Page:Annual report of the superintendent of Negro Affairs in North Carolina, 1864.djvu/63

Rh assured that the war is at an end, and that they will be safe in the interior, they have left the towns in large numbers, and have returned to their plantation residences. Three thousand have gone from New Berne alone, and as many more from Wilmington. It is touching in the extreme to witness the happy meetings that take place between parents and children, or husbands and wives that have not seen each other since the war began, or perhaps for eight, ten, or even twenty years. The negro is demonstrative in the expression of his feelings, and his domestic affections are very strong. If any one can witness without emotion or even tears, the affectionate meetings and greetings of these people after long absence, he must be something either more or less than human. After the return of peace, and during the month of May, many of the refugees, both white and black, were supplied by the government with horses and mules to aid them in cultivating the soil. These animals, mostly captured during Gen. Sherman's campaign, were no longer of use to the army, and were therefore, to the number of four or five hundred, loaned out to the poor farmers for agricultural purposes. Of these the colored people had their share, and most joyfully did they avail themselves of this assistance in obtaining for themselves and their families a living. No sooner was Wilmington wrested from the rebels, than it was explored by the agents of northern educational bodies, and schools were opened by the American Missionary Association. The National Freedmen's Relief Association has also sent laborers there, and not less than twelve northern teachers are now occupying different points on the Cape Fear River. Schools have been opened at Kinston and Goldsboro', but they have been thus far taught by chaplains and soldiers from the regiments. During the five months of the present year, all our operations in behalf of the Freedmen in North Carolina have been pursued in much the same manner as heretofore, and with good success. The changes experienced have been more sudden than ever before, vibrating from the active conflicts of war to the hushed repose of peace. The negroes are adjusting themselves as rapidly as possible to their changed circumstances, and things generally look promising. It is not true in North Carolina that the negroes are lazy and will not work. Whoever says so bears false witness against his neighbor. They are industrious and energetic, and will be sure to prosper, unless the old tyranny is re-established under some other form. The community need to be cautioned against accepting without question the statements of enemies. If unscrupulous falsehood can create the impression that negro freedom is a failure, it will do it. But all honest investigations will show the contrary. The colored people greatly desire to learn. They are enthusiastic and persevering in their efforts in this behalf. They have an idea that knowledge is power, and that it has given to the Yankees their great success, and this thought stimulates them to exertion. The boon they crave above all others, is knowledge. They believe it will assure them rights, influence, position, and consideration. In this way they hope to vote, and to acquire property, to become landholders, and citizens in full. And now that the national battle is won, it is to