Report of the Joint select committee appointed to inquire into the condition of affairs in the late insurrectionary states, so far as regards the execution of laws, and the safety of the lives and property of the citizens of the United States and Testimony taken.

ALABAMA-SUB-COMMITTEE. 1525
Answer. It is not realized to much extent. I have talked to them several times on
this subject, and told them the importance of it. I said, "You occupy now, in the eye
of the law, the same position the white people do; you'are amenable to law the same
as others." A fellow came to me once to get a marriage license who had just left his
wife. I told him, "Do not dare do so; you will be prosecuted for immorality."
Question. Will the law correct that in time?
Ansteer. It will; but it will be very slow.
By the CHAIRMAN:
Question. Do you think the colored women are naturally profligate, or have they
yielded under duress?
Answer. No duress; I think it is under a species of pay.
Question. Do you think the colored women naturally unchaste?
Answer. I cannot use the full word "naturally unchaste," but I say they have a
tendency; they have not an appreciation of virtue that white persons have. Long
education has doubtless created a keen appreciation of it by the whites; the colored
race are weaker, easier led off.
Question. When a colored woman has a bastard child, is it regarded as a stigma upon
her by her own race?
Answer. Not at all; negroes have expressed to me the dissatisfaction of confining
themselves to one wife, not six months ago. Gentlemen, this is my opinion of the negro
race: he lacks the moril appreciation of virtue; he lacks it naturally. Now, I am a
friend of the negro, and. always have been. I regard him as one of the best of laborers;
the best labor in the world for our fields. I tell them so, " I would rather have you
than all the white people in the world, if you will just consider your interest as our
interest, and work together as friends; and hence, I say, do not take part in politics;
let us be friends together; our interests and welfare are one; I will protect you."
By the CHAIRMAN:
Question. When did Judge Blackford come to Alabama?
Answer. I cannot tell you; about 1856 or 1857, I think.
Question. Do you know anything against him before he came here?
Answer. Nothing, only hearsay. A citizen of the town learned of his living in Columbus, Georgia, and leaving under circumstances not favorable; I do not know a
word of it myself. When these suspicions attached to him, of being false, this inquiry was made.
Question. You say you know nothing of the circumstances of the raid upon Dr. Blackford-you have heard these circumstances repeatedly stated?
Answzer. Repeatedly; I do not know a syllable myself.
Question. Did you understand that the house of Mrs. Nutting, his mother-in-law,
where he boarded, and where his daughter was living, was fired upon?
Answier. Yes, sir.
Question. Did you understand that Mrs. Nutting was at home at that time?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. Was she a lady of good report, and held in good esteem in the community?
Answler. She is; and let me tell the difference: she is a maker of dresses, called nilliner and mantua-maker, I believe. She is a dress-maker-in that position in the community. She deports herself well; no one has aught against her; I received her little
grand girl into our Sunday-school-I have been superintendent of the Sunday-school
of the Episcopal church for twenty odd years-and the child behaves as well as any
other child.
Question. Does the fact of her being a mantua-maker interfere with her social status?
Answer. No, sir, not as far as I know; she is not inclined to visit any; she is always
busy. I never heard anything against her. You know some classes make a business
of visiting, and other people work and never visit. I do not remember to have seen her
visit; she is always busy with the needle; she is a deserving woman, who has done well
to support her family. The people employ her, which she deserves.
Question. Was it not a great outrage to violate her house?
Answver. Just as much as if it had been your house. The people condemned it in
toto.
Question. Did you understand that this band of disguised men entered her house and
ransacked the rooms, hunting for Dr. Blackford?
Answer. I understood they did; one or two went in.
Question. Did you understand that they found part of his clothing, and took possession
of it?
Ansswer. No, sir.
Question. Did you understand that his hat was found and put on a pole, and carried
through the streets?
Answver. I understood it was found in his office, where he escaped. I never heard
before about the pole. I heard that his hat was found and taken.