Circular Letter by Col. Lieb

---

Headquarters District of Grenada, Grenada, Miss., July 24, 1865.

CIRCULAR:

Having been ordered by superior authority to take command of this Sub District, and having observed within the few days since assuming command, that certain parties are not aware that the status of the colored population had undergone a radical change, I deem it my duty to lay before the people my future course of action with reference to the freedmen.

It is not my intention to deal harshly with people who have since their infancy been taught to look upon the negro as a mere chattel. It is not to be expected that human beings can abruptly alter their sentiments or instantly eradicate deep rooted prejudices, but one thing they can alter, and shape at once according to circumstances, that is their actions - they must cease to abuse and maltreat the negro.

I am determined to stop all whipping, kicking, and otherwise abusing the negro. If this notice is not sufficient to induce certain parties to treat the colored people humanely, I shall adopt such measures as will teach them that negroes have rights, which the white man is bound to respect.

H. Lieb, Col.,

Com'dg Sub Dist. of Grenada

---

Source: The Weekly Panola Star (Panola, Mississippi), August 5, 1865