Cleveland (OH) Herald, “Cannot Be Accepted,” April 22, 1861

CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.

Colored citizens have applied to Gov. Dennison for leave to raise military companies, but Gov. Dennison has replied to their request by saying that the State cannot accept colored troops.

This decision is eminently proper, and while we would not impugn the motives of those colored citizens who wish to raise military companies, we very much regret they had not refrained from asking the privilege.

The enlistment of colored troops would dampen, if not kill, the [ardor?] of the masses now [rushing?] to arms and it would add a [illegible] to the present complication of our troubles which, more than any other, would embitter the present contest, and render utterly hopeless any prospect of peace.