The Writings of Carl Schurz/To Mrs. Schurz, August 27th, September 2d, 1865
TO MRS. SCHURZ[1]
About my experiences in the South, I can tell you only a few generalities. I have found all of my preconceived opinions verified most fully, no, more than that. The real state of affairs leaves my expectations far behind. This is the most shiftless, most demoralized people I have ever seen. The influence of slavery has confused their moral conceptions, their childish, morbid self-complacency has not allowed them to approach, even in the slightest degree, a correct realization of their situation. At the present moment, society is in a state of complete dissolution and can only be held in check by iron force. All respect for the rights of personal property seems to have disappeared entirely. Everybody takes what he wants and seems completely to forget that this is what is called stealing. Since the negro is no longer a slave and no longer costs a thousand dollars, his life is not deemed worth a wisp of straw. I have a list of the murders committed by Southern “gentlemen” upon negroes, which would enrage the people of the North, if I were to submit it to a mass-meeting there. If we were to remove our troops to-day, the Southern States would swim in blood to-morrow. I am expressing convictions based on experience, when I say, that the only high light in his dark picture is the conduct of the negro. Not only has the colored population passed from slavery to freedom without making a single attempt to take vengeance for past sufferings, but they are at this very moment engaged with laudable zeal in the effort to found for themselves a substantial future. Wherever a negro school is opened, it is full of children. It is delightful to see the little woolly-headed pickaninnies studying their spelling-books in the streets. The negroes are unjustly accused of not wishing to work. They are the only people here who do work. I have not seen one white man in the fields. Strangely enough, only the negroes have money; they are the only persons that do not shrink from any sort of remunerative labor.
If I can only make my main report, I shall open the eyes of the people of the North.
In Vicksburg I spent two days with General Slocum, who had got into conflict with the governor of the State. He welcomed me as a rescuer in the hour of need. Slocum is entirely right in his opposition to the governor's plan to organize a State militia, especially of the proposed dimensions. If the Government disavows him and supports the governor, it will be the most unwarranted trick yet perpetrated at Washington. I did all that was possible in the way of reports and telegraphic despatches. If that does no good, it will not be my fault. If the President insists on taking a wrong course, in spite of all, he should not be surprised if, later, I take the field against him with the entire artillery that I am now collecting. He will find the guns rather heavy; but I still hope that it will not be necessary.
- ↑ Translated from the German.