The officer could only offer the broken “Southron” a pair of mules and an army wagon; and this shabby outfit, which four years ago he would not have permitted his body servant to use, he gratefully accepted for his wife and daughter!
Reid describes a poignant moment where a formerly wealthy citizen accepts a meager offer of transportation from an officer, illustrating the drastic changes in social status due to the war.
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Never was there a problem more serious or difficult than that which is now before the Nation, as to this race, whose destiny has been confided to the wisdom and honor of our Government.
Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.
They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.
In this way they will surely overcome unjust hostility, and convince even the most prejudiced that the denial to them of any right which citizens may properly exercise is equally unwise and wrong.