August 3, 1874-Dated Reconstruction Era, Autograph Letter Signed by Charles James O'Hagan, a Greenville, NC. former Confederate Surgeon and the Mayor of Greenville, with Virulent Racist Content regarding the proposed Civil Rights Act, Predicting a War of the Races if it is Passed, Fine.
An important Reconstruction Era letter, measuring 7.5” x 9.5”, 4 pages, easily readable on white wove period paper, at Greenville, NC, from Charles James O'Hagan (1821-1879), to a relative in Ireland, writing shortly before the Congressional elections were to be held in North Carolina, and noting the intense excitement aroused by the proposed "Civil Rights Bill". This was the historic Civil Rights Act, first drafted by Charles Sumner in 1870, but not passed and signed into law until March 1st, 1875. O'Hagan, who immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland in 1842, was a physician who practiced in Greenville, NY. During the Civil War he served as Surgeon of the 35th NC. Infantry (at one point dismissed for incompetence, but restored to duty after being cleared by a Court Martial), who surrendered at Appomattox Court House. Post-War he served as the Mayor of Greenville, and was President of the North Carolina State Medical Society. Superb Black History content in which O'Hagan notes that with reference to the Civil Rights Bill, his racist writing in part:

"the Niggers who form our laboring population, and constitutes half of the entire population, are enthusiastic in favor of it - and the white people, equally determined against it", that "the white people know that if this Bill is pased, it will lead to riot and bloodshed, and ultimately a war of races", and that without Federal interference, "it would be an easy task to wipe out the Niggers", who see in the Bill "social equality, and a white wife for every nigger who wants one".

One of the results of the election was the rare election to Congress of African American John A. Hyman, representing North Carolina's Second District. The full text follows, Online Only.
This Racist letter reads, in full as written:

"Greenville, Augt. 3d, 1874 -- Eugene Motts Esqr. -- My Dear Friend,

Although I get an occasional paper from you, which informs me you are still alive & kicking all opposition out of your way, still I would be glad to get a letter once in a while to find out how you are all getting along, you & Em and the babies. Nothing worth naming has happened to me or mine since I last wrote you, except a severe spell of sickness to myself, which kept me confined to my room for about three weeks, and from which I am now getting well and recovering my strength. My hand is still very unsteady & I write with difficulty, and even with fatigue.

My children and family are all well & the health of the people is better than I have ever known it, and in addition, our crops are unusually good, therefore one would think we would not complain. But we do. We are in the midst of a very exciting political canvass which is stirring the people more profoundly than anything which has happened since the war. The disturbing element is that infernal legacy left by Charles Sumner, and generally known as the 'Civil Rights Bill'. The Niggers who form our laboring population, and constitutes half of the entire population, are enthusiastic in favor of it - and the white people, equally determined against it. We the white people know, that if this Bill is passed, it will lead to riot and bloodshed, and ultimately a war of races. Left to ourselves we would not mind that very much. It would be an easy task to wipe out the Niggers, if the Federal government would keep its hand off; but that would not be the case, and the Niggers know it. They see in the Bill not only political equallity, which they have already got, but social equality, and a white wife for every nigger who wants one. The behavior of the miserable devils is very provoking, and one has to exercise a great deal of forbearance to endure it. Our Election comes off on Thursday, the 10th, and I am somewhat apprehensive of trouble on that day. I hope, however, all will pass off peaceably.

I got a paper not long since with a notice of Cousin Kate's marriage, and I must confess I never was more surprised. I thought she was the sworn enemy of the male sex, and never would allow one of them to come near her - well - there is no accounting for women, nor men either. What kind of a man did she marry? Is he of any account?

I hope Em and the children are all well. How is my young namesake? He is beginning to walk by this time I suppose, and Eugene, Vinty, and all are I hope growing improving in mind & body. Matt often talks of you all, as we sit together in the evening, and wonder what you are all doing, and how you are getting along. She believes in Erie & has a strong hope she will go there when she dies. I myself have a most pleasant memory of it, and hope to see you all before long.

I must hurry up as the mail will soon close. Remember me very kindly to Frank Magraw & Jack as well as Capt. Welsh, and his little boy Tommy. I will write you again after the Election, and tell you how we have come out; in the meantime give my love to Coz Em, and the children and tell Eugene I will try & send him some peanuts this fall if he is a good boy. Write me how to ship them so that you can get them at once.

With the kindest feelings -- I am very truly yours, -- (Signed) Chas. Jas. O'Hagan"
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