Executive Department of North-Carolina

Raleigh, March 10th, 1870.

To his Excellency, the President of the United States:

Sir:

I have felt it to be my duty to declare the County of Alamance, in this State, in a state of insurrection.

The copy of my Proclamation, herewith enclosed, of date March 7th, 1870, contains some of the reasons for this step.

There exists in this State a secret, oath-bound, armed organization, which is hostile to the State government and to the government of the United States. Bands of these armed men ride at night through various neighborhoods, whipping and maltreating peaceable citizens, hanging some, burning Churches, and breaking up schools which have been established for the colored people. These outrages are almost invariably committed on persons, white and colored, who are most devoted in their feelings and conduct to the government of the United States. 

I cannot rely upon the militia to repress these outrages, for the reason that, in the localities in which these outrages occur, white militia of the proper character cannot be obtained, and it would but aggravate the evil to employ colored militia. Besides, the expense of calling out the militia would be greater than our people could well bear in their present impoverished condition—Federal troops inspire terror among evil-doers, and they have confidence and respect of a majority of our people. We, therefore, look to and rely on the federal government to aid us in repressing these outrages, and in restoring peace and good order. 

If Congress would authorize the suspension by the President of the writ of habeas corpus in certain localities, and if criminals could be arrested and tried before military tribunals, and shot, we should soon have peace and order throughout all this country. The remedy would be a sharp and bloody one, but it is as indispensable as was the suppression of the rebellion. 

I trust, Sir, that you will issue to the Commanding General of this department as stringent orders in this matter as the present law will allow. The Commanding General has been prompt to respond, to the extent of the power which he has, but I fear this power will not be adequate to effect the desired result. 

I have the honor to enclose a copy of the State law under which my proclamation was issued; also a pamphlet containing the testimony of witnesses in the preliminary examination of the Lenoir County prisoners, which will afford some idea of the Ku Klux Klan. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Obt Servant,

W W Holden,

Governor