P. B. S. PINCHBACK TO FREDERICK DOUGLASS

New Orleans, [La.] 20 Ap[ri]l 1875.

MY DEAR DOUGLASS

The “compromise” which is nothing more nor less than a further unloading of the Negro has been completed and the State is virtually in the hands
of our enemies—what they have failed to obtain by the “compromise”
they will soon take or have given them by our cowardly white Republicans to serve their personal safety—and I am again full of apprehensions
for our people in this state.¹The period of Reconstruction in Louisiana was perhaps the most tumultuous and violent of that in any of the former Confederate states. With White League groups harassing the black population, especially near elections, and even overthrowing the governments in numerous parishes, by 1875 many Louisianans were seeking peace by any means necessary. In April of that year, Governor William Pitt Kellogg convened an extra session of the state legislature for the purpose of settling the matter of “political adjustment.” Most black congressmen opposed this extra session because it would cause “nine black representatives and one black senator to lose their seats.” Pinchback, who was returning home from Washington, D.C., after again pleading his case to be allowed to take his disputed U.S. Senate seat, remarked that such an “adjustment” would “denationalize” Louisiana. But persuaded that such an adjustment, namely, the reduction of black representation, would bring peace to Louisiana, many Republicans, including President Grant, backed the compromise in favor of a stabler Louisiana. Vincent, Black Legislators in Louisiana, 201–02; Tunnell, Crucible of Reconstruction, 170–72; 201–05; Grosz, “Political Career of Pinchback,” 27: 599–600. Oh God how I wish I had your knowledge
and ability to grapple with the difficulties I see on every hand besetting
us in this God forsaken section of our country. Our people stand so much
in need of some great mind to guide them in this crisis of our history. It
is plainly evident that the white Republican has become alarmed at the
exhibition of manhood manifested by our people to <in> claiming a fair
share of representation in high places and are determined to rule or ruin
him. I state it as my firm belief that White republicans here would infinitely prefer to see the meanest democrat in the state in the u.s. senate than
myself or any other independent colored man, for without any necessity
they deliberately gave away the majority on joint ballot in the assembly
which renders it impossible for any colored man to be elected in case the

Senate rejects my claim.²General Philip Sheridan ran against P. B. S. Pinchback for the House of Representatives seat in 1873. Concurrently, Pinchback ran for a Senate seat from Louisiana. On 8 June 1873, Sheridan and Pinchback appeared before the House to argue their claims to the House seat. Sheridan attacked Pinchback’s decision to seek a seat in both the House and the Senate; Pinchback rejoined that his decision was in fact a patriotic act. The House resolved that neither man had an adequate claim to the seat and that neither would be admitted. In February 1874 the House Committee on Elections again took up the issue, and in a vote of 121–29, resolved that Sheridan would receive the House seat. A decision regarding Pinchback’s Senate seat was not decided until December 1876, three years after the election. He was not admitted. Haskins, Pickney Benton Stewart Pinchback, 196–222. At last I am sure of one thing none of the scoundrels that have pursued me so relentlessly can profit by my discomfiture
for as sure as we live a democrat will come from this state if I am rejected.
I opposed the recent sell out down here but the pressure was too great
they had too many letters from prominent men of the party north & west
Sheridan threatening to remove the troops & [illegible] asserting that the
President demanded it our poor people were [illegible]. What a commentary upon our best government ever instituted by man when the President
of the Republic & the General of the armies are employed in forcing the
representatives of the people to leave their places in the Legislature. This
most extraordinary spectacle was witnessed here.

When I think how nobly you stood by me in my trying struggle last
winter when all hope seemed gone I am encouraged to ask your advice
now what course would you pursue were you in my place rest easy & quiet
until after Dec or make an alliance here for soon I can make my own
terms now with our white people. Write soon my dear Sir for I am in great
perplexity and would not for the world do anything that would [illegible]
against our people.

Present my kind regards to your family from myself & family & believe me

Your most humble and devoted friend

PINCHBACK

ALS: General Correspondence File, reel 2, frames 766–68L, FD Papers, DLC.