Lynch at Natchez, Miss., in 1868.] The next name suggested was that of the Rev.H.R.Revels and those who had been so fortunate as to hear the impressive prayer that he had delivered on the opening of the Senate were outspoken in their advocacy of his selection.

The white Republicans assured the colored members that if they would unite upon Revels, they were satisfied he would receive the vote of every white Republican member of the Legislature.
Governor Alcorn also gave the movement his cordial and active support, thus insuring for Revels the support of the State administration.

The colored members then held an informal conference, at which it was unanimously decided to present the name of Rev.H.R.Revels to the Republican Legislative Caucus as a candidate for United States Senator to fill the fractional term of one year.

The choice was ratified by the caucus without serious opposition.

In the joint Legislative session, every Republican member, white and colored, voted for the three Republican caucus nominees for United States Senators,--Alcorn, Ames and Revels,--with one exception, Senator William M.Hancock, of Lauderdale, who stated in explanation of his vote against Revels that as a lawyer he did not believe that a colored man was eligible to a seat in the United States Senate.