The Writings of Carl Schurz/To Charles Sumner, August 2d, 1865
TO CHARLES SUMNER
Savannah, Aug. 2, 1865.
Confidential.
The convictions with which I came here are becoming strengthened every day. The military rule cannot be withdrawn for some time. The great rock we have to steer clear of, is a general collision between the whites and blacks, which, in my opinion, would be brought on at once by the withdrawal of our forces. We must have sensible, clear-headed people here to superintend the affairs of the colored people. A great many indiscretions are being committed that do much mischief. I have not discussed the question of negro suffrage in my [newspaper] correspondence because I want to reserve that for my official reports. I do not wish it known that I am writing for the Advertiser. You will easily divine the reason. It is important that the Government as well as the people should understand that things are very far from being ripe yet for the restoration of civil government.
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