- Transcription
Confidential
207 S. Sumter St.
Sumter, S.C.
December 30, 1919
Governor T. W. Bickett,
State Capitol,
Raleigh, N.C.
My dear Governor Bickett:
I am experiencing the keenest disappointment over the termination of my work at Badin. As soon as I commenced to get results there the Police Department began to spread "tanglefont" and endeavored to undermine my influence with the workers. The chief pet of the force has in turn threatened and cajoled me, to no avail, and built up an opposition that was very annoying at times. This negro is a Georgian who boasts of having killed eight men, some of them white, etc, etc.
My first surprise was in finding that the superintendent, Mr. Thorpe, was giving me a lesser measure of support and confidence than formerly. I had first been charged to report all matters of irregularity direct to him and then I began to feel that my reports were not appreciated. And altho I revealed some things that, in my opinion, Mr. Thorpe should have wanted to know, I was influenced to believe I was thereby mistaken. I decided to resign as soon as I had successfully carried them the Bazaar and the conference of social workers; and I have done so.
When, at last, the Bazaar was over (I left a program in your office) I was on the point of a nervous breakdown from overwork. My week's vacation, when I visited Raleigh and Durham, was quite insufficient and I left Badin for my home, to recuperate fully, at the lowest physical ebb. I made no effort to pack my things before leaving because I have a number of books and other affects, and I have at Badin also the papers and property of the U. S. Department of Labor, turned over to me by Dr. Moore when our office went out of existence in June. This necessitates my having to return there for a couple of days at least, to pack up.
I have received the enclosed letter from one of my friends, E. G. Harris, principal of the colored school, which explains itself. It may be that my friends are too apprehensive; and I am not at all frightened and mean to return for my things as soon as I am well again, which will probably be at the end of this week. However, I am giving you this information in the event any unfortunate circumstance does occur. I am taking the liberty to send it not only because you are Chief Executive of our State, but because you have manifested such a friendly interest in my efforts towards peace within the state, and the happy development of my people along lines of their natural adaptation. I regret deeply that I could not be reporting a more pleasant experience but— I have done nothing to promote the unpleasantness.
With regard to Harris' letter, I may state that the "petition" referred to is a document that many of my friends and helpers at Badin decided to circulate, despite the fact that my resignation had been accepted and that I had made other plans for the New Year.
I have no desire to become unfriendly to Badin; and I still regard it as the most interesting community for negro workingmen in the South. As Director of Welfare Work, I gave absolute loyalty to my employer, as it is always my policy and custom. I do not withhold blame where I believe it is due, but I have no desire to retaliate. At the same time, if it comes to a matter of my personal safety or the personal well-being of other law-abiding people, Badin has no more right than any other community under your jurisdiction to be oppressive and unjust, merely because it can enforce its will thru its own policemen. My interest, therefore, in this recital is a personal interest and is based on no spirit of retaliation. I feel that your well-know fairness and passion for justice will not let this situation be obscured in the event of any untoward happening.
With due apology for this intrusion and wishing you and your family a happy New Year, I am
Very respectfully,
