A scheme under which African-Americans would migrate from the densely populated Virginia Peninsular to empty lands in Florida had local official support and a meeting was held to explain its objects. A large gathering in Hampton heard local Union commander General Nelson Miles and the newly named local head of the Freedmens' Bureau endorse the plan before several other local leaders spoke strongly against it. The meeting clearly favored the latter speakers and the meeting broke up. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
"A Negro Emigration Scheme: Negro Mass Meeting at Hampton, Va., to Consider the Florida Emigration Project," New York Times, March 16, 1886, p. 5.
Record Data
Date Certainty
Exact
Type
Campaigns/Elections
