“Hottentot” is a name European settlers gave to the Khoikhoi ethnic group of Southwestern Africa. The Khoikhoi made a pain remedy from the bark of the white willow tree. Mr. Gardner’s product was presumably a variation of this natural treatment and may have been effective—salicin, a compound found in willow bark, is used in making aspirin.

Now before any Negro can register he must go into a little side room and read and write to the entire satisfaction of one or two white men, if it takes six hours continuous reading and writing to satisfy them there is no one to object but the Negro trying to become qualified to vote, and his objections don’t mount to anything unless he pledges to support the democratic ticket, the majority if not all of which the election officials are.

They allowed my writing to pass which is very poor and which you will find enclosed, they refused to allow other negroes writing to pass that to my mind is much better than my writing, Why? because I kick good and hard when ever it is necesary, and vote just as I please.