HANDOUT TWO

The period of Reconstruction encompasses the years between 1865—1873 for the purposes of this project. Consider what we already may know about the period that preceded Reconstruction, from the readings, the charts and Handout One. As you proceed, remember to pay attention not only to what is written, but also what may be behind the words. Pay attention to how someone may write to another person. Look at the language they use. Are they familiar with that person? Do they assume that the person that they are writing to or about feels the same as they do?

1. How does Newcomb (and other Unionists who left Texas) feel towards the secessionist who supported the Confederacy? What words do they use in describing them?

2. Considering what they underwent during the war and their experiences while living in the Union states, did they still remain as staunch Unionists opposed to the Republicans?

3. How has their belief system survived? Did it? How would you compare their feelings toward slavery in Reconstruction with how they felt prior to that?

4. Analyze the letters and articles and determine if Newcomb and the Radicals supported universal suffrage. Explain the reasoning behind your conclusion.

5. Look at the Chart on the 1869 election. Consider what you have undcovered in the project. Do you think that there is on group of voters who influenced this election in the favor of the Radicals? Who were they?

6. Upon observing the letters and articles as well as supporting documentation, do you believe that Newcomb and the Radicals around him advocated the African Americans holding offices in the State government? You will have to draw inferences from what is being said and how they are saying it. You will be evaluating the behavior of the people involved.

7. How do Newcomb and those around him speak about African Americans or other ethnic groups? The letters are good source for this information.

8. In the “Dialog Between a White Republican and a Black Citizen,” is this representative of a real interview? Consider who provides it (the author). Evaluate whether there is a motive to this document?

9. What were the African Americans trying to achieve? Refer to the Union League and what they coped with in the other sections.

10. Did they believe that the Radicals were trying to help them become independent in Texas? Did they feel the Radicals were pursuing a hidden agenda? What was going on with Newcomb? Look at the letter from Sweet to Newcomb describing a meeting of African Americans. How is he speaking in his letter?

11. Read the item, “Advise to and a Response From an African American.” Analyze this Houston newspaper article. Is this representative of many whites? What do you think of the response?