Semi-Weekly Raleigh Register
North Carolina
April 24, 1861
We understand that some of the free negroes in this community are alarmed for their personal safety. This alarm is altogether unfounded, for we feel well assured that no free negro who conducts himself properly will suffer any harm. We would suggest to the free negroes here to do as their brethren did at Newbern—volunteer to work in the cause of the State. They can be made useful in working upon forts, magazines, arsenals, breastworks, &c.