can see, however, the mischiefs which might occur from
such a custom; as, after the verbal statements of lawyers,
disputes might arise as to what had been said, and no one would
be able to decide, and no one would try to do so, for fear of a
quarrel. Happily the people, in spite of the traditions of
slavery, are rapidly emerging from their blind gropings, as an
outcome of the freedom thrust upon them by the civil war, and the
younger members of the legal profession now aid in the work of
educating the illiterate, knowing that it is better for the
commonwealth that all should be taught.

The social conditions existing in North Carolina in the early
days mentioned, may help to explain the intense bitterness
manifested on all occasions toward men like Stephens. He was of
humble parentage, but had been put forward by Governor Holden as
a trusted agent of the State government. Thus was invaded the
prerogatives of the privileged classes. The prejudices of the
leaders were communicated to their followers (who did the voting
to keep their rulers in power).

Judge Tourgee, and all carpet-baggers (myself included, of
course), were esteemed to be opposed to the dominion of the
aristocrats; some of whom, nevertheless, were themselves quite
ordinary persons, but puffed up with pride, God knows what for!

Judge Tourgee also invited J. R. Bulla, Esquire, the solicitor,
to help defend Stephens's house. Mr. Bulla was a native
Republican. Neither he, nor I, believed at the time, that the
Kuklux were banded together for serious mischief; although, as I
afterward learned, a plot was laid, in those days, by the
Randolph county Kuklux, to take Mr. Bulla out and whip him. Had
this been done it would have been a wanton outrage. Mr. Bulla
never knew of the plan. The scheme was prevented by the
interference of a mere youth, Tom Worth, from whom I had the
facts.

Both Mr. Bulla and myself decided to remain in our rooms. Out of
deference, however, to Judge Tourgee's intelligence, I agreed, in
case of an alarm, to go over and help fight it out. There were
sixteen resolute fellows there, under the leadership of Judge
Tourgee, all well armed and with enough ammunition. Had an attack
been made it would have been a lively conflict. Mr. Bulla, born a
Quaker, wou