The colored representatives, who had been slaves, were willing to release their late masters from every form of disability, but the immediate friends of the masters were unwilling to extend the civil rights of the colored man.
Blaine notes the willingness of former slaves to forgive their masters, contrasting it with the reluctance of the latter to grant civil rights.
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More from James Blaine
With whatever strength or prestige the President left Washington, he certainly returned to the Capital personally discredited and politically ruined.
I am in no boastful mood: I shall not do more than I can, but I shall do all I can to save the Government, which is my sworn duty as well as my personal inclination.
Of course the Rebellion will never be suppressed in Louisiana if the professed Union men there will neither help to do it nor permit the Government to do it without their help. . . .
In all the revolted states, upon the testimony of your ablest generals, there is no safety to the property or lives of loyal men.
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