Freedmen's Bureau Records: Circular Letter of O. O.
Howard, May 15, 1867
Summary:
Howard urges that steps be taken to stop intemperance among blacks in Virginia
and South Carolina. In the view that certain temperance societies refuse to
organize in black communities, he proposes the formation of new temperance
societies, named for Lincoln. McDonnell forwarded a copy of the circular to
Jackson.
War Department
Bureau R.
F. & A. Lands
May 15th 1867
Washington
Circular Letter
I have information from Virginia and South Carolina that intemperance among the freedmen is on the increase, already a movement is on foot in this City, having in view a thorough organization so as to enable the colored people to exert all the power possible to prevent the evil in question.
I find that the "Sons of Temperance" in their Grand Divisions, retain the old bigotry, and decline to extend their order to save men of dark skins from drunkenness, except it be done upon condition of complete and enforced separation.
I therefore hope that the officers and agents of this Bureau, and the agents of
the different benevolent associations working for the elevation of the colored
people, will take immediate measures for the organization of associations of
colored people, never excluding the white,
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under the name of "The
Lincoln Temperance Society". There is a great appropriateness in the name, from
the well known character of Mr. Lincoln, and from the love the colored pople
bear him.
Please see to it, that officers or Agents of this Bureau, who may be intemperate men, be immediately reported to this office.
Very Respectfully
Your Obed
Svt
(signed) O. O. Howard
Maj. Genl
& Comr
Official copy furnished for the guidance and action of
Mr. Thos. P. Jackson, Agent
John A.
McDonnell
Capt
V.R.C.
Sub Asst. Comr.
