Letter from Hugh M. Foley to Ulysses S. Grant

Foley, Hugh M., 1847-; Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885; Wilkinson County (Miss.)

These photos were taken of a copy at the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State University. The original letter is held in the National Archives and appears in Volume 27 of The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant.

Natchez Miss Sept 1 1876

To the President U.S.
Genl U. S. Grant
Washington City
DC.

Dear Sir

This will inform you of the condition of affairs in Wilkinson County. I was compelled to leave my home in that County for fear of violence to me offered by the armed men of that County for my sentiments and principals as a republican. I was summoned before Mr. Boutwells Committee to testify of the late State Election held in this State and riot in that County, by reference to the evidence taken by the committee you will see what I and others testified.

I have been away from my family for some considerable time here in this City awaiting for some protection, that I might return home. Also Mr Peter Crout from that County who testified before that committee have been threatened with death should he return, he is a man of considerable property.

Mr N B Earheart, John J Foley, and Abram Scott all received each their coffin to leave within fifteen days or else they must prepare themselves to suffer the consequences. The late named gentlemen is the County Assessor, the others are not officers, but are leading republicans and old residents of the County, and own both real & personal property in the town of Woodville. The republicans are not permitted to assemble peacably in their meeting for fear violence and these so called armed Regulators say publicly that we shall not exercise our political opinion or preferences. I have to the best of my ability in a brief manner to lay before you our troubles and grievances in that County.

I therefore ask you in the name of God and the suffering republicans of that County to send us troops that we may be protected and saved from personal destruction.

I request you to please keep this secret for fear that our enemies might destroy my property in their immediate midst, as I am engaged in farming and have a good many hands employed and all that I am worth is there invested. I sincerely hope this may receive your most favorable consideration and reply at your earliest convenience all of which I shall humbly pray.

Yours Very Truly
Hugh M. Foley