Mosby, John S., 1833-1916 to James L. Kemper

Written on "Office of John S. Mosby, Attorney at Law" letterhead. Writes to Kemper, Governor-elect of Virginia, about Reconstruction and Southern rights: "Of course I never designed to advise an unconditional alliance between Grant & the Southern people: but only on the express condition that security is given us against any further oppressions on Southern rights. If however Sumner's Civil Rights bill (which by the by Mr Greeley was earnestly advocating in the Tribune the week he was nominated) becomes an Administration measure (which I do not believe) no man will more earnestly oppose it than I. I think that now is a propitious time to come to some understanding with th[ose] who shape the policy of the Republican party. In an interview I had with Grant a few days after your election he expressed the opinion that the negroes wd at least attempt to break off from any connection with either party & form themselves into [2] a third party & put themselves up to the highest bidder. My own opinion is that the Republicans wd prefer the white people of the South to the negroes- There are some exceptions such as Sumner..." Discusses candidates for various political posts and his attempts to meet with Grant to advise "as to his [Grant's] policy" [toward Virginia?]. Says he has left John Scott and Jim Barbour "down there on a scout" (presumably to meet with Grant, which Mosby had been unable to arrange).