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Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia

An Apology for my Race

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CS75.pdf

Letters from "Thoughtful Colored People"

We take occasion to assure you that we are in sympathy with your administration and. . . . are sorry for the occurence a few days ago caused by one Monroe Trotter there, and hope that what the level-headed representative men of our race may do in the future will serve to destroy any ill effect Mr. Trotter’s wrong acts might have had.

Victor P. Holmes 

I address you this letter to assure you that the more thoughtful colored people of this State and the country don’t approve of Mr. Trotters’ insult to you on yesterday. The good colored people of the country are too fairminded, decent, patriotic to set their approval for a moment upon the conduct of Mr. Trotter. . . . it matters not how just and important a question may be. . . the nation will not set its approval upon an insult offered to its President.

 J. N. L. Roundtree 

I have read with deep regret, the recent visit of a deputation of colored men. I trust that their presence will in no sense affect the standing of the calm members of my race.

James A. Ross

 Right: Letter from William A. Reid apologizing for Trotter.