 tion and responsibilies. If their liberty had been assured them 
 in so short a time, with protection by law to their persons and 
 property, they might well look forward with hope to the future. 
 He was glad the Governor of the State had visited them and 
 made them a speech. It would, do good here, and do good 
 among the Northern people. 
 
 Gov. H. said the father of his country, George Washington, 
 by his last will and testament emancipated his slaves ; and 
 that Abraham Lincoln, the saviour of his country, by the 
 force of circumstances which must have been shaped by Di- 
 vine Providence, had put his hand to a document which ha<l 
 liberated four millions of slaves. It would be useless for those 
 
who formerly owned this race to repine. He believed Irat few 
 did repine. It was submitted to as an event whieh no hu- 
 man foresight could have averted. He thought the general 
 good feeling between the two races in this State should be 
 cultivated and strengthened. This was the home of the black 
 man as well as of the white. The two races should mutually 
 sustain each other. The black man needed the knowledge 
 the white man had of the arts and sciences, and of history and 
 government. He was also dependent on the white man for 
 lands and houses. The white race needed the black as aids 
 in cultivating and improving the country. They might also 
 be needed to defend the country against foreign foes. They 
 would be the main reliance in some portions of the State in 
 producing the great staples. The first care of the black peo- 
 ple should be to procure homes, no matter how cheap or small. 
 To do this they must be industrious, temperate and economi- 
 cal. Labor was the first great consideration. They had no 
 time to waste at public gatherings — they should not congre- 
 gate in the towns in greater numbers than might be necessary 
 for business ; and they should avoid all temptations to idle- 
 ness and disspation. The first thing was to get homes, and 
 the next was, while they still labored to improve and add to 
 their possessions, to educate their children. Education was 
 good for all races and colors. "-Knowledge was power." As 
 a general rule, people were virtuous an<J useful m proportion 
 as they were educated, and vicious and useless in the world 
 when sunk deep in ignorance. Knowledge, like the sun, was 
 for all. He believed the colored race was capable of much 
 greater mental improvement than they had thus far reached. 
 Their memories were certainly very good. This might be 
 the result, to some extent, of their condition of slavery, in 
 which the memory had been developed by their habit, as they 
 could not write, of charging their minds with facts and events- 
 He had observed that the colored child was apt to learn. But 
 memory was merely the common laborer who brought and 
 piled up the materials ; judgment was the builder. 
 
 Gov. H. in conclusion, said the true interest of the colored 
 race was to cultivate the friendship of the whites ; and the 
 
whites would also find their true interest in doing justice to 
 the blacks and in cultivating their friendship. The colored 
 people were entitled to all their civil rights, and would have 
 them. The common government would see to that, if neces- 
 sary ; but he did not believe that such necessity would arise. 
 He hoped it would not. South-Carolina had just passed a 
 law doing full justice to the colored people in this respect. 
 No one thought of or proposed social equality between the 
 two races. Society would always take care of itself. He urged 
 the'colored people for the present to keep out of politics. It was 
 a "weariness to the flesh " among the white people. They had 
 not yet demonstrated their capacity for self-government, and 
 would not, until the Union was restored and our liberties con- 
 solidated on the everlasting rock of Truth and Justice. Gov. 
 H. was not ashamed nor afraid to say, while he was true to 
 his own race, and looked forward with confidence to the 
 mighty destiny they would accomplish for themselves on this 
 continent, that he was at the same time the friend of the col- 
 ored race. He wished them well. He trusted they would 
 continue to improve in knowledge and virtue; that they 
 would abide in peace among the whites, contributing their 
 full share to the stock of advancement, prosperity, and hap- 
 piness ; and that they would yet be a people in the earth. 
 The colored people would always find him a friend and well 
 wisher, without the slightest regard to what might be said of 
 him by office-seekers or demagogues. He had lived long 
 enough, and seen enough of the world to know, that the only 
 true rule was to try to do right in all things and under all 
 circumstances, without regard to consequences. 
 
 Mr. J. B. Good of Craven, responded, warmly approving of 
 what Gov. H. had said. 
 
 Mr. Bowman of Cumberland, next addressed the Conven- 
 tion, stating that he entertained no party feeling. 
 
 Also, the Rev. A. Bass, Messrs. J. S. Leary, A. Patcher 
 and others spoke in approbation of what ex-Gov. Holden 
 had said. 
 
 On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered to the ex-Gover- 
 nor, who arose and thanked the Convention for the manner in 
 which he was received. 
 
"On motion, a Committee were appointed consisting of 
 Messrs. J. R. Caswell of Wake, J. E. Good of Craven, W. D. 
 Newson of Hertford, James Bowman of Cumberland and J. 
 S. Porter of Davidson. 
 
 The Business Committee, through their Chairman, Rev. 
 George A. "Rue, reported an address to the citizens of North- 
 Carolina, as follows : 
 
 Address of the Freedmen's Convention to the White and Colored citizens of North- 
 Carolina. 
 
 Fellow-Citizens :— We, the colored People of North-Carolina, in Convention 
 assembled at Raleigh, on the 2nd, 3d, 4th and 5th days of Oct. 1866, viewing the 
 complex condition of affairs and of public sentiment in our State, deem it our 
 duty to present to you our grievances, our sufferings and the outrages heaped 
 upon us, because of our helpless and disqualified position for self-defence, resul- 
 ting, as we think we can prove, from no greater cause than our long and unjust 
 political disfranchisement. 
 
 We ask you, in the spirit of meekness, is taxation without representation just? 
 History and conscience answer no ! 
 
 We do not come to you in a spirt of reproach or denunciation, neither do we 
 feel in pleading for equal rights without regard to complexional differences, that 
 we are in the least degree selfish. Nor do we in any respect seek to lower the 
 standard of refinement, intelligence or honor among the great and loyal people 
 of the commonwealth of North-Carolina, by urging these questions upon your 
 consideration at this time. We would view if possible the brightest side of the 
 picture, which we have to present, and give to our beloved State all the honor 
 and credit deserved for the rapid strides which this great Nation has been taking 
 in the direction of universal emancipation and equality before the law. 
 
 Sou will acquiesce when we say that we can boast a little of our loyalty to the 
 general government, in the bloody struggle through which we have just passed. 
 Our fathers fought shoulder to shoulder with the white man in the Revolutionary 
 war, and in the war of 1812. They did their duty and did it well. In the one 
 just ended, our fathers, brothers and sons bared their breasts to the fiery storm 
 to save the Union. 
 
 Fellow-Citizens : You have taught ub one good thing, which we eannot for- 
 get. It is this: " That all men are born free and equal, and that they are en- 
 dowed by their Creator with inalienable rights. That among these are life, lib- 
 erty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are 
 instituted among men, deriving their just powewrs from the consent of the gov- 
 erned," &c. 
 
 Fellow-Citizens: Can we look to you for protection or not, to shield us from 
 the murderous hand ? Oh, humanity, where i6 thy blush ? Our defenceless wives 
 and children, fathers, sonB and' brothers, are beaten with clubs, robbed, shot and 
 killed, in various localities, and 'the authorities regard it not. We beg you ae 
 white men in authority to 6hield our defenceless heads, and guard our little 
 homes. We appeal to your religion and humanity. We claim by merit the right 
 of suffrage, and ask it at your hands. We believe the day has come, when black 
 men have rights which white men are bound to respect. We intend to live and 
 die on the soil which gave us birth. Oh, North-Carolina, the land of our birth, 
 
27 
 
 with all thy faults we love thee still. Will you, oh ! will ydu'treat as as human 
 beings, with all our rights ? It is all we ask. 
 
 Tour humble servants, in behalf of the State's Equal Rights League, 
 
 GEO. A. RUE, Chairman. 
 
 J. T. Schenck, H. Locket, J. A. Sykes. 
 
 On motion, it was adopted. 
 
 Mr. Jas. H. Harris of Wake, offered an amendment by in- 
 serting no taxation withont representation, which was accep- 
 ted and adopted, 
 
 James E. O'Hara then made a lengthy address on the im- 
 portance of education. 
 
 The following Constitution of the Equal Rights League was 
 then read': 
 
 PREAMBLE. 
 Feeling the stern necessity of encouraging a well ordered and dignified life, 
 and emulating the efforts of the friends of Equal Rights in Newberne, looking to 
 the same end, therefore we aremet in concert with the determination to organ- 
 ize more- permanently, consolidating all efforts looking to our -general elevation, 
 operating in harmony with the National League or any other national organisa- 
 tion looking forward to the same end. 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Article 1. Resolved that' this Mass Convention shall be called the North- 
 Carolina ^tate Equal Rights League. 
 
 Art/2. The object of this 'League shall be to secure, by political and moral 
 means, as far as may be, the repeal of all laws and parts of laws, State and Na- 
 tional, that make distinctions on account of color. 
 
 Abt. 3. To- accomplish this object the Society shall establish its headquarter* 
 permanently in the city of Raleigh, N. C. There it shall have it6 office and busi- 
 ness rooms; it shall also employ the prets and such numbers of agents and 
 teachers as may be needed to carry out the objects of its creation. 
 
 Art. 4. Any person may become a member of Leagues by subscribing to it* 
 principles as above expressed, and by making 6uch contributions to its funds as 
 he or she may be able. Church organizations, societies and schools may become 
 auxiliary on the same conditions, and shall be entitled to send delegates to the 
 annual meetings of the League. 
 
 Art. 5. Representatives from the sub-Leagues, will communicate with the 
 8tate League. The officers of the League shall be a President, Vice President, 
 Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer, who shall- hold 
 their offices one year, or until their successors are chosen and qualified, and who, 
 with five persons, chosen from the remaining members of the League, shall con- 
 stitute an Executive Board. 
 
 Art. 6. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the 
 League and the Executive Board. In his absence-these duties shall be perform- 
 ed by the Vice-President. It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to 
 keep a full and complete record of the doings of the League and of the Execu- 
 tive Board, which record shall be open to the inspection of the members of the 
 League at all times. It shall be the further duty of the Recording Secretary to 
 
28 
 
 keep all the books and papers belonging to the League at the office in Raleigh. 
 And it shall further be the duty of the Recording Secretary to take charge of and 
 keep in good order the offices and business rooms of the League; for the per- 
 formance of these duties the Recording Secretary shall receive such compensa- 
 tion as the Executive Board may determine. The duties of the Corresponding 
 Secretary and Treasurer shall be such as usually attach to such offices. The 
 Treasurer shall give bonds in the sum of ©ne thousand dollars ($1,000) as security 
 for the proper disbursement of all funds that may come into his hands, and shall 
 make a report to the Executive Board of all moneys received by him and expen- 
 ded under 1 its Order at its quarterly meetings. It shall be the duty of the Execu- 
 tive Board to take charge of the particular and general interests of the League, 
 and make such needful rules and regulations for the accomplishment of the ob- 
 ject of the League as sound discretion and necessity shall dictate. It shall be the 
 further duty of the Executive Board to make an annual report of itB doings to the 
 League at its annual meetings. 
 
 Art. 7. The annual meetings of the League for the election of officers, hearing 
 the annual report of the Executive Board and transactions of other business of 
 the League shall be held in such places as the Executive Board may determine on 
 the first Tuesday in October in each year after 1865. 
 
 Akt. 8. The meetings Of the Executive Board shall be held at the discretion of 
 the President, and at such places as he shall designate. Each meeting shall re- 
 vise reports from its agents and lecturers in regard to all they have done and all 
 moneys collected; which reports shall be preserved by the Recording Secetarv. 
 It shall also be the duty of the Executive Board, at each meeting, to settle in full 
 with its agents and lecturers. 
 
 Art. 9. All agents shall be accountable to the Executive Board. 
 
 Art. 10. The Excutive Board shall be paid traveling expenses. 
 
 Art. 11. A majority of the Executive shall constitute a quorum for doing all 
 business pertaining to the League,- tod the Board shall have power to fill vacan- 
 cies by resignation or death of its members. 
 
 Art. 12. Thi6 Constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of two-thirds 
 of the members of the League at any annual meeting. 
 
 Mr. Page moved that they-be adopted in trie whole. Ob 
 jected to by James O'Hara on the grounds that the members 
 of the convention would be better prepared to vote upon them 
 by sections, 
 
 J. E. O'Hara's motion was carried into effect, and the con- 
 stitution adopted by sections. 
 
 The following officers were elected for the Educational As* 
 sociation : 
 
 James E. O'Hara of Wayne, President. J. T< Sehenek of 
 Mecklenburg, George A. Eue of Craven and H. Locket of 
 Wake, Yice Presidents. Wm. Cawthorn of Warren, Secre- 
 tary. Moses Patterson of Wake, Treasurer. 
 
BOARD OF MANAGERS. 
 
 Richard Tucker of Craven, E. A. Richardson of Craven, 
 C. D. Pierson of Craven, W. H. Anderson of Wake, Csesar 
 Johnson of Warren, J. E. Caswell of Wake, H. Unthanks of 
 Greensboro', J. H. Harris of Wake, T. A. Sykes of Pasquo- 
 tank, J. S. Leary of Fayetteville, J. H. Williamson of Frank- 
 lin, J. R. Page of Chowan, W. D. Newsom of Hertford. 
 
 On motion, the Convention adjourne to meet according to 
 rule. 
 
 AFTERNOON SESSION— 2 O'clock, P. M. 
 
 The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 
 Mr. Richard Tucker, of Craven, in the chair. 
 The Business Committee then continued their report through 
 their chairman Rev. George A. Rue. 
 
 The following resolutions were received and adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That it shall be the duty of every member of this body on his return 
 home, to form, or cause to be formed, an Equal Rights League, in or near the 
 place wherein such delegates resides, and to do all in his power to promote their 
 increase through other portions of his county. 
 
 Resolved, That the members of this Convention advise the colored people in 
 their respective localities to form themselves into joint stock companies wherev- 
 er practicable; also, to patronize and respect each other iu their various branches 
 of business. 
 
 Resolved, That a vote of thanks be rendered to the State Legislature, for the re- 
 spectful manner in which they received and acted upon our petition at their last 
 sitting. 
 
 Resolved, That the members of the State Legislature have the entire confidence 
 of this Convention, and of all good colored citizens everywhere in this State, and 
 we shall ever pray for their welfare and for the reconstruction and prosperity of 
 our beloved State. 
 
 Committee on building reported through their chairman, J. 
 T. Schenck : 
 
 We, your Committee on building, after a careful and deliberate examination, 
 find that to build a house that would be benefical for a school house, and also to 
 serve for all public or State purposes, would require at least two thousand five 
 hundred dollars ($2,500.) 
 
 After a considerable discussion on the part of Messrs. Elli- 
 son of Wake, Page of Chowan, Leary of Cumberland, the re- 
 
30 
 
 port was called for and carried. The members of the Conven- 
 tion then pledged themselves to- raise the sum of two thousand 
 five hundred dollars ($2,500) for the above mentioned purpose. 
 Rev. G. A. Rue, chairman of the- Business Committee, ask- 
 ed leave to report a resolution : 
 
 Resolved, That this Convention after this evening session shall adjourn sine die. 
 
 On motion, said resolution was adopted. 
 
 On motion, a nominating committee was appointed to nom- 
 inate officers of the State Equal Rights League, to serve the 
 ensuing year, consisting of Messrs. J. R. Caswell, J. R. Good, 
 James Bowman, W. D. ISewsom and Stewart Ellison. After 
 an absence of about twenty minutes, the nominating commit- 
 tee returned and made the following report, which on motion, 
 was received and adopted : 
 
 J. H. Harris of Wake y President ; J. R. Good of Craven, 
 J. R. Caswell of Wake and Stewart Ellison of Wake, Vice 
 Presidents ; W. H. Anderson of Wake, Recording Secretary ; 
 J. Randolph, Jr., of Craven, Corresponding Secretary ; Jag. 
 Bowman of Cumberland, Treasurer. 
 
 The Executive board consisted of Jas. T. Schenck of Meck- 
 lenberg, J. S. Porter of Davidson, Y. Mikeral of Rutherford, 
 Wyatt Outlaw of Alamance, and J. A. Green of Gates. 
 
 On motion, a Committee on printing was appointed to as- 
 sertain the expenses ot printing the proceedings of the press s 
 consisting of James E. O'Hara, James H. Harris and J. R. 
 Caswell. 
 
 On motion, the Convention adjourned to meet at 7£ o'clock, 
 P.M. 
 
 James H. Harris of Wake was then introduced to the Con- 
 vention, who made an eloquent and patriotic address, pleasing 
 to both races. 
 
 Rev. G. A. Rue was next introduced to the audience, who 
 made one of those soul-stirring speeches for which he is so 
 famous. 
 
 Rev. James Bowman was next introduced to the audience, 
 who also made an eloquent address filled with good advice to 
 the people both white and colored. 
 
31 
 
 By request, Kev. G, A. Rue sung the Loud Timbrel, whilst 
 the audience assisted in the chorus. 
 
 A collection was then taken up. J. R. Caswell made a few 
 remarks on the decrepid state of financial matters. Col. Brady 
 then presented to the Convention $50,00 to assist in defraying 
 its expenses. 
 
 A motion was made to express sincere thanks to Col. Brady 
 for his magnanimous and liberal gift. After which the vote 
 of thanks was tendered and three hearty cheers given for Col. 
 Brady and the American flag. 
 
 After singing of the doxologies and receiving the benedic- 
 tion, the Convention adjourned sine die. 
 
 We are pleased to know through the statements made by 
 the delegates of the various Counties, that notwithstanding 
 various outrages are being committed on our people, that the 
 mass of the whites are favorable to our elevation. 
 
 Whole number of delegates present 111. Number of coun- 
 ties represented 82. J. E. O'HARA, 
 
 Convention Reporter. 
 
32 
 
 3\> the Legislature of North- Carolina, and tke Congress of the V. S. t hereafter to os» 
 
 semble. 
 
 Gentlemen :— - The Convention of colored men, -which met in the City of 
 Raleigh, N. C, on the 2nd day of Oct. 1866, take this method to return their 
 grateful and heartfelt thanks for the cordial acceptation and kind treatment of 
 the petition presented to your honorable hody at yotir last assembly. 
 
 We also feel it to be our bound en duty to return our thanks for What you have 
 done in removing the disabilities under which we labored, and which were con- 
 trary to the genius of a republican government, to liberty and humanity. The 
 Convention continues to pray your honorable hody to give us protection in the 
 future, as we have sbown ourselves loyal and peaceable citizens in the. past. 
 
 We further pray your honorable body to give us the right of suffrage, in com- 
 mon with other citizens of the United States, in consideration of our loyalty, 
 citizenship and merit. 
 
 Believe us Gentlemen, Tour Obedient Servants, 
 
 J. H. HARRIS, President. 
 
 Geo. A. Rue, 
 
 Chairman Business Committee. 
 
 CONSTITUTION FOE AN AUXILIARY. 
 
 I. This Society shall be known as the Educational Association of , auxiliary 
 
 to the Educational Association of North-Carolina. 
 
 II. The object of this Association is to aid in the establishme* of Schools 
 from which none shall be excluded for color or poverty, and to encourage un» 
 sectarian education. in this country, especially among the freedmen. 
 
 III. Any adult who favors the above object may become a member by signing 
 this Constitution and contributing one dollar or more at the beginning of each 
 year. 
 
 IV. The officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, 
 Whose duties shall be such as their titles indicate. There shall also be a Board of 
 Trustees, of which the Secaetary and Treasurer shall be members ex officio. 
 
 V. The management of the Association shall be committed to a Board of 
 Trustees of five besides the Secretary and Treasurer, which shall appoint its own 
 Chairman and make its own by-laws. 
 
 VI. It shall be the duty of the Board of Trustees to provide one or more 
 school houses, keep them in good repair and supply fuel. It shall also provide a 
 pleasant home for teachers, and pay their salary so far as able. It may raise 
 funds by annual exhibitions or by contributions, concerts, fairs, &c, and in gen 
 eral shall have full authority to conduct the affairs of the Association, subject to 
 the approval of the State Association. But the Trustees shall not, without in- 
 structions, involve the Association in debt, nor shall any of them receive com- 
 pensation from the Treasurer. 
 
 VII. The Secretary shall, once a year, or as often as desired, send a report to 
 the Parent Association of the condition of the fields, and the proceedings of the 
 Association. 
 
 VIII. There shall be a meeting on the — — ~, at which the Treasurer and 
 Board of Trustees shall present written reports, and all officers shall be elected 
 except that the Trustees shall be elected two each year, to serve three years. 
 
FOEM FOE SUBORDINATE LEAGUES. 
 
 Section 1. Whereas, we, the undersigned, belie.Ting that the interests of our 
 race can be better served by the united action of all concerned ; therefore, be it 
 resolved, that we form ourselves into an Association to be known as the Colored 
 
 Mens' Equal Rights League, of -, and pledge ourselves to be governed by 
 
 the following Constitution and By-Laws : 
 
 Sec. 2. The objects of this League are to encourage industry, morality, educa- 
 tion, temperance, economy, and to promote all things that will elevate us, and 
 build an honorable foundation for our posterity, and to use all legitimate means 
 that are iu our'power to obtain our rights as citizens of our beloved State. 
 
 sec. 3. The officers of this League shall be a President, a Vice President, Cor- 
 responding and Recording Secretaries, a Treasurer and Executive Committee 
 consisting of five, the President, Recording Secretary, and three other persons, 
 to be elected by the League at. the time of its regular election. 
 
 Sec. 4. The duty of the President shall be to preside at all the regular meetings 
 of the League, and perform such other duties as the League may require of him. 
 In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall perform his duties. 
 
 Sec. 5. The Recording Secretary shall keep an exact record of all the proceed- 
 ings of the League ; and also ol the Executive Committee. He shall draw all 
 orders on the Treasurer, when directed by the proper authority, receive all 
 moneys of the League, pay over the same to the Treasurer and take his receipt 
 for the same. 
 
 Sec. 6. The Treasurer shall keep safely all moneys belonging to the League. 
 He shall pay out such money only when receiving proper orders, such orders to 
 be signed by the President and Recording Secretary. 
 
 Sec. 7. The Corresponding Secretary shall properly conduct all the correspon- 
 dence of the League. He shall, as iar as possible, obtain fully the actual condi- 
 tion of our people throughout the State, and report the same when required by 
 the League. 
 
 Sec. 8. The officers of the League shall be elected by ballot, at a regular meet- 
 ing of the League, and shall hold their office one year, or until their successors 
 are elected. On retiring from office, they shall give up to their successors all 
 property that may be in their hands belonging to the League. 
 
 Sec. 9. The regular meetings of the League shall be held the first Monday in 
 each month, at such place as may be designated. The President shall have pow- 
 er to call a meeting whenever he shall, in his judgment, think the interest of the 
 League demands it. 
 
 Sec. 10. This Constitution may be altered or amended at any regular meeting, 
 by a vote of two-thirds of the members present. 
 
 Sec. 11. Any person of moral character may become a member of this League 
 by paying an initiation fee of fifty cents. The monthly dues of each member 
 shall be twenty -five cents. 
 
 Sec. 12. The Treasurer shall give security for the safe keeping of all moneys 
 and property belonging to the League, that may come into his hands during his 
 term of office.