Several hundred Negroes would march up and down the streets, abusing whites, and shoving them off the sidewalk or out of the road.

But on the whole, there was very little actual violence, though the whites were much alarmed at times.

That outrages were comparatively few was due, not to any sensible teachings of the leaders, but to the fundamental good nature of the blacks, who were generally content with mere impudence.
The relations between the races, indeed, continued on the whole to be friendly until 1867-68.

For a while, in some localities before the advent of the League, and in others where the Bureau was conducted by native magistrates, the Negroes looked to their old masters for guidance and advice; and the latter, for the good of both races, were most eager to retain a moral control over the blacks.

They arranged barbecues and picnics for the Negroes, made speeches, gave good advice, and believed that everything promised well.