factions approached him during the recess and pleaded with him, but their efforts and pleadings were all in vain.  Nothing could move him or change him.  He stated that he had given the matter his careful and serious consideration, and that he had come to the conclusion that neither Jacobs nor Williams was a fit man to represent the important county of Adams in the State Senate, hence neither could get his vote.  At the afternoon session, after several ballots had been taken with the same result, an adjournment was ordered until 9 o’clock next morning.

Soon after adjournment each side went into caucus.  At the Jacobs meeting it was decided to stick to their man to the very last.  At the Williams meeting Hon. H.C.  Griffin, white leader of the Williams men, suggested the name of the Rev. H.R.  Revels as a compromise candidate.  Revels was comparatively a new man in the community.  He had recently been stationed at Natchez as pastor in charge of the A.M.E.  Church, and so far as known he had never voted, had never attended a political meeting, and of course, had never made a political speech.  But he was a colored man, and presumed to be a Republican, and believed to be a man of ability and considerably above the average in point of intelligence; just the man, it was thought, the Rev. Noah Buchanan would be willing to vote for.

After considerable discussion it was agreed that a committee should be appointed to wait on Mr. Williams in order to find out if he would be willing to withdraw in favor of Revels should his friends and supporters deem such a step necessary and wise.  In the event of Williams’ withdrawal, the committee was next to call on Revels to find out if he would consent to the use of his name.  If Revels consented, the committee was next to call on Rev. Buchanan to find out whether or not he would vote for Revels.  This committee was to report to the caucus at 8 o’clock next morning.

At the appointed time the committee reported that Williams had stated that he was in the hands of his friends and that he would abide by any decision they might make.  Revels, the report stated, who had been taken very much by surprise,—­having had no idea that his name would ever be mentioned in connection with any office,—­had asked to be allowed until 7 o’clock in the morning to consider the matter and to talk it over with his wife.  At 7 o’clock he notified the chairman of the committee that he would accept the nomination if tendered.

Buchanan had informed the committee that he had heard of Revels but did not know him personally.  He too had asked to be allowed until 7 o’clock in the morning before giving a positive answer, so as to enable him to make the necessary inquiries to find out whether or not Revels was a suitable man for the position.  At 7 o’clock he informed the chairman of the committee that if the name of Williams should be withdrawn in favor of Revels he would cast his vote for Revels.  The caucus then