The Condition_ Elevation_ Emigration_ and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States Martin Robison Delany 1095 downloads.pdf

The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Condition, Elevation,
Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United
States
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
will have to check the laws of the country where you are located
before using this eBook.

Title: The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the
Colored People of the United States

Author: Martin Robison Delany

Release date: November 26, 2005 [eBook #17154]
Most recently updated: December 13, 2020

Language: English

Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17154

Credits: Produced by Suzanne Shell, Martin Pettit and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE
CONDITION, ELEVATION, EMIGRATION, AND DESTINY OF THE
COLORED PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES ***

THE CONDITION, ELEVATION,
EMIGRATION, AND DESTINY
OF THE COLORED PEOPLE OF
THE UNITED STATES
BY

MARTIN ROBISON DELANY
PUBLISHED 1852.

CONTENTS

The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and
Destiny of the Colored People of the United States
PREFACE
I Condition of Many Classes in Europe Considered
II Comparative Condition of the Colored People of the United
States
III American Colonization
IV Our Elevation in the United States
V Means of Elevation
VI The United States Our Country
VII Claims of Colored Men as Citizens of the United States
VIII Colored American Warriors
IX Capacity of Colored Men and Women as Citizen Members
of Community
X Practical Utility of Colored People of the Present Day as
Members of Society—Business Men and Mechanics
XI Literary and Professional Colored Men and Women
XII Students of Various Professions
XIII A Scan at Past Things
XIV Late Men of Literary, Professional and Artistic Note
XV Farmers and Herdsmen
XVI National Disfranchisement of Colored People
XVII Emigration of the Colored People of the United States
XVIII "Republic of Liberia"
XIX The Canadas
XX Central and South America and the West Indies
XXI Nicaragua and New Grenada
XXII Things as They Are
XXIII A Glance at Ourselves—Conclusion
APPENDIX A Project for an Expedition of Adventure, to the Eastern
Coast of Africa

Sincerely dedicated to the American People, North and South.
By Their Most Devout, and Patriotic Fellow Citizen, the Author

PREFACE
The author of this little volume has no other apology for offering it to the
public, than the hurried manner in which it has been composed. Being
detained in the city of New York on business, he seized the opportunity of a
tedious delay, and wrote the work in the inside of one month, attending to
other business through the day, and lecturing on physiology sometimes in
the evening. The reader will therefore not entertain an idea of elegance of
language and terseness of style, such as should rule the sentences of every
composition, by whomsoever written.
His sole object has been, to place before the public in general, and the
colored people of the United States in particular, great truths concerning
this class of citizens, which appears to have been heretofore avoided, as
well by friends as enemies to their elevation. By opponents, to conceal
information, that they are well aware would stimulate and impel them on to
bold and adventurous deeds of manly daring; and by friends, who seem to
have acted on the principle of the zealous orthodox, who would prefer
losing the object of his pursuit to changing his policy.
There are also a great many colored people in the United States, who have
independence of spirit, who desire to, and do, think for themselves; but for
the want of general information, and in consequence of a prevailing opinion
that has obtained, that no thoughts nor opinions must be expressed, even
though it would eventuate in their elevation, except it emanate from some
old, orthodox, stereotyped doctrine concerning them; therefore, such a work
as this, which is but a mere introduction to what will henceforth emanate
from the pen of colored men and women, appeared to be in most anxious
demand, in order to settle their minds entirely, and concentrate them upon
an effective and specific course of procedure. We have never conformed
with that class of philosophers who would keep the people in ignorance, lest
they might change their opinion from former predilections. This we shall
never do, except pressing necessity demands it, and then only as a measure
to prevent bad consequences, for the time.

The colored people of to-day are not the colored people of a quarter of a
century ago, and require very different means and measures to satisfy their
wants and demands, and to effect their advancement. No wise statesman
presumes the same measures for the satisfaction of the American people
now, that may have been with propriety adopted twenty-five years ago;
neither is it wisdom to presume, that the privileges which satisfied colored
people twenty years ago, they will be reconciled with now. That with which
the father of the writer may have been satisfied, even up to the present day,
the writer cannot be content with; the one lived in times antecedent to the
birth of the other; that which answered then, does not answer now: so is it
with the whole class of colored people in the United States. Their feelings,
tastes, predilections, wants, demands, and sympathies, are identical, and
homogeneous with those of all other Americans.

"Fleecy locks and black complexions,
Cannot alter nature's claim;
Skins may differ, but affections,
Dwell in black and white the same."

Many of the distinguished characters referred to in this work, who lived in
former days, for which there is no credit given, have been obtained from
various sources—as fragments of history, pamphlets, files of newspapers,
obsolete American history, and some from Mrs. Child's Collection. Those of
modern date, are living facts known to the writer in his travels through the
United States, having been from Canada and Maine to Arkansas and Texas.
The origin of the breast-works of cotton bales on Chalmet Plains, at the
battle of New Orleans, the writer learned in that city, from old colored men
in 1840, and subsequently, from other sources; as well as much useful
information concerning that battle, from Julien Bennoit, spoken of in the
work. He has before referred to it some five or six years ago, through the
columns of a paper, of which he was then editor, and not until subsequently
to his narrating the same facts in these columns, was he aware that it was
ever mentioned in print, when he saw, on the 3d day of March, on looking
over the contributions of the "Liberty Bell," a beautiful annual of Boston,
the circumstances referred to by David Lee Child, Esq., the particulars of
which will be found in our version.

The original intention was to make this a pamphlet of a few pages, the
writer commencing with that view; but finding that he could not thus justify
the design of the work, will fully explain the cause of its present volume.
The subject of this work is one that the writer has given thought for years,
and the only regret that he has now in placing it before the public is, that his
circumstances and engagements have not afforded him such time and
opportunity as to do justice to it. But, should he succeed in turning the
attention of the colored people, in general, in this direction—he shall have
been amply compensated for the labor bestowed. An appendix will be found
giving the plan of the author, laid out at twenty-four years of age, but
subsequently improved on, for the elevation of the colored race. That plan
of course, as this work will fully show, has been abandoned for a far more
glorious one; albeit, we as a race, still lay claim to the project, which one
day must be added to our dashing strides in national advancement,
successful adventure, and unsurpassed enterprise.
One part of the American people, though living in near proximity and
together, are quite unacquainted with the other; and one of the great objects
of the author is, to make each acquainted. Except the character of an
individual is known, there can be no just appreciation of his worth; and as
with individuals, so is it with classes.
The colored people are not yet known, even to their most professed friends
among the white Americans; for the reason, that politicians, religionists,
colonizationists, and abolitionists, have each and all, at different times,
presumed to think for, dictate to, and know better what suited colored
people, than they knew for themselves; and consequently, there has been no
other knowledge of them obtained, than that which has been obtained
through these mediums. Their history—past, present, and future, has been
written by them, who, for reasons well known, which are named in this
volume, are not their representatives, and, therefore, do not properly nor
fairly present their wants and claims among their fellows. Of these
impressions, we design disabusing the public mind, and correcting the false
impressions of all classes upon this great subject. A moral and mental, is as
obnoxious as a physical servitude, and not to be tolerated; as the one may,
eventually, lead to the other. Of these we feel the direful effects.

"If I'm designed your lordling's slave,

By nature's law designed;
Why was an independent wish
E'er planted in my mind!"

I

CONDITION OF MANY CLASSES IN EUROPE
CONSIDERED
That there have been in all ages and in all countries, in every quarter of the
habitable globe, especially among those nations laying the greatest claim to
civilization and enlightenment, classes of people who have been deprived of
equal privileges, political, religious and social, cannot be denied, and that
this deprivation on the part of the ruling classes is cruel and unjust, is also
equally true. Such classes have even been looked upon as inferior to their
oppressors, and have ever been mainly the domestics and menials of
society, doing the low offices and drudgery of those among whom they
lived, moving about and existing by mere sufferance, having no rights nor
privileges but those conceded by the common consent of their political
superiors. These are historical facts that cannot be controverted, and
therefore proclaim in tones more eloquently than thunder, the listful
attention of every oppressed man, woman, and child under the government
of the people of the United States of America.
In past ages there were many such classes, as the Israelites in Egypt, the
Gladiators in Rome, and similar classes in Greece; and in the present age,
the Gipsies in Italy and Greece, the Cossacs in Russia and Turkey, the
Sclaves and Croats in the Germanic States, and the Welsh and Irish among
the British, to say nothing of various other classes among other nations.
That there have in all ages, in almost every nation, existed a nation within a
nation—a people who although forming a part and parcel of the population,
yet were from force of circumstances, known by the peculiar position they
occupied, forming in fact, by the deprivation of political equality with
others, no part, and if any, but a restricted part of the body politic of such
nations, is also true.
Such then are the Poles in Russia, the Hungarians in Austria, the Scotch,
Irish, and Welsh in the United Kingdom, and such also are the Jews,
scattered throughout not only the length and breadth of Europe, but almost
the habitable globe, maintaining their national characteristics, and looking

forward in high hopes of seeing the day when they may return to their
former national position of self-government and independence, let that be in
whatever part of the habitable world it may. This is the lot of these various
classes of people in Europe, and it is not our intention here, to discuss the
justice or injustice of the causes that have contributed to their degradation,
but simply to set forth the undeniable facts, which are as glaring as the rays
of a noonday's sun, thereby to impress them indelibly on the mind of every
reader of this pamphlet.
It is not enough, that these people are deprived of equal privileges by their
rulers, but, the more effectually to succeed, the equality of these classes
must be denied, and their inferiority by nature as distinct races, actually
asserted. This policy is necessary to appease the opposition that might be
interposed in their behalf. Wherever there is arbitrary rule, there must be
necessity, on the part of the dominant classes, superiority be assumed. To
assume superiority, is to deny the equality of others, and to deny their
equality, is to premise their incapacity for self-government. Let this once be
conceded, and there will be little or no sympathy for the oppressed, the
oppressor being left to prescribe whatever terms at discretion for their
government, suits his own purpose.
Such then is the condition of various classes in Europe; yes, nations, for
centuries within nations, even without the hope of redemption among those
who oppress them. And however unfavorable their condition, there is none
more so than that of the colored people of the United States.

II

COMPARATIVE CONDITION OF THE
COLORED PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES
The United States, untrue to her trust and unfaithful to her professed
principles of republican equality, has also pursued a policy of political
degradation to a large portion of her native born countrymen, and that class
is the Colored People. Denied an equality not only of political but of natural
rights, in common with the rest of our fellow citizens, there is no species of
degradation to which we are not subject.
Reduced to abject slavery is not enough, the very thought of which should
awaken every sensibility of our common nature; but those of their
descendants who are freemen even in the non-slaveholding States, occupy
the very same position politically, religiously, civilly and socially, (with but
few exceptions,) as the bondman occupies in the slave States.
In those States, the bondman is disfranchised, and for the most part so are
we. He is denied all civil, religious, and social privileges, except such as he
gets by mere sufferance, and so are we. They have no part nor lot in the
government of the country, neither have we. They are ruled and governed
without representation, existing as mere nonentities among the citizens, and
excrescences on the body politic—a mere dreg in community, and so are
we. Where then is our political superiority to the enslaved? none, neither are
we superior in any other relation to society, except that we are defacto
masters of ourselves and joint rulers of our own domestic household, while
the bondman's self is claimed by another, and his relation to his family
denied him. What the unfortunate classes are in Europe, such are we in the
United States, which is folly to deny, insanity not to understand, blindness
not to see, and surely now full time that our eyes were opened to these
startling truths, which for ages have stared us full in the face.
It is time that we had become politicians, we mean, to understand the
political economy and domestic policy of nations; that we had become as
well as moral theorists, also the practical demonstrators of equal rights and
self-government. Except we do, it is idle to talk about rights, it is mere

chattering for the sake of being seen and heard—like the slave, saying
something because his so called "master" said it, and saying just what he
told him to say. Have we not now sufficient intelligence among us to
understand our true position, to realise our actual condition, and determine
for ourselves what is best to be done? If we have not now, we never shall
have, and should at once cease prating about our equality, capacity, and all
that.
Twenty years ago, when the writer was a youth, his young and yet
uncultivated mind was aroused, and his tender heart made to leap with
anxiety in anticipation of the promises then held out by the prime movers in
the cause of our elevation.
In 1830 the most intelligent and leading spirits among the colored men in
the United States, such as James Forten, Robert Douglass, I. Bowers, A.D.
Shadd, John Peck, Joseph Cassey, and John B. Vashon of Pennsylvania;
John T. Hilton, Nathaniel and Thomas Paul, and James G. Barbodoes of
Massachusetts; Henry Sipkins, Thomas Hamilton, Thomas L. Jennings,
Thomas Downing, Samuel E. Cornish, and others of New York; R. Cooley
and others of Maryland, and representatives from other States which cannot
now be recollected, the data not being at hand, assembled in the city of
Philadelphia, in the capacity of a National Convention, to "devise ways and
means for the bettering of our condition." These Conventions determined to
assemble annually, much talent, ability, and energy of character being
displayed; when in 1831 at a sitting of the Convention in September, from
their previous pamphlet reports, much interest having been created
throughout the country, they were favored by the presence of a number of
whites, some of whom were able and distinguished men, such as Rev. R.R.
Gurley, Arthur Tappan, Elliot Cresson, John Rankin, Simeon Jocelyn and
others, among them William Lloyd Garrison, then quite a young man, all of
whom were staunch and ardent Colonizationists, young Garrison at that
time, doing his mightiest in his favorite work.
Among other great projects of interest brought before the convention at a
previous sitting, was that of the expediency of a general emigration, as far
as it was practicable, of the colored people to the British Provinces of North
America. Another was that of raising sufficient means for the establishment
and erection of a College for the proper education of the colored youth.

These gentlemen long accustomed to observation and reflection on the
condition of their people saw at once, that there must necessarily be means
used adequate to the end to be attained—that end being an unqualified
equality with the ruling class of their fellow citizens. He saw that as a class,
the colored people of the country were ignorant, degraded and oppressed,
by far the greater portion of them being abject slaves in the South, the very
condition of whom was almost enough, under the circumstances, to blast
the remotest hope of success, and those who were freemen, whether in the
South or North, occupied a subservient, servile, and menial position,
considering it a favor to get into the service of the whites, and do their
degrading offices. That the difference between the whites and themselves,
consisted in the superior advantages of the one over the other, in point of
attainments. That if a knowledge of the arts and sciences, the mechanical
occupations, the industrial occupations, as farming, commerce, and all the
various business enterprises, and learned professions were necessary for the
superior position occupied by their rulers, it was also necessary for them.
And very reasonably too, the first suggestion which occurred to them was,
the advantages of a location, then the necessity of a qualification. They
reasoned with themselves, that all distinctive differences made among men
on account of their origin, is wicked, unrighteous, and cruel, and never shall
receive countenance in any shape from us, therefore, the first acts of the
measure entered into by them, was to protest, solemnly protest, against
every unjust measure and policy in the country, having for its object the
proscription of the colored people, whether state, national, municipal,
social, civil, or religious.
But being far-sighted, reflecting, discerning men, they took a political view
of the subject, and determined for the good of their people to be governed in
their policy according to the facts as they presented themselves. In taking a
glance at Europe, they discovered there, however unjustly, as we have
shown in another part of this pamphlet, that there are and have been
numerous classes proscribed and oppressed, and it was not for them to cut
short their wise deliberations, and arrest their proceedings in contention, as
to the cause, whether on account of language, the color of eyes, hair, skin,
or their origin of country—because all this is contrary to reason, a
contradiction to common sense, at war with nature herself, and at variance
with facts as they stare us every day in the face, among all nations, in every

country—this being made the pretext as a matter of policy alone—a fact
worthy of observation, that wherever the objects of oppression are the most
easily distinguished by any peculiar or general characteristics, these people
are the more easily oppressed, because the war of oppression is the more
easily waged against them. This is the case with the modern Jews and many
other people who have strongly-marked, peculiar, or distinguishing
characteristics. This arises in this wise. The policy of all those who
proscribe any people, induces them to select as the objects of proscription,
those who differed as much as possible, in some particulars, from
themselves. This is to ensure the greater success, because it engenders the
greater prejudice, or in other words, elicits less interest on the part of the
oppressing class, in their favor. This fact is well understood in national
conflicts, as the soldier or civilian, who is distinguished by his dress,
mustache, or any other peculiar appendage, would certainly prove himself a
madman, if he did not take the precaution to change his dress, remove his
mustache, and conceal as much as possible his peculiar characteristics, to
give him access among the repelling party.
This is mere policy, nature having nothing to do with it. Still, it is a fact, a
great truth well worthy of remark, and as such as adduce it for the benefit of
those of our readers, unaccustomed to an enquiry into the policy of nations.
In view of these truths, our fathers and leaders in our elevation, discovered
that as a policy, we the colored people were selected as the subordinate
class in this country, not on account of any actual or supposed inferiority on
their part, but simply because, in view of all the circumstances of the case,
they were the very best class that could be selected. They would have as
readily had any other class as subordinates in the country, as the colored
people, but the condition of society at the time, would not admit of it. In the
struggle for American Independence, there were among those who
performed the most distinguished parts, the most common-place peasantry
of the Provinces. English, Danish, Irish, Scotch, and others, were among
those whose names blazoned forth as heroes in the American Revolution.
But a single reflection will convince us, that no course of policy could have
induced the proscription of the parentage and relatives of such men as
Benjamin Franklin the printer, Roger Sherman the cobbler, the tinkers, and
others of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. But as they were
determined to have a subservient class, it will readily be conceived, that

according to the state of society at the time, the better policy on their part
was, to select some class, who from their political position—however much
they may have contributed their aid as we certainly did, in the general
struggle for liberty by force of arms—who had the least claims upon them,
or who had the least chance, or was the least potent in urging their claims.
This class of course was the colored people and Indians.
The Indians who in the early settlement of the continent, before an African
captive had ever been introduced thereon, were reduced to the most abject
slavery, toiling day and night in the mines, under the relentless hands of
heartless Spanish taskmasters, but being a race of people raised to the sports
of fishing, the chase, and of war, were wholly unaccustomed to labor, and
therefore sunk under the insupportable weight, two millions and a half
having fallen victims to the cruelty of oppression and toil suddenly placed
upon their shoulders. And it was only this that prevented their farther
enslavement as a class, after the provinces were absolved from the British
Crown. It is true that their general enslavement took place on the islands
and in the mining districts of South America, where indeed, the Europeans
continued to enslave them, until a comparatively recent period; still, the
design, the feeling, and inclination from policy, was the same to do so here,
in this section of the continent.
Nor was it until their influence became too great, by the political position
occupied by their brethren in the new republic, that the German and Irish
peasantry ceased to be sold as slaves for a term of years fixed by law, for
the repayment of their passage-money, the descendants of these classes of
people for a long time being held as inferiors, in the estimation of the ruling
class, and it was not until they assumed the rights and privileges guaranteed
to them by the established policy of the country, among the leading spirits
of whom were their relatives, that the policy towards them was discovered
to be a bad one, and accordingly changed. Nor was it, as is frequently very
erroneously asserted, by colored as well as white persons, that it was on
account of hatred to the African, or in other words, on account of hatred to
his color, that the African was selected as the subject of oppression in this
country. This is sheer nonsense; being based on policy and nothing else, as
shown in another place. The Indians, who being the most foreign to the
sympathies of the Europeans on this continent, were selected in the first
place, who, being unable to withstand the hardships, gave way before them.

But the African race had long been known to Europeans, in all ages of the
worlds history, as a long-lived, hardy race, subject to toil and labor of
various kinds, subsisting mainly by traffic, trade, and industry, and
consequently being as foreign to the sympathies of the invaders of the
continent as the Indians, they were selected, captured, brought here as a
laboring class, and as a matter of policy held as such. Nor was the absurd
idea of natural inferiority of the African ever dreamed of, until recently
adduced by the slave-holders and their abettors, in justification of the
policy. This, with contemptuous indignation, we fling back into their face,
as a scorpion to a vulture. And so did our patriots and leaders in the cause of
regeneration know better, and never for a moment yielded to the base
doctrine. But they had discovered the great fact, that a cruel policy was
pursued towards our people, and that they possessed distinctive
characteristics which made them the objects of proscription. These
characteristics being strongly marked in the colored people, as in the
Indians, by color, character of hair and so on, made them the more easily
distinguished from other Americans, and the policies more effectually urged
against us. For this reason they introduced the subject of emigration to
Canada, and a proper institution for the education of the youth.
At this important juncture of their proceedings, the afore named white
gentlemen were introduced to the notice of the Convention, and after
gaining permission to speak, expressed their gratification and surprise at the
qualification and talent manifested by different members of the Convention,
all expressing their determination to give the cause of the colored people
more serious reflection. Mr. Garrison, the youngest of them all, and none
the less honest on account of his youthfulness, being but 26 years of age at
the time, (1831) expressed his determination to change his course of policy
at once, and espouse the cause of the elevation of the colored people here in
their own country. We are not at present well advised upon this point, it now
having escaped our memory, but we are under the impression that Mr.
Jocelyn also, at once changed his policy.
During the winter of 1832, Mr. Garrison issued his "Thoughts on African
Colonization," and near about the same time or shortly after, issued the first
number of the "Liberator," in both of which, his full convictions of the
enormity of American slavery, and the wickedness of their policy towards
the colored people, were fully expressed. At the sitting of the Convention in

this year, a number, perhaps all of these gentlemen were present, and those
who had denounced the Colonization scheme, and espoused the cause of the
elevation of the colored people in this country, or the Anti-Slavery cause, as
it was now termed, expressed themselves openly and without reserve.
Sensible of the high-handed injustice done to the colored people in the
United States, and the mischief likely to emanate from the unchristian
proceedings of the deceptious Colonization scheme, like all honest hearted
penitents, with the ardor only known to new converts, they entreated the
Convention, whatever they did, not to entertain for a moment, the idea of
recommending emigration to their people, nor the establishment of separate
institutions of learning. They earnestly contended, and doubtless honestly
meaning what they said, that they (the whites) had been our oppressors and
injurers, they had obstructed our progress to the high positions of
civilization, and now, it was their bounden duty to make full amends for the
injuries thus inflicted on an unoffending people. They exhorted the
Convention to cease; as they had laid on the burden, they would also take it
off; as they had obstructed our pathway, they would remove the hindrance.
In a word, as they had oppressed and trampled down the colored people,
they would now elevate them. These suggestions and promises, good
enough to be sure, after they were made, were accepted by the Convention
—though some gentlemen were still in favor of the first project as the best
policy, Mr. A.D. Shadd of West Chester, Pa., as we learn from himself,
being one among that number—ran through the country like wild-fire, no
one thinking, and if he thought, daring to speak above his breath of going
any where out of certain prescribed limits, or of sending a child to school, if
it should but have the name of "colored" attached to it, without the risk of
being termed a "traitor" to the cause of his people, or an enemy to the Anti-
Slavery cause.
At this important point in the history of our efforts, the colored men stopped
suddenly, and with their hands thrust deep in their breeches-pockets, and
their mouths gaping open, stood gazing with astonishment, wonder, and
surprise, at the stupendous moral colossal statues of our Anti-Slavery
friends and brethren, who in the heat and zeal of honest hearts, from a
desire to make atonement for the many wrongs inflicted, promised a great
deal more than they have ever been able half to fulfill, in thrice the period
in which they expected it. And in this, we have no fault to find with our

Anti-Slavery friends, and here wish it to be understood, that we are not
laying any thing to their charge as blame, neither do we desire for a moment
to reflect on them, because we heartily believe that all that they did at the
time, they did with the purest and best of motives, and further believe that
they now are, as they then were, the truest friends we have among the
whites in this country. And hope, and desire, and request, that our people
should always look upon true anti-slavery people, Abolitionists we mean, as
their friends, until they have just cause for acting otherwise. It is true, that
the Anti-Slavery, like all good causes, has produced some recreants, but the
cause itself is no more to be blamed for that, than Christianity is for the
malconduct of any professing hypocrite, nor the society of Friends, for the
conduct of a broad-brimmed hat and shad-belly coated horsethief, because
he spoke thee and thou before stealing the horse. But what is our condition
even amidst our Anti-Slavery friends? And here, as our sole intention is to
contribute to the elevation of our people, we must be permitted to express
our opinion freely, without being thought uncharitable.
In the first place, we should look at the objects for which the Anti-Slavery
cause was commenced, and the promises or inducements it held out at the
commencement. It should be borne in mind, that Anti-Slavery took its rise
among colored men, just at the time they were introducing their greatest
projects for their own elevation, and that our Anti-Slavery brethren were
converts of the colored men, in behalf of their elevation. Of course, it would
be expected that being baptized into the new doctrines, their faith would
induce them to embrace the principles therein contained, with the strictest
possible adherence.
The cause of dissatisfaction with our former condition, was, that we were
proscribed, debarred, and shut out from every respectable position,
occupying the places of inferiors and menials.
It was expected that Anti-Slavery, according to its professions, would
extend to colored persons, as far as in the power of its adherents, those
advantages nowhere else to be obtained among white men. That colored
boys would get situations in their shops and stores, and every other
advantage tending to elevate them as far as possible, would be extended to
them. At least, it was expected, that in Anti-Slavery establishments, colored
men would have the preference. Because, there was no other ostensible

object in view, in the commencement of the Anti-Slavery enterprise, than
the elevation of the colored man, by facilitating his efforts in attaining to
equality with the white man. It was urged, and it was true, that the colored
people were susceptible of all that the whites were, and all that was required
was to give them a fair opportunity, and they would prove their capacity.
That it was unjust, wicked, and cruel, the result of an unnatural prejudice,
that debarred them from places of respectability, and that public opinion
could and should be corrected upon this subject. That it was only necessary
to make a sacrifice of feeling, and an innovation on the customs of society,
to establish a different order of things,—that as Anti-Slavery men, they
were willing to make these sacrifices, and determined to take the colored
man by the hand, making common cause with him in affliction, and bear a
part of the odium heaped upon him. That his cause was the cause of God—
that "In as much as ye did it not unto the least of these my little ones, ye did
it not unto me," and that as Anti-Slavery men, they would "do right if the
heavens fell." Thus, was the cause espoused, and thus did we expect much.
But in all this, we were doomed to disappointment, sad, sad disappointment.
Instead of realising what we had hoped for, we find ourselves occupying the
very same position in relation to our Anti-Slavery friends, as we do in
relation to the pro-slavery part of the community—a mere secondary,
underling position, in all our relations to them, and any thing more than
this, is not a matter of course affair—it comes not by established anti-
slavery custom or right, but like that which emanates from the pro-slavery
portion of the community by mere sufferance.
It is true, that the "Liberator" office, in Boston, has got Elijah Smith, a
colored youth, at the cases—the "Standard," in New York, a young colored
man, and the "Freeman," in Philadelphia, William Still, another, in the
publication office, as "packing clerk"; yet these are but three out of the
hosts that fill these offices in their various departments, all occupying
places that could have been, and as we once thought, would have been,
easily enough, occupied by colored men. Indeed, we can have no other idea
about anti-slavery in this country, than that the legitimate persons to fill any
and every position about an anti-slavery establishment are colored persons.
Nor will it do to argue in extenuation, that white men are as justly entitled
to them as colored men; because white men do not from necessity become
anti-slavery men in order to get situations; they being white men, may

occupy any position they are capable of filling—in a word, their chances
are endless, every avenue in the country being opened to them. They do not
therefore become abolitionists, for the sake of employment—at least, it is
not the song that anti-slavery sung, in the first love of the new faith,
proclaimed by its disciples.
And if it be urged that colored men are incapable as yet to fill these
positions, all that we have to say is, that the cause has fallen far short;
almost equivalent to a failure, of a tithe, of what it promised to do in half
the period of its existence, to this time, if it have not as yet, now a period of
twenty years, raised up colored men enough, to fill the offices within its
patronage. We think it is not unkind to say, if it had been half as faithful to
itself, as it should have been—its professed principles we mean; it could
have reared and tutored from childhood, colored men enough by this time,
for its own especial purpose. These we know could have been easily
obtained, because colored people in general, are favorable to the anti-
slavery cause, and wherever there is an adverse manifestation, it arises from
sheer ignorance; and we have now but comparatively few such among us.
There is one thing certain, that no colored person, except such as would
reject education altogether, would be adverse to putting their child with an
anti-slavery person, for educational advantages. This then could have been
done. But it has not been done, and let the cause of it be whatever it may,
and let whoever may be to blame, we are willing to let all that pass, and
extend to our anti-slavery brethren the right-hand of fellowship, bidding
them God-speed in the propagation of good and wholesome sentiments—
for whether they are practically carried out or not, the profession are in
themselves all right and good. Like Christianity, the principles are holy and
of divine origin. And we believe, if ever a man started right, with pure and
holy motives, Mr. Garrison did; and that, had he the power of making the
cause what it should be, it would all be right, and there never would have
been any cause for the remarks we have made, though in kindness, and with
the purest of motives. We are nevertheless, still occupying a miserable
position in the community, wherever we live; and what we most desire is, to
draw the attention of our people to this fact, and point out what, in our
opinion, we conceive to be a proper remedy.

III

AMERICAN COLONIZATION
When we speak of colonization, we wish distinctly to be understood, as
speaking of the "American Colonization Society"—or that which is under
its influence—commenced in Richmond, Virginia, in 1817, under the
influence of Mr. Henry Clay of Ky., Judge Bushrod Washington of Va., and
other Southern slaveholders, having for their express object, as their
speeches and doings all justify us in asserting in good faith, the removal of
the free colored people from the land of their birth, for the security of the
slaves, as property to the slave propagandists.
This scheme had no sooner been propagated, than the old and leading
colored men of Philadelphia, Pa., with Richard Allen, James Forten, and
others at their head, true to their trust and the cause of their brethren,
summoned the colored people together, and then and there, in language and
with voices pointed and loud, protested against the scheme as an outrage,
having no other object in view, than the benefit of the slave-holding
interests of the country, and that as freemen, they would never prove
recreant to the cause of their brethren in bondage, by leaving them without
hope of redemption from their chains. This determination of the colored
patriots of Philadelphia was published in full, authentically, and circulated
throughout the length and breadth of the country by the papers of the day.
The colored people every where received the news, and at once endorsed
with heart and soul, the doings of the Anti-Colonization Meeting of colored
freemen. From that time forth, the colored people generally have had no
sympathy with the colonization scheme, nor confidence in its leaders,
looking upon them all, as arrant hypocrites, seeking every opportunity to
deceive them. In a word, the monster was crippled in its infancy, and has
never as yet recovered from the stroke. It is true, that like its ancient sire,
that was "more subtile than all the beasts of the field," it has inherited a
large portion of his most prominent characteristic—an idiosyncrasy with the
animal—that enables him to entwine himself into the greater part of the
Church and other institutions of the country, which having once entered
there, leaves his venom, which put such a spell on the conductors of those
institutions, that is only on condition that a colored person consents to go to

the neighborhood of his kindred brother monster the boa, that he may find
admission in the one or the other. We look upon the American Colonization
Society as one of the most arrant enemies of the colored man, ever seeking
to discomfit him, and envying him of every privilege that he may enjoy. We
believe it to be anti-Christian in its character, and misanthropic in its
pretended sympathies. Because if this were not the case, men could not be
found professing morality and Christianity—as to our astonishment we
have found them—who unhesitatingly say, "I know it is right"—that is in
itself—"to do" so and so, "and I am willing and ready to do it, but only on
condition, that you go to Africa." Indeed, a highly talented clergyman,
informed us in November last (three months ago) in the city of
Philadelphia, that he was present when the Rev. Doctor J.P. Durbin, late
President of Dickinson College, called on Rev. Mr. P. or B., to consult him
about going to Liberia, to take charge of the literary department of an
University in contemplation, when the following conversation ensued: Mr.
P.—"Doctor, I have as much and more than I can do here, in educating the
youth of our own country, and preparing them for usefulness here at home."
Dr. D.—"Yes, but do as you may, you can never be elevated here." Mr. P.
—"Doctor, do you not believe that the religion of our blessed Redeemer
Jesus Christ, has morality, humanity, philanthropy, and justice enough in it
to elevate us, and enable us to obtain our rights in this our own country?"
Dr. D.—"No, indeed, sir, I do not, and if you depend upon that, your hopes
are vain!" Mr. P.—Turning to Doctor Durbin, looking him solemnly, though
affectionately in the face, remarked—"Well, Doctor Durbin, we both
profess to be ministers of Christ; but dearly as I love the cause of my
Redeemer, if for a moment, I could entertain the opinion you do about
Christianity, I would not serve him another hour!" We do not know, as we
were not advised, that the Rev. Doctor added in fine,—"Well, you may quit
now, for all your serving him will not avail against the power of the god
(hydra) of Colonization." Will any one doubt for a single moment, the
justice of our strictures on colonization, after reading the conversation
between the Rev. Dr. Durbin and the colored clergyman? Surely not. We
can therefore make no account of it, but that of setting it down as being the
worst enemy of the colored people.
Recently, there has been a strained effort in the city of New York on the part
of the Rev. J.B. Pinney and others, of the leading white colonizationists, to

get up a movement among some poor pitiable colored men—we say
pitiable, for certainly the colored persons who are at this period capable of
loaning themselves to the enemies of their race, against the best interest of
all that we hold sacred to that race, are pitiable in the lowest extreme, far
beneath the dignity of an enemy, and therefore, we pass them by with the
simple remark, that this is the hobby that colonization is riding all over the
country, as the "tremendous" access of colored people to their cause within
the last twelve months. We should make another remark here perhaps, in
justification of governor Pinney's New York allies—that is, report says, that
in the short space of some three or five months, one of his confidants,
benefited himself to the "reckoning" of from eleven to fifteen hundred
dollars, or "such a matter," while others were benefited in sums "pretty
considerable" but of a less "reckoning." Well, we do not know after all, that
they may not have quite as good a right, to pocket part of the spoils of this
"grab game," as any body else. However, they are of little consequence, as
the ever watchful eye of those excellent gentlemen and faithful guardians of
their people's rights—the Committee of Thirteen, consisting of Messrs. John
J. Zuille, Chairman, T. Joiner White, Philip A. Bell, Secretaries, Robert
Hamilton, George T. Downing, Jeremiah Powers, John T. Raymond, Wm.
Burnett, James McCune Smith, Ezekiel Dias, Junius C. Morel, Thomas
Downing, and Wm. J. Wilson, have properly chastised this pet-slave of Mr.
Pinney, and made it "know its place," by keeping within the bounds of its
master's enclosure.
In expressing our honest conviction of the designedly injurious character of
the Colonization Society, we should do violence to our own sense of
individual justice, if we did not express the belief, that there are some
honest hearted men, who not having seen things in the proper light, favor
that scheme, simply as a means of elevating the colored people. Such
persons, so soon as they become convinced of their error, immediately
change their policy, and advocate the elevation of the colored people,
anywhere and everywhere, in common with other men. Of such were the
early abolitionists as before stated; and the great and good Dr. F.J.
Lemoyne, Gerrit Smith, and Rev. Charles Avery, and a host of others, who
were Colonizationists, before espousing the cause of our elevation, here at
home, and nothing but an honorable sense of justice, induces us to make
these exceptions, as there are many good persons within our knowledge,

whom we believe to be well wishers of the colored people, who may favor
colonization.[1] But the animal itself is the same "hydra-headed monster,"
let whomsoever may fancy to pet it. A serpent is a serpent, and none the less
a viper, because nestled in the bosom of an honest hearted man. This the
colored people must bear in mind, and keep clear of the hideous thing, lest
its venom may be test upon them. But why deem any argument necessary to
show the unrighteousness of colonization? Its very origin as before shown
—the source from whence it sprung, being the offspring of slavery—is in
itself, sufficient to blast it in the estimation of every colored person in the
United States, who has sufficient intelligence to comprehend it.
We dismiss this part of the subject, and proceed to consider the mode and
means of our elevation in the United States.

FOOTNOTE:

[1] Benjamin Coates, Esq., a merchant of Philadelphia, we believe to be an
honest hearted man, and real friend of the colored people, and a true,
though as yet, rather undecided philanthropist. Mr. Coates, to our
knowledge, has supported three or four papers published by colored men,
for the elevation of colored people in the United States, and given, as he
continues to do, considerable sums to their support. We have recently
learned from himself, that, though he still advocates Colonization, simply as
a means of elevating the colored race of the United States, that he has left
the Colonization Society, and prefers seeing colored people located on this
continent, to going to Liberia, or elsewhere off of it—though his zeal for the
enlightenment of Africa, is unabated, as every good man's should be; and
we are satisfied, that Mr. Coates is neither well understood, nor rightly
appreciated by the friends of our cause. One thing we do know, that he left
the Colonization Society, because he could not conscientiously subscribe to
its measures.

IV

OUR ELEVATION IN THE UNITED STATES
That very little comparatively as yet has been done, to attain a respectable
position as a class in this country, will not be denied, and that the successful
accomplishment of this end is also possible, must also be admitted; but in
what manner, and by what means, has long been, and is even now, by the
best thinking minds among the colored people themselves, a matter of
difference of opinion.
We believe in the universal equality of man, and believe in that declaration
of God's word, in which it is there positively said, that "God has made of
one blood all the nations that dwell on the face of the earth." Now of "the
nations that dwell on the face of the earth," that is, all the people—there are
one thousand millions of souls, and of this vast number of human beings,
two-thirds are colored, from black, tending in complexion to the olive or
that of the Chinese, with all the intermediate and admixtures of black and
white, with the various "crosses" as they are physiologically, but
erroneously termed, to white. We are thus explicit in stating these points,
because we are determined to be understood by all. We have then, two
colored to one white person throughout the earth, and yet, singular as it may
appear, according to the present geographical and political history of the
world, the white race predominates over the colored; or in other words,
wherever there is one white person, that one rules and governs two colored
persons. This is a living undeniable truth, to which we call the especial
attention of the colored reader in particular. Now there is a cause for this, as
there is no effect without a cause, a comprehensible remediable cause. We
all believe in the justice of God, that he is impartial, "looking upon his
children with an eye of care," dealing out to them all, the measure of his
goodness; yet, how can we reconcile ourselves to the difference that exists
between the colored and the white races, as they truthfully present
themselves before our eyes? To solve this problem, is to know the remedy;
and to know it, is but necessary, in order successfully to apply it. And we
shall but take the colored people of the United States, as a fair sample of the
colored races everywhere of the present age, as the arguments that apply to

the one, will apply to the other, whether Christians, Mahomedans, or
pagans.
The colored races are highly susceptible of religion; it is a constituent
principle of their nature, and an excellent trait in their character. But
unfortunately for them, they carry it too far. Their hope is largely
developed, and consequently, they usually stand still—hope in God, and
really expect Him to do that for them, which it is necessary they should do
themselves. This is their great mistake, and arises from a misconception of
the character and ways of Deity. We must know God, that is understand His
nature and purposes, in order to serve Him; and to serve Him well, is but to
know him rightly. To depend for assistance upon God, is a duty and right;
but to know when, how, and in what manner to obtain it, is the key to this
great Bulwark of Strength, and Depository of Aid.
God himself is perfect; perfect in all his works and ways. He has means for
every end; and every means used must be adequate to the end to be gained.
God's means are laws—fixed laws of nature, a part of His own being, and
as immutable, as unchangeable as Himself. Nothing can be accomplished
but through the medium of, and conformable to these laws.
They are three—and like God himself, represented in the three persons in
the God-head—the Spiritual, Moral and Physical Laws.
That which is Spiritual, can only be accomplished through the medium of
the Spiritual law; that which is Moral, through the medium of the Moral
law; and that which is Physical, through the medium of the Physical law.
Otherwise than this, it is useless to expect any thing. Does a person want a
spiritual blessing, he must apply through the medium of the spiritual law—
pray for it in order to obtain it. If they desire to do a moral good, they must
apply through the medium of the moral law—exercise their sense and
feeling of right and justice, in order to effect it. Do they want to attain a
physical end, they can only do so through the medium of the physical law—
go to work with muscles, hands, limbs, might and strength, and this, and
nothing else will attain it.
The argument that man must pray for what he receives, is a mistake, and
one that is doing the colored people especially, incalculable injury. That
man must pray in order to get to Heaven, every Christian will admit—but a

great truth we have yet got to learn, that he can live on earth whether he is
religious or not, so that he conforms to the great law of God, regulating the
things of earth; the great physical laws. It is only necessary, in order to
convince our people of their error and palpable mistake in this matter, to
call their attention to the fact, that there are no people more religious in this
Country, than the colored people, and none so poor and miserable as they.
That prosperity and wealth, smiles upon the efforts of wicked white men,
whom we know to utter the name of God with curses, instead of praises.
That among the slaves, there are thousands of them religious, continually
raising their voices, sending up their prayers to God, invoking His aid in
their behalf, asking for a speedy deliverance; but they are still in chains,
although they have thrice suffered out their three score years and ten. That
"God sendeth rain upon the just and unjust," should be sufficient to
convince us that our success in life, does not depend upon our religious
character, but that the physical laws governing all earthly and temporary
affairs, benefit equally the just and the unjust. Any other doctrine than this,
is downright delusion, unworthy of a free people, and only intended for
slaves. That all men and women, should be moral, upright, good and
religious—we mean Christians—we would not utter a word against, and
could only wish that it were so; but, what we here desire to do is, to correct
the long standing error among a large body of the colored people in this
country, that the cause of our oppression and degradation, is the displeasure
of God towards us, because of our unfaithfulness to Him. This is not true;
because if God is just—and he is—there could be no justice in prospering
white men with his fostering care, for more than two thousand years, in all
their wickedness, while dealing out to the colored people, the measure of
his displeasure, for not half the wickedness as that of the whites. Here then
is our mistake, and let it forever henceforth be corrected. We are no longer
slaves, believing any interpretation that our oppressors may give the word
of God, for the purpose of deluding us to the more easy subjugation; but
freemen, comprising some of the first minds of intelligence and rudimental
qualifications, in the country. What then is the remedy, for our degradation
and oppression? This appears now to be the only remaining question—the
means of successful elevation in this our own native land? This depends
entirely upon the application of the means of Elevation.

V

MEANS OF ELEVATION
Moral theories have long been resorted to by us, as a means of effecting the
redemption of our brethren in bonds, and the elevation of the free colored
people in this country. Experience has taught us, that speculations are not
enough; that the practical application of principles adduced, the thing
carried out, is the only true and proper course to pursue.
We have speculated and moralised much about equality—claiming to be as
good as our neighbors, and every body else—all of which, may do very
well in ethics—but not in politics. We live in society among men,
conducted by men, governed by rules and regulations. However arbitrary,
there are certain policies that regulate all well organized institutions and
corporate bodies. We do not intend here to speak of the legal political
relations of society, for those are treated on elsewhere. The business and
social, or voluntary and mutual policies, are those that now claim our
attention. Society regulates itself—being governed by mind, which like
water, finds its own level. "Like seeks like," is a principle in the laws of
matter, as well as of mind. There is such a thing as inferiority of things, and
positions; at least society has made them so; and while we continue to live
among men, we must agree to all just measures—all those we mean, that do
not necessarily infringe on the rights of others. By the regulations of
society, there is no equality of attainments. By this, we do not wish to be
understood as advocating the actual equal attainments of every individual;
but we mean to say, that if these attainments be necessary for the elevation
of the white man, they are necessary for the elevation of the colored man.
That some colored men and women, in a like proportion to the whites,
should be qualified in all the attainments possessed by them. It is one of the
regulations of society the world over, and we shall have to conform to it, or
be discarded as unworthy of the associations of our fellows.
Cast our eyes about us and reflect for a moment, and what do we behold!
every thing that presents to view gives evidence of the skill of the white
man. Should we purchase a pound of groceries, a yard of linen, a vessel of
crockery-ware, a piece of furniture, the very provisions that we eat,—all, all

are the products of the white man, purchased by us from the white man,
consequently, our earnings and means, are all given to the white man.
Pass along the avenues of any city or town, in which you live—behold the
trading shops—the manufacturies—see the operations of the various
machinery—see the stage-coaches coming in, bringing the mails of
intelligence—look at the railroads interlining every section, bearing upon
them their mighty trains, flying with the velocity of the swallow, ushering
in the hundreds of industrious, enterprising travellers. Cast again your eyes
widespread over the ocean—see the vessels in every direction with their
white sheets spread to the winds of heaven, freighted with the commerce,
merchandise and wealth of many nations. Look as you pass along through
the cities, at the great and massive buildings—the beautiful and extensive
structures of architecture—behold the ten thousand cupolas, with their
spires all reared up towards heaven, intersecting the territory of the clouds
—all standing as mighty living monuments, of the industry, enterprise, and
intelligence of the white man. And yet, with all these living truths, rebuking
us with scorn, we strut about, place our hands akimbo, straighten up
ourselves to our greatest height, and talk loudly about being "as good as any
body." How do we compare with them? Our fathers are their coachmen, our
brothers their cookmen, and ourselves their waiting-men. Our mothers their
nurse-women, our sisters their scrub-women, our daughters their maid-
women, and our wives their washer-women. Until colored men, attain to a
position above permitting their mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters, to do
the drudgery and menial offices of other men's wives and daughters; it is
useless, it is nonsense, it is pitiable mockery, to talk about equality and
elevation in society. The world is looking upon us, with feelings of
commiseration, sorrow, and contempt. We scarcely deserve sympathy, if we
peremptorily refuse advice, bearing upon our elevation.
We will suppose a case for argument: In this city reside, two colored
families, of three sons and three daughters each. At the head of each family,
there is an old father and mother. The opportunities of these families, may
or may not be the same for educational advantages—be that as it may, the
children of the one go to school, and become qualified for the duties of life.
One daughter becomes school-teacher, another a mantua-maker, and a third
a fancy shop-keeper; while one son becomes a farmer, another a merchant,
and a third a mechanic. All enter into business with fine prospects, marry

respectably, and settle down in domestic comfort—while the six sons and
daughters of the other family, grow up without educational and business
qualifications, and the highest aim they have, is to apply to the sons and
daughters of the first named family, to hire for domestics! Would there be
an equality here between the children of these two families? Certainly not.
This, then, is precisely the position of the colored people generally in the
United States, compared with the whites. What is necessary to be done, in
order to attain an equality, is to change the condition, and the person is at
once changed. If, as before stated, a knowledge of all the various business
enterprises, trades, professions, and sciences, is necessary for the elevation
of the white, a knowledge of them also is necessary for the elevation of the
colored man; and he cannot be elevated without them.
White men are producers—we are consumers. They build houses, and we
rent them. They raise produce, and we consume it. They manufacture
clothes and wares, and we garnish ourselves with them. They build coaches,
vessels, cars, hotels, saloons, and other vehicles and places of
accommodation, and we deliberately wait until they have got them in
readiness, then walk in, and contend with as much assurance for a "right,"
as though the whole thing was bought by, paid for, and belonged to us. By
their literary attainments, they are the contributors to, authors and teachers
of, literature, science, religion, law, medicine, and all other useful
attainments that the world now makes use of. We have no reference to
ancient times—we speak of modern things.
These are the means by which God intended man to succeed: and this
discloses the secret of the white man's success with all of his wickedness,
over the head of the colored man, with all of his religion. We have been
pointed and plain, on this part of the subject, because we desire our readers
to see persons and things in their true position. Until we are determined to
change the condition of things, and raise ourselves above the position in
which we are now prostrated, we must hang our heads in sorrow, and hide
our faces in shame. It is enough to know that these things are so; the causes
we care little about. Those we have been examining, complaining about,
and moralising over, all our life time. This we are weary of. What we desire
to learn now is, how to effect a remedy; this we have endeavored to point
out. Our elevation must be the result of self-efforts, and work of our own
hands. No other human power can accomplish it. If we but determine it

shall be so, it will be so. Let each one make the case his own, and endeavor
to rival his neighbor, in honorable competition.
These are the proper and only means of elevating ourselves and attaining
equality in this country or any other, and it is useless, utterly futile, to think
about going any where, except we are determined to use these as the
necessary means of developing our manhood. The means are at hand,
within our reach. Are we willing to try them? Are we willing to raise
ourselves superior to the condition of slaves, or continue the meanest
underlings, subject to the beck and call of every creature bearing a pale
complexion? If we are, we had as well remained in the South, as to have
come to the North in search of more freedom. What was the object of our
parents in leaving the south, if it were not for the purpose of attaining
equality in common with others of their fellow citizens, by giving their
children access to all the advantages enjoyed by others? Surely this was
their object. They heard of liberty and equality here, and they hastened on
to enjoy it, and no people are more astonished and disappointed than they,
who for the first time, on beholding the position we occupy here in the free
north—what is called, and what they expect to find, the free States. They at
once tell us, that they have as much liberty in the south as we have in the
north—that there as free people, they are protected in their rights—that we
have nothing more—that in other respects they have the same opportunity,
indeed the preferred opportunity, of being their maids, servants, cooks,
waiters, and menials in general, there, as we have here—that had they
known for a moment, before leaving, that such was to be the only position
they occupied here, they would have remained where they were, and never
left. Indeed, such is the disappointment in many cases, that they
immediately return back again, completely insulted at the idea, of having us
here at the north, assume ourselves to be their superiors. Indeed, if our
superior advantages of the free States, do not induce and stimulate us to the
higher attainments in life, what in the name of degraded humanity will do
it? Nothing, surely nothing. If, in fine, the advantages of free schools in
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and wherever
else we may have them, do not give us advantages and pursuits superior to
our slave brethren, then are the unjust assertions of Messrs. Henry Clay,
John C. Calhoun, Theodore Frelinghuysen, late Governor Poindexter of
Mississippi, George McDuffy, Governor Hammond of South Carolina,

Extra Billy (present Governor) Smith, of Virginia, and the host of our
oppressors, slave-holders and others, true, that we are insusceptible and
incapable of elevation to the more respectable, honorable, and higher
attainments among white men. But this we do not believe—neither do you,
although our whole life and course of policy in this country are such, that it
would seem to prove otherwise. The degradation of the slave parent has
been entailed upon the child, induced by the subtle policy of the oppressor,
in regular succession handed down from father to son—a system of regular
submission and servitude, menialism and dependence, until it has become
almost a physiological function of our system, an actual condition of our
nature. Let this no longer be so, but let us determine to equal the whites
among whom we live, not by declarations and unexpressed self-opinion, for
we have always had enough of that, but by actual proof in acting, doing,
and carrying out practically, the measures of equality. Here is our nativity,
and here have we the natural right to abide and be elevated through the
measures of our own efforts.

VI

THE UNITED STATES OUR COUNTRY
Our common country is the United States. Here were we born, here raised
and educated; here are the scenes of childhood; the pleasant associations of
our school going days; the loved enjoyments of our domestic and fireside
relations, and the sacred graves of our departed fathers and mothers, and
from here will we not be driven by any policy that may be schemed against
us.
We are Americans, having a birthright citizenship—natural claims upon the
country—claims common to all others of our fellow citizens—natural
rights, which may, by virtue of unjust laws, be obstructed, but never can be
annulled. Upon these do we place ourselves, as immovably fixed as the
decrees of the living God. But according to the economy that regulates the
policy of nations, upon which rests the basis of justifiable claims to all
freeman's rights, it may be necessary to take another view of, and enquire
into the political claims of colored men.

VII

CLAIMS OF COLORED MEN AS CITIZENS
OF THE UNITED STATES
The political basis upon which rests the establishment of all free nations, as
the first act in their organization, is the security by constitutional provisions,
of the fundamental claims of citizenship.
The legitimate requirement, politically considered, necessary to the
justifiable claims for protection and full enjoyment of all the rights and
privileges of an unqualified freeman, in all democratic countries is, that
each person so endowed, shall have made contributions and investments in
the country. Where there is no investment there can be but little interest;
hence an adopted citizen is required to reside a sufficient length of time, to
form an attachment and establish some interest in the country of his
adoption, before he can rightfully lay any claims to citizenship. The pioneer
who leads in the discovery or settlement of a country, as the first act to
establish a right therein, erects a building of whatever dimensions, and
seizes upon a portion of the soil. The soldier, who braves the dangers of the
battle-field, in defence of his country's rights, and the toiling laborer and
husbandman, who cuts down and removes the forest, levels and constructs
post-roads and other public highways—the mechanic, who constructs and
builds up houses, villages, towns, and cities, for the conveniency of
inhabitants—the farmer, who cultivates the soil for the production of
breadstuffs and forage, as food and feed for man and beast—all of these are
among the first people of a democratic state, whose claims are legitimate as
freemen of the commonwealth. A freeman in a political sense, is a citizen of
unrestricted rights in the state, being eligible to the highest position known
to their civil code. They are the preferred persons in whom may be invested
the highest privileges, and to whom may be entrusted fundamentally the
most sacred rights of the country; because, having made the greatest
investments, they necessarily have the greatest interests; and consequently,
are the safest hands into which to place so high and sacred a trust. Their
interest being the country's, and the interest of the country being the interest
of the people; therefore, the protection of their own interests necessarily

protects the interests of the whole country and people. It is this simple but
great principle of primitive rights, that forms the fundamental basis of
citizenship in all free countries, and it is upon this principle, that the rights
of the colored man in this country to citizenship are fixed.
The object of this volume is, to enlighten the minds of a large class of
readers upon a subject with which they are unacquainted, expressed in
comprehensible language, therefore we have studiously avoided using
political and legal phrases, that would serve more to perplex than inform
them. To talk about the barons, King John, and the Magna Charta, would be
foreign to a work like this, and only destroy the interest that otherwise
might be elicited in the subject. Our desire is, to arrest the attention of the
American people in general, and the colored people in particular, to great
truths as heretofore but little thought of. What claims then have colored
men, based upon the principles set forth, as fundamentally entitled to
citizenship? Let the living records of history answer the enquiry.
When Christopher Columbus, in 1492, discovered America, natives were
found to pay little or no attention to cultivation, being accustomed by
hereditary pursuit, to war, fishing, and the sports of the chase. The
Spaniards and Portuguese, as well as other Europeans who ventured here,
came as mineral speculators, and not for the purpose of improving the
country.
As the first objects of speculation are the developments of the mineral
wealth of every newly discovered country, so was it with this. Those who
came to the new world, were not of the common people, seeking in a distant
land the means of livelihood, but moneyed capitalists, the grandees and
nobles, who reduced the natives to servitude by confining them to the
mines. To have brought large numbers of the peasantry at that early period,
from the monarchies of Europe, to the wilds of America, far distant from
the civil and military powers of the home governments, would have been to
place the means of self-control into their own hands, and invite them to
rebellion against the crowns. The capitalist miners were few, compared to
the number of laborers required; and the difficulty at that time of the
transportation of suitable provisions for their sustenance, conduced much to
the objection of bringing them here. The natives were numerous, then easily
approached by the wily seductions of the Europeans, easily yoked and

supported, having the means of sustenance at hand, the wild fruits and game
of the forest, the fish of the waters and birds of the country. All these as
naturally enough, European adventurers would be cautious against
introducing into common use among hundreds of thousands of laborers,
under all the influences incident of a foreign climate in a foreign country, in
its primitive natural state. The Indians were then preferred for many
reasons, as the common laborers on the continent, where nothing but the
mining interests were thought of or carried on. This noble race of
Aborigines, continued as the common slaves of the new world, to bear the
yoke of foreign oppression, until necessity induced a substitute for them.
They sunk by scores under the heavy weight of oppression, and were fast
passing from the shores of time. At this, the foreigners grew alarmed, and of
necessity, devised ways and means to obtain an adequate substitute. A few
European laborers were brought into the country, but the influence of
climate and mode of living, operated entirely against them. They were as
inadequate to stand the climate, as the nobles were themselves.
From the earliest period of the history of nations, the African race had been
known as an industrious people, cultivators of the soil. The grain fields of
Ethiopia and Egypt were the themes of the poet, and their garners, the
subject of the historian. Like the present America, all the world went to
Africa, to get a supply of commodities. Their massive piles of masonry,
their skilful architecture, their subterranean vaults, their deep and
mysterious wells, their extensive artificial channels, their mighty sculptured
solid rocks, and provinces of stone quarries; gave indisputable evidence, of
the hardihood of that race of people.
Nor was Africa then, without the evidence of industry, as history will
testify. All travelers who had penetrated towards the interior of the
continent, have been surprised at the seeming state of civilization and
evidences of industry among the inhabitants of that vast country. These
facts were familiar to Europeans, who were continually trading on the coast
of Africa, as it was then the most important part of adventure and research,
known to the world. In later periods still, the history of African travelers,
confirm all the former accounts concerning the industry of the people.
John and Richard Lander, two young English noblemen, in 1828, under the
patronage of the English government, sailed to the western coast of Africa,

on an expedition of research. In their voyage up the river Niger, their
description of the scenes is extravagant. They represent the country on each
side of the river, for several hundred miles up the valley, as being not only
beautiful and picturesque, but the fields as in a high state of cultivation,
clothed in the verdure of husbandry, waving before the gentle breezes, with
the rich products of industry—maize, oats, rye, millet, and wheat, being
among the fruits of cultivation. The fences were of various descriptions:
hedge, wicker, some few pannel, and the old fashioned zig-zag, known as
the "Virginia worm fence"—the hedge and worm fence being the most
common. Their cattle were fine and in good order, looking in every
particular, except perhaps in size, as well as European cattle on the best
managed farms. The fruit groves were delightful to the eye of the beholder.
Every variety common to the country, were there to be seen in a high state
of cultivation. Their roads and public highways were in good condition, and
well laid out, as by the direction of skillful supervising surveyors. The
villages, towns, and cities, many of them, being a credit to the people. Their
cities were well laid out, and presented evidence of educated minds and
mechanical ingenuity. In many of the workshops in which they went, they
found skillful workmen, in iron, copper, brass, steel, and gold; and their
implements of husbandry and war, were as well manufactured by African
sons of toil, as any in the English manufactories, save that they had not
quite so fine a finish, garnish and embellishment. This is a description,
given of the industry and adaptedness of the people of Africa, to labor and
toil of every kind. As it was very evident, that where there were
manufactories of various metals, the people must of necessity be inured to
mining operations, so it was also very evident, that this people must be a
very hardy and enduring people.
In 1442, fifty years previous to the sailing of Columbus in search of a new
world, Anthony Gonzales, Portuguese, took from the gold coast of Guinea,
ten Africans and a quantity of gold dust, which he carried back to Lisbon
with him. These Africans were set immediately to work in the gardens of
the emperor, which so pleased his queen, that the number were much
augmented, all of whom were found to be skillful and industrious in
agriculture.
In 1481, eleven years prior to the discovery by Columbus, the Portuguese
built a fort on the Gold Coast, and there commenced mining in search of

gold. During this time until the year 1502, a period of ten years, had there
been no other evidence, there was sufficient time and opportunity, to give
full practical demonstrations of the capacity of this people to endure toil,
especially in the mining operations, and for this cause and this alone, were
they selected in preference to any other race of men, to do the labor of the
New World. They had proven themselves physically superior either to the
European or American races—in fact, superior physically to any living race
of men—enduring fatigue, hunger and thirst—enduring change of climate,
habits, manners and customs, with infinitely far less injury to their physical
and mental system, than any other people on the face of God's earth.

The following extract shows, that even up to the year 1676, the Indians
were enslaved—but that little value were attached to them as laborers,
as the price at which they were disposed and sold to purchasers, fully
shows:
Slavery in Providence, R.I.—Immediately after the struggle between
the natives and some of the New England settlers, known as "King
Philip's war," it became necessary to dispose of certain Indian captives
then in Providence. The method adopted was common in that day, but
to us remarkable, as also the names of those who figured prominently
therein. Only think of Roger Williams sharing in the proceeds of a
slave sale. The following is from the "Annals of Providence."
"A town meeting was held before Thomas Field's house, under a tree,
by the water side, on the 14th of August, 1676. A committee was
appointed to determine in what manner the Indians should be disposed
of. They reported as follows:
"Inhabitants wanting, can have Indians at the price they sell at the
Island of Rhode Island or elsewhere. All under five, to serve till thirty;
above five and under ten, till twenty-eight; above ten to fifteen, till
twenty-seven; above fifteen to twenty, till twenty-six; from twenty to
thirty, shall serve eight years; all above thirty, seven years.
"We whose names are underwritten, being chosen by the town to see
the disposal of the Indians now in town, we agree that Roger Williams,
N. Waterman, T. Fenner, H. Ashton, J. Morey, D. Abbot, J. Olney, V.
Whitman, J. Whipple, sen., E. Pray, J. Pray, J. Angell, Jas. Angell, T.

Arnold, A. Man, T. Field, E. Bennett, T. Clemence, W. Lancaster, W.
Hopkins, W. Hawkins, W. Harris, Z. Field, S. Winsor, and Capt.
Fenner, shall each have a whole share in the product. I. Woodward and
R. Pray, three-fourths of a share each. J. Smith, E. Smith, S. Whipple,
N. Whipple, and T. Walling each half a share."
Signed, "Roger Williams, Thomas Harris, sen., Thomas X Angell,
Thomas Field, John Whipple, Jr."
To gratify curiosity as to the price of Indians on those terms, the
following extracts are made from an account of sales about this time;
"To Anthony Low, five Indians, great and small, £8.
"To James Rogers, two, for twenty bushels of Indian corn.
"To Philip Smith, two, in silver, $4 10.
"To Daniel Allen, one, in silver, $2 10.
"To C. Carr, one, twelve bushels of Indian corn.
"To Elisha Smith, one, in wool, 100 lbs.
"To Elisha Smith, one, for three fat sheep."

From 1492, the discovery of Hispaniola, to 1502, the short space of but four
years, such was the mortality among the natives, that the Spaniards then
holding rule there, "began to employ a few" Africans in the mines of the
Island. The experiment was effective—a successful one. The Indian and
African were enslaved together, when the Indian sunk, and the African
stood. It was not until June the 24th of the year 1498, that the Continent was
discovered by John Cabot, a Venetian, who sailed in August of the previous
year 1497, from Bristol, under the patronage of Henry VII., King of
England, with two vessels, "freighted by the merchants of London and
Bristol, with articles of traffic," his son Sebastian, and 300 men. In 1517,
but the short period of thirteen years from the date of their first
introduction, Carolus V., King of Spain, by the right of a patent, granted
permission to a number of persons, annually, to supply to the Islands of
Hispaniola, (St. Domingo,) Cuba, Jamaica, and Porto Rico, natives of

Africa, to the number of four thousand annually. John Hawkins, an
unprincipled Englishman—whose name should be branded with infamy—
was the first person known to have engaged in so inhuman a traffic, and that
living monster his mistress, Queen Elizabeth, engaged with him and shared
in the profits.
The natives of Africa, on their introduction into a foreign country, soon
discovered the loss of their accustomed food, and mode and manner of
living. The Aborigines subsisted mainly by game and fish, with a few
patches of maize or Indian corn near their wigwams, which were generally
attended by the women, while the men were absent. The grains and fruits,
such as they had been accustomed to, were not to be had among the
Aborigines of the country, and this first induced the African to cultivate
patches of ground in the neighborhood of the mines, for the raising of food
for his own sustenance. This trait in their character was observed, and
regarded by the Spaniards with considerable interest; and when on
contracting with the English slave-dealer, Captain Hawkins, and others for
new supplies of slaves, they were careful to request them to secure a
quantity of the seeds and different products of the country, to bring with
them to the New World. Many of these were cultivated to some extent,
while those indigenous to America, were cultivated by them with
considerable success. And up to this day, it is a custom on many of the slave
plantations of the South, to allow the slave his "patch," and Saturday
afternoon or Sabbath day, to cultivate it.
Shortly after the commencement of the shameful traffic in the blood and
bones of men—the destiny and chastity of women by Captain Hawkins, and
what was termed England's "Virgin Queen"; Elizabeth gave a license to Sir
Walter Raleigh, to search for uninhabited lands, and seize upon all
uninhabited by Christians. Sir Walter discovered the coast of North Carolina
and Virginia, assigning the name of "Virginia" to the whole coast now
composing the old state. A feeble colony was settled here, which did not
avail, and it was not until the month of April, 1607, that the first permanent
settlement was made in Virginia, under the patronage of letters patent from
James I, King of England, to Thomas Gates and his associates.
This was the first settling of North America, and thirteen years anterior to
the landing of the Pilgrims.

"No permanent settlement was effected in what is now called the United
States, till the reign of James the First."—Ramsay's Hist. U.S., vol. I., p. 38.
"The month of April, 1607, is the epoch of the first permanent settlement on
the coast of Virginia; the name then given to all that extent of country which
forms thirteen States."—Ibid., p. 39. The whole coast of the country was
now explored, not for the purpose of trade and agriculture—because there
were no products in the country—the natives not producing sufficient
provisions to supply present wants, and, consequently, nothing to trade for;
but like the speculations of their Spanish and Portuguese predecessors, on
the islands and in South America, but for that of mining gold. Trade and the
cultivation of the soil was foreign to their designs and intention on coming
to the continent of the new world, and they were consequently, disappointed
when failing of success. "At a time when the precious metals were
conceived to be the peculiar and only valuable productions of the new
world, when every mountain was supposed to contain a treasure, and every
rivulet was searched for its golden sands, this appearance was fondly
considered as an infallible indication of the mine. Every hand was eager to
dig."...
"There was now," says Smith, "no talk, no hope, no work; but dig gold,
wash gold, refine gold. With this imaginary wealth, the first vessel returning
to England was loaded, while the culture of the land, and every useful
occupation was totally neglected."...
The colonists, thus left, were in miserable circumstances for want of
provisions. The remainder of what they had brought with them, was so
small in quantity, as to be soon expended—and so damaged in the course of
a long voyage, as to be a source of disease.... In their expectation of getting
gold, the people were disappointed, the glittering substance they had sent to
England, proving to be a valueless mineral. "Smith, on his return to
Jamestown, found the colony reduced to thirty-eight persons, who, in
despair, were preparing to abandon the country. He employed caresses,
threats, and even violence, in order to prevent them from executing this
fatal resolution." Ibid., pp. 45-46. In November, 1620, the Pilgrims or
Puritans made the harbor of Cape Cod, and after solemn vows and
organization previous to setting foot on shore, they landed safely on
"Plymouth Rock," December the 20th, about one month after. They were

one hundred and one in number, and from the toils and hardships
consequent to a severe season, in a strange country, in less than six months
after their arrival, "forty-four persons, nearly one-half of their original
number," had died.
... "In 1618, in the reign of James I, the British government established a
regular trade on the coast of Africa. In the year 1620, negro slaves began to
be imported into Virginia: a Dutch ship bringing twenty of them for sale."—
Sampson's Hist. Dict., p. 348. The Dutch ship landed her cargo at New
Bedford, (now Massachusetts,) as it will be remembered, that the whole
coast, now comprising the "Old Thirteen," and original United States, was
then called Virginia, so named by Sir Walter Raleigh, in honor of his royal
Mistress and patron, Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen, under whom he received
his royal patent commission of adventure and expedition.
Beginning their preparation in the slave-trade in 1618, just two years
previous, giving time for successfully carrying out the project against the
landing of the first emigrant settlers, it will be observed that the African
captain, and the "Puritan" emigrants, landed upon the same section of the
continent at the same time, 1620—the Pilgrims at Plymouth, and the
captives at New Bedford, but a few miles comparatively south.
The country at this period, was one vast wilderness. "The continent of
North America was then one continued forest."... There were no horses,
cattle, sheep, hogs, or tame beasts of any kind.... There were no domestic
poultry.... There were no gardens, orchards, public roads, meadows, or
cultivated fields.... They "often burned the woods that they could
advantageously plant their corn."... They had neither spice, salt, bread,
butter, cheese, nor milk.... They had no set meals, but eat when they were
hungry, and could find any thing to satisfy the cravings of nature.... Very
little of their food was derived from the earth, except what it spontaneously
produced.... The ground was both their seat and table.... Their best bed was
a skin.... They had neither steel, iron, nor any metallic instruments....—
Ramsay's Hist., pp. 39-40.
We adduce not these historical extracts to disparage our brother the Indian
—far be it: whatever he may think of our race, according to the manner in
which he has been instructed to look upon it, by our mutual oppressor the

American nation; we admire his, for the many deeds of noble daring, for
which the short history of his liberty-loving people are replete: we
sympathise with them, because our brethren are the successors of their
fathers in the degradation of American bondage—but we adduce them in
evidence against the many aspersions charged against the African race, that
their inferiority to the other races caused them to be reduced to servitude.
For the purpose of proving that their superiority, and not inferiority, alone
was the cause which first suggested to Europeans the substitution of
Africans for that of aboriginal or Indian laborers in the mines; and that their
superior skill and industry, first suggested to the colonists, the propriety of
turning their attention to agricultural and other industrial pursuits, than that
of mining.
It is very evident, from what has been adduced, the settlement of Captain
John Smith, being in the course of a few months, reduced to thirty-eight,
and that of Plymouth, from one hundred and one, to that of fifty-seven in
six months—it is evident, that the whites nor the Indians were equal to the
hard and almost insurmountable difficulties, that now stood wide-spread
before them.
An endless forest, the impenetrable earth; the one to be removed, and the
other to be excavated. Towns and cities to be built, and farms to be
cultivated—all these presented difficulties too arduous for the European
then here, and unknown to the Indian.
It is very evident, that at a period such as this, when the natives themselves
had fallen victims to tasks imposed upon them by their usurpers, and the
Europeans were sinking beneath the weight of climate and hardships; when
food could not be had nor the common conveniences of life procured—
when arduous duties of life were to be performed and none capable of doing
them, but those who had previously by their labors, not only in their native
country, but in the new, so proven themselves—as the most natural
consequence, the Africans were resorted to, for the performance of every
duty common to domestic life.
There were no laborers known to the colonists from Cape Cod to Cape
Look Out, than those of the African race. They entered at once into the
mines, extracting therefrom, the rich treasures that for a thousand ages lay

hidden in the earth. And from their knowledge of cultivation, the farming
interests in the North, and planting in the South, were commenced with a
prospect never dreamed of before the introduction of this most
extraordinary, hardy race of men: though pagans, yet skilled in all the useful
duties of life. Farmers, herdsmen, and laborers in their own country, they
required not to be taught to work, and how to do it—but it was only
necessary to tell them to go to work, and they at once knew what to do, and
how it should be done.
It is notorious, that in the planting States, the blacks themselves are the only
skillful cultivators—the proprietor knowing little or nothing about the art,
save that which he learns from the African husbandman, while his ignorant
white overseer, who is merely there to see that the work is attended to,
knows a great deal less. Tobacco, cotton, rice, hemp, indigo, the
improvement in Indian corn, and many other important products, are all the
result of African skill and labor in this country. And the introduction of the
zigzag, or "Virginia Worm Fence," is purely of African origin. Nor was their
skill as herdsmen inferior to their other attainments, being among the most
accomplished trainers and horsemen in the world. Indeed, to this class of
men may be indebted the entire country for the improvement South in the
breed of horses. And any one who has travelled South, could not fail to
have observed, that all of the leading trainers, jockies, and judges of horses,
as well as riders, are men of African descent.
In speaking of the Bornouese, a people from among whom a great many
natives have been enslaved by Arabian traders, and sold into foreign
bondage, and of course many into this country, "It is said that Bornou can
muster 15,000 Shonaas in the field mounted. They are the greatest breeders
of cattle in the country, and annually supply Soudan with from two to three
thousand horses."... "Our road lying along one of them, gave me an
excellent view of beautiful villages all round, and herds of cattle grazing in
the open country."... "Plantations of cotton or indigo now occupy the place
where the houses formerly stood."... "The Souga market is well supplied
with every necessary and luxury in request among the people of the
interior." "The country still open and well cultivated, and the villages
numerous. We met crowds of people coming from Karro with goods. Some
carried them on their heads, others had asses or bullocks, according to their
wealth."... "The country still highly cultivated."... "We also passed several

walled towns, quite deserted, the inhabitants having been sold by their
conquerors, the Felatohs." "Women sat spinning cotton by the road side,
offering for sale to the passing caravans, gussub water, roast-meat, sweet
potatoes, coshen nuts," &c. (Dunham and Clapperton's Travels and
Discoveries in North and Central Africa, vol. 2, pp. 140, 230, 332, 333,
353.)
The forests gave way before them, and extensive verdant fields, richly
clothed with produce, rose up as by magic before these hardy sons of toil.
In the place of the unskillful and ill-constructed wigwam, houses, villages,
towns and cities quickly were reared up in their stead. Being farmers,
mechanics, laborers and traders in their own country, they required little or
no instruction in these various pursuits. They were in fact, then, to the
whole continent, what they are in truth now to the whole Southern section
of the Union—the bone and sinews of the country. And even now, the
existence of the white man, South, depends entirely on the labor of the
black man—the idleness of the one, is sustained by the industry of the other.
Public roads and highways are the result of their labor, as are also the first
public works, as wharves, docks, forts, and all such improvements. Are not
these legitimate investments in the common stock of the nation, which
should command a proportionate interest?
We shall next proceed to review the contributions of colored men to other
departments of the nation, and as among the most notorious and historical,
we refer to colored American warriors.

VIII

COLORED AMERICAN WARRIORS
Among the highest claims that an inhabitant has upon his country, is that of
serving in its cause, and assisting to fight its battles. There is no
responsibility attended with more personal hazard, and consequently, none
for which the country owes a greater debt of gratitude. Amor patria, or love
of country, is the first requisition and highest attribute of every citizen; and
he who voluntarily ventures his own safety for that of his country, is a
patriot of the purest character.
When the country's attention is arrested—her fears aroused—her peace
disturbed, and her independence endangered—when in the dread and
momentous hour, the tap of the drum, the roll of the reveille, the shrill
sound of the bugler's trumpet, or the thunders of the cannon's roar,
summons the warrior on to the pending conflict—upon whom then do the
citizens place their dependence, and in whom the country her trust? Upon
him who braves the consequences, and fights his country's battles for his
country's sake. Upon whom does the country look, as the most eligible of
her favored sons? Upon none more so than he, who shoulders his musket,
girds on his sword, and faces the enemy on to the charge. The hero and the
warrior, have long been estimated, the favorite sons of a favored people.
In the Convention for the formation of the national compact, when the
question arose on the priority of citizen's rights, an honorable member—Mr.
Jefferson, if we mistake not—arose and stated, that for the purpose of
henceforward settling a question of such moment to the American people,
that nativity of birth, and the descendants of all who had borne arms in their
country's struggle for liberty, should be always entitled to all the rights and
privileges to which an American citizen could be eligible. This at once,
enfranchised the native citizen, and the posterity of all those at the time,
who may have been so fortunate as to have been born on the American
continent. The question was at once settled, as regards American
citizenship. And if we establish our right of equal claims to citizenship with
other American people, we shall have done all that is desirable in this view
of our position in the country. But if in addition to this, we shall be able to

prove, that colored men, not only took part in the great scene of the first act
for independence, but that they were the actors—a colored man was really
the hero in the great drama, and actually the first victim in the revolutionary
tragedy—then indeed, shall we have more than succeeded, and have reared
a monument of fame to the history of our deeds, more lasting than the pile
that stands on Bunker Hill.
For a concise historical arrangement of colored men, who braved the
dangers of the battlefield, we are much indebted to William C. Nell, Esq.,
formerly of Boston, now of Rochester, N.Y., for a pamphlet, published by
him during the last year, which should be read by every American the
country through.
For ten years previous, a dissatisfaction had prevailed among the colonists,
against the mother country, in consequence of the excessive draughts of
supplies, and taxation, made upon them, for the support of the wars carried
on in Europe. The aspect began to change, the light grew dim, the sky
darkened, the clouds gathered lower and lower, the lightning glimmered
through the black elements around—the storm advanced, until on the fifth
of March, 1773, it broke out in terrible blasts, drenching the virgin soil of
America, with the blood of her own native sons—Crispus Attuck, a colored
man, was the first who headed, the first who commanded, the first who
charged, who struck the first blow, and the first whose blood was spilt, and
baptized the colony, as a peace-offering on the altar of American liberty.
"The people were greatly exasperated. The multitude, armed with clubs, ran
towards King street, crying, 'Let us drive out the ribalds; they have no
business here!' The rioters rushed furiously towards the Custom House;
they approached the sentinel crying, 'Kill him, kill him!' They assaulted him
with snowballs, pieces of ice, and whatever they could lay their hands upon.
They encountered a band of the populace led by a mulatto named Attucks,
who brandished their clubs and pelted them with snow-balls. The
maledictions, the imprecations, the execrations of the multitudes were
horrible. In the midst of a torrent of invectives from every quarter, the
military were challenged to fire. The populace advanced to the points of the
bayonets; the soldiers appeared like statues; the cries, the howlings, the
menaces, the violent din of bells still sounding the alarm, increased the
confusion and the horrors of these moments: at length the mulatto and
twelve of his companions, pressing forward environed the soldiers, and

striking their muskets with their clubs cried to the multitude: 'Be not afraid,
they dare not fire; why do you hesitate, why do you not kill them, why not
crush them at once?' The mulatto lifted his arm against Captain Preston,
having turned one of the muskets, he seized the bayonet with his left hand,
as if he intended to execute his threat. At this moment confused cries were
heard: 'The wretches dare not fire!' Firing succeeds. Attucks is slain. Two
other discharges follow. Three were killed, five severely wounded, and
several others slightly." Attucks was killed by Montgomery, one of Captain
Preston's soldiers. He had been foremost in resisting, and was first slain; as
proof of front and close engagement, received two balls, one in each
breast." "John Adams, counsel for the soldier, admitted that Attucks
appeared to have undertaken to be the hero of the night, and to lead the
army with banners. John Hancock, in 1774, invokes the injured shades of
Maverick, Gray, Caldwell, Attucks and Carr." Nell's Wars, 1776 and 1812,
pp. 5, 6.—Rhode Island also contributes largely to the capital stock of
citizenship. "In Rhode Island, the blacks formed an entire regiment, and
they discharged their duty with zeal and fidelity. The gallant defence of Red
Bank, in which the black regiment bore a part, is among the proofs of their
valor." In this contest it will be recollected, that four hundred men met and
repulsed, after a terrible sanguinary struggle, fifteen hundred Hessian
troops, headed by count Donop." Ibid., p. 10. Connecticut next claims to be
heard and given credit on the nation's books. In speaking of the patriots who
bore the standard of their country's glory, Judge Goddard, who held the
office of commissioner of pensions for nineteen colored soldiers, says, "I
cannot refrain from mentioning one aged black man, Primus Babcock, who
proudly presented to me an honorable discharge from service during the
war, dated at the close of it, wholly in the hand-writing of George
Washington. Nor can I forget the expression of his feelings, when informed
that, after his discharge had been sent to the department, that it could not be
returned. At his request it was written for, as he seemed to spurn the pension
and reclaim the discharge." It is related of Babcock, that when the British in
a successful charge took a number of the Americans prisoners, they were
ordered to deliver up their arms by the British officer of the detachment,
which demand was readily conceded to by all the prisoners except Babcock,
who looking at the officer sternly—at the margin of a mud pond foot of
Bunker Hill—turned his musket bayonet downwards, thrusting it into the
mire up to the armpit, drawing out his muddy arm, turned to the British

officer, and said, "Now dirty your silk glove, and take it—you red coat!"
The officer raised his sword as if to cut him down for the impertinence, then
replied, "You are too brave a soldier to be killed, you black devil!" A few
years since, a musket evidently a relic of the Revolution, was found near the
same spot in the singular position of that thrust down by Babcock, no doubt
being the same, which was deposited among the relics in the archives at
Washington. Babcock died but a few years ago, aged we believe 101 years.
"When Major Montgomery, one of the leaders in the expedition against the
colonists, was lifted upon the walls of the fort by his soldiers, flourishing
his sword and calling on them to follow him, Jordan Freeman received him
on the point of a pike and pinned him dead to the earth." "New Hampshire
gives her testimony to the deposit of colored interest. There was a regiment
of blacks in the same situation, a regiment of negroes fighting for our
liberty and independence, not a white man among them but the officers, in
the same dangerous and responsible position. Had they been unfaithful, or
given way before the enemy all would have been lost. Three times in
succession were they attacked with most desperate fury by well disciplined
and veteran troops, and three times did they successfully repel the assault,
and thus preserve the army. They fought thus through the war. They were
brave and hearty troops." Nell, pp. 11, 13.
New York comes bravely to the call, and sends her investments by land and
sea. In the convention of 1821, for revising the constitution of the State, the
question of equal rights having been introduced, Doctor Clarke among other
things said, "In the war of the Revolution, these people helped to fight our
battles by land and by sea. Some of your states were glad to turn out corps
of colored men, and to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with them. In your late
war, they contributed largely towards some of your most splendid victories.
On lakes Erie and Champlain, where your fleets triumphed over a foe
superior in numbers and engines of death, they were manned in a large
proportion with men of color. And in this very house, in the fall of 1814, a
bill passed receiving all the branches of your government, authorising the
governor to accept the services of a corps of two thousand free people of
color. These were times when a man who shouldered his musket did not
know but he bared his bosom to receive a death wound from the enemy ere
he laid it aside; and in these times these people were found as ready and as
willing to volunteer in your service as any other. They were not compelled

to go; they were not draughted.... They were volunteers...." Said Martindale
of New York in congress 22 of first month 1828: "Slaves, or negroes who
had been slaves, were enlisted as soldiers in the War of the Revolution; and
I myself saw a battalion of them, as fine martial looking men as I ever saw,
attached to the northern army in the last war, on its march from Plattsburg
to Sackett's Harbor."
Pennsylvania contributes an important share in the stock of Independence,
as will be seen by the following historical reminiscence: "On the capture of
Washington by the British forces, it was judged expedient to fortify without
delay, the principal towns and cities exposed to similar attacks. The
Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia waited upon three of the principal
Colored citizens, namely, James Forten, Bishop Allen, and Absalom Jones,
soliciting the aid of the people of Color in erecting suitable defences for the
city. Accordingly two thousand five hundred Colored men assembled in the
State House yard, and from thence marched to Gray's Ferry, where they
labored for two days, almost without intermission. Their labors were so
faithful and efficient, that a vote of thanks was tendered them by the
Committee. A battalion of Colored troops were at the same time organized
in the city, under an officer of the United States army; and they were on the
point of marching to the frontier when peace was proclaimed."—Ibid., pp.
14-17-18.[2]
And even in the slave States, where might reasonably be expected, nothing
but bitter hate and burning revenge to exist—where the displeasure of
Heaven and anger of God was invoked—where it is thought the last
glimmering spark of patriotic fire has been quenched, and every aid
withheld—even there, in the hour of their country's danger, did they lay
aside every consideration of the ten thousand wrongs inflicted—throw in
their contributions, and make common cause.
Says Mr. Nell, "The celebrated Charles Pinkney, of South Carolina, in his
speech on the Missouri question, in defence of the Slave representation of
the South, made the following admission:—They (the colored people) were
in numerous instances the pioneers, and in all the labors of our army. To
their hands we are owing the greatest part of the fortifications raised for the
protection of the country. Fort Moultrie gave, at an early period of
inexperience and untried valor of our citizens, immortality to the American

arms." And were there no other proof on record, the testimony given to the
brave followers of the renowned hero of Chalmet Plains, would of itself be
sufficient to establish the right of the colored man to eligibility in his native
country. "In 1814," continues Mr. Nell, "when New Orleans was in danger,
and the proud criminal distinctions of caste were again demolished by one
of those emergencies in which nature puts to silence for the moment the
base partialities of art, the free colored people were called into the field in
common with the whites; and the importance of their services was thus
acknowledged by General Jackson:—

"Head-Quarters Seventh Military
District, Mobile, September 21, 1814.
"To the Free Colored Inhabitants of Louisiana:
"Through a mistaken policy, you have heretofore been deprived of a
participation in the glorious struggle for national rights, in which our
country is engaged. This no longer shall exist. As sons of Freedom you
are now called upon to defend your most estimable blessings. As
Americans, your country looks with confidence to her adopted
children, for a valorous support, as a faithful return for the advantages
enjoyed under her mild and equitable government. As fathers,
husbands, and brothers, you are summoned to rally round the standard
of the Eagle, to defend all which is dear in existence.
"Your country, although calling for your exertions, does not wish you
to engage in her cause, without remunerating you for the services
rendered. Your intelligent minds are not to be led away by false
representations—your love of honor would cause you to despise the
man who should attempt to deceive you. In the sincerity of a soldier,
and the language of truth I address you.
"To every noble hearted free man of color, volunteering to serve during
the present contest with Great Britain, and no longer, there will be paid
the same bounty in money and lands now received by white soldiers of
the United States, namely, one hundred and twenty-four dollars in
money and one hundred and sixty acres in land. The non-
commissioned officers and privates will also be entitled to the same

monthly pay and daily rations and clothes furnished to any American
soldiers.
"On enrolling yourselves in companies, the Major General
commanding will select officers for your government from your white
fellow-citizens. Your non-commissioned officers will be appointed
from among yourselves.
"Due regard will be paid to the feelings of free men and soldiers.
"You will not, by being associated with white men in the same corps,
be exposed to improper comparison, or unjust sarcasm. As a distinct,
independent battalion or regiment, pursuing the path of glory, you will,
undivided, receive the applause and gratitude of your countrymen.
"To assure you of the sincerity of my intentions, and my anxiety to
engage your invaluable services to our country, I have communicated
my wish to the Governor of Louisiana, who is fully informed as to the
manner of enrollments, and will give you every necessary information
on the subject of this address.
"ANDREW JACKSON,
"Major General Commanding."

On the 18th of December, 1814, through his Aid-de-camp, Colonel Butler,
the General issued another address to the colored soldiers, who had proven
themselves, in every particular, worthy of their country's trust, and in every
way worthy of the proudest position of enfranchised freemen. To deny to
men and their descendants, who are capable of such deeds as are
acknowledged in this proclamation, equal rights with other men, is a moral
homicide—as assassination, which none but the most malicious and
obdurate are capable of perpetrating. Surely, surely, it cannot be, that our
fellow-citizens, who control the destiny of the country, one fully advised of
the claims of their brethren in adversity—we cannot be persuaded that a
people, claiming the self-respect and consideration of the American people,
can be satisfied that the perils of war be encountered by them—their
country's rights sustained—and their liberty, the liberty of their wives and
children defended and protected; then, with a cool deliberation, unknown to
any uncivilized people on the face of the earth, deny them a right—

withhold their consent to their having equal enjoyment of human rights with
other citizens, with those who have never contributed aid to our country—
but we give the proclamation and let it speak for itself. Of it Mr. Nell says:
—
"The second proclamation is one of the highest compliments ever paid by a
military chief to his soldiers."

"Soldiers! When on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to take up
arms, inviting you to partake the perils and glory of your white fellow-
citizens, I expected much from you; for I was not ignorant that you
possessed qualities most formidable to an invading enemy. I knew with
what fortitude you could endure hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues
of a campaign. I knew well how you love your native country, and that
you, as well as ourselves, had to defend what man holds most dear—
his parents, wife, children, and property. You have done more than I
expected. In addition to the previous qualities I before knew you to
possess, I found among you noble enthusiasm, which leads to the
performance of great things.
"Soldiers! The President of the United States shall hear how praise-
worthy was your conduct in the hour of danger; and the representatives
of the American people will give you the praise your exploits entitle
you to. The General anticipates them in applauding your noble ardor.
"The enemy approaches; his vessels cover our lakes; our brave citizens
are united, and all contentions have ceased among them. Their only
dispute is, who shall win the prize of valor, or who the most glory, its
noblest reward.
"By order,
"THOMAS BUTLER, Aid-de-camp."

A circumstance that reflects as well upon the devisor, as upon the
commander, or the engineer of the army, is not generally known to the
American people. The redoubt of cotton bales, has ever been attributed to
the judgment, skill, quick perception, and superior tact of Major General
Andrew Jackson; than whom, a braver heart, never beat in the breast of
man. But this is a mistake. The suggestion of the cotton bales was made by

a colored man, at the instant, when the city of New Orleans was put under
martial law. The colored troops were gathering, and their recruiting officers
(being colored,) were scouring the city in every direction, and particularly
on the Levee, where the people throng for news—to hear, see, and be seen.
At such times in particular, the blacks are found in great numbers. The
cotton shipped down the Mississippi in large quantities to the city, is landed
and piled in regular terrace walls, several thousand feet long, sometimes
double rows—and fifteen or twenty feet high. When the sun shines in
winter, the days become warm and pleasant after the morning passes off,
and at such times, there may be found many of the idle blacks, lying upon
the top, and in comfortable positions between or behind those walls of
cotton bales. On the approach of the recruiting officer, a number of persons
were found stretched out upon the bales, lying scattered upon the ground.
On addressing them, they were found to be slaves, which the pride of the
recently promoted free colored soldiers, nor the policy of the proclamation,
then, justified them in enrolling. On questioning them respecting their fears
of the approaching contest—they expressed themselves as perfectly
satisfied and safe, while permitted to lie behind the bales. The idea was at
once impressed—Chalmet Plain, the battle field, being entirely barren
without trees, brush, or stone, and the ingenuity of the General-in-chief and
engineer of the army, having been for several days taxed, without successful
device; the officer determined that he would muster courage, and hazard the
consequences of an approach to the General, and suggest the idea suggested
to him, by the observation of a slave, who was indifferent to the safety of
others, so that he was secure—and perhaps justly so—whether conscious or
not of the importance of its bearing. General Jackson, whatever may be said
to the contrary, though firm and determined, was pleasant, affable, and
easily approached, and always set equal estimate upon the manhood of a
colored man; believing every thing of him, that he expressed in his
proclamation to the colored freemen of Louisiana. He did not pretend to
justify the holding of slaves, especially on the assumed unjust plea of their
incapacity for self-government—he always hooted at the idea; never would
become a member of the Colonization Society, always saying "Let the
colored people be—they were quiet now, in comparative satisfaction—let
them be." But he held them as a policy, by which to make money—and
would just as readily have held a white man, had it been the policy of the
country, as a black one in slavery. The General was approached—the

suggestion made—slaves set to work—the bales conveyed down—the
breast-works raised—the Americans protected, as the musketry and artillery
proved powerless against the elastic cushion-wall of cotton bales; the battle
fought—the British vanquished—the Americans victorious, and Major
General Andrew Jackson "all covered with glory," as the most distinguished
and skillful captain of the age. It has always been thought by colored men
familiar with this circumstance, that the reference of the General is directed
to this, when he expresses himself in his last proclamation to them: "You
have done more than I expected." Doubtless this was the case. Whatever
valor and capacity to endure hardships, the General knew colored men to
possess, it was more than he expected of them, to bring skill to his aid, and
assist in counseling plans for the defence of the army.
On the Eighth of January, 1851, the celebration of the Battle of New
Orleans, in that city one year ago, "Ninety of the colored veterans who bore
a conspicuous part in the dangers of the day," (the day of battle,) held "a
conspicuous place in the procession," in exaltation of their country's glory.
Nor was the Navy without the representative of colored interest in the
liberty of the country. In speaking of the war of 1812, a colored veteran of
Philadelphia, the late James Forten, who had himself enlisted and was
imprisoned on board of a British man-of-war, the "Old Jersey Prison Ship,"
affirms: "The vessels of war of that period were all, to a greater or less
extent, manned with colored men." The father-in-law of the writer, has
often related to him that he saw the three hundred and sixty colored
marines, in military pomp and naval array, when passing through Pittsburg
in 1812 on their way to the frigate Constitution, then on lake Erie under
command of the gallant Commodore Perry. And we cannot close this view
of our subject, without reference to one of the living veterans of the battle
of New Orleans, now residing where he has for many years, in the city of
Pittsburg, Pa., to whom we are indebted for more oral information
concerning that memorable conflict, than to any other living person. Mr.
John Julius, was a member of the valiant regiment of colored soldiers, who
held so conspicuous a place in the estimation of their General, their
country's struggles for Liberty and Independence. He is a tall, good-looking,
brown skin creole of Louisiana, now about sixty-three years of age, bearing
the terrible gashes of the bayonet still conspicuously in his neck. He was
one of the few Americans who encountered the British in single-handed

charges on top of the breast-works. Julien Bennoit, (pronounced ben wah,)
for such is his name, though commonly known as John Julius, is a man of
uprightness and strict integrity of character, having all the delicate
sensibility and pride of character known to the Frenchman; and laments
more at the injustice done him, in the neglect of the authorities to grant him
his claims of money and land, according to the promises set forth in the
Proclamation, than at any reverse of fortune with which he has ever met. He
is enthusiastic on the subject of the battle scenes of Chalmet Plains, and
anxious that all who converse with him may know that he is one of the
actors. Not so much for his own notoriety—as all soldiers have a right to—
as for the purpose of making known and exposing the wrongs done to him
and hundreds of his fellows, who fought shoulder to shoulder with him, in
the conflict with Sir Edward Packenham. Mr. Julius is the only person in
whose possession we have ever seen a complete draught of the plan of the
battle fought on the 8th of January, 1815, drawn on the field, by the U.S.
Engineer.
This consists of two charts, one quite large, and the other smaller; the larger
giving the whole plan of battle, and the other being the key, which shows
the position of the different battalions and regiments of troops, with the
several officers of command, in which the Colored Regiment is beautifully
and conspicuously displayed. He sets great estimate upon them. Col.
Marshall John M. Davis, who was an officer under General Jackson at the
battle of New Orleans, now still residing in Allegheny Co., near Pittsburg,
bears testimony to the truthfulness of Mr. Julien Bennoit having been a
soldier in the Army of the Mississippi in 1814. The deeds of these tried and
faithful daring sons of Liberty, and defenders of their country, shall live
triumphantly, long after the nation shall have repented her wrongs towards
them and their descendants, and hung her head with shame, before the gaze
of manhood's stern rebuke.
Mr. John B. Vashon, of Pittsburg, embarked in the service of the United
States, and in an engagement of the American squadron in South America,
was imprisoned, with Major Henry Bears, a respectable white citizen, still
living in that city.

FOOTNOTE:

[2] Captain Jonathan Tudas, who led the 500 brave blacks out to build the
Redoubt, is now living in Philadelphia, and since the commencement of this
publication, we learned the following particulars: When the news arrived of
the approach of the British under Major General Ross, upon Baltimore, the
expectation ran high, that the city would be taken, and forced marches
made, immediately upon Philadelphia. The whole City consequently was
thrown into great alarm, when Captain Tudas, applied to the United States
Engineer, and offered the services of colored men, who during the week,
were summoned to meet at the African Methodist Episcopal Church, on the
following Sabbath; when from the pulpit, the Right Rev. Richard Allen,
Bishop of the Connexion, made known to the people the peril of the
Country, and demands of the Commonwealth; when, the next day, Monday,
five hundred volunteered, working incessantly during that day, and on
Tuesday, six hundred more were added, swelling the number to eleven
hundred men. William Stansberry, arrested and tried a few years ago, as a
fugitive slave from Maryland, and Mr. Ignatius Beck, an old respectable
colored man, who appeared as a witness, and by whose testimony alone,
Mr. Stansberry was released from the grasp of the oppression of his
Country, and thereby saved from endless bondage, were both under Captain
Tudas, and belong to the faithful eleven hundred Philadelphia black
warriors. He farther informs us, that the Engineer gave them credit for
having thrown up superior works to any other men employed in the service,
and having done more work in the same time, and drank less, by four-fifth,
than twice their number of "Old Countrymen." The relics of the
breastworks, still stand on or near the banks of the Schuylkill, as a living
monument of the fidelity of the black race to their State and Country. Mr.
Stansberry, is still living, and Captain Tudas, now quite an old man, about
"turning the corner," as he expresses it, is a very intelligent old gentleman,
and a living history of facts. There are few white men of his age and
opportunities, that equal him at all in intelligence on any subject. He is a
kind of living synoptic-historical Encyclopedia.

IX

CAPACITY OF COLORED MEN AND WOMEN
AS CITIZEN MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY
The utility of men in their private capacity as citizens, is of no less import
than that of any other department of the community in which they live;
indeed, the fitness of men for positions in the body politic, can only be
justly measured by their qualification as citizens. And we may safely
venture the declaration, that in the history of the world, there has never been
a nation, that among the oppressed class of inhabitants—a class entirely
ineligible to any political position of honor, profit or trust—wholly
discarded from the recognition of citizens' rights—not even permitted to
carry the mail, nor drive a mail coach—there never has, in the history of
nations, been any people thus situated, who has made equal progress in
attainments with the colored people of the United States. It would be as
unnecessary as it is impossible, to particularize all the individuals; we shall
therefore be satisfied, with a classification and a few individual cases. Our
history in this country is well known, and quite sufficiently treated on in
these pages already, without the necessity of repetition here; it is enough to
know that by the most cruel acts of injustice and crime, our forefathers were
forced by small numbers, and enslaved in the country—the great body now
to the number of three millions and a half, still groaning in bondage—that
the half million now free, are the descendants of the few who by various
means, are fortunate enough to gain their liberty from Southern bondage—
that no act of general emancipation has ever taken place, and no chance as
yet for a general rebellion—we say in view of all these facts, we proceed to
give a cursory history of the attainments—the civil, social, business and
professional, and literary attainments of colored men and women, and
challenge comparison with the world—according to circumstances—in
times past and present.
Though shorn of their strength, disarmed of manhood, and stripped of every
right, encouraged by the part performed by their brethren and fathers in the
Revolutionary struggle—with no records of their deeds in history, and no
means of knowing them save orally, as overheard from the mouths of their

oppressors, and tradition as kept up among themselves—that memorable
event, had not yet ceased its thrill through the new-born nation, until a
glimmer of hope—a ray of light had beamed forth, and enlightened minds
thought to be in total darkness. Minds of no ordinary character, but those
which embraced business, professions, and literature—minds, which at
once grasped the earth, encompassed the seas, soared into the air, and
mounted the skies. And it is none the less creditable to the colored people,
that among those who have stood the most conspicuous and shone the
brightest in the earliest period of our history, there are those of pure and
unmixed African blood. A credit—but that which is creditable to the
African, cannot disgrace any into whose veins his blood may chance to
flow. The elevation of the colored man can only be completed by the
elevation of the pure descendants of Africa; because to deny his equality, is
to deny in a like proportion, the equality of all those mixed with the African
organization; and to establish his inferiority, will be to degrade every person
related to him by consanguinity; therefore, to establish the equality of the
African with the European race, establishes the equality of every person
intermediate between the two races. This established beyond contradiction,
the general equality of men.
In the year 1773, though held in servitude, and without the advantages or
privileges of the schools of the day, accomplishing herself by her own
perseverance; Phillis Wheatley appeared in the arena, the brilliancy of
whose genius, as a poetess, delighted Europe and astonished America, and
by a special act of the British Parliament, 1773, her productions were
published for the Crown. She was an admirer of President Washington, and
addressed to him lines, which elicited from the Father of his country, a
complimentary and courteous reply. In the absence of the poem addressed
to General Washington, which was not written until after her work was
published, we insert a stanza from one addressed (intended for the students)
"To the University at Cambridge." We may further remark, that the poems
were originally written, not with the most distant idea of publication, but
simply for the amusement and during the leisure moments of the author.

"Improve your privileges while they stay,
Ye pupils, and each hour redeem, that bears
Or good or bad report of you to heav'n.
Let sin, that baneful evil of the soul,

By you be shunn'd, nor once remit your guard;
Suppress the deadly serpent in its egg.
Ye blooming plants of human race divine,
An Ethiop tells you 'tis your greatest foe;
Its transient sweetness turns to endless pain,
And in immense perdition sinks the soul."

"Cambridge, February 28, 1776.
"Miss Phillis:
"Your favor of the 26th of October, did not reach my hands till the
middle of December. Time enough, you will say, to have given an
answer ere this. Granted. But a variety of important occurrences,
continually interposing to divert the mind and withdraw the attention, I
hope will apologise for the delay, and plead my excuse for the
seeming, but not real neglect. I thank you most sincerely for your
polite notice of me, in the elegant lines you enclosed; and however
undeserving I may be of such encomium and panegyric, the style and
manner exhibit a striking proof of your poetic talents; in honor of
which, and as a tribute justly due to you, I would have published the
poem, had I not been apprehensive, that, while I only meant to give the
world this new instance of your genius, I might have incurred the
imputation of vanity. This, and nothing else, determined me not to give
it place in the public prints.
"If you should ever come to Cambridge, or near head-quarters, I shall
be happy to see a person so favored by the Muses, and to whom Nature
has been so liberal and beneficent in her dispensations.
"I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
"GEORGE WASHINGTON.
"Miss Phillis Wheatley."

The tenor, style, and manner of President Washington's letter to Miss
Wheatley—the publication of her works, together with an accompanying
likeness of the author, and her inscription and dedication of the volume to

the "Right Honorable the Countess of Huntingdon," show, that she, though
young, was a person of no ordinary mind, no common attainments; but at
the time, one of the brightest ornaments among the American literati. She
also was well versed in Latin, in which language she composed several
pieces. Miss Wheatley died in 1780, at the age of 26 years, being seven
years of age when brought to this country in 1761.
Doctor Peter, who married Miss Wheatley, 1775, was a man of business,
tact, and talents—being first a grocer, and afterwards studied law, which he
practised with great success, becoming quite wealthy by defending the
cause of the oppressed before the different tribunals of the country. And
who shone brighter in his day, than Benjamin Bannaker, of Baltimore
county, Maryland, who by industry and force of character, became a
distinguished mathematician and astronomer,—"for many years," says
Davenport's Biographical Dictionary, "calculated and published the
Maryland Ephemerides." He was a correspondent of the Honorable Thomas
Jefferson, Secretary of State of the United States, taking the earliest
opportunity of his acquaintanceship, to call his attention to the evils of
American slavery, and doubtless his acquaintance with the apostle of
American Democracy, had much to do with his reflections on that most
pernicious evil in this country. Mr. Bannaker was also a naturalist, and
wrote a treatise on locusts. He was invited by the Commission of United
States Civil Engineers, to assist in the survey of the Ten Miles Square, for
the District of Columbia. He assisted the Board, who, it is thought, could
not have succeeded without him. His Almanac was preferred to that of
Leadbeater, or any other calculator cotemporary with himself. He had no
family, and resided in a house alone, but principally made his home with the
Elliott family. He was upright, honorable, and virtuous; entertaining
religious scruples similar to the Friends. He died in 1807, near Baltimore.
Honorable John H.B. Latrobe, Esq., of Baltimore, is his biographer.
In 1812, Captain Paul Cuffy was an extensive trader and mariner, sailing
out of Boston, to the West Indies and Europe, by which enterprise, he
amassed an immense fortune. He was known to the commercial world of
his day, and, if not so wealthy, stood quite as fair, and as much respected, as
Captain George Laws or Commodore Vanderbilt, the Cunards of America.
Captain Cuffy went to Africa, where he died in a few years.

James Durham, originally of Philadelphia, in 1778, at the early age of
twenty-one, was the most learned physician in New Orleans. He spoke
English, French and Spanish, learnedly, and the great Dr. Rush said of him,
"I conversed with him on medicine, and found him very learned. I thought I
could give him information concerning the treatment of diseases; but I
learned from him more than he could expect from me." And it must be
admitted, he must have been learned in his profession, to have elicited such
an encomium from Dr. Rush, who stood then at the head of his profession
in the country.
We have designed nothing here, but merely to give an individual case of the
various developments of talents and acquirements in the several
departments of respectability, discarding generalization, and name none but
the Africo-American of unmixed extraction, who rose into note subsequent
to the American Revolution. In the persons of note and distinction hereafter
to be given, we shall not confine ourselves to any such narrow selections,
but shall name persons, male and female, regardless of their extraction, so
that they are colored persons, which is quite enough for our purpose. And
our only excuse for the policy in the above course is, that we desire to
disarm the vilifiers of our race, who disparage us, giving themselves credit
for whatever is commendable that may emanate from us, if there be the
least opportunity of claiming it by "blood." We shall now proceed to review
the attainments of colored men and women of the present day.

X

PRACTICAL UTILITY OF COLORED PEOPLE
OF THE PRESENT DAY AS MEMBERS OF
SOCIETY—BUSINESS MEN AND
MECHANICS
In calling attention to the practical utility of colored people of the present
day, we shall not be general in our observations, but simply, direct attention
to a few particular instances, in which colored persons have been
responsibly engaged in extensive business, or occupying useful positions,
thus contributing to the general welfare of community at large, filling their
places in society as men and women.
It will studiously be borne in mind, that our sole object in giving these cases
publicity, is to refute the objections urged against us, that we are not useful
members of society. That we are consumers and non-producers—that we
contribute nothing to the general progress of man. No people who have
enjoyed no greater opportunity for improvement, could possibly have made
greater progress in the same length of time than have done the colored
people of the present day.
A people laboring under many disadvantages, may not be expected to
present at once, especially before they have become entirely untrammeled,
evidence of entire equality with more highly favored people.
When Mr. Jefferson, the great American Statesman and philosopher, was
questioned by an English gentleman, on the subject of American greatness,
and referred to their literature as an evidence of inferiority to the more
highly favored and long-existing European nations; Mr. Jefferson's reply
was—"When the United States have existed as long as a nation, as Greece
before she produced her Homer and Socrates; Rome, before she produced
her Virgil, Horace, and Cicero; and England, before she produced her Pope,
Dryden, and Bacon"; then he might consider the comparison a just one. And
all we shall ask, is not to wait so long as this, not to wait until we become a
nation at all, so far as the United States are concerned, but only to unfetter

our brethren, and give us, the freemen, an equal chance for emulation, and
we will admit any comparison you may please to make in a quarter of a
century after.
For a number of years, the late James Forten, of Philadelphia, was the
proprietor of one of the principal sail manufactories, constantly employing a
large number of men, black and white, supplying a large number of masters
and owners of vessels, with full rigging for their crafts.
On the failure of an extensive house, T. & Co., in that city, during the
pressure which followed a removal of the deposits of the United States
Treasury in 1837, Mr. Forten lost by that firm, nine thousand dollars. Being
himself in good circumstances at the time, hearing of the failure of old
constant patrons, he called at the house; one of the proprietors, Mr. T., on
his entering the warehouse door, came forward, taking him by the hand
observed, "Ah! Mr. Forten, it is useless to call on us—we are gone—we can
do nothing!" at which Mr. Forten remarked, "Sir, I hope you think better of
me than to suppose me capable of calling on a friend to torture him in
adversity! I came, sir, to express my regret at your misfortune, and if
possible, to cheer you by words of encouragement. If your liabilities were
all in my hands, you should never be under the necessity of closing
business." Mr. Forten exchanged paper and signatures with some of the first
business men in Philadelphia, and raised and educated a large and
respectable family of sons and daughters, leaving an excellent widow.
Joseph Cassey, recently deceased, was the "architect of his own fortune,"
and by industry and application to business, became a money broker in the
city of Philadelphia; who becoming indisposed from a chronic affection,
was obliged to retire from business for many years previous to his death.
Had Mr. Cassey been favored with health, he doubtless would have become
a very wealthy man. His name and paper was good in any house in the city,
and there was no banker of moderate capital, of more benefit to the business
community than was Joseph Cassey. He also left a young and promising
family of five sons, one daughter, a most excellent widow, and a fortune of
seventy-five thousand dollars, clear of all encumbrance.
Stephen Smith, of the firm of Smith and Whipper, is a remarkable man in
many respects, and decidedly the most wealthy colored man in the United

States. Mr. Smith commenced business after he was thirty years of age,
without the advantages of a good business education, but by application,
qualified himself for the arduous duties of his vocation. For many years, he
has been known as the principal lumber merchant in Columbia, Lancaster
Co., Pa., and for several years past associated with W. Whipper, a
gentleman of great force of character, talents, and business qualifications,
Mr. Smith residing in Philadelphia. Smith and Whipper, are very extensive
business men, and very valuable members of the community, both of
Lancaster and Philadelphia counties. By the judicious investment of their
capital, they keep in constant employment a large number of persons;
purchasing many rafts at a time, and many thousand bushels of coal. It is
not only the laborer in "drawing boards," and the coal hauler and heaver,
that are here benefitted by their capital, but the original owners of the
lumber and coal purchased by them, and the large number of boatmen and
raftsmen employed in bringing these commodities to market.
In the winter of 1849, these gentlemen had in store, several thousand
bushels of coal, two million two hundred and fifty thousand feet of lumber;
twenty-two of the finest merchantmen cars running on the railway from
Philadelphia to Baltimore; nine thousand dollars' worth of stock in the
Columbia Bridge; eighteen thousand dollars in stock in the Columbia Bank;
and besides this, Mr. Smith was then the reputed owner of fifty-two good
brick houses of various dimensions in the city of Philadelphia, besides
several in the city of Lancaster, and the town of Columbia. Mr. Smith's
paper, or the paper of the firm, is good for any amount wherever they are
known; and we have known gentlemen to present the paper of some of the
best men in the city, which was cashed by him at sight. The principal active
business attended to by Mr. S. in person, is that of buying good negotiable
and other paper, and speculating in real estate. The business of the firm is
attended to by Mr. Whipper, who is a relative. Take Smith and Whipper
from Lancaster and Philadelphia counties, and the business community will
experience a hiatus in its connexion, that may not be easily filled.
Samuel T. Wilcox, of Cincinnati, Ohio, also stands conspicuously among
the most respectable business men of the day. Being yet a young man, just
scanning forty, he is one among the extraordinary men of the times. Born,
like the most of colored men in this country, in obscurity, of poor parents,
raised without the assistance of a father, and to a commonplace business,

without the advantages of schools, by his own perseverance, he qualified
himself to the extent that gave him an inclination to traffic, which he did for
several years on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, investing his gains in real
estate, until he acquired a considerable property. For the purpose of
extending his usefulness, and at the same time pursuing a vocation more in
accordance with his own desires, a few years since, he embarked in the
wholesale and retail Family Grocery business, and now has the best general
assortment and most extensive business house of the kind, in the city of
Cincinnati. The establishment is really beautiful, having the appearance
more of an apothecary store, than a Grocery House. Mr. Wilcox has a
Pickling and Preserving establishment besides, separate from his business
house, owning a great deal of first class real estate. There is no man in the
community in which he lives, that turns money to a greater advantage than
Mr. Wilcox, and none by whom the community is more benefited for the
amount of capital invested. He makes constant and heavy bills in eastern
houses, and there are doubtless now many merchants in New York, Boston,
and Baltimore cities, who have been dealing with S.T. Wilcox, and never
until the reading of this notice of him, knew that he was a colored man. He
has never yet been east after his goods, but pursuing a policy which he has
adopted, orders them; but if deceived in an article, never deals with the
same house again. He always gets a good article. The paper of Mr. Wilcox,
is good for any amount.
Henry Boyd, is also a man of great energy of character, the proprietor of an
extensive Bedstead manufactory, with a large capital invested, giving
constant employment to eighteen or twenty-five men, black and white.
Some of the finest and handsomest articles of the bedstead in the city, are at
the establishment of Mr. Boyd. He fills orders from all parts of the West and
South, his orders from the South being very heavy. He is the patentee, or
holds the right of the Patent Bedsteads, and like Mr. Wilcox, there are
hundreds who deal with Mr. Boyd at a distance, who do not know that he is
a colored man. Mr. Boyd is a useful member of society, and Cincinnati
would not, if she could, be without him. He fills a place that every man is
not capable of supplying, of whatever quarter of the globe his forefathers
may have been denizens.
Messrs. Knight and Bell of the same place, Cincinnati, Ohio, are very
successful and excellent mechanics. In the spring of 1851, (one year ago)

they put in their "sealed proposal" for the plastering of the public buildings
of the county of Hamilton—alms-house, &c.—and got the contract, which
required ten thousand dollars' security. The work was finished in fine
artistic style, in which a large number of mechanics and laborers were
employed, while at the same time, they were carrying on many other
contracts of less extent, in the city—the public buildings being some four
miles out. They are men of stern integrity, and highly respected in the
community.
David Jenkins of Columbus, Ohio, a good mechanic, painter, glazier, and
paper-hanger by trade, also received by contract, the painting, glazing, and
papering of some of the public buildings of the State, in autumn 1847. He is
much respected in the capital city of his state, being extensively patronised,
having on contract, the great "Neill House," and many of the largest
gentlemen's residences in the city and neighborhood, to keep in finish. Mr.
Jenkins is a very useful man and member of society.
John C. Bowers, for many years, has been the proprietor of a fashionable
merchant tailor house, who has associated with him in business, his brother
Thomas Bowers, said to be one of the best, if not the very best, mercers in
the city. His style of cutting and fitting, is preferred by the first business
men, and other gentlemen of Philadelphia, in whom their patrons
principally consist.
Mr. Cordovell, for more than twenty-five years, was the leading mercer and
tailor, reporter and originator of fashions in the city of New Orleans,
Louisiana. The reported fashions of Cordovell, are said to have frequently
become the leading fashions of Paris; and the writer was informed, by Mr.
B., a leading merchant tailor in a populous city, that many of the eastern
American reports were nothing more than a copy, in some cases modified,
of those of Cordovell. Mr. Cordovell, has for the last four or five years,
been residing in France, living on a handsome fortune, the fruits of his
genius; and though "retired from business," it is said, that he still invents
fashions for the Parisian reporters, which yields him annually a large
income.
William H. Riley, of Philadelphia, has been for years, one of the leading
fashionable gentlemen's boot-makers. Riley's style and cut of boots, taking

the preeminence in the estimation of a great many of the most fashionable,
and business men in the city. Mr. Riley is much of a gentleman, and has
acquired considerable means.
James Prosser, Sen., of Philadelphia, has long been the popular proprietor
of a fashionable restaurant in the city. The name of James Prosser, among
the merchants of Philadelphia, is inseparable with their daily hours of
recreation, and pleasure. Mr. Prosser, is withal, a most gentlemanly man,
and has the happy faculty of treating his customers in such a manner, that
those who call once, will be sure to call at his place again. His name and
paper is good among the business men of the city.
Henry Minton also is the proprietor of a fashionable restaurant and resort of
business men and gentlemen of the city. The tables of Mr. Henry Minton are
continually laden with the most choice offerings to epicures, and the saloon
during certain hours of the day, presents the appearance of a bee hive, such
is the stir, din, and buz, among the throng of Chesnut street gentlemen, who
flock in there to pay tribute at the shrine of bountifulness. Mr. Minton has
acquired a notoriety, even in that proud city, which makes his house one of
the most popular resorts.
Mr. Hill, of Chillicothe, Ohio, was for years, the leading tanner and currier
in that section of country, buying up the hides of the surrounding country,
and giving employment to large numbers of men. Mr. Hill kept in constant
employment, a white clerk, who once a year took down, as was then the
custom, one or more flatboats loaded with leather and other domestic
produce, by which he realised large profits, accumulating a great deal of
wealth. By endorsement, failure, and other mistransactions, Mr. Hill
became reduced in circumstances, and died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in
1845. He gave his children a liberal business education.
Benjamin Richards, Sen., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, forty years ago, was
one of the leading business men of the place. Being a butcher by trade, he
carried on the business extensively, employing a white clerk, and held a
heavy contract with the United States, supplying the various military posts
with provisions. Mr. Richards possessed a large property in real estate, and
was at one time reputed very wealthy, he and the late general O'H. being
considered the most wealthy individuals of the place,—Mr. Richards taking

the precedence; the estate of general O'H. now being estimated at seven
millions of dollars. Mr. Richards has been known, to buy up a drove of
cattle at one time. By mismanagement, he lost his estate, upon which many
gentlemen are now living at ease in the city.
William H. Topp, of Albany, N.Y., has for several years been one of the
leading merchant tailors of the city. Starting in the world without aid, he
educated and qualified himself for business; and now has orders from all
parts of the state, the city of New York not excepted, for "Topp's style of
clothing." Mr. Topp stands high in his community as a business man, and a
useful and upright member of society. His paper or endorsement is good at
any time.
Henry Scott & Co., of New York city, have for many years been engaged
extensively in the pickling business, keeping constantly in warehouse, a
very heavy stock of articles in their line. He, like the most of others, had no
assistance at the commencement, but by manly determination and
perseverance, raised himself to what he is. His business is principally
confined to supplying vessels with articles and provisions in his line of
business, which in this great metropolis is very great. There have doubtless
been many a purser, who cashed and filed in his office the bill of Henry
Scott, without ever dreaming of his being a colored man. Mr. Scott is
extensively known in the great City, and respected as an upright, prompt,
energetic business man, and highly esteemed by all who know him.
Mr. Hutson, for years, kept in New York, an intelligence office. At his
demise, he was succeeded by Philip A. Bell, who continues to keep one of
the leading offices in the city. Mr. Bell is an excellent business man,
talented, prompt, shrewd, and full of tact. And what seems to be a trait of
character, only to be found associated with talent, Mr. Bell is highly
sensitive, and very eccentric. A warm, good hearted man, he has not only
enlisted the friendship of all his patrons, but also endeared himself to the
multitude of persons who continually throng his office seeking situations.
One of his usual expressions to the young women and men in addressing
himself to them is, "My child"—this is kind, and philanthropic, and has a
tendency to make himself liked. His business is very extensive, being
sought from all parts of the city, by the first people of the community. It is
said to be not unusual, for the peasantry of Liverpool, to speak of Mr. Bell,

as a benefactor of the emigrant domestics. Mr. Bell is extensively known in
the business community—none more so—and highly esteemed as a
valuable citizen.
Thomas Downing, for thirty years, in the city of New York, has been
proprietor of one of the leading restaurants. His establishment situated in
the midst of the Wall street bankers, the business has always been of a
leading and profitable character. Mr. Downing has commanded great
influence, and much means, and it is said of him that he has made "three
fortunes." Benevolent, kind, and liberal minded, his head was always
willing, his heart ready, and his hands open to "give." Mr. Downing is still
very popular, doing a most excellent business, and highly respected
throughout New York. Indeed, you scarcely hear any other establishment of
the kind spoken of than Downing's.
Henry M. Collins, of the City of Pittsburg, stands among the men of note;
and we could not complete this list of usefulness, without the name of Mr.
Collins. Raised a poor boy, thrown upon the uncertainties of chance,
without example of precept, save such as the public at large presents; Mr.
Collins quit his former vocation of a riverman, and without means, except
one hundred and fifty dollars, and no assistance from any quarter,
commenced speculating in real estate. And though only rising forty, has
done more to improve the Sixth Ward of Pittsburg, than any other
individual, save one, Captain W., who built on Company capital. Mr.
Collins was the first person who commenced erecting an improved style of
buildings; indeed, there was little else than old trees in that quarter of the
city when Mr. Collins began. He continued to build, and dispose of
handsome dwellings, until a different class of citizens entirely, was attracted
to that quarter of the town, among them, one of the oldest and most
respectable and wealthy citizens, an ex-Alderman. After this, the wealthy
citizens turned their attention to the District; and now, it is one of the most
fashionable quarters of the City, and bids fair to become, the preferred part
for family residences. Mr. Collins' advice and counsel was solicited by
some of the first lawyers, and land speculators, in matters of real estate. He
has left or contemplates leaving Pittsburg, in April, for California, where he
intends entering extensively into land speculation, and doubtless, with the
superior advantages of this place, if his success is but half what it was in the
former, but a few years will find him counted among the wealthy. Mr.

Collins is a highly valuable man in any community in which he may live,
and he leaves Pittsburg much to the regret of the leading citizens. Without
capital, he had established such a reputation, that his name and paper were
good in some of the first Banking houses.
Owen A. Barrett of Pittsburg, Pa., is the original proprietor of "B.A.
Fahnestock's Celebrated Vermifuge." Mr. Fahnestock raised Mr. Barrett
from childhood, instructing him in all the science of practical pharmacy,
continuing him in his employment after manhood, when Mr. Barrett
discovered the "sovereign remedy" for lumbricalii, and as an act of
gratitude to his benefactor, he communicated it to him, but not until he had
fully tested its efficacy. The proprietor of the house, finding the remedy
good, secured his patent, or copy right, or whatever is secured, and never in
the history of remedies in the United States, has any equaled, at least in
sale, this of "B.A. Fahnestock's Vermifuge." Mr. Fahnestock, like a
gentleman and Christian, has kept Mr. Barrett in his extensive House,
compounding this and other medicines, for sixteen or eighteen years.
In 1840 it was estimated, that of this article alone, the concern had realized
eighty-five thousand dollars. Doubtless, this is true, and certainly proves
Mr. Barrett to be of benefit, not only in his community, but like many others
we have mentioned, to the country and the world.
Lewis Hayden, of Boston, is well deserving a place among the examples of
character here given. But eight years ago, having emerged from bondage, he
raised by his efforts, as an act of gratitude and duty, six hundred and fifty
dollars, the amount demanded by mutual agreement, by the authorities in
Kentucky, as a ransom for Calvin Fairbanks, then in the State Prison, at
Frankfort, accused for assisting him in effecting his escape. In 1848, he
went to Boston, and having made acquaintance, and gained confidence with
several business men, Mr. Hayden opened a fashionable Clothing House in
Cambridge street, where he has within the last year, enlarged his
establishment, being patronized by some of the most respectable citizens of
that wealthy Metropolis. Mr. Hayden has made considerable progress,
considering his disadvantages, in his educational improvements. He has
great energy of character, and extensive information. Lewis Hayden by
perseverance, may yet become a very wealthy man. He is generally
esteemed by the Boston people—all seeming to know him.

George T. Downing, a gentleman of education and fine business
attainments, is proprietor of one of the principal Public houses and places of
resort, at Newport, Rhode Island, during the watering Season. This
fashionable establishment is spoken of as among the best conducted places
in the country—the Proprietor among the most gentlemanly.
Edward V. Clark, is among the most deserving and active business men in
New York, and but a few years are required, to place Mr. Clark in point of
business importance, among the first men in the city. His stock consists of
Jewelry and Silver Wares, and consequently, are always valuable, requiring
a heavy capital to keep up business. His name and paper, has a respectable
credit, even among the urbane denizens of Wall street.
John Julius and Lady, were for several years, the Proprietors of Concert
Hall, a Caffé, then the most fashionable resort for ladies and gentlemen in
Pittsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Julius, held Assemblies and Balls, attended by the
first people of the city—being himself a fine violinist and dancing master,
he superintended the music and dancing. When General William Henry
Harrison in 1840, then the President elect of the United States, visited that
city, his levee to and reception of the Ladies were held at Concert Hall,
under the superintendence of Monsieur John and Madame Edna Julius, the
colored host and hostess. No House was ever better conducted than under
their fostering care, and excellent management, and the citizens all much
regretted their retirement from the establishment.
In Penyan, Western New York, Messrs. William Platt and Joseph C. Cassey,
are said to be the leading Lumber Merchants of the place. Situated in the
midst of a great improving country, their business extends, and increases in
importance every year. The latter gentleman was raised to the business by
Smith and Whipper, the great Lumber Merchants of Columbia, Pa., where
he was principal Book-Keeper for several years. Mr. Cassey has the credit
of being one of the best Accountants, and Business Men in the United
States of his age. Doubtless, a few years' perseverance, and strict
application to business, will find them ranked among the most influential
men of their neighborhood.
Anthony Weston, of Charleston, South Carolina, has acquired an
independent fortune, by his mechanical ingenuity, and skillful

workmanship. About the year 1831, William Thomas Catto, mentioned in
another place, commenced an improvement on a Thrashing Machine, when
on taking sick, Mr. Weston improved on it, to the extent of thrashing a
thousand bushels a day. This Thrashing Mill, was commenced by a Yankee,
by the name of Emmons, who failing to succeed, Mr. Catto, then a
Millwright—since a Minister—improved it to the extent of thrashing five
hundred bushels a day; when Mr. Weston, took it in hand, and brought it to
the perfection stated, for the use of Col. Benjamin Franklin Hunt, a
distinguished lawyer of Charleston, upon whose plantation, the machine
was built, and to whom it belonged. Anthony Weston, is the greatest
Millwright in the South, being extensively employed far and near, and by
Southern people, thought the best in the United States.
Dereef and Howard, are very extensive Wood-Factors, keeping a large
number of men employed, a regular Clerk and Book-Keeper, supplying the
citizens, steamers, vessels, and factories of Charleston with fuel. In this
business a very heavy capital is invested: besides which, they are the
owners and proprietors of several vessels trading on the coast. They are
men of great business habits, and command a great deal of respect and
influence in the city of Charleston.
There is nothing more common in the city of New Orleans, than Colored
Clerks, Salesmen and Business men. In many stores on Chartier, Camp and
other business streets, there may always be seen colored men and women,
as salesmen, and saleswomen, behind the counter. Several of the largest
Cotton-Press houses, have colored Clerks in them; and on the arrival of
steamers at the Levees, among the first to board them, and take down the
Manifestos to make their transfers, are colored Clerks. In 1839-40, one of
the most respectable Brokers and Bankers of the City, was a black
gentleman.
Mr. William Goodrich of York, Pennsylvania, has considerable interest in
the branch of the Baltimore Railroad, from Lancaster. In 1849, he had a
warehouse in York, and owned ten first-rate merchandise cars on the Road,
doing a fine business. His son, Glenalvon G. Goodrich, a young man of
good education, is a good artist, and proprietor of a Daguerreo-type Gallery.

Certainly, there need be no further proofs required, at least in this
department, to show the claims and practical utility of colored people as
citizen members of society. We have shown, that in proportion to their
numbers, they vie and compare favorably in point of means and
possessions, with the class of citizens who from chance of superior
advantages, have studiously contrived to oppress and deprive them of equal
rights and privileges, in common with themselves.

XI

LITERARY AND PROFESSIONAL COLORED
MEN AND WOMEN
Dr. James McCune Smith, a graduate of the Scientific and Medical Schools
of the University of Glasgow, has for the last fifteen years, been a
successful practitioner of medicine and surgery in the city of New York. Dr.
Smith is a man of no ordinary talents, and stands high as a scholar and
gentleman in the city, amidst the literati of a hundred seats of learning.
In 1843, when the character of the colored race was assailed to
disparagement, by the representative of a combination of maligners, such
was the influence of the Doctor, that the citizens at once agreed to give their
presence to a fair public discussion of the subject—the Comparative
Anatomy and Physiology of the races. This discussion was kept up for
several evenings, attended by large and fashionable assemblages of ladies
and gentlemen, until it closed. Doctor Smith, in the estimation of the
audience, easily triumphed over his antagonist, who had made this a studied
subject. The Doctor is the author of several valuable productions, and in
1846, a very valuable scientific paper, issued from the press in pamphlet
form, on the "Influence of Climate on Longevity, with special reference to
Life Insurance." This paper, we may surmise, was produced in refutation of
the attempt at a physiological disquisition on the part of Hon. John C.
Calhoun, United States Senator, on the colored race, which met with
considerable favor from some quarters, until the appearance of Dr. Smith's
pamphlet—since when, we have heard nothing about Calhoun's learned
argument. It may be well to remark, that Senator Calhoun read medicine
before he read law, and it would have been well for him if he had left
medical subjects remain where he left them, for law. We extract a simple
note of explanation without the main argument, to show with what ease the
Doctor refutes an absurd argument: "The reason why the proportion of
mortality is not a measure of longevity, is the following:—The proportion
of mortality is a statement of how many persons die in a population; this, of
course, does not state the age at which those persons die. If 1 in 45 die in
Sweden, and 1 in 22 in Grenada, the ages of the dead might be alike in both

countries; here the greater mortality might actually accompany the greater
longevity."—Note to page 6.
About three months since, at a public meeting of scientific gentlemen, for
the formation of a "Statistic Institute," Doctor Smith was nominated as one
of five gentlemen, to draught a constitution. This, of course, anticipated his
membership to the Institution. He, for a number of years, has held the office
of Physician to the Colored Orphan Asylum, an excellent institution, at
which he is the only colored officer. The Doctor is very learned.
Rev. Samuel Ringgold Ward was, for several years, pastor of a white
congregation, in Courtlandville, N.Y., of the Congregational persuasion, and
editor of an excellent newspaper, devoted to the religious elevation of that
denomination. Mr. Ward is a man of great talents—his fame is widespread
as an orator and man of learning, and needs no encomium from us. His
name stood on nomination for two or three years, as Liberty-party candidate
for Vice President of the United States. Mr. Ward has embraced the legal
profession, and intends to practise law. Governor Seward said of him, that
he "never heard true eloquence until he heard Samuel R. Ward speak." Mr.
Ward has recently left the United States, for Canada West, and is destined to
be a great statesman.
Rev. Henry Highland Garnett, was also the pastor of a white congregation,
in Troy, N.Y. Mr. Garnett is a graduate of Oneida Institute, a speaker of
great pathetic eloquence, and has written several valuable pamphlets. In
1844, Mr. Garnett appeared before the Judiciary Committee of the
Legislature at the capital, in behalf of the rights of the colored citizens of
the State, and in a speech of matchless eloquence, he held them for four
hours spell-bound.
He has also been co-editor of a newspaper, which was conducted with
ability. As a token of respect, the "Young Men's Literary Society of Troy,"
elected him a life-member—and he was frequently solicited to deliver
lectures before different lyceums. Mr. Garnett left the United States in the
summer of 1849, and now resides in England, where he is highly esteemed.
Rev. James William Charles Pennington, D.D., a clergyman of New York
city, was born in Maryland,—left when young—came to Brooklyn—
educated himself—studied divinity—went to Hartford, Conn.;—took

charge of a Presbyterian congregation of colored people—went to England
—returned—went to the West Indies—returned—was called to the Shiloh
Presbyterian Colored Congregation—was sent a Delegate to the Peace
Congress at Paris, in 1849, preached there, and attended the National Levee
at the mansion of the Foreign Secretary of State, Minister De Tocqueville;
and had the degree of Doctor of Divinity conferred on him by the ancient
time-honored University of Heidleburg, in Germany.
Dr. Pennington is very learned in theology, has fine literacy attainments,
and has written several useful pamphlets, and contributed to science, by the
delivery of lectures before several scientific institutions in Europe.
He has, by invitation, delivered lectures before the "Glasgow Young Men's
Christian Association"; and "St. George's Biblical, Literary, and Scientific
Institute," London. In one of the discourses, the following extract will give
an idea of the style and character of the speaker:—"One of the chief
attributes of the mind is a desire for freedom; but it has been the great aim
of slavery to extinguish that desire."
"To extinguish this attribute would be to extinguish mind itself. Every
faculty which the master puts forth to subdue the slave, is met by a
corresponding one in the latter."... "Christianity is the highest and most
perfect form of civilization. It contains the only great standard of the only
true and perfect standard of civilization. When tried by this standard, we are
compelled to confess, that we have not on earth, one strictly civilized
nation; for so long as the sword is part of a nation's household furniture, it
cannot be called strictly civilized; and yet there is not a nation, great or
small, black or white, that has laid aside the sword."—pp. 7-14. The Doctor
has been editor of a newspaper, which was ably conducted. He belongs to
the Third Presbytery of New York, and stands very high as a minister of the
Gospel, and gentleman.
Rev. John Francis Cook, a learned clergyman of Washington City, has
taught an academy in the District of Columbia for years, under the
subscribed sanction and patronage of many of the members of Congress,
the Mayor of Washington, and some of the first men of the nation, for the
education of colored youth of both sexes. Mr. Cook has done a great deal of
good at the Capitol; is highly esteemed, and has set as Moderator of a body

of Presbyterian Clergymen, assembled at Richmond, Va., all white, except
himself.
Charles L. Reason, Esq., a learned gentleman, for many years teacher in one
of the Public Schools in New York, in 1849, was elected by the trustees of
that institution, Professor of Mathematics and Belles Lettres in Centre
College, at McGrawville, in the State of New York. After a short connection
with the College, Professor Reason, for some cause, retired from the
Institution, much to the regret of the students, who, though a young man,
loved him as an elder brother—and contrary to the desire of his fellow-
professors.
Mr. Reason is decidedly a man of letters, a high-souled gentleman, a most
useful citizen in any community—much respected and beloved by all who
know him, and most scrupulously modest—a brilliant trait in the character
of a teacher. We learn that Professor Reason, is about to be called to take
charge of the High School for the education of colored youth of both sexes,
now in course of completion in Philadelphia. The people of New York will
regret to part with Professor Reason.
Charles Lenox Remond, Esq., of Salem, Massachusetts, is among the most
talented men of the country. Mr. Remond is a native of the town he resides
in, and at an early age, evinced more than ordinary talents. At the age of
twenty-one, at which time (1832) the cause of the colored people had just
begun to attract public attention, he began to take an interest in public
affairs, and was present for the first time, at the great convention of colored
men, of that year, at which the distinguished colonization gentlemen named
in another part of this work, among them, Rev. R.R. Gurley, and Elliot
Cresson, Esqs., were present. At this convention, we think, Mr. Remond
made his virgin speech. From that time forth he became known as an orator,
and now stands second to no living man as a declaimer. This is his great
forte, and to hear him speak, sends a thrill through the whole system, and a
tremor through the brain.
In 1835, he went to England, making a tour of the United Kingdom, where
he remained for two years, lecturing with great success; and if we mistake
not was presented the hospitality of one of the towns of Scotland, at which
he received a token of respect, in a code of resolutions adopted expressive

of the sentiments of the people, signed by the town officers, inscribed to
"Charles Lenox Remond, Esq.," a form of address never given in the United
Kingdom, only where the person is held in the highest esteem for their
attainments; the "Mr." always being used instead.
To C.L. Remond, are the people of Massachusetts indebted for the abolition
of the odious distinction of caste, on account of condition. For up to this
period, neither common white, nor genteel colored persons, could ride in
first class cars; since which time, all who are able and willing to pay, go in
them. In fact, there is but one class of cars, (except the emigrant cars which
are necessary for the safety and comfort of other passengers) in
Massachusetts.
Mr. Remond, appeared at one time before the legislature of Massachusetts,
in behalf of the rights of the people above named, where with peals of
startling eloquence, he moved that great body of intelligent New
Englanders, to a respectful consideration of his subject; which eventually
resulted as stated. The distinguished Judge Kelley, of Philadelphia, an
accomplished scholar and orator, in 1849, in reply to an expression that Mr.
Remond spoke like himself, observed, that it was the greatest compliment
he ever had paid to his talents. "Proud indeed should I feel," said the learned
Jurist, "were I such an orator as Mr. Remond." Charles Lenox Remond is
the soul of an honorable gentleman.
Robert Morris, Jr., Esq., attorney and counsellor at law, is a member of the
Essex county bar in Boston. Mr. Morris has also had the commission of
magistracy conferred upon him, by his excellency George N. Briggs, recent
governor of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, a high honor and
compliment to an Attorney; the commission usually being conferred on
none but the oldest or most meritorious among the members of the bar. He
also keeps the books of one of the wealthy rail road companies, a business
almost entirely confined to lawyers in that city. Mr. Morris is a talented
gentleman, and stands very high at the Boston bar. He sometimes holds the
magistrate's court in Chelsea, where his family resides, and is very highly
esteemed by the whole community of both cities, and has a fine practice.
Macon B. Allen, Esq., attorney and counsellor at law, is also a member of
the Essex bar. He is spoken of as a gentleman of fine education.

Robert Douglass, Jr., for many years, has kept a study and gallery of
painting and daguerreotype in the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Douglass is an
excellent artist—being a fine portrait and landscape painter, which art he
practised before the discovery of daguerreotype. He is also a good
lithographer, a gentleman of fine educational attainments, very clever
talents, and highly esteemed in that city. Mr. Douglass has been twice to the
West Indies and Europe.
J. Presley Ball is the principal daguerreotypist of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Ball
commenced the practice of his art about seven years ago, being then quite
young, and inexperienced, as all young beginners are, laboring under many
difficulties. He nevertheless, persevered, until he made a business, and
established confidence in his skill; and now he does more business than any
other artist in the profession in that city. His gallery, which is very large,
finely skylighted, and handsomely furnished, is literally crowded from
morning until evening with ladies, gentlemen, and children. He made some
valuable improvements in the art, all for his own convenience. There is
none more of a gentleman than J. Presley Ball. He has a brother, Mr.
Thomas Ball, and a white gentleman to assist him. Few go to Cincinnati,
without paying the daguerrean gallery of Mr. Ball, a visit.
The great organ of the "Liberty Party" in the United States, is now
conducted by one who requires not a notice from such an obscure source—
we mean Frederick Douglass, of Rochester, N.Y. His history is well known
—it was written by more faithful hands than ours—it was written by
himself. It stands enrolled on the reminiscences of Germany, and France,
and in full length oil, in the academy of arts, and in bust of bronze or
marble, in the museum of London. Mr. Douglass is also the sole owner of
the printing establishment from which the paper is issued, and was
promoted to this responsible position, by the power of his talents. He is a
masterly letter writer, ably edits his paper, and as a speaker, and orator, let
the scenes of a New York tabernacle, within two years, answer instead. Mr.
Douglass is highly respected as a citizen and gentleman in Rochester.
In Syracuse, N.Y., resides George Boyer Vashon, Esq., A.M., a graduate of
Oberlin Collegiate Institute, Attorney at Law, Member of the Syracuse Bar.
Mr. Vashon, is a ripe scholar, an accomplished Essayist, and a chaste classic
Poet; his style running very much in the strain of Byron's best efforts. He

probably takes Byron as his model, and Childe Harold, as a sample, as in
his youthful days, he was a fond admirer of George Gordon Noel Byron,
always calling his whole name, when he named him. His Preceptor in Law,
was the Honorable Walter, Judge Forward, late Controller, subsequently,
Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, and recently Charge de
Affaires to Denmark, now President of the Bench of the District Court of
the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Vashon was admitted to the Bar of the city of New York, in the fall of
1847, to practise in all the Courts of the State. He immediately
subsequently, sailed to the West Indies, from whence he returned in the fall
of 1850. He has contributed considerably to a number of the respectable
journals of the country.
Mrs. Ann Maria Johnson, of the School of Mrs. Tillman and Mrs. Johnson,
Teachers in French Worsted Needle Work, at the Exhibition of the
Mechanics' Institute in Chicago, Ill., 1846, took the First Prize, and got her
Diploma, for the best embroidery in cloth. This was very flattering to those
ladies, especially the Diplomast, considering the great odds they had to
contend with. The ladies were very successful teachers—their classes were
always large.
In Williamsburg there is T. Joiner White, M.D.; in Brooklyn Peter Ray,
M.D.; and in the city of New York, also, John Degrass, M.D., all young
Physicians, who have time and experience yet before them, and promise fair
to be good and useful members of society.
Miss Eliza Greenfield the Black Swan, is among the most extraordinary
persons of the present century. Being raised in obscurity, inured to callings
far beneath her propensity, and unsuited to her taste, she had a desire to
cultivate her talents, but no one to encourage her. Whenever she made the
effort, she was discouraged—perhaps ridiculed; and thus discouraged, she
would shrink again from her anxious task. She knew she could sing, and
knew she could sing unlike any body else; knew she sung better than any
whom she had heard of the popular singers, but could not tell why others
could not think with, and appreciate her. In this way it seems, she was
thrown about for three years, never meeting with a person who could fully
appreciate her talents; and we have it from her own lips, that not until after

the arrival of Jenny Lind and Parodi in the country, was she aware of the
high character of her own talents. She knew she possessed them, because
they were inherent, inseparable with her being. She attended the Concerts of
Mad'll. Jenny Lind, and Operas of Parodi, and at once saw the "secret of
their success"—they possessed talents, that no other popular singers
mastered.
She went home; her heart fluttered; she stole an opportunity when no one
listened, to mock or gossip; let out her voice, when ecce! she found her
strains four notes above Sweden's favored Nightingale; she descended when
lo! she found her tones three notes below! she thanked God with a "still
small voice"; and now, she ranks second in point of voice, to no vocalist in
the world. Miss Greenfield, if she only be judicious and careful, may
become yet, in point of popularity, what Miss Lind was. The Black Swan, is
singing to fine fashionable houses, and bids fair to stand unrivalled in the
world of Song.
Patrick Henry Reason, a gentleman of ability and fine artist, stands high as
an Engraver in the city of New York. Mr. Reason has been in business for
years, in that city, and has sent out to the world, many beautiful specimens
of his skillful hand. He was the first artist, we believe in the United States,
who produced a plate of that beautiful touching little picture, the Kneeling
Slave; the first picture of which represented a handsome, innocent little girl
upon her knees, with hands outstretched, leaving the manacles dangling
before her, anxiously looking and wishfully asking, "Am I not a sister?" It
was beautiful—sorrowfully beautiful. He has we understand, frequently
done Government engraving. Mr. P.H. is a brother of Professor Charles L.
Reason.
David Jones Peck, M.D., a graduate of Rush Medical College, a talented
young gentleman, practised Medicine for two years in Philadelphia. He left
there in 1850.
William H. Allen, Esq., A.B., successor to Professor C.L. Reason, is
Professor of Languages in Centre College, at McGrawville, N.Y. Professor
Allen, is a gentleman of fine education, a graduate of Oneida Institute, and
educated himself entirely by his own industry, having the aid of but fifty

dollars during the whole period. The Professor is a talented Lecturer on
Ancient History, and much of a gentleman.
Martin H. Freeman, A.B., a young gentleman, graduate of Rutland College,
in Vermont, is "Junior Professor," in Allegheny Institute, Allegheny county,
Pa. The Professor is a gentleman of talents, and doing much good in his
position.
Rev. Molliston Madison Clark, a gentleman of great talents, a noble
speaker, educated at Jefferson College, Pa., sailed to Europe in 1846, and
was a member of the Evangelical Alliance. Mr. Clark kept a regular Journal
of his travels through the United Kingdom of England, Scotland and
Ireland. As well as a Greek and Latin, he is also a French and Spanish
Linguist. He has all the eccentricity of Rowland Hill, manifested only in a
very different manner.
William C. Nell, of Rochester, N.Y., formerly of Boston, has long been
known as a gentleman of chaste and lofty sentiments, and a pure
philanthropist. Mr. Nell, in company with Mr. Frederick Douglass, was
present by invitation, and took his seat at table, at the celebration of
Franklin's Birth Day, by the Typographical and Editorial corps of Rochester.
In 1850, being again residing in Boston, he was nominated and ran for the
Legislature of Massachusetts, by the Free Soil party of Essex county. Mr.
Nell stood even with his party vote in the District.
He recently issued from the Boston press a Pamphlet, on the colored men
who served in the wars of the United States of 1776, and 1812. This
pamphlet is very useful as a book of reference on this subject, and Mr. Nell,
of course does not aim at a full historical view. The circumstances under
which it was got out, justify this belief. He was collecting materials in the
winter of 1850-51, when he was taken down to his bed with a severe attack
of disease of one of his lungs, with which he lingered, unable to leave his
room for weeks. In the Spring, recovering somewhat his health, so as to go
out—during this time, he had the little pamphlet published, as a means of
pecuniary aid, promising another part to be forthcoming some subsequent
period, which the writer hopes may soon be issued. Mr. Nell, is an excellent
man, and deserves the patronage of the public.

Joseph G. Anderson, successor to Captain Frank Johnson, of Philadelphia,
is now one of the most distinguished musicians in the country. Mr.
Anderson is an artist professionally and practically, mastering various
instruments, a composer of music, and a gentleman of fine
accomplishments in other respects. His musical fame will grow with his
age, which one day must place him in the front ranks of his profession,
among the master in the world.
William Jackson, is among the leading musicians of New York city, and
ranks among the most skillful violinists of America. This gentleman is a
master of his favorite instrument, executing with ease the most difficult and
critical composition. He is generally preferred in social and private parties,
among the first families of the city, where the amateur and gentleman is
more regarded than the mere services of the musician. Mr. Jackson is a
teacher of music, and only requires a more favorable opportunity to vie with
Ole Bull or Paganini.
Rev. Daniel A. Payne, commenced his literary career in Charleston, South
Carolina, where he taught school for some time. In 1833 or 1834, he came
North, placing himself in the Lutheran Theological Seminary, at
Gettysburg, under the tutorage of the learned and distinguished Dr.
Schmucker, where he finished his education as a Lutheran clergyman. To
extend his usefulness, he joined the African Methodist Connexion, and for
several years resided in Baltimore, where he taught an Academy for colored
youth and maidens, gaining the respect and esteem of all who had the
fortune to become acquainted with him. He is now engaged travelling and
collecting information, for the publication of a history of one of the colored
Methodist denominations in the United States. Mr. Payne is a pure and
chaste poet, having published a small volume of his productions in 1850,
under the title of "Pleasures and other Miscellaneous Poems, by Daniel A.
Payne," issued from the press of Sherwood and Company, Baltimore,
Maryland.
Rev. William T. Catto, a clergyman of fine talents, finished his education in
the Theological Seminary in Charleston, South Carolina. He was ordained
by the Presbytery of Charleston, and in 1848, under the best
recommendations for piety, acquirements, and all the qualifications
necessary to his high mission as a clergyman, was sent out as a missionary

to preach the Gospel to all who needed it; but to make himself more useful,
he joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church Connexion, and is now a
useful and successful preacher in Philadelphia.
The musical profession of Philadelphia has long had a valuable votary in
the person of William Appo, an accomplished pianist. Mr. Appo has been a
teacher of the piano forte, for more than twenty years, alternately in the
cities of New York and Philadelphia, and sometimes in Baltimore. His
profession extends amongst the citizens generally, from the more moderate
in circumstances, to the ladies and daughters of the most wealthy gentlemen
in community. This gentleman is a fine scholar, and as well as music,
teaches the French language successfully. His young daughter, Helen, a
miss of fourteen years of age, inherits the musical talents of her father, and
is now organist in the central Presbyterian Church. The name of William
Appo, is generally known as a popular teacher of music, but few who are
not personally acquainted with him, know that he is a colored gentleman.
Augustus Washington, an artist of fine taste and perception, is numbered
among the most successful Daguerreotypists in Hartford, Connecticut. His
establishment is said to be visited daily by large numbers of the citizens of
all classes; and this gallery is perhaps, the only one in the country, that
keeps a female attendant, and dressing-room for ladies. He recommends, in
his cards, black dresses to be worn for sitting; and those who go unsuitably
dressed, are supplied with drapery, and properly enrobed.
John Newton Templeton, A.M., for fifteen years an upright, active, and very
useful citizen of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was a graduate of Athens College,
in the State of Ohio. Mr. Templeton, after an active life of more than twenty
years, principally spent in school teaching, died in Pittsburg, in July, 1851,
leaving an amiable widow and infant son.
Thomas Paul, A.B., of Boston, a gentleman of fine talents and amiable
disposition, whose life has been mainly devoted to teaching, is a graduate of
Bowdoin College, in Maine. Mr. Paul is now the recipient of a salary of
fifteen hundred dollars a year as teacher of a school in Boston.
Rev. Benjamin Franklin Templeton, pastor of St. Mary street Church,
Philadelphia, was educated at Hanover College, near Madison, Indiana. In
1838, Mr. Templeton was ordained a minister of the Ripley Presbytery, in

Ohio; subsequently, in 1841, established a church, the Sixth Presbyterian, in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, from which place he was called, in 1844, to take
charge of his present pastorate. Mr. Templeton is a beautiful speaker, and an
amiable gentleman.[3]
John B. Russworm, a gentleman of splendid talents, graduated at Bowdoin
College, many years ago. Mr. Russworm was a class-mate of Honorable
John P. Hale, United States Senator, and after leaving College as his first
public act, commenced the publication of a newspaper, for the elevation of
colored Americans, called "Freedom's Journal." Subsequently to the
publication of his paper, Mr. Russworm became interested in the
Colonization scheme, then in its infancy, and went to Liberia; after which
he went to Bassa Cove, of which place he was made governor, where he
died in 1851.
Benjamin Coker, a colored Methodist clergyman, forty years ago, wrote and
issued, in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, a pamphlet, setting forth in
glowing terms, the evils of American slavery, and the wrongs inflicted on
the colored race. Rev. Daniel A. Payne, a talented clergyman, mentioned in
this work, has now in his possession a copy of the pamphlet, and informs
us, that the whole ground assumed by the modern abolitionists, was taken
and reviewed in this pamphlet, by Daniel Coker. We may reasonably infer,
that the ideas of Anti-Slavery, as taught by the friends of the black race at
the present day, were borrowed from Mr. Coker; though, perhaps, policy
forbade due credit to the proper source. Coker, like Russworm, became
interested in the cause of African Colonization, and went to Africa; where
he subsequently became an extensive coast trader, having several vessels,
one of which he commanded in person, taking up his residence on the
island of Sherbro, where he is said to have lived in great splendor. He died
in 1845 or 1846, at an advanced age, leaving a family of sons and
daughters.
Henry Bibb, an eloquent speaker, for several years, was the principal
traveling lecturer for the Liberty Party of Michigan. Mr. Bibb, with equal
advantages, would equal many of those who fill high places in the country,
and now assume superiority over him and his kindred. He fled an exile from
the United States, in 1850, to Canada, to escape the terrible consequences of
the Republican Fugitive Slave Law, which threatened him with a total

destruction of liberty. Mr. Bibb established the "Voice of the Fugitive," a
newspaper, in Sandwich, Canada West, which is managed and conducted
with credit.
Titus Basfield, graduated at Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio, receiving
his religious instruction from the late Dr. Jonathan Walker, of that place, a
physician and Covenanter clergyman. He afterwards graduated in theology
at the Theological Seminary of Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, was ordained,
and traveled preaching and lecturing to the people of his peculiar faith and
the public, for several years. He went to New London, Canada West, where
he has charge of a Scotch congregation of religious votaries to that ancient
doctrine of salvation.
Mary Ann Shadd, a very intelligent young lady, peculiarly eccentric,
published an excellent pamphlet, issued from the press in Wilmington,
Delaware, in 1849, on the elevation of the colored people. The writer of this
work, was favored with an examination of it before publication, which he
then highly approved of, as an excellent introduction to a great subject,
fraught with so much interest. Miss Shadd has traveled much, and now has
charge of a school in Sandwich, Canada West.
James McCrummill, of Philadelphia, is a skillful surgeon-dentist, and
manufacturer of porcelain teeth, having practised the profession for many
years in that city. He is said to be equal to the best in the city, and probably
only requires an undivided attention to establish the reality.
Joseph Wilson, Thomas Kennard, and William Nickless, are also practising
dentists in the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Kennard is said to be one of the best
workmen in the manufacture of artificial teeth, and gums—a new discovery,
and very valuable article, in this most beautiful and highly useful art. He
devotes several hours a day, to the manufacture of these articles for one of
the principal surgeon-dentists of Arch street.
James M. Whitfield, of Buffalo, New York, though in an humble position,
(for which we think he is somewhat reprehensible), is one of the purest
poets in America. He has written much for different newspapers; and, by
industry and application—being already a good English scholar—did he but
place himself in a favorable situation in life, would not be second to John
Greenleaf Whittier, nor the late Edgar A. Poe.

Mary Elizabeth Miles, in accordance with the established rules, graduated
as a teacher, in the Normal School, at Albany, New York, several years ago.
Miss Miles (now Mrs. Bibb) was a very talented young lady and successful
teacher. She spent several years of usefulness in Massachusetts, and
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after which she went to Cincinnati, as assistant-
teacher in Gilmore's "High School for Colored Children," which ended her
public position in life. She now resides in Sandwich, Canada West.
Lucy Stanton, of Columbus, Ohio, is a graduate of Oberlin Collegiate
Institute, in that State. She is now engaged in teaching school in that city, in
which she is reputed to be successful. She is quite a young lady, and has her
promise of life all before her, and bids fair to become a woman of much
usefulness in society.
Doctor Bias, of Philadelphia, spoken of in another place, graduated at the
close of the session of 1851-52, in the Eclectic Medical College, in that city.
The doctor is highly esteemed by the physicians of his system, who
continually interchange calls with him. He is also a practical phrenologist,
—which profession he does not now attend to, giving his undivided
attention to the practice of medicine,—and has written a pamphlet on that
subject, entitled, "Synopsis of Phrenology, and the Phrenological
Developments, as given by J.J. Gould Bias." No man perhaps, in the
community of Philadelphia, possesses more self-will, and determination of
character, than Dr. James Joshua Gould Bias. Mr. Whipper says of him, that
he is "a Napoleon in character." The sterling trait in his character is, that he
grasps after originality, and grapples with every difficulty. Such a man,
must and will succeed in his undertakings.

FOOTNOTE:

[3] During the last twenty years, there have been, at different periods,
published among the colored people of the United States, twenty odd
newspapers, some of which were conducted with ability. Among them, the
"Colored American," in New York city; Samuel E. Cornish, Philip A. Bell,
and Charles B. Ray, at different times, Editors. "The Demosthenian Shield,"
issued from a Literary Society of young colored men, in the city of
Philadelphia. "The Straggler," by Philip A. Bell, New York, out of which
the Colored American took its origin. The "National Reformer," an able
monthly periodical, in pamphlet form, in Philadelphia; William Whipper,
Editor. "The Northern Star," a Temperance monthly newspaper, published in
Albany, N.Y.; Stephen Myers, Editor, still in existence—changed to ——.
"The Mystery," of Pittsburg, Pa.; Martin Robison Delany, Editor—
succeeded by a committee of colored gentlemen as Editors. The "Palladium
of Liberty," issued in Columbus, O., by a committee of colored gentlemen;
David Jenkins, Editor. "The Disfranchised American," by a committee of
colored gentlemen, Cincinnati, O.; A.M. Sumner, Editor—succeeded by the
"Colored Citizen"; Rev. Thomas Woodson, and William Henry Yancey,
Editors. The "National Watchman," Troy, N.Y.; William H. Allen and Henry
Highland Garnett, Editors. Another issued in New York city, the name of
which, we cannot now remember; James William Charles Pennington,
D.D., and James McCune Smith, M.D., Editors: the issue being alternately
at Hartford, the then residence of Dr. Pennington—and New York city, the
residence of Dr. Smith. The "Excelsior," an ephemeral issue, which
appeared but once, in Detroit, Mich.; William H. Day, Editor.
The "Christian Herald," the organ of the A.M. Episcopal Church, published
under the auspices of the General Conference of that body; Augustus
Richardson Green, Editor, and General Book Steward. This gentleman has,
also, written and published several small volumes of a religious character; a
pamphlet on the Episcopacy and Infant Baptism, and the Lives of
Reverends Fayette Davis and David Canyou. The "Elevator," of
Philadelphia; James McCrummill, Editor. The "Ram's Horn," New York
city; Thomas Vanrensellear, Editor. There is now a little paper, the name of
which we cannot recollect, issued at Newark, N.J., merely a local paper,

very meager in appearance. "The Farmer and Northern Star," in Courtland,
N.Y., afterwards changed to the "Impartial Citizen," and published in
Boston; Samuel Ringgold Ward, Editor. "The North Star," published in
Rochester, N.Y.; Frederick Douglass, and Martin Robinson Delany, Editors
—subsequently changed to the "Frederick Douglass' Paper"; Frederick
Douglass, Editor.
A number of gentlemen have been authors of narratives, written by
themselves, some of which are masterly efforts, manifesting great force of
talents. Of such, are those by Frederick Douglass, William Wells Brown,
and Henry Bibb.
Of the various churches and clergy we have nothing to say, as these do not
come within our province; except where individuals, from position, come
within the sphere of our arrangement.
There have been several inventors among the colored people. The youth
Henry Blair, of Maryland, some years ago, invented the Corn-Planter, and
Mr. Roberts of Philadelphia, 1842, a machine for lifting cars off the
railways.
It may be expected that we should say something about a book issued in
Boston, purporting to be a history of ancient great men of African descent,
by one Mr. Lewis, entitled "Light and Truth." This book is nothing more
than a compilation of selected portions of Rollin's, Goldsmith's, Furguson's,
Hume's, and other ancient histories; added to which, is a tissue of historical
absurdities and literary blunders, shamefully palpable, for which the author
or authors should mantle their faces.
If viewed in the light of a "Yankee trick," simply by which to make money,
it may, peradventure, be a very clever trick; but the publisher should have
recollected, that the ostensible object of his work was, the edification and
enlightenment of the public in general and the colored people in particular,
upon a great and important subject of truth; and that those who must be the
most injured by it, will be the very class of people, whom he professes a
desire to benefit. We much regret the fact, that there are but too many of our
brethren, who undertake to dabble in literary matters, in the shape of
newspaper and book-making, who are wholly unqualified for the important
work. This, however, seems to be called forth by the palpable neglect, and

indifference of those who have had the educational advantages, but
neglected to make such use of them.
There is one redeeming quality about "Light and Truth." It is a capital offset
to the pitiable literary blunders of Professor George R. Gliddon, late Consul
to Egypt, from the United States, Lecturer on Ancient Egyptian Literature,
&c., &c., who makes all ancient black men, white; and asserts the Egyptians
and Ethiopians to have been of the Caucasian or white race!—So, also, this
colored gentleman, makes all ancient great white men, black—as Diogenes,
Socrates, Themistocles, Pompey, Caesar, Cato, Cicero, Horace, Virgil, et
cetera. Gliddon's idle nonsense has found a capital match in the production
of Mr. Lewis' "Light and Truth," and both should be sold together. We may
conclude by expressing our thanks to our brother Lewis, as we do not think
that Professor Gliddon's learned ignorance, would have ever met an equal
but for "Light and Truth." Reverends D.A. Payne, M.M. Clark, and other
learned colored gentlemen, agree with us in the disapproval of this book.—
Editor.

XII

STUDENTS OF VARIOUS PROFESSIONS
There are a number of young gentlemen who have finished their literary
course, who are now studying for the different learned professions, in
various parts of the country.
Jonathan Gibbs, A.B., a very talented young gentleman, and fine speaker, is
now finishing his professional studies in the Theological School at
Dartmouth University. Mr. Gibbs also studied in the Scientific Department
of the same Institution.
William H. Day, Esq., A.B., a graduate of Oberlin Collegiate Institute, is
now in Cleveland Ohio, preparing for the Bar. Mr. Day is, perhaps, the most
eloquent young gentleman of his age in the United States.
John Mercer Langston, A.B., of Chillicothe, Ohio, also a graduate of
Oberlin College, a talented young gentleman, and promising orator, is
completing a Theological course at the School of Divinity at Oberlin. It is
said, that Mr. Langston intends also to prepare for the Bar. He commenced
the study of Law previous to that of Theology, under Judge Andrews of
Cleveland.
Charles Dunbar, of New York city, a promising, very intelligent young
gentleman, is now in the office of Dr. Childs, and having attended one
course of Lectures at Bowdoin Medical School in Maine, will finish next
fall and winter, for the practice of his profession.
Isaac Humphrey Snowden, a promising young gentleman of talents, is now
reading Medicine under Dr. Clarke of Boston, and attended the session of
the Medical School of Harvard University, of 1850-51.
Daniel Laing, Jr., Esq., a fine intellectual young gentleman of Boston, a
student also of Dr. Clarke of that city, one of the Surgeons of the
Massachusetts General Hospital, who attended the course of Lectures the
session of 1850-51, at the Medical School of Harvard University, is now in
Paris, to spend two years in the hospitals, and attend the Medical Lectures

of that great seat of learning. Mr. Laing, like most medical students, has
ever been an admirer, and anxious to sit under the teachings of that great
master in Surgery, Velpeau.
Dr. James J. Gould Bias, a Botanic Physician, and talented gentleman of
Philadelphia, is a member of the class of 1851-52, of the Eclectic Medical
School of that city. Dr. Bias deserves the more credit for his progress in life,
as he is entirely self-made.
Robert B. Leach, of Cleveland, Ohio, a very intelligent young gentleman, is
a member of the medical class for 1851-52, of the Homeopathic College, in
that City. Mr. Leach, when graduated, will be the First Colored
Homeopathic Physician in the United States.
Dr. John Degrass, of New York city, named in another place, spent two
years in Paris Hospitals, under the teaching of the great lecturer and master
of surgery, Velpeau, to whom he was assistant and dresser, in the hospital—
the first position—for advantages, held by a student. The Doctor has
subsequently been engaged as surgeon on a Havre packet, where he
discharged the duties of his office with credit.
Also Dr. Peter Ray, of Brooklyn, named on the same page, graduated at
Castleton Medical School, Vermont, spent some time at the Massachusetts
General Hospital, Boston, where he held the position of assistant and
dresser to Surgeon Parkman, in his ward of the hospital.
Dr. John P. Reynolds, has for a number of years been one of the most
popular and successful physicians in Vincennes, Indiana. We believe Dr.
Reynolds, was not of the "regular" system, but some twenty-three or-four
years ago, studied under an "Indian physician," after which, he practised
very successfully in Zanesville, Ohio, subsequently removing to Vincennes,
where he has for the last sixteen years, supported an enviable reputation as
a physician. We understand Doctor Reynolds has entered into all the
scientific improvements of the "eclectic school" of medicine, which has
come into being in the United States, long since his professional career
commenced. His popularity is such, that he has frequently been entrusted,
with public confidence, and on one occasion, in 1838, was appointed by the
court, sole executor of a very valuable orphans' estate. The Doctor has

grown quite wealthy it is said, commanding a considerable influence in the
community.
Dr. McDonough, a skillful young physician, graduated at the Institute,
Easton, Pennsylvania, and finished his medical education at the University
of New York. The Doctor is one of the most thorough of the young
physicians; has been attached to the greater part of the public institutions of
the city of New York, and is a good practical chemist.
Of course, there are many others, but as we have taken no measures
whatever, to collect facts or information from abroad, only getting such as
was at hand, and giving the few sketches here, according to our own
recollection of them, we close this short chapter at this point.

XIII

A SCAN AT PAST THINGS
It may not be considered in good taste to refer to those still living, who
formerly occupied prominent business positions, and by dint of misfortune
or fortune, have withdrawn. Nevertheless, we shall do so, since our simple
object in this hasty sketch of things, is to show that the colored people of
the country have not as has been charged upon them, always been dregs on
the community and excrescences on the body politic, wherever they may
have lived. We only desire to show that they have been, all things
considered, just like other people.
Several years ago, there lived in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Berry
Mechum. This gentleman was very wealthy, and had at one time, two fine
steamers plying on the Mississippi, all under the command and
management of white men, to whom he trusted altogether. As late as 1836,
he sent two sons to the Oberlin Collegiate Institute, desiring that they might
become educated, in order to be able to manage his business; who, although
he could read and write, was not sufficiently qualified and skilled in the arts
of business to vie with the crafty whites of the Valley. But before his sons
were fitted for business though reputed very wealthy, which there is no
doubt he was, his whole property was seized and taken: and as he informed
the writer himself, he did not know what for, as he had no debts that he
knew of, until these suits were entered. Mr. Mechum was an energetic,
industrious, persevering old gentleman—a baptist clergyman, and published
a small pamphlet on the condition of the colored race. And although, it
evinces great deficiency of literary qualifications, yet, does credit to the
good old man, for the sound thoughts therein contained.
Also in the city of St. Louis, David Desara, who was a Mississippi pilot for
many years. He made much money at his business, and owned at one time,
a steamboat, which he piloted himself. Mr. Desara also failed, in
consequence of having his business all in the hands of white men, as most
of the slave state colored people have, entrusting to them entirely, without
knowing anything of their own concerns.

Charles Moore, long and familiarly known as "Chancy Moore the Pilot,"
was for many years, one of the most popular pilots on the Ohio and
Mississippi rivers. Mr. Moore made much money, and withdrew from his
old business, purchasing a large tract of land in Mercer County, Ohio,
where he has for the last ten or twelve years been farming.
Mr. Moore was an honest man, and we believe upon him originated the
purely Western phrase, "Charley Moore the fair thing"; he always in his
dealings saying "gentlemen, do the fair thing."
Abner H. Francis and James Garrett were formerly extensive clothes dealers
in Buffalo, N.Y., doing business to the amount of sixty thousand dollars
annually. They were energetic, industrious, persevering gentlemen,
commencing business under very unfavorable circumstances, in fact,
commencing on but seventy-five dollars, as the writer has been authentically
informed by the parties.
They continued successfully for years, where their paper and endorsements
were good for any amount they wanted—highly respected and esteemed;
Mr. Francis sitting at one time as juryman in the court of quarter sessions.
These gentlemen failed in business in 1849, but since then, have nearly
adjusted the claims against them. Mr. Francis has since settled in Oregon
Territory, Portland City, where he is again doing a fair mercantile business.
They bid fair again to rank among the "merchant princes" of the times.
Robert Banks was for many years, a highly esteemed and extensive clothes
dealer, on Jefferson Avenue, in Detroit, Mich. No man was more highly
respected for unswerving integrity, and uprightness of purpose, than Robert
Banks, of Detroit. Mr. Banks, had much enlarged his business, immediately
succeeding a fire in which he was burnt out two years previous to closing,
which ensued in July, 1851, being the second time he had lost his store by
fire. He might have, had he done as merchants usually do under such
circumstances, continued his business; but instead, he made an assignment,
with few preferred creditors, rather as he expressed it, ruin his business,
than wilfully wrong a creditor. What speaks volumes in his behalf, every
person, even his greatest creditors say, "He is an honest man"; and while
settling the business of the late concern, those to whom he was indebted,
offered him assistance to commence business again. But this he thankfully

declined, preferring to take his chance with others in the land of gold,
California, where he now is, than commence again under the circumstances.
Doubtless, if no special prevention ensue, Mr. Banks will be fully able to
redeem his present obligations, and once more be found prospering and
happy.
Henry Knight, of Chicago, commenced business in that city without capital;
but by industry, soon gained the esteem and confidence of the public,
making many friends. He fast rose in prosperity, until he became the
proprietor of the most extensive livery establishment in the city, in which he
had much capital invested. Determined to be equal to the times, the growing
prosperity of the city, and the demands of the increasing pride of the place,
he extended his possessions—erecting costly buildings, besides increasing
his stock and livery extensively. He was burnt out—a pressure came upon
him—he sold out his stock, staid suits against himself; went to California,
returned in a year and a half—paid off old claims, saved his property—went
back; opened a California hotel, returned in less than one year with several
thousand dollars, and now stands entirely clear of all debt—and all this
done in the space of two and a half years. Mr. Knight is a man of business,
and will hold his position with others if he have but half a chance. With
such a man, there is "no such a thing as fail"—he could not again, if he
desired, because, his friends would not permit him.

XIV

LATE MEN OF LITERARY, PROFESSIONAL
AND ARTISTIC NOTE
Late Captain Frank Johnson, of Philadelphia, the most renowned band
leader ever known in the United States, was a man of science, and master of
his profession. In 1838, Captain Johnson went to England with his noble
band of musicians, where he met with great success—played to Her
Majesty Queen Victoria and His Royal Highness Prince Albert—Captain
Johnson receiving a handsome French bugle, by order of her Majesty,
valued at five hundred dollars—returning, he held throughout the Eastern,
Northern, and Western States, grand concerts, known as "Soirees
Musicales." He was a great composer and teacher of music, and some of the
finest Marches and Cotillions now extant, have been originally composed
by Captain Frank Johnson. On his Western tour, by some awkwardness of
management, he lost at Buffalo, original music in manuscript, which never
had been published—as much of his composition had been; valued at one
thousand dollars, which, although advertised, he never got. But his name
was sufficient to give additional value to the prize; and there is no doubt,
but the world is now being benefited by the labors of Captain Johnson, the
credit being given to others than himself. This was an unfortunate
circumstance, and had his amiable and excellent widow, Mrs. Helen
Johnson of Philadelphia, now this composition, she could support herself in
ease, by the sale of the published work. Captain Frank Johnson, died in
Philadelphia in 1844, universally respected, and regretted as an irreparable
loss to society. At his death the band divided, different members taking a
leadership.
Andrew J. Conner, one of the members of Captain Johnson's band, also
became a distinguished composer and teacher of music. Mr. Conner taught
the piano forte in the best families in the city of Philadelphia—among
merchants, bankers, and professional men. He contributed to the popular
literary Magazines of the day, and very many who have read in Graham's
and other literary issues, "Music composed by A.J. Conner," did not for a

moment think that the author was a colored gentleman. Mr. Conner died in
Philadelphia in 1850.
James Ulett, formerly of New York, became quite celebrated a few years
since, as a comedian. He played several times in the old "Richmond Hill"
Theatre, and quite successfully in Europe. Mr. Ulett was not well educated,
and consequently, labored under considerable inconvenience in reading,
frequently making grammatical blunders, as the writer noticed in a private
rehearsal, in 1836, in the city of New York. He, however, possessed great
intellectual powers, and his success depended more upon that, than his
accuracy in reading. Of course, he was a great delineator of character,
which being the principal feature in a comedian, his language was lost sight
of in common conversation. Mr. Ulett died in New York a few years ago.
Doctor Lewis G. Wells was a most talented orator and man of literary
qualifications. Residing in Baltimore, Maryland, he raised himself high in
the estimation of all who knew him. He studied medicine, and was admitted
into the Washington Medical College, attending the regular courses, and
would have graduated, but for some misunderstanding between himself and
the professors, which prevented it. He was a most successful practitioner,
and effected more cures during the prevalence of the cholera in 1832, than
any other physician in the city. Doctor Wells was also a most successful
practical phrenologist, and lectured to large and fashionable houses of the
first class ladies and gentlemen of Baltimore, and other cities. Being a great
wit, he kept his audiences in uproars of laughter. Mr. Wells was also an
ordained minister of the Gospel, belonging to the white Methodist
connexion; and was author of several productions, among them, a large
Methodist hymn book, containing several fine original poems. Dr. Wells
died the same year of cholera, after successfully saving many others,
because there was no physician at that time who understood the treatment
of the disease.

XV

FARMERS AND HERDSMEN
Little need be said about farmers; there are hundreds of them in all parts of
the country, especially in the Western States; still these may not be
considered of a conspicuous or leading character—albeit, they are
contributing largely to the wants of community, and wealth of the country at
large. Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, all, are
largely represented by the farming interests of colored men. We shall name
but a sufficient number to show the character of their enterprise in this
department of American industry.
Rev. William Watson, of Cincinnati, Ohio, is the owner of a fine farm in
Mercer county, and six hundred acres of additional land.
Mr. Richard Phillips, of the same city, is owner of a fine farm in the same
county, and three hundred and fifty additional acres of land.
Rev. Reuben P. Graham, of Cincinnati, owns a finely cultivated farm in
Mercer county, three hundred acres of adjoining land; and one near
Cincinnati.
Mr. John Woodson, of Jackson county, is one of the most successful farmers
in the State of Ohio. Having a large tract of land, he has one of the best
cultivated farms in the West, in a most productive state, raising grains,
fruits, and livestock. In the year 1842, his farm produced that season, three
thousand bushels of wheat, several hundred bushels of rye, eleven hundred
bushels of oats, large crops of corn, potatoes, and other vegetables; large
quantities of fruits, three hundred stacks of hay, with a large stock of several
hundred heads of cattle on the place. Mr. Woodson has for many years, been
a highly respectable man in his neighborhood, and continues his farming
interests with unabated success.
Dr. Charles Henry Langston, of Columbus, Ohio, is also the proprietor of a
very fine farm of eleven hundred acres, in Jackson county, upon which he
has a white tenant. This gentleman is a surgeon-dentist by profession,
educated at Oberlin College, making his home in Columbus.

Robert Purvis, Esq., a gentleman of collegiate education, is proprietor of
one of the best improved farms in Philadelphia county, fifteen miles from
Philadelphia. His cattle consist of the finest English breed.
Joseph Purvis, Esq., of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, a gentleman also of
education and wealth, is an amateur stock farmer. Every animal on Mr.
Purvis' farm is of the very best breed—Godolphin horses, Durham cattle,
Leicestershire sheep, Berkshire swine, even English bull-terrier dogs, and
whatever else pertains to the blooded breeds of brutes, may be found on the
farm of Joseph Purvis. Mr. Purvis supplies a great many farmers with
choice breeds of cattle, and it is said that he spends ten thousand dollars
annually, in the improvement of his stocks.
Robert Briges Forten, also of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, is an amateur
farmer. Mr. Forten is a gentleman of fine education, a pure, chaste poet, and
attends to farming for the love of nature. He is a valuable member of the
farming enterprise in the country.
If such evidence of industry and interest, as has been exhibited in the
various chapters on the different pursuits and engagements of colored
Americans, do not entitle them to equal rights and privileges in our
common country, then indeed, is there nothing to justify the claims of any
portion of the American people to the common inheritance of Liberty.
We proceed to another view of our condition in the United States.

XVI

NATIONAL DISFRANCHISEMENT OF
COLORED PEOPLE
We give below the Act of Congress, known as the "Fugitive Slave Law," for
the benefit of the reader, as there are thousands of the American people of
all classes, who have never read the provisions of this enactment; and
consequently, have no conception of its enormity. We had originally
intended, also, to have inserted here, the Act of Congress of 1793, but since
this Bill includes all the provisions of that Act, in fact, although called a
"supplement," is a substitute, de facto, it would be superfluous; therefore,
we insert the Bill alone, with explanations following:—

AN ACT
To Amend, and Supplementary to the Act, Entitled, "An Act
Respecting Fugitives from Justice, and Persons Escaping from the
Service of Their Masters," Approved February 12, 1793.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That the persons who have
been, or may hereafter be, appointed commissioners, in virtue of any
act of Congress, by the circuit courts of the United States, and who, in
consequence of such appointment, are authorized to exercise the
powers that any justice of the peace or other magistrate of any of the
United States may exercise in respect to offenders for any crime or
offence against the United States, by arresting, imprisoning, or bailing
the same under and by virtue of the thirty-third section of the act of the
twenty-fourth of September, seventeen hundred and eighty-nine,
entitled "An act to establish the judicial courts of the United States,"
shall be, and are hereby authorized and required to exercise and
discharge all the powers and duties conferred by this act.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the superior court of each
organized territory of the United States shall have the same power to
appoint commissioners to take acknowledgments of bail and affidavit,

and to take depositions of witnesses in civil causes, which is now
possessed by the circuit courts of the United States; and all
commissioners who shall hereafter be appointed for such purposes by
the superior court of any organized territory of the United States shall
possess all the powers and exercise all the duties conferred by law
upon the commissioners appointed by the circuit courts of the United
States for similar purposes, and shall moreover exercise and discharge
all the powers and duties conferred by this act.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the circuit courts of the United
States, and the superior courts of each organized territory of the United
States, shall from time to time enlarge the number of commissioners,
with a view to afford reasonable facilities to reclaim fugitives from
labor, and to the prompt discharge of the duties imposed by this act.
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That the commissioners above
named shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the judges of the circuit
and district courts of the United States, in their respective circuits and
districts within the several States, and the judges of the superior courts
of the Territories, severally and collectively, in term time and vacation;
and shall grant certificates to such claimants, upon satisfactory proof
being made, with authority to take and remove such fugitives from
service or labor, under the restrictions herein contained, to the State or
territory from which such persons may have escaped or fled.
Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of all
marshals and deputy marshals to obey and execute all warrants and
precepts issued under the provisions of this act, when to them directed;
and should any marshal or deputy marshal refuse to receive such
warrant or other process, when tendered, or to use all proper means
diligently to execute the same, he shall, on conviction thereof, be fined
in the sum of one thousand dollars to the use of such claimant, on the
motion of such claimant, by the circuit or district court for the district
of such marshal; and after arrest of such fugitive by such marshal or
his deputy, or whilst at any time in his custody, under the provisions of
this act, should such fugitive escape, whether with or without the
assent of such marshal or his deputy, such marshal shall be liable, on
his official bond, to be prosecuted, for the benefit of such claimant for

the full value of the service or labor of said fugitive in the State,
Territory, or district whence he escaped; and the better to enable the
said commissioners, when thus appointed, to execute their duties
faithfully and efficiently, in conformity with the requirements of the
constitution of the United States and of this art, they are hereby
authorized and empowered, within their counties respectively, to
appoint in writing under their hands, any one or more suitable persons,
from time to time, to execute all such warrants and other process as
may be issued by them in the lawful performance of their respective
duties; with an authority to such commissioners, or the persons to be
appointed by them, to execute process as aforesaid, to summon and
call to their aid the bystanders, or posse comitatus of the proper
county, when necessary to insure a faithful observance of the clause of
the constitution referred to, in conformity with the provisions of this
act: and all good citizens are hereby commanded to aid and assist in
the prompt and efficient execution of this law, whenever their services
may be required, as aforesaid, for that person; and said warrants shall
run and be executed by said officers anywhere in the State within
which they are issued.
Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That when a person held to service or
labor in any State or Territory of the United States has heretofore or
shall hereafter escape into another State or Territory of the United
States, the person or persons to whom such service or labor may be
due, or his, her, or their agent or attorney, duly authorized, by power of
attorney, in writing, acknowledged and certified under the seal of some
legal office or court of the State or Territory in which the game may be
executed, may pursue and reclaim such fugitive person, either by
procuring a warrant from some one of the courts, judges, or
commissioners aforesaid, of the proper circuit, district or county, for
the apprehension of such fugitive from service or labor, or by seizing
and arresting such fugitive, where the same can be done without
process, and by taking and causing such person to be taken forthwith
before such court, judge or commissioner, whose duty it shall be to
hear and determine the case of such claimant in a summary manner;
and upon satisfactory proof being made, by deposition or affidavit, in
writing, to be taken and certified by such court, judge, or

commissioner, or by other satisfactory testimony, duly taken and
certified by some court, magistrate, justice of the peace, or other legal
officer authorized to administer an oath, and take depositions under the
laws of the State or Territory from which such person owing service or
labor may have escaped, with a certificate of such magistracy or other
authority, as aforesaid, with the seal of the proper court or officer
thereto attached, which seal shall be sufficient to establish the
competency of the proof, and with proof, also by affidavit, of the
identity of the person whose service or labor is claimed to be due as
aforesaid, that the person so arrested does in fact owe service or labor
to the person or persons claiming him or her, in the State or Territory
from which such fugitive may have escaped as aforesaid, and that said
person escaped, to make out and deliver to such claimant, his or her
agent or attorney, a certificate setting forth the substantial facts as to
the service or labor due from such fugitive to the claimant, and of his
or her escape from the State or Territory in which such service or labor
was due to the State or Territory in which he or she was arrested, with
authority to such claimant, or his or her agent or attorney to use such
reasonable force and restraint as may be necessary under the
circumstances of the case, to take and remove such fugitive person
back to the State or Territory from whence he or she may have escaped
as aforesaid. In no trial or hearing under this act shall the testimony of
such alleged fugitive be admitted in evidence; and the certificates in
this and the first section mentioned shall be conclusive of the right of
the person or persons in whose favor granted to remove such fugitive
to the State or Territory from which he escaped, and shall prevent all
molestation of said person or persons by any process issued by any
court, judge, magistrate, or other person whomsoever.
Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That any person who shall knowingly
and willingly obstruct, hinder, or prevent such claimant, his agent or
attorney, or any person or persons lawfully assisting him, her, or them,
from arresting such a fugitive from service or labor, either with or
without process as aforesaid; or shall rescue, or attempt to rescue such
fugitive from service or labor, from the custody of such claimant, his
or her agent or attorney or other person or persons lawfully assisting as
aforesaid, when so arrested, pursuant to the authority herein given and

declared: or shall aid, abet, or assist such person, so owing service or
labor as aforesaid, directly or indirectly, to escape from such claimant,
his agent or attorney, or other person or persons, legally authorized as
aforesaid; or shall harbor or conceal such fugitive, so as to prevent the
discovery and arrest of such person, after notice or knowledge of the
fact that such person was a fugitive from service or labor as aforesaid,
shall, for either of said offences, be subject to a fine not exceeding one
thousand dollars, and imprisonment not exceeding six months, by
indictment and conviction before the district court of the United States
for the district in which such offence may have been committed, or
before the proper court of criminal jurisdiction, if committed within
any one of the organized territories of the United States; and shall
moreover forfeit and pay, by way of civil damages to the party injured
by such illegal conduct, the sum of one thousand dollars for each
fugitive so lost as aforesaid, to be recovered by action of debt in any of
the district or territorial courts aforesaid, within whose jurisdiction the
said offence may have been committed.
Sec. 8. And be it further enacted, That the marshals, their deputies, and
the clerks of the said district and territorial courts, shall be paid for
their services the like fees as may be allowed to them for similar
services in other cases; and where such services rendered exclusively
in the arrest, custody, and delivery of the fugitive to the claimant, his
or her agent or attorney, or where such supposed fugitive may be
discharged out of custody for the want of sufficient proof as aforesaid,
then such fees are to be paid in the whole by such claimant, his agent
or attorney; and in all cases where the proceedings are before a
commissioner, he shall be entitled to a fee of ten dollars in full for his
services in each case, upon delivery of the said certificate to the
claimant, his or her agent or attorney; or a fee of five dollars in cases
where the proof shall not, in the opinion of such commissioner,
warrant such certificate and delivery, inclusive of all services incident
to such arrest and examination, to be paid in either case, by the
claimant, his or her agent or attorney. The person or persons authorized
to execute the process to be issued by such commissioners for the
arrest and detention of fugitives from service or labor as aforesaid,
shall also be entitled to a fee of five dollars each for each person he or

they may arrest and take before any such commissioner as aforesaid at
the instance and request of such claimant, with such other fees as may
be deemed reasonable by such commissioner for such other additional
services as may be necessarily performed by him or them: such as
attending to the examination, keeping the fugitive in custody, and
providing him with food and lodging during his detention, and until
the final determination of such commissioner; and in general for
performing such other duties as may be required by such claimant, his
or her attorney or agent, or commissioner in the premises; such fees to
be made up in conformity with the fees usually charged by the officers
of the courts of justice within the proper district or county, as near as
may be practicable, and paid by such claimants, their agents or
attorneys, whether such supposed fugitive from service or labor be
ordered to be delivered to such claimants by the final determination of
such commissioners or not.
Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That upon affidavit made by the
claimant of such fugitive, his agent or attorney, after such certificate
has been issued, that he has reason to apprehend that such fugitive will
be rescued by force from his or their possession before he can be taken
beyond the limits of the State in which the arrest is made, it shall be
the duty of the officer making the arrest to retain such fugitive in his
custody, and to remove him to the State whence he fled, and there to
deliver him to said claimant, his agent or attorney. And to this end the
officer aforesaid is hereby authorized and required to employ so many
persons as he may deem necessary, to overcome such force, and to
retain them in his service so long as circumstances may require; the
said officer and his assistants, while so employed, to receive the same
compensation, and to be allowed the same expenses as are now
allowed by law for the transportation of criminals, to be certified by
the judge of the district within which the arrest is made, and paid out
of the treasury of the United States.
Sec. 10. And be it further enacted, That when any person held to
service or labor in any State or Territory, or in the District of
Columbia, shall escape therefrom, the party to whom such service or
labor shall be due, his, her, or their agent or attorney may apply to any
court of record therein, or judge thereof, in vacation, and make

satisfactory proof to such court, or judge, in vacation, of the escape
aforesaid, and that the person escaping owed service or labor to such
party. Whereupon the court shall cause a record to be made of the
matters so proved, and also a general description of the person so
escaping, with such convenient certainty as may be; and a transcript of
such record authenticated by the attestation of the clerk, and of the seal
of the said court, being produced in any other State, Territory, or
District in which the person so escaping may be found, and being
exhibited to any judge, commissioner, or other officer, authorized by
the law of the United States to cause persons escaping from service or
labor to be delivered up, shall be held and taken to be full and
conclusive evidence of the fact of escape, and that the service or labor
of the person escaping is due to the party in such record mentioned.
And upon the production by the said party of other and further
evidence, if necessary, either oral or by affidavit, in addition to what is
contained in the said record of the identity of the person escaping, he
or she shall be delivered up to the claimant. And the said court,
commissioner, judge or other person authorized by this act to grant
certificates to claimants of fugitives, shall, upon the production of the
record and other evidences aforesaid, grant to such claimant a
certificate of his right to take any such person identified and proved to
be owing service or labor as aforesaid, which certificate shall authorize
such claimant to seize or arrest and transport such person to the State
or Territory from which he escaped: Provided, That nothing herein
contained shall be construed as requiring the production of a transcript
of such record as evidence as aforesaid; but in its absence, the claim
shall be heard and determined upon other satisfactory proofs
competent in law.
Howell Cobb,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
William R. King,
President of the Senate, pro tempore.
Approved September 18, 1850.
Millard Fillmore.

The most prominent provisions of the Constitution of the United States, and
those which form the fundamental basis of personal security, are they which
provide, that every person shall be secure in their person and property: that
no person may be deprived of liberty without due process of law, and that
for crime or misdemeanor; that there may be no process of law that shall
work corruption of blood. By corruption of blood is meant, that process, by
which a person is degraded and deprived of rights common to the
enfranchised citizen—of the rights of an elector, and of eligibility to the
office of a representative, of the people; in a word, that no person nor their
posterity, may ever be debased beneath the level of the recognised basis of
American citizenship. This debasement and degradation is "corruption of
blood"; politically understood—a legal acknowledgement of inferiority of
birth.
Heretofore, it ever has been denied, that the United States recognised or
knew any difference between the people—that the Constitution makes no
distinction, but includes in its provisions, all the people alike. This is not
true, and certainly is blind absurdity in us at least, who have suffered the
dread consequences of this delusion, not now to see it.
By the provisions of this bill, the colored people of the United States are
positively degraded beneath the level of the whites—are made liable at any
time, in any place, and under all circumstances, to be arrested—and upon
the claim of any white person, without the privilege, even of making a
defence, sent into endless bondage. Let no visionary nonsense about habeas
corpus, or a fair trial, deceive us; there are no such rights granted in this
bill, and except where the commissioner is too ignorant to understand when
reading it, or too stupid to enforce it when he does understand, there is no
earthly chance—no hope under heaven for the colored person who is
brought before one of these officers of the law. Any leniency that may be
expected, must proceed from the whims or caprice of the magistrate—in
fact, it is optional with them; and our rights and liberty entirely at their
disposal.
We are slaves in the midst of freedom, waiting patiently, and unconcernedly
—indifferently and stupidly, for masters to come and lay claim to us,
trusting to their generosity, whether or not they will own us and carry us
into endless bondage.

The slave is more secure than we; he knows who holds the heel upon his
bosom—we know not the wretch who may grasp us by the throat. His
master may be a man of some conscientious scruples; ours may be
unmerciful. Good or bad, mild or harsh, easy or hard, lenient or severe,
saint or satan—whenever that master demands any one of us—even our
affectionate wives and darling little children, we must go into slavery—
there is no alternative. The will of the man who sits in judgment on our
liberty, is the law. To him is given all power to say, whether or not we have
a right to enjoy freedom. This is the power over the slave in the South—this
is now extended to the North. The will of the man who sits in judgment
over us is the law; because it is explicitly provided that the decision of the
commissioner shall be final, from which there can be no appeal.
The freed man of the South is even more secure than the freeborn of the
North; because such persons usually have their records in the slave states,
bringing their "papers" with them; and the slaveholders will be faithful to
their own acts. The Northern freeman knows no records; he despises the
"papers."
Depend upon no promised protection of citizens in any quarter. Their own
property and liberty are jeopardised, and they will not sacrifice them for us.
This we may not expect them to do.
Besides, there are no people who ever lived, love their country and obey
their laws as the Americans.
Their country is their Heaven—their Laws their Scriptures—and the
decrees of their Magistrates obeyed as the fiat of God. It is the most
consummate delusion and misdirected confidence to depend upon them for
protection; and for a moment suppose even our children safe while walking
in the streets among them.
A people capable of originating and sustaining such a law as this, are not
the people to whom we are willing to entrust our liberty at discretion.
What can we do? What shall we do? This is the great and important
question:—Shall we submit to be dragged like brutes before heartless men,
and sent into degradation and bondage?—Shall we fly, or shall we resist?
Ponder well and reflect.

A learned jurist in the United States, (Chief Justice John Gibson of
Pennsylvania,) lays down this as a fundamental right in the United States:
that "Every man's house is his castle, and he has the right to defend it unto
the taking of life, against any attempt to enter it against his will, except for
crime," by well authenticated process.
But we have no such right. It was not intended for us, any more than any
other provision of the law, intended for the protection of Americans. The
policy is against us—it is useless to contend against it.
This is the law of the land and must be obeyed; and we candidly advise that
it is useless for us to contend against it. To suppose its repeal, is to
anticipate an overthrow of the Confederative Union; and we must be
allowed an expression of opinion, when we say, that candidly we believe,
the existence of the Fugitive Slave Law necessary to the continuance of the
National Compact. This Law is the foundation of the Compromise—remove
it, and the consequences are easily determined. We say necessary to the
continuance of the National Compact: certainly we will not be understood
as meaning that the enactment of such a Law was really necessary, or as
favoring in the least this political monstrosity of the Thirty-First Congress
of the United States of America—surely not at all; but we speak logically
and politically, leaving morality and right out of the question—taking our
position on the acknowledged popular, basis of American Policy; arguing
from premise to conclusion. We must abandon all vague theory, and look at
facts as they really are; viewing ourselves in our true political position in
the body politic. To imagine ourselves to be included in the body politic,
except by express legislation, is at war with common sense, and contrary to
fact. Legislation, the administration of the laws of the country, and the
exercise of rights by the people, all prove to the contrary. We are politically,
not of them, but aliens to the laws and political privileges of the country.
These are truths—fixed facts, that quaint theory and exhausted moralising,
are impregnable to, and fall harmlessly before.
It is useless to talk about our rights in individual States: we can have no
rights here as citizens, not recognised in our common country; as the
citizens of one State, are entitled to all the rights and privileges of an
American citizen in all the States—the nullity of the one necessarily
implying the nullity of the other. These provisions then do not include the

colored people of the United States; since there is no power left in them,
whereby they may protect us as their own citizens. Our descent, by the laws
of the country, stamps us with inferiority—upon us has this law worked
corruption of blood. We are in the hands of the General Government, and
no State can rescue us. The Army and Navy stand at the service of our
enslavers, the whole force of which, may at any moment—even in the dead
of night, as has been done—when sunk in the depth of slumber, called out
for the purpose of forcing our mothers, sisters, wives, and children, or
ourselves, into hopeless servitude, there to weary out a miserable life, a
relief from which, death would be hailed with joy. Heaven and earth—God
and Humanity!—are not these sufficient to arouse the most worthless
among mankind, of whatever descent, to a sense of their true position?
These laws apply to us—shall we not be aroused?
What then shall we do?—what is the remedy—is the important question to
be answered?
This important inquiry we shall answer, and find a remedy in when treating
of the emigration of the colored people.

XVII

EMIGRATION OF THE COLORED PEOPLE
OF THE UNITED STATES
That there have been people in all ages under certain circumstances, that
may be benefited by emigration, will be admitted; and that there are
circumstances under which emigration is absolutely necessary to their
political elevation, cannot be disputed.
This we see in the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt to the land of Judea; in
the expedition of Dido and her followers from Tyro to Mauritania; and not
to dwell upon hundreds of modern European examples—also in the ever
memorable emigration of the Puritans, in 1620, from Great Britain, the land
of their birth, to the wilderness of the New World, at which may be fixed
the beginning of emigration to this continent as a permanent residence.
This may be acknowledged; but to advocate the emigration of the colored
people of the United States from their native homes, is a new feature in our
history, and at first view, may be considered objectionable, as pernicious to
our interests. This objection is at once removed, when reflecting on our
condition as incontrovertibly shown in a foregoing part of this work. And
we shall proceed at once to give the advantages to be derived from
emigration, to us as a people, in preference to any other policy that we may
adopt. This granted, the question will then be, Where shall we go? This we
conceive to be all important—of paramount consideration, and shall
endeavor to show the most advantageous locality; and premise the
recommendation, with the strictest advice against any countenance
whatever, to the emigration scheme of the so called Republic of Liberia.

XVIII

"REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA"
That we desire the civilization and enlightenment of Africa—the high and
elevated position of Liberia among the nations of the earth, may not be
doubted, as the writer was among the first, seven or eight years ago, to
make the suggestion and call upon the Liberians to hold up their heads like
men; take courage, having confidence in their own capacity to govern
themselves, and come out from their disparaging position, by formally
declaring their Independence.
As our desire is to impart information, and enlighten the minds of our
readers on the various subjects herein contained, we present below a large
extract from the "First Annual Report of the Trustees of Donations for
Education in Liberia." This Extract will make a convenient statistic
reference for matters concerning Liberia. We could only wish that many of
our readers possessed more historical and geographical information of the
world, and there could be little fears of their going anywhere that might be
incongenial and unfavorable to their success. We certainly do intend to deal
fairly with Liberia, and give the reader every information that may tend to
enlighten them. What the colored people most need, is intelligence; give
them this, and there is no danger of them being duped into anything they do
not desire. This Board was incorporated by the Legislature of
Massachusetts, March 19th, 1850—Ensign H. Kellogg, Speaker of the
House, Marshall P. Wilder, President of the Senate. Trustees of the Board—
Hon. George N. Briggs, LL.D., Hon. Simon Greenleaf, LL.D., Hon.
Stephen Fairbanks, Hon. William J. Hubbard, Hon. Joel Giles, Hon. Albert
Fearing, Amos A. Lawrence, Esq. Officers of the Board—Hon. G.N.
Briggs, President; Hon. S. Fairbanks, Treasurer; Rev. J. Tracy, Secretary.
The conclusion of the Report says:—"In view of such considerations, the
Trustees cannot doubt the patrons of learning will sustain them in their
attempt to plant the First College on the only continent which yet remains
without one." In this, the learned Trustees have fallen into a statistical and
geographical error, which we design to correct. The continent is not without
a College. There are now in Egypt, erected under the patronage of that
singularly wonderful man, Mehemet Ahi, four colleges conducted on the

European principle—Scientific, Medical, Legal, and Military.[4] These are
in successful operation; the Military College having an average of eleven
hundred students annually. The continent of Africa then, is not without a
college, but though benighted enough, even to an apparent hopeless
degeneration, she is still the seat of learning, and must some day rise, in the
majesty of ancient grandeur, and vindicate the rights and claims of her own
children, against the incalculable wrongs perpetrated through the period of
sixty ages by professedly enlightened Christians, against them.

A glance at the map will show a sharp bend in this coast at Cape
Palmas, from which it extends, on time one side, about 1,100 miles
north-west and north, and on the other, about 1,200 or 1,300 almost
directly east. In this bend is the Maryland Colony of Cape Palmas,
with a jurisdiction extending nearly 100 miles eastward. This Colony
is bounded on the north-west by the Republic of Liberia, which
extends along the coast about 400 miles to Sherbro. These two
governments will ultimately be united in one Republic, and may be
considered as one, for all the purposes of this inquiry. The extent of
their united sea-coast is about 520 miles. The jurisdiction of the
Republic over the four hundred miles or more which it claims, has
been formally acknowledged by several of the leading powers of
Europe, and is questioned by none. To almost the whole of it, the
native title has been extinguished; the natives, however, still
occupying, as citizens, such portions of it as they need.
The civilized population of these governments, judging from the
census of 1843, and other information, is some 7,000 or 8,000. Of the
heathen population, no census has ever been taken; but it probably
exceeds 300,000.
The grade of Liberian civilization may be estimated from the fact, that
the people have formed a republican government, and so administer it,
as to secure the confidence of European governments in its stability.
The native tribes who have merged themselves in the Republic, have
all bound themselves to receive and encourage teachers; and some of
them have insisted on the insertion, in their treaties of annexation, of
pledges that teachers and other means of civilization shall be
furnished.

Our accounts of churches, clergy and schools are defective, but show
the following significant facts:
The clergy of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Liberia are nearly all
Liberian citizens, serving as missionaries of the Methodist Missionary
Society in the United States. The last Report of that Society gives the
names of fifteen missionaries, having in charge nine circuits, in which
are 882 members in full communion, and 235 probationers; total,
1,117. They have 20 Sabbath Schools, with 114 officers and teachers,
810 scholars, and 507 volumes in their libraries. They have a Manual
Labor School and Female Academy. The number of Day Schools is not
reported; but seven of the missionaries are reported as superintendents
of schools, and the same number have under their charge several
"native towns," in some of which there are schools. The late
superintendent of the missions writes:—
"It appears plain to my mind, that nothing can now retard the progress
of our missions in this land, unless it be the want of a good high
school, in which to rear up an abundant supply of well qualified
teachers, to supply, as they shall rapidly increase in number, all your
schools."
The Baptists are next in number to the Methodists. The Northern
Baptist Board, having its seat in Boston, has in Liberia one mission,
two out-stations, one boarding school, and two day schools, with about
twenty scholars each, one native preacher, and four native assistants.
The whole mission is in the hands of converted natives. The Southern
Board operates more extensively. More than a year since, the Rev.
John Day, its principal agent there, reported to the Rev. R.R. Gurley,
United States Commissioner to Liberia, as follows:
"In our schools are taught, say, 330 children, 92 of whom are natives.
To more than 10,000 natives, the Word of Life is statedly preached;
and in every settlement in these colonies, we have a church, to whom
the means of grace are administered; and in every village we have an
interesting Sunday school, where natives as well as colonists are taught
the truths of God's word. Say, in our Sunday schools, are taught 400
colonists, and 200 natives.... We have this year baptized 18 natives and

7 colonists, besides what have been baptized by Messrs. Murray and
Drayton, from whom I have had no report."
The missionaries are all, or nearly all, Liberian citizens.
The Board of Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States
has five missionaries at four stations in Liberia. The first is at
Monrovia, under the care of the Rev. Harrison W. Ellis, well known as
"the Learned Black Blacksmith." While a slave in Alabama, and
working at his trade as a blacksmith, he acquired all the education, in
English, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Theology, which is required for
ordination as a Presbyterian minister. The Presbyterians of that region
then bought him, and sent him out as a missionary. His assistant, Mr.
B.V.R. James, a colored man, was for some years a printer in the
service of the American Board at their mission at Cape Palmas and the
Gaboon River. He first went to Liberia as a teacher, supported by a
society of ladies in New York. In the Presbyterian Church under the
care of Mr. Ellis are 39 communicants. During the year, 24 had been
added, and 8 had been dismissed to form a new church in another
place. Mr. Ellis also has charge of the "Alexander High School," which
is intended mainly for teaching the rudiments of a classical education.
This institution has an excellent iron school-house, given by a wealthy
citizen of New York, at the cost of one thousand dollars, and a library
and philosophical apparatus, which cost six hundred dollars, given by
a gentleman in one of the southern States. The library contains a
supply of classical works, probably equal to the wants of the school for
some years. The land needed for the accommodation of the school was
given by the government of Liberia. The number of scholars appears to
be between twenty and thirty, a part of whom support themselves by
their daily labor. The English High School under the care of Mr.
James, had, according to the last Annual Report, 52 scholars. At a later
date, the number in both schools was 78. Mr. James has also a large
Sabbath school; but the number of pupils is not given.
The second station is at the new settlement of Kentucky, on the right or
north bank of the St. Paul's, about fifteen miles from Monrovia, and
six miles below Millsburgh. The missionary is a Liberian, Mr. H.W.
Erskine. On a lot of ten acres, given by the government, buildings on

an economical scale have been erected, in which is a school of twenty
scholars. A church was organized in November, 1849, with eight
members from the church in Monrovia. They have since increased to
fourteen. Here, too, is a flourishing Sabbath school. The citizens, and
especially the poor natives in the neighbourhood, are extremely
anxious that a boarding school should be established. To this the
Committee having charge of this mission objects, as the expense for
buildings and for the support of pupils would be great, and would
absorb funds that can be more profitably expended on day schools.
The third station is on the Sinou river, 150 miles down the coast from
Monrovia, where, at the mouth of the river, is the town of Greenville,
and a few miles higher up, the newer settlements of Readville and
Rossville. It is under the care of the Rev. James M. Priest. The number
of communicants, at the latest date, was thirty, and the field of labor
was rapidly enlarging by immigration. The station is new, and it does
not appear that any mission school had yet been organized.
The fourth station is at Settra Kroo, where there are five or six miles of
coast, to which the native title has not yet been extinguished. This
station has been maintained for some years, at a lamentable expense of
the lives and health of white missionaries. About 200 boys and a few
girls have been taught to read. The station is now under the care of Mr.
Washington McDonogh, formerly a slave of the late John McDonogh,
of Louisiana, so well known for the immense estate which he has
bequeathed to benevolent purposes. He was well educated, and with
more than eighty others, sent out some years since at his master's
expense. He has a school of fifteen scholars, with the prospect of a
large increase.
The mission of the Protestant Episcopal Church is located in the
Maryland Colony at Cape Palmas. Its last Report specifies seven
schools, and alludes to several others, in actual operation; all
containing from 200 to 300 scholars, of whom about 100 are in one
Sabbath school. Five other schools had been projected, and have
probably gone into operation since that time. The greater part of the
pupils are from native families. The Report states the number of

communicants at sixty-seven, of whom forty are natives. A High
school was opened January 1, 1850.
The laws of the Republic of Liberia provide for a common school in
every town. It is supposed, however, that where there is a mission
school, accessible to all children of suitable age, no other school exists;
so that, in fact, nearly all the common schools in Liberia are connected
with the different missions, the missionaries have the superintendence
of their studies, and the Missionary Societies defray a large portion of
the expense. Yet it must be remembered that a large majority of the
missionaries are citizens of the Republic, and some of them native
Africans; so that the immediate control of the schools is not generally
in foreign hands. A portion, also, of the missionary funds, is
contributed in Liberia; and something is paid by parents for the tuition
of their children. Yet the Republic evidently needs an educational
system more independent of missionary aid and control; and for that
purpose, needs a supply of teachers who are not raised up in mission
schools. And we have it in testimony, that the missions themselves
might be more efficient for good, if well supplied with teachers of
higher qualifications.
Here, then, we have a Republic of some 300,000 inhabitants, of whom
7,000 or 8,000 may be regarded as civilized, and the remainder as
having a right to expect, and a large part of them actually expecting
and demanding the means of civilization and Christianity. We have,—
supplying as well as we can by estimate, the numbers not definitely
given,—more than 2,000 communicants in Christian churches, and
more than 1,500 children in Sabbath Schools; some 40 day schools
containing, exclusive of the Methodists, who are the most numerous,
and of whose numbers in school we have no report, about 635
scholars. The whole number in day schools, therefore, is probably not
less than 1,200. We have the Alexander High School at Monrovia,
where instruction is given to some extent in the classics; the English
High School, at the same place, under Mr. James; the Methodist
Manual Labor School and Female Academy at Millsburg; the Baptist
Boarding School at Bexley; and the Protestant Episcopal High School
at Cape Palmas. These institutions must furnish some students for a

higher seminary, such as we propose to establish; and such a
population must need their labors when educated.

However foreign to the designs of the writer of ever making that country or
any other out of America, his home; had this been done, and honorably
maintained, the Republic of Liberia would have met with words of
encouragement, not only from himself, an humble individual, but we dare
assert, from the leading spirits among, if not from the whole colored
population of the United States. Because they would have been willing to
overlook the circumstances under which they went there, so that in the end,
they were willing to take their stand as men, and thereby throw off the
degradation of slaves, still under the control of American slave-holders, and
American slave-ships. But in this, we were disappointed—grievously
disappointed, and proceed to show in short, our objections to Liberia.
Its geographical position, in the first place, is objectionable, being located
in the sixth degree of latitude North of the equator, in a district signally
unhealthy, rendering it objectionable as a place of destination for the
colored people of the United States. We shall say nothing about other parts
of the African coast, and the reasons for its location where it is: it is enough
for us to know the facts as they are, to justify an unqualified objection to
Liberia.
In the second place, it originated in a deep laid scheme of the slaveholders
of the country, to exterminate the free colored of the American continent;
the origin being sufficient to justify us in impugning the motives.
Thirdly and lastly—Liberia is not an Independent Republic: in fact, it is not
an independent nation at all; but a poor miserable mockery—a burlesque on
a government—a pitiful dependency on the American Colonizationists, the
Colonization Board at Washington city, in the District of Columbia, being
the Executive and Government, and the principal man, called President, in
Liberia, being the echo—a mere parrot of Rev. Robert R. Gurley, Elliot
Cresson, Esq., Governor Pinney, and other leaders of the Colonization
scheme—to do as they bid, and say what they tell him. This we see in all of
his doings.
Does he go to France and England, and enter into solemn treaties of an
honorable recognition of the independence of his country; before his own

nation has any knowledge of the result, this man called President,
dispatches an official report to the Colonizationists of the United States,
asking their gracious approval? Does king Grando, or a party of fishermen
besiege a village and murder some of the inhabitants, this same "President,"
dispatches an official report to the American Colonization Board, asking for
instructions—who call an Executive Session of the Board, and immediately
decide that war must be waged against the enemy, placing ten thousand
dollars at his disposal—and war actually declared in Liberia, by virtue of
the instructions of the American Colonization Society. A mockery of a
government—a disgrace to the office pretended to be held—a parody on the
position assumed. Liberia in Africa, is a mere dependency of Southern
slaveholders, and American Colonizationists, and unworthy of any
respectful consideration from us.
What would be thought of the people of Hayti, and their heads of
government, if their instructions emanated from the American Anti-Slavery
Society, or the British Foreign Missionary Board? Should they be respected
at all as a nation? Would they be worthy of it? Certainly not. We do not
expect Liberia to be all that Hayti is; but we ask and expect of her, to have a
decent respect for herself—to endeavor to be freemen instead of voluntary
slaves. Liberia is no place for the colored freemen of the United States; and
we dismiss the subject with a single remark of caution against any advice
contained in a pamphlet, which we have not seen, written by Hon. James G.
Birney, in favor of Liberian emigration. Mr. Birney is like the generality of
white Americans, who suppose that we are too ignorant to understand what
we want; whenever they wish to get rid of us, would drive us any where, so
that we left them. Don't adhere to a word therein contained; we will think
for ourselves. Let Mr. Birney go his way, and we will go ours. This is one of
those confounded gratuities that is forced in our faces at every turn we
make. We dismiss it without further comment—and with it Colonization in
toto—and Mr. Birney de facto.
But to return to emigration: Where shall we go? We must not leave this
continent; America is our destination and our home.
That the continent of America seems to have been designed by Providence
as an asylum for all the various nations of the earth, is very apparent. From
the earliest discovery, various nations sent a representation here, either as

adventurers and speculators, or employed seamen and soldiers, hired to do
the work of their employers. And among the earliest and most numerous
class who found their way to the New World, were those of the African
race. And it is now ascertained to our mind, beyond a peradventure, that
when the continent was discovered, there were found in Central America, a
tribe of the black race, of fine looking people, having characteristics of
color and hair, identifying them originally of the African race—no doubt
being a remnant of the Africans who, with the Carthaginian expedition,
were adventitiously cast upon this continent, in their memorable excursion
to the "Great Island," after sailing many miles distant to the West of the
Pillars of Hercules.
We are not inclined to be superstitious, but say, that we can see the "finger
of God" in all this; and if the European race may with propriety, boast and
claim, that this continent is better adapted to their development, than their
own father-land; surely, it does not necessarily detract from our father-land,
to claim the superior advantages to the African race, to be derived from this
continent. But be that as it may, the world belongs to mankind—his
common Father created it for his common good—his temporal destiny is
here; and our present warfare, is not upon European rights, nor for
European countries; but for the common rights of man, based upon the great
principles of common humanity—taking our chance in the world of rights,
and claiming to have originally more right to this continent, than the
European race. And had we no other claims than those set forth in a former
part of this work, they are sufficient to cause every colored man on the
continent, to stand upon the soil unshaken and unmoved. The aboriginee of
the continent, is more closely allied to us by consanguinity, than to the
European—being descended from the Asiatic, whose alliance in matrimony
with the African is very common—therefore, we have even greater claims
to this continent on that account, and should unite and make common cause
in elevation, with our similarly oppressed brother, the Indian.
The advantages of this continent are superior, because it presents every
variety of climate, soil, and production of the earth, with every variety of
mineral production, with all kinds of water privileges, arid ocean coast on
all sides, presenting every commercial advantage. Upon the American
continent we are determined to stay, in spite of every odds against us. What

part of the great continent shall our destination be—shall we emigrate to the
North or South?

FOOTNOTE:

[4] It may be, that the Medical and Legal Schools, are adjunct departments
of the Scientific College, which would make the number of Colleges in
Egypt but two: as we are certain that the Military is separate entirely from
the Scientific School, and spoken of by travelers as a splendid College.

XIX

THE CANADAS
This is one of the most beautiful portions of North America. Canada East,
formerly known as Lower Canada, is not quite so favorable, the climate
being cold and severe in winter, the springs being late, the summers rather
short, and the soil not so productive. But Canada West, formerly called
Upper Canada, is equal to any portion of the Northern States. The climate
being milder than that of the Northern portions of New York, Ohio,
Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, or any of the States bordering on the lakes, the
soil is prolific in productions of every description. Grains, vegetables,
fruits, and cattle, are of the very best kind; from a short tour by the writer, in
that country in the fall, 1851, one year ago, he prefers Canada West to any
part of North America, as a destination for the colored people. But there is a
serious objection to the Canadas—a political objection. The Canadians are
descended from the same common parentage as the Americans on this side
of the Lakes—and there is a manifest tendency on the part of the Canadians
generally, to Americanism. That the Americans are determined to, and will
have the Canadas, to a close observer, there is not a shadow of doubt; and
our brethren should know this in time. This there would be no fear of, were
not the Canadian people in favor of the project, neither would the
Americans attempt an attack upon the provinces, without the move being
favored by the people of those places.
Every act of the Americans, ostensibly as courtesy and friendship, tend to
that end. This is seen in the policy pursued during the last two or three
years, in the continual invitations, frequently reciprocated, that pass from
the Americans to their "Canadian brethren"—always couched in
affectionate language—to join them in their various celebrations, in
different parts of the States. They have got them as far as Boston, and we
may expect to hear of them going to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore—
and instead of the merrymaking over the beginning or ending of internal
improvements, we may expect to see them ere long, wending their way to
the seat of the federal government—it may be with William McKenzie, the
memorable patriot and present member of the Colonial parliament, bearing
in his hand the stars and stripes as their ensign—there to blend their voices

in the loud shout of jubilee, in honor of the "bloodless victory," of Canadian
annexation. This we forewarn the colored people, in time, is the inevitable
and not far distant destiny of the Canadas. And let them come into the
American Republic when they may, the fate of the colored man, however
free before, is doomed, doomed, forever doomed. Disfranchisement,
degradation, and a delivery up to slave catchers and kidnappers, are their
only fate, let Canadian annexation take place when it will. The odious
infamous fugitive slave law, will then be in full force with all of its terrors;
and we have no doubt that fully in anticipation of this event, was the
despicable law created.
Let not colored people be deceived and gulled by any visionary argument
about original rights, or those of the people remaining the same as they
were previous to secession of the territory. The people can claim no rights
than such as are known to exist previous to their annexation. This is
manifestly the case with a large class of the former inhabitants of Mexico,
who though citizens before, in the full exercise of their rights as such, so
soon as the cession of the territory took place, lost them entirely, as they
could claim only such as were enjoyed by the people of a similar class, in
the country to which they made their union. The laudatories heaped upon
the Americans, within the hearing of the writer, while traveling the
provinces the last fall, by one of the Canadian officiaries, in comparing their
superior intelligence to what he termed the "stupid aristocracy," then
returning from the Boston celebration, where there was a fair opportunity of
comparing the intellect of their chief magistrate, his excellency, Lord Elgin,
governor-general of the Canadas, and Sir Allen Napier McNab, knight
baronet with that of some of the "plain republicans" who were present on
the occasion, were extravagant. The Canadians generally were perfectly
carried away with delight at their reception. They reminded us of some of
our poor brethren, who had just made their escape from Southern bondage,
and for the first time in their life, had been taken by the hand by a white
man, who acknowledged them as equals. They don't know when to stop
talking about it, they really annoy one with extravagant praises of them.
This was the way with those gentlemen; and we dare predict, that from
what we heard on that occasion, that Mr. McKenzie nor Big Bill Johnson,
hero of the Forty Islands, are no greater patriots than these Canadian
visitors to the Boston husa! We are satisfied that the Canadas are no place

of safety for the colored people of the United States; otherwise we should
have no objection to them.
But to the fugitive—our enslaved brethren flying from Southern despotism
—we say, until we have a more preferable place—go on to Canada.
Freedom, always; liberty any place and ever—before slavery. Continue to
fly to the Canadas, and swell the number of the twenty-five thousand
already there. Surely the British cannot, they will not look with indifference
upon such a powerful auxiliary as these brave, bold, daring men—the very
flower of the South, who have hazarded every consequence, many of whom
have come from Arkansas and Florida in search of freedom. Worthy surely
to be free, when gained at such a venture. Go on to the North, till the South
is ready to receive you—for surely, he who can make his way from
Arkansas to Canada, can find his way from Kentucky to Mexico. The
moment his foot touches this land South, he is free. Let the bondman but be
assured that he can find the same freedom South that there is in the North;
the same liberty in Mexico, as in Canada, and he will prefer going South to
going North. His risk is no greater in getting there. Go either way, and he in
the majority of instances must run the gauntlet of the slave states.

XX

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA AND THE
WEST INDIES
Central and South America, are evidently the ultimate destination and future
home of the colored race on this continent; the advantages of which in
preference to all others, will be apparent when once pointed out.[5]
Geographically, from the Northern extremity of Yucatan, down through
Central and South America, to Cape Horn, there is a variation of climate
from the twenty-second degree of North latitude, passing through the
equatorial region; nowhere as warm as it is in the same latitude in Africa; to
the fifty-fifth degree of South latitude, including a climate as cold as that of
the Hudson Bay country in British America, colder than that of Maine, or
any part known to the United States of North America; so that there is every
variety of climate in South, as well as North America.
In the productions of grains, fruits, and vegetables, Central and South
America are also prolific; and the best of herds are here raised. Indeed, the
finest Merino sheep, as well as the principal trade in rice, sugar, cotton, and
wheat, which is now preferred in California to any produced in the United
States—the Chilian flour—might be carried on by the people of this most
favored portion of God's legacy to man. The mineral productions excel all
other parts of this continent; the rivers present the greatest internal
advantages, and the commercial prospects, are without a parallel on the
coast of the new world.
The advantages to the colored people of the United States, to be derived
from emigration to Central, South America, and the West Indies, are
incomparably greater than that of any other parts of the world at present.
In the first place, there never have existed in the policy of any of the nations
of Central or South America, an inequality on account of race or color, and
any prohibition of rights, has generally been to the white, and not to the
colored races.[6] To the whites, not because they were white, not on
account of their color, but because of the policy pursued by them towards

the people of other races than themselves. The population of Central and
South America, consist of fifteen millions two hundred and forty thousand,
adding the ten millions of Mexico; twenty-five millions two hundred and
forty thousand, of which vast population, but one-seventh are whites, or the
pure European race. Allowing a deduction of one-seventh of this population
for the European race that may chance to be in those countries, and we have
in South and Central America alone, the vast colored population of thirteen
millions one hundred and seventy-seven thousand; and including Mexico, a
colored population on this glorious continent of twenty-one millions, six
hundred and forty thousand.
This vast number of people, our brethren—because they are precisely the
same people as ourselves and share the same fate with us, as the case of
numbers of them have proven, who have been adventitiously thrown among
us—stand ready and willing to take us by the hand—nay, are anxiously
waiting, and earnestly importuning us to come, that they may make
common cause with us, and we all share the same fate. There is nothing
under heaven in our way—the people stand with open arms ready to receive
us. The climate, soil, and productions—the vast rivers and beautiful sea-
coast—the scenery of the landscape, and beauty of the starry heavens above
—the song of the birds—the voice of the people say come—and God our
Father bids us go.—Will we go? Go we must, and go we will, as there is no
alternative. To remain here in North America, and be crushed to the earth in
vassalage and degradation, we never will.
Talk not about religious biases—we have but one reply to make. We had
rather be a Heathen freeman, than a Christian slave.
There need be no fear of annexation in these countries—the prejudices of
the people are all against it, and with our influences infused among them,
the aversion would be ten-fold greater. Neither need there be any fears of an
attempt on the part of the United States, at a subjugation, of these countries.
Policy is against it, because the United States has too many colored slaves
in their midst, to desire to bring under their government, twenty-one
millions of disfranchised people, whom it would cost them more to keep
under subjection, than ten-fold the worth of the countries they gained.
Besides, let us go to whatever parts of Central and South America we may,
we shall make common cause with the people, and shall hope, by one

judicious and signal effort, to assemble one day—and a glorious day it will
be—in a great representative convention, and form a glorious union of
South American States, "inseparably connected one and forever."
This can be done, easily done, if the proper course be pursued, and
necessity will hold them together as it holds together the United States of
North America—self-preservation. As the British nation serves to keep in
check the Americans; so would the United States serve to keep in Union the
South American States.
We should also enter into solemn treaties with Great Britain, and like other
free and independent nations, take our chance, and risk consequences. Talk
not of consequences; we are now in chains; shall we shake them off and go
to a land of liberty? shall our wives and children be protected, secure, and
affectionately cherished, or shall they be debased and degraded as our
mothers and fathers were? By the light of heaven, no! By the instincts of
nature, no!
Talk not about consequences. White men seek responsibilities; shall we
shun them? They brave dangers and risk consequences; shall we shrink
from them? What are consequences, compared in the scale of value, with
liberty and freedom; the rights and privileges of our wives and children? In
defence of our liberty—the rights of my wife and children; had we the
power, we would command the vault of a volcano, charged with the wrath
of heaven, and blast out of existence, every thing that dared obstruct our
way.
The time has now fully arrived, when the colored race is called upon by all
the ties of common humanity, and all the claims of consummate justice, to
go forward and take their position, and do battle in the struggle now being
made for the redemption of the world. Our cause is a just one; the greatest
at present that elicits the attention of the world. For it there is a remedy; that
remedy is now at hand. God himself as assuredly as he rules the destinies of
nations, and entereth measures into the "hearts of men," has presented these
measures to us. Our race is to be redeemed; it is a great and glorious work,
and we are the instrumentalities by which it is to be done. But we must go
from among our oppressors; it never can be done by staying among them.
God has, as certain as he has ever designed any thing, has designed this

great portion of the New World, for us, the colored races; and as certain as
we stubborn our hearts, and stiffen our necks against it, his protecting arm
and fostering care will be withdrawn from us.
Shall we be told that we can live nowhere, but under the will of our North
American oppressors; that this (the United States,) is the country most
favorable to our improvement and progress? Are we incapable of self-
government, and making such improvements for ourselves as we delight to
enjoy after American white men have made them for themselves? No, it is
not true. Neither is it true that the United States is the best country for our
improvement. That country is the best, in which our manhood can be best
developed; and that is Central and South America, and the West Indies—all
belonging to this glorious Continent.
Whatever may be our pretended objections to any place, whenever and
wherever our oppressors go, there will our people be found in proportionate
numbers. Even now could they get possession of the equatorial region of
South America, there would colored men be found living on their boats and
in their houses to do their menial services; but talk to them about going
there and becoming men, and a thousand excuses and objections are at once
raised against the climate or whatever else.
The writer, within the past few years, and as early as seventeen years ago,
then being quite young, and flushed with geographical and historical
speculations, introduced in a Literary Institution of Young Men, the subject
of Mexican, Californian, and South American Emigration. He was always
hooted at, and various objections raised: one on account of distance, and
another that of climate.
He has since seen some of the same persons engage themselves to their
white American oppressors—officers in the war against Mexico, exposing
themselves to the chances of the heat of day and the damp of night—risking
the dangers of the battle-field, in the capacity of servants. And had the
Americans taken Mexico, no people would have flocked there faster than
the colored people from the United States. The same is observed of
California.
In conversation, in the city of New York, a few weeks ago, with a colored
lady of intelligence, one of the "first families," the conversation being the

elevation of the colored people, we introduced emigration as a remedy, and
Central America as the place. We were somewhat surprised, and certainly
unprepared to receive the rebuking reply—"Do you suppose that I would go
in the woods to live for the sake of freedom? no, indeed! if you wish to do
so, go and do it. I am free enough here!" Remarking at the same time, that
her husband was in San Francisco, and she was going to him, as she learned
that that city was quite a large and handsome place.
We reminded her, that the industry of white men and women, in four years'
time, had made San Francisco what it is. That in 1846, before the American
emigration, the city contained about seven hundred people, surrounded by a
dense wilderness; and that we regretted to contrast her conduct or
disposition with that of the lady of Col. Fremont, a daughter of Senator
Benton, who tenderly and indulgently raised, in the spring after his arduous
adventure across the mountains, and almost miraculous escape, while the
country was yet a wilderness, left her comfortable home in Missouri, and
braved the dangers of the ocean, to join her husband and settle in the
wilderness. That she was going now to San Francisco, because it was a
populous and "fine city"—that Mrs. Fremont went, when it was a
wilderness, to help to make a populous and fine city.
About two hours previous to the writing of the following fact, two
respectable colored ladies in conversation, pleasantly disputing about the
superiority of the two places, Philadelphia and New York, when one spoke
of the uniform cleanliness of the streets of Philadelphia, and the dirtiness of
those of New York; when the other triumphantly replied,—"The reason that
our streets are so dirty is, that we do more business in one day, than you do
in a month." The other acknowledged the fact with some degree of
reluctance, and explained, with many "buts" as an excuse in extenuation.
Here was a seeming appreciation of business and enterprise; but the query
flashed through our mind in an instant, as to whether they thought for a
moment, of the fact, that they had no interest in either city, nor its business.
It brought forcibly to our mind, the scene of two of our oppressed brethren
South, fighting each other, to prove his master the greatest gentleman of the
two.
Let no objections be made to emigration on the ground of the difficulty of
the fugitive slave, in reaching us; it is only necessary for him to know, that

he has safety South, and he will find means of reaching the South, as easily
as he now does the North. Have no fears about that—his redemption draws
nigh, the nearer we draw to him. Central and South America, must be our
future homes. Our oppressors will not want us to go there. They will move
heaven and earth to prevent us—they will talk about us getting our rights,
and offer us a territory here, and all that. It is of no use. They have pressed
us to the last retreat—the die is cast—the Rubicon must be crossed—go we
will, in defiance of all the slave-power in the Union. And we shall not go
there, to be idle—passive spectators to an invasion of South American
rights. No—go when we will, and where we may, we shall hold ourselves
amenable to defend and protect the country that embraces us. We are fully
able to defend ourselves, once concentrated, against any odds—and by the
help of God, we will do it. We do not go, without counting the cost, cost
what it may; all that it may cost, it is worth to be free.
In going, let us have but one object—to become elevated men and women,
worthy of freedom—the worthy citizens of an adopted country. What to us
will be adopted—to our children will be legitimate. Go not with an anxiety
of political aspirations; but go with the fixed intention—as Europeans come
to the United States—of cultivating the soil, entering into the mechanical
operations, keeping of shops, carrying on merchandise, trading on land and
water, improving property—in a word, to become the producers of the
country, instead of the consumers.
Let young men who go, have a high object in view; and not go with a view
of becoming servants to wealthy gentlemen there; for be assured, that they
place themselves beneath all respectful consideration.

FOOTNOTES:

[5] The native language of these countries, as well as the greater part of
South America, is Spanish, which is the easiest of all foreign languages to
learn. It is very remarkable and worthy of note, that with a view of going to
Mexico or South America, the writer several years ago paid some attention
to the Spanish language; and now, a most singular coincidence, without
preunderstanding, in almost every town, where there is any intelligence
among them, there are some colored persons of both sexes, who are
studying the Spanish language. Even the Methodist and other clergymen,

among them. And we earnestly entreat all colored persons who can, to
study, and have their children taught Spanish. No foreign language will be
of such import to colored people, in a very short time, as the Spanish.
Mexico, Central and South America, importune us to speak their language;
and if nothing else, the silent indications of Cuba, urge us to learn the
Spanish tongue.
[6] The Brazilians have formed a Colonization Society, for the purpose of
colonizing free blacks to Africa. The Brazilians are Portuguese, the only
nation that can be termed white, and the only one that is a real slave holding
nation in South America. Even the black and colored men have equal
privileges with whites; and the action of this society will probably extend
only to the sending back of such captives as may be taken from piratical
slavers. Colonization in Brazil, has doubtless been got up under the
influence of United States slave holders and their abettors, such as the
consuls and envoys, who are sent out to South America, by the government.
Chevalier Niteroi, charge de affaires from Brazil near the government of
Liberia, received by the President on the 28th of last January, is also
charged with the mission of establishing a colony of free blacks in Liberia.
The Chevalier was once a Captain in the Brazilian navy on the coast of
Africa; and no doubt is conversant with the sentiments of Roberts, who was
charged with the slave trade at one time. The scheme of United States
slaveholders and President J.J. Roberts, their agent of Liberia, will not
succeed, in establishing prejudice against the black race; not even in
slaveholding Brazil.
We have no confidence in President Roberts of Liberia, believing him to be
wholly without principle—seeking only self-aggrandizement; even should it
be done, over the ruined prospects of his staggering infant country. The
people of Liberia, should beware of this man. His privy councillors are to
be found among slaveholders in the United States.

XXI

NICARAGUA AND NEW GRENADA
As it is not reasonable to suppose, that all who read this volume—especially
those whom it is intended most to benefit—understand geography; it is
deemed advisable, to name some particular places, as locality of
destination.
We consequently, to begin with, select Nicaragua, in Central America,
North, and New Grenada, the Northern part of South America, South of
Nicaragua, as the most favorable points at present, in every particular, for us
to emigrate to.
In the first place, they are the nearest points to be reached, and countries at
which the California adventurers are now touching, on their route to that
distant land, and not half the distance of California.
In the second place, the advantages for all kinds of enterprise, are equal if
not superior, to almost any other points—the climate being healthy and
highly favorable.
In the third place, and by no means the least point of importance, the British
nation is bound by solemn treaty, to protect both of those nations from
foreign imposition, until they are able to stand alone.
Then there is nothing in the way, but every thing in favor, and opportunities
for us to rise to the full stature of manhood. Remember this fact, that in
these countries, colored men now fill the highest places in the country: and
colored people have the same chances there, that white people have in the
United States. All that is necessary to do, is to go, and the moment your foot
touches the soil, you have all the opportunities for elevating yourselves as
the highest, according to your industry and merits.
Nicaragua and New Grenada, are both Republics, having a President,
Senate, and Representatives of the people. The municipal affairs are well
conducted; and remember, however much the customs of the country may
differ, and appear strange to those you have left behind—remember that

you are free; and that many who, at first sight, might think that they could
not become reconciled to the new order of things, should recollect, that they
were once in a situation in the United States, (in slavery,) where they were
compelled to be content with customs infinitely more averse to their
feelings and desires. And that customs become modified, just in proportion
as people of different customs from different parts, settle in the same
communities together. All we ask is Liberty—the rest follows as a matter of
course.

XXII

THINGS AS THEY ARE
"And if thou boast Truth to utter,
Speak, and leave the rest to God."

In presenting this work, we have but a single object in view, and that is, to
inform the minds of the colored people at large, upon many things
pertaining to their elevation, that but few among us are acquainted with.
Unfortunately for us, as a body, we have been taught to believe, that we
must have some person to think for us, instead of thinking for ourselves. So
accustomed are we to submission and this kind of training, that it is with
difficulty, even among the most intelligent of the colored people, an
audience may be elicited for any purpose whatever, if the expounder is to be
a colored person; and the introduction of any subject is treated with
indifference, if not contempt, when the originator is a colored person.
Indeed, the most ordinary white person, is almost revered, while the most
qualified colored person is totally neglected. Nothing from them is
appreciated.
We have been standing comparatively still for years, following in the
footsteps of our friends, believing that what they promise us can be
accomplished, just because they say so, although our own knowledge
should long since, have satisfied us to the contrary. Because even were it
possible, with the present hate and jealousy that the whites have towards us
in this country, for us to gain equality of rights with them; we never could
have an equality of the exercise and enjoyment of those rights—because,
the great odds of numbers are against us. We might indeed, as some at
present, have the right of the elective franchise—nay, it is not the elective
franchise, because the elective franchise makes the enfranchised, eligible to
any position attainable; but we may exercise the right of voting only, which
to us, is but poor satisfaction; and we by no means care to cherish the
privilege of voting somebody into office, to help to make laws to degrade
us.

In religion—because they are both translators and commentators, we must
believe nothing, however absurd, but what our oppressors tell us. In
Politics, nothing but such as they promulge; in Anti-Slavery, nothing but
what our white brethren and friends say we must; in the mode and manner
of our elevation, we must do nothing, but that which may be laid down to
be done by our white brethren from some quarter or other; and now, even
on the subject of emigration, there are some colored people to be found, so
lost to their own interest and self-respect, as to be gulled by slave owners
and colonizationists, who are led to believe there is no other place in which
they can become elevated, but Liberia, a government of American slave-
holders, as we have shown—simply, because white men have told them so.
Upon the possibility, means, mode and manner, of our Elevation in the
United States—Our Original Rights and Claims as Citizens—Our
Determination not to be Driven from our Native Country—the Difficulties
in the Way of our Elevation—Our Position in Relation to our Anti-Slavery
Brethren—the Wicked Design and Injurious Tendency of the American
Colonization Society—Objections to Liberia—Objections to Canada—
Preferences to South America, &c., &c., all of which we have treated
without reserve; expressing our mind freely, and with candor, as we are
determined that as far as we can at present do so, the minds of our readers
shall be enlightened. The custom of concealing information upon vital and
important subjects, in which the interest of the people is involved, we do
not agree with, nor favor in the least; we have therefore, laid this cursory
treatise before our readers, with the hope that it may prove instrumental in
directing the attention of our people in the right way, that leads to their
Elevation. Go or stay—of course each is free to do as he pleases—one thing
is certain; our Elevation is the work of our own hands. And Mexico, Central
America, the West Indies, and South America, all present now,
opportunities for the individual enterprise of our young men, who prefer to
remain in the United States, in preference to going where they can enjoy
real freedom, and equality of rights. Freedom of Religion, as well as of
politics, being tolerated in all of these places.
Let our young men and women, prepare themselves for usefulness and
business; that the men may enter into merchandise, trading, and other things
of importance; the young women may become teachers of various kinds,
and otherwise fill places of usefulness. Parents must turn their attention

more to the education of their children. We mean, to educate them for useful
practical business purposes. Educate them for the Store and the Counting
House—to do every-day practical business. Consult the children's
propensities, and direct their education according to their inclinations. It
may be, that there is too great a desire on the part of parents, to give their
children a professional education, before the body of the people, are ready
for it. A people must be a business people, and have more to depend upon
than mere help in people's houses and Hotels, before they are either able to
support, or capable of properly appreciating the services of professional
men among them. This has been one of our great mistakes—we have gone
in advance of ourselves. We have commenced at the superstructure of the
building, instead of the foundation—at the top instead of the bottom. We
should first be mechanics and common tradesmen, and professions as a
matter of course would grow out of the wealth made thereby. Young men
and women, must now prepare for usefulness—the day of our Elevation is
at hand—all the world now gazes at us—and Central and South America,
and the West Indies, bid us come and be men and women, protected, secure,
beloved and Free.
The branches of Education most desirable for the preparation of youth, for
practical useful every-day life, are Arithmetic and good Penmanship, in
order to be Accountants; and a good rudimental knowledge of Geography—
which has ever been neglected, and under estimated—and of Political
Economy; which without the knowledge of the first, no people can ever
become adventurous—nor of the second, never will be an enterprising
people. Geography, teaches a knowledge of the world, and Political
Economy, a knowledge of the wealth of nations; or how to make money.
These are not abstruse sciences, or learning not easily acquired or
understood; but simply, common School Primer learning, that every body
may get. And, although it is the very key to prosperity and success in
common life, but few know any thing about it. Unfortunately for our
people, so soon as their children learn to read a Chapter in the New
Testament, and scribble a miserable hand, they are pronounced to have
"Learning enough"; and taken away from School, no use to themselves, nor
community. This is apparent in our Public Meetings, and Official Church
Meetings; of the great number of men present, there are but few capable of
filling a Secretaryship. Some of the large cities may be an exception to this.

Of the multitudes of Merchants, and Businessmen throughout this country,
Europe, and the world, few are qualified, beyond the branches here laid
down by us as necessary for business. What did John Jacob Astor, Stephen
Girard, or do the millionaires and the greater part of the merchant princes,
and mariners, know about Latin and Greek, and the Classics? Precious few
of them know any thing. In proof of this, in 1841, during the Administration
of President Tyler, when the mutiny was detected on board of the American
Man of War Brig Somers, the names of the Mutineers, were recorded by
young S—— a Midshipman in Greek. Captain Alexander Slidell McKenzie,
Commanding, was unable to read them; and in his despatches to the
Government, in justification of his policy in executing the criminals, said
that he "discovered some curious characters which he was unable to read,"
&c.; showing thereby, that that high functionary, did not understand even
the Greek Alphabet, which was only necessary, to have been able to read
proper names written in Greek.
What we most need then, is a good business practical Education; because,
the Classical and Professional education of so many of our young men,
before their parents are able to support them, and community ready to
patronize them, only serves to lull their energy, and cripple the otherwise,
praiseworthy efforts they would make in life. A Classical education, is only
suited to the wealthy, or those who have a prospect of gaining a livelihood
by it. The writer does not wish to be understood, as underrating a Classical
and Professional education; this is not his intention; he fully appreciates
them, having had some such advantages himself; but he desires to give a
proper guide, and put a check to the extravagant idea that is fast obtaining,
among our people especially, that a Classical, or as it is termed, a "finished
education," is necessary to prepare one for usefulness in life. Let us have an
education, that shall practically develope our thinking faculties and
manhood; and then, and not until then, shall we be able to vie with our
oppressors, go where we may. We as heretofore, have been on the extreme;
either no qualification at all, or a Collegiate education. We jumped too far;
taking a leap from the deepest abyss to the highest summit; rising from the
ridiculous to the sublime; without medium or intermission.
Let our young women have an education; let their minds be well informed;
well stored with useful information and practical proficiency, rather than the

light superficial acquirements, popularly and fashionably called
accomplishments. We desire accomplishments, but they must be useful.
Our females must be qualified, because they are to be the mothers of our
children. As mothers are the first nurses and instructors of children; from
them children consequently, get their first impressions, which being always
the most lasting, should be the most correct. Raise the mothers above the
level of degradation, and the offspring is elevated with them. In a word,
instead of our young men, transcribing in their blank books, recipes for
Cooking; we desire to see them making the transfer of Invoices of
Merchandise. Come to our aid then; the morning of our Redemption from
degradation, adorns the horizon.
In our selection of individuals, it will be observed, that we have confined
ourself entirely to those who occupy or have occupied positions among the
whites, consequently having a more general bearing as useful contributors
to society at large. While we do not pretend to give all such worthy cases,
we gave such as we possessed information of, and desire it to be
understood, that a large number of our most intelligent and worthy men and
women, have not been named, because from their more private position in
community, it was foreign to the object and design of this work. If we have
said aught to offend, "take the will for the deed," and be assured, that it was
given with the purest of motives, and best intention, from a true hearted
man and brother; deeply lamenting the sad fate of his race in this country,
and sincerely desiring the elevation of man, and submitted to the serious
consideration of all, who favor the promotion of the cause of God and
humanity.

XXIII

A GLANCE AT OURSELVES—CONCLUSION
With broken hopes—sad devastation;
A race resigned to Degradation!

We have said much to our young men and women, about their vocation and
calling; we have dwelt much upon the menial position of our people in this
country. Upon this point we cannot say too much, because there is a
seeming satisfaction and seeking after such positions manifested on their
part, unknown to any other people. There appears to be, a want of a sense of
propriety or self-respect, altogether inexplicable; because young men and
women among us, many of whom have good trades and homes, adequate to
their support, voluntarily leave them, and seek positions, such as servants,
waiting maids, coachmen, nurses, cooks in gentlemens' kitchen, or such like
occupations, when they can gain a livelihood at something more
respectable, or elevating in character. And the worse part of the whole
matter is, that they have become so accustomed to it, it has become so
"fashionable," that it seems to have become second nature, and they really
become offended, when it is spoken against.
Among the German, Irish, and other European peasantry who come to this
country, it matters not what they were employed at before and after they
come; just so soon as they can better their condition by keeping shops,
cultivating the soil, the young men and women going to night-schools,
qualifying themselves for usefulness, and learning trades—they do so. Their
first and last care, object and aim is, to better their condition by raising
themselves above the condition that necessity places them in. We do not say
too much, when we say, as an evidence of the deep degradation of our race,
in the United States, that there are those among us, the wives and daughters,
some of the first ladies, (and who dare say they are not the "first," because
they belong to the "first class" and associate where any body among us
can?) whose husbands are industrious, able and willing to support them,
who voluntarily leave home, and become chamber-maids, and stewardesses,
upon vessels and steamboats, in all probability, to enable them to obtain
some more fine or costly article of dress or furniture.

We have nothing to say against those whom necessity compels to do these
things, those who can do no better; we have only to do with those who can,
and will not, or do not do better. The whites are always in the advance, and
we either standing still or retrograding; as that which does not go forward,
must either stand in one place or go back. The father in all probability is a
farmer, mechanic, or man of some independent business; and the wife, sons
and daughters, are chamber-maids, on vessels, nurses and waiting-maids, or
coachmen and cooks in families. This is retrogradation. The wife, sons, and
daughters should be elevated above this condition as a necessary
consequence.
If we did not love our race superior to others, we would not concern ourself
about their degradation; for the greatest desire of our heart is, to see them
stand on a level with the most elevated of mankind. No people are ever
elevated above the condition of their females; hence, the condition of the
mother determines the condition of the child. To know the position of a
people, it is only necessary to know the condition of their females; and
despite themselves, they cannot rise above their level. Then what is our
condition? Our best ladies being washerwomen, chambermaids, children's
traveling nurses, and common house servants, and menials, we are all a
degraded, miserable people, inferior to any other people as a whole, on the
face of the globe.
These great truths, however unpleasant, must be brought before the minds
of our people in its true and proper light, as we have been too delicate about
them, and too long concealed them for fear of giving offence. It would have
been infinitely better for our race, if these facts had been presented before
us half a century ago—we would have been now proportionably benefitted
by it.
As an evidence of the degradation to which we have been reduced, we dare
premise, that this chapter will give offence to many, very many, and why?
Because they may say, "He dared to say that the occupation of a servant is a
degradation." It is not necessarily degrading; it would not be, to one or a
few people of a kind; but a whole race of servants are a degradation to that
people.

Efforts made by men of qualifications for the toiling and degraded millions
among the whites, neither gives offence to that class, nor is it taken
unkindly by them; but received with manifestations of gratitude; to know
that they are thought to be, equally worthy of, and entitled to stand on a
level with the elevated classes; and they have only got to be informed of the
way to raise themselves, to make the effort and do so as far as they can. But
how different with us. Speak of our position in society, and it at once gives
insult. Though we are servants; among ourselves we claim to be ladies and
gentlemen, equal in standing, and as the popular expression goes, "Just as
good as any body"—and so believing, we make no efforts to raise above the
common level of menials; because the best being in that capacity, all are
content with the position. We cannot at the same time, be domestic and
lady; servant and gentleman. We must be the one or the other. Sad, sad
indeed, is the thought, that hangs drooping in our mind, when
contemplating the picture drawn before us. Young men and women, "we
write these things unto you, because ye are strong," because the writer, a
few years ago, gave unpardonable offence to many of the young people of
Philadelphia and other places, because he dared tell them, that he thought
too much of them, to be content with seeing them the servants of other
people. Surely, she that could be the mistress, would not be the maid;
neither would he that could be the master, be content with being the servant;
then why be offended, when we point out to you, the way that leads from
the menial to the mistress or the master. All this we seem to reject with
fixed determination, repelling with anger, every effort on the part of our
intelligent men and women to elevate us, with true Israelitish degradation,
in reply to any suggestion or proposition that may be offered, "Who made
thee a ruler and judge?"
The writer is no "Public Man," in the sense in which this is understood
among our people, but simply an humble individual, endeavoring to seek a
livelihood by a profession obtained entirely by his own efforts, without
relatives and friends able to assist him; except such friends as he gained by
the merit of his course and conduct, which he here gratefully acknowledges;
and whatever he has accomplished, other young men may, by making
corresponding efforts, also accomplish.
We have advised an emigration to Central and South America, and even to
Mexico and the West Indies, to those who prefer either of the last named

places, all of which are free countries, Brazil being the only real slave-
holding State in South America—there being nominal slavery in Dutch
Guiana, Peru, Buenos Ayres, Paraguay, and Uraguay, in all of which places
colored people have equality in social, civil, political, and religious
privileges; Brazil making it punishable with death to import slaves into the
empire.
Our oppressors, when urging us to go to Africa, tell us that we are better
adapted to the climate than they—that the physical condition of the
constitution of colored people better endures the heat of warm climates than
that of the whites; this we are willing to admit, without argument, without
adducing the physiological reason why, that colored people can and do
stand warm climates better than whites; and find an answer fully to the
point in the fact, that they also stand all other climates, cold, temperate, and
modified, that white people can stand; therefore, according to our
oppressors' own showing, we are a superior race, being endowed with
properties fitting us for all parts of the earth, while they are only adapted to
certain parts. Of course, this proves our right and duty to live wherever we
may choose; while the white race may only live where they can. We are
content with the fact, and have ever claimed it. Upon this rock, they and we
shall ever agree.
Of the West India Islands, Santa Cruz, belonging to Denmark; Porto Rico,
and Cuba with its little adjuncts, belonging to Spain, are the only
slaveholding Islands among them—three-fifths of the whole population of
Cuba being colored people, who cannot and will not much longer endure
the burden and the yoke. They only want intelligent leaders of their own
color, when they are ready at any moment to charge to the conflict—to
liberty or death. The remembrance of the noble mulatto, Placido, the
gentleman, scholar, poet, and intended Chief Engineer of the Army of
Liberty and Freedom in Cuba; and the equally noble black, Charles Blair,
who was to have been Commander-in-Chief, who were shamefully put to
death in 1844, by that living monster, Captain General O'Donnell, is still
fresh and indelible to the mind of every bondman of Cuba.
In our own country, the United States, there are three million five hundred
thousand slaves; and we, the nominally free colored people, are six hundred
thousand in number; estimating one-sixth to be men, we have one hundred

thousand able bodied freemen, which will make a powerful auxiliary in any
country to which we may become adopted—an ally not to be despised by
any power on earth. We love our country, dearly love her, but she don't love
us—she despises us, and bids us begone, driving us from her embraces; but
we shall not go where she desires us; but when we do go, whatever love we
have for her, we shall love the country none the less that receives us as her
adopted children.
For the want of business habits and training, our energies have become
paralyzed; our young men never think of business, any more than if they
were so many bondmen, without the right to pursue any calling they may
think most advisable. With our people in this country, dress and good
appearances have been made the only test of gentleman and ladyship, and
that vocation which offers the best opportunity to dress and appear well, has
generally been preferred, however menial and degrading, by our young
people, without even, in the majority of cases, an effort to do better; indeed,
in many instances, refusing situations equally lucrative, and superior in
position; but which would not allow as much display of dress and personal
appearance. This, if we ever expect to rise, must be discarded from among
us, and a high and respectable position assumed.
One of our great temporal curses is our consummate poverty. We are the
poorest people, as a class, in the world of civilized mankind—abjectly,
miserably poor, no one scarcely being able to assist the other. To this, of
course, there are noble exceptions; but that which is common to, and the
very process by which white men exist, and succeed in life, is unknown to
colored men in general. In any and every considerable community may be
found, some one of our white fellow-citizens, who is worth more than all
the colored people in that community put together. We consequently have
little or no efficiency. We must have means to be practically efficient in all
the undertakings of life; and to obtain them, it is necessary that we should
be engaged in lucrative pursuits, trades, and general business transactions.
In order to be thus engaged, it is necessary that we should occupy positions
that afford the facilities for such pursuits. To compete now with the mighty
odds of wealth, social and religious preferences, and political influences of
this country, at this advanced stage of its national existence, we never may
expect. A new country, and new beginning, is the only true, rational, politic
remedy for our disadvantageous position; and that country we have already

pointed out, with triple golden advantages, all things considered, to that of
any country to which it has been the province of man to embark.
Every other than we, have at various periods of necessity, been a migratory
people; and all when oppressed, shown a greater abhorrence of oppression,
if not a greater love of liberty, than we. We cling to our oppressors, as the
objects of our love. It is true that our enslaved brethren are here, and we
have been led to believe that it is necessary for us to remain, on that
account. Is it true, that all should remain in degradation, because a part are
degraded? We believe no such thing. We believe it to be the duty of the
Free, to elevate themselves in the most speedy and effective manner
possible; as the redemption of the bondman depends entirely upon the
elevation of the freeman; therefore, to elevate the free colored people of
America, anywhere upon this continent; forebodes the speedy redemption
of the slaves. We shall hope to hear no more of so fallacious a doctrine—the
necessity of the free remaining in degradation, for the sake of the
oppressed. Let us apply, first, the lever to ourselves; and the force that
elevates us to the position of manhood's considerations and honors, will
cleft the manacle of every slave in the land.
When such great worth and talents—for want of a better sphere—of men
like Rev. Jonathan Robinson, Robert Douglass, Frederick A. Hinton, and a
hundred others that might be named, were permitted to expire in a barber-
shop; and such living men as may be found in Boston, New York,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Richmond, Washington City, Charleston, (S.C.)
New Orleans, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis, Pittsburg, Buffalo,
Rochester, Albany, Utica, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukie, Chicago,
Columbus, Zanesville, Wheeling, and a hundred other places, confining
themselves to Barber-shops and waiter-ships in Hotels; certainly the
necessity of such a course as we have pointed out, must be cordially
acknowledged; appreciated by every brother and sister of oppression; and
not rejected as heretofore, as though they preferred inferiority to equality.
These minds must become "unfettered," and have "space to rise." This
cannot be in their present positions. A continuance in any position, becomes
what is termed "Second Nature"; it begets an adaptation, and reconciliation
of mind to such condition. It changes the whole physiological condition of
the system, and adapts man and woman to a higher or lower sphere in the
pursuits of life. The offsprings of slaves and peasantry, have the general

characteristics of their parents; and nothing but a different course of training
and education, will change the character.
The slave may become a lover of his master, and learn to forgive him for
continual deeds of maltreatment and abuse; just as the Spaniel would couch
and fondle at the feet that kick him; because he has been taught to reverence
them, and consequently, becomes adapted in body and mind to his
condition. Even the shrubbery-loving Canary, and lofty-soaring Eagle, may
be tamed to the cage, and learn to love it from habit of confinement. It has
been so with us in our position among our oppressors; we have been so
prone to such positions; that we have learned to love them. When reflecting
upon this all important, and to us, all absorbing subject; we feel in the
agony and anxiety of the moment, as though we could cry out in the
language of a Prophet of old: "Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes
a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the" degradation "of
my people! Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of way-faring
men; that I might leave my people, and go from them!"
The Irishman and German in the United States, are very different persons to
what they were when in Ireland and Germany, the countries of their nativity.
There their spirits were depressed and downcast; but the instant they set
their foot upon unrestricted soil; free to act and untrammeled to move; their
physical condition undergoes a change, which in time becomes
physiological, which is transmitted to the offspring, who when born under
such circumstances, is a decidedly different being to what it would have
been, had it been born under different circumstances.
A child born under oppression, has all the elements of servility in its
constitution; who when born under favorable circumstances, has to the
contrary, all the elements of freedom and independence of feeling. Our
children then, may not be expected, to maintain that position and manly
bearing; born under the unfavorable circumstances with which we are
surrounded in this country; that we so much desire. To use the language of
the talented Mr. Whipper, "they cannot be raised in this country, without
being stoop shouldered." Heaven's pathway stands unobstructed, which will
lead us into a Paradise of bliss. Let us go on and possess the land, and the
God of Israel will be our God.

The lessons of every school book, the pages of every history, and columns
of every newspaper, are so replete with stimuli to nerve us on to manly
aspirations, that those of our young people, who will now refuse to enter
upon this great theatre of Polynesian adventure, and take their position on
the stage of Central and South America, where a brilliant engagement, of
certain and most triumphant success, in the drama of human equality awaits
them; then, with the blood of slaves, write upon the lintel of every door in
sterling Capitals, to be gazed and hissed at by every passer by—

Doomed by the Creator
To servility and degradation;
The servant of the white man,
And despised of every nation!

APPENDIX

A PROJECT FOR AN EXPEDITION OF
ADVENTURE, TO THE EASTERN COAST OF
AFRICA
Every people should be the originators of their own designs, the projector of
their own schemes, and creators of the events that lead to their destiny—the
consummation of their desires.
Situated as we are, in the United States, many, and almost insurmountable
obstacles present themselves. We are four-and-a-half millions in numbers,
free and bond; six hundred thousand free, and three-and-a-half millions
bond.
We have native hearts and virtues, just as other nations; which in their
pristine purity are noble, potent, and worthy of example. We are a nation
within a nation;—as the Poles in Russia, the Hungarians in Austria, the
Welsh, Irish, and Scotch in the British dominions.
But we have been, by our oppressors, despoiled of our purity, and corrupted
in our native characteristics, so that we have inherited their vices, and but
few of their virtues, leaving us in character, really a broken people.
Being distinguished by complexion, we are still singled out—although
having merged in the habits and customs of our oppressors—as a distinct
nation of people; as the Poles, Hungarians, Irish, and others, who still retain
their native peculiarities, of language, habits, and various other traits. The
claims of no people, according to established policy and usage, are
respected by any nation, until they are presented in a national capacity.
To accomplish so great and desirable an end, there should be held, a great
representative gathering of the colored people of the United States; not what
is termed a National Convention, represented en masse, such as have been,
for the last few years, held at various times and places; but a true
representation of the intelligence and wisdom of the colored freemen;

because it will be futile and an utter failure, to attempt such a project
without the highest grade of intelligence.
No great project was ever devised without the consultation of the most
mature intelligence, and discreet discernment and precaution.
To effect this, and prevent intrusion and improper representation, there
should be a Confidential Council held; and circulars issued, only to such
persons as shall be known to the projectors to be equal to the desired object.
The authority from whence the call should originate, to be in this wise:—
The originator of the scheme, to impart the contemplated Confidential
Council, to a limited number of known, worthy gentlemen, who agreeing
with the project, endorse at once the scheme, when becoming joint
proprietors in interest, issue a Confidential Circular, leaving blanks for
date, time, and place of holding the Council; sending them to trusty, worthy,
and suitable colored freemen, in all parts of the United States, and the
Canadas, inviting them to attend; who when met in Council, have the right
to project any scheme they may think proper for the general good of the
whole people—provided, that the project is laid before them after its
maturity.
By this Council to be appointed, a Board of Commissioners, to consist of
three, five, or such reasonable number as may be decided upon, one of
whom shall be chosen as Principal or Conductor of the Board, whose duty
and business shall be, to go on an expedition to the Eastern Coast of
Africa, to make researches for a suitable location on that section of the
coast, for the settlement of colored adventurers from the United States, and
elsewhere. Their mission should be to all such places as might meet the
approbation of the people; as South America, Mexico, the West Indies, &c.
The Commissioners all to be men of decided qualifications; to embody
among them, the qualifications of physician, botanist, chemist, geologist,
geographer, and surveyor,—having a sufficient knowledge of these
sciences, for practical purposes.
Their business shall be, to make a topographical, geographical, geological,
and botanical examination, into such part or parts as they may select, with

all other useful information that may be obtained; to be recorded in a
journal kept for that purpose.
The Council shall appoint a permanent Board of Directors, to manage and
supervise the doings of the Commissioners, and to whom they shall be
amenable for their doings, who shall hold their office until successors shall
be appointed.
A National Confidential Council, to be held once in three years; and sooner,
if necessity or emergency should demand it; the Board of Directors giving
at least three months' notice, by circulars and newspapers. And should they
fail to perform their duty, twenty-five of the representatives from any six
States, of the former Council, may issue a call, authentically bearing their
names, as sufficient authority for such a call. But when the Council is held
for the reception of the report of the Commissioners, a general mass
convention should then take place, by popular representation.
Manner of Raising Funds.
The National Council shall appoint one or two Special Commissioners, to
England and France, to solicit, in the name of the Representatives of a
Broken Nation, of four-and-a-half millions, the necessary outfit and
support, for any period not exceeding three years, of such an expedition.
Certainly, what England and France would do, for a little nation—mere
nominal nation, of five thousand civilized Liberians, they would be willing
and ready to do, for five millions; if they be but authentically represented,
in a national capacity. What was due to Greece, enveloped by Turkey,
should be due to us, enveloped by the United States; and we believe would
be respected, if properly presented. To England and France, we should look
for sustenance, and the people of those two nations—as they would have
every thing to gain from such an adventure and eventual settlement on the
EASTERN COAST OF AFRICA—the opening of an immense trade being
the consequence. The whole Continent is rich in minerals, and the most
precious metals, as but a superficial notice of the topographical and
geological reports from that country, plainly show to any mind versed in the
least, in the science of the earth.
The Eastern Coast of Africa has long been neglected, and never but little
known, even to the ancients; but has ever been our choice part of the

Continent. Bounded by the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean, it
presents the greatest facilities for an immense trade, with China, Japan,
Siam, Hindoostan, in short, all the East Indies—of any other country in the
world. With a settlement of enlightened freemen, who with the immense
facilities, must soon grow into a powerful nation. In the Province of
Berbera, south of the Strait of Babelmandel, or the great pass, from the
Arabian to the Red Sea, the whole commerce of the East must touch this
point.
Also, a great rail road could be constructed from here, running with the
Mountains of the Moon, clearing them entirely, except making one
mountain pass, at the western extremity of the Mountains of the Moon, and
the southeastern terminus of the Kong Mountains; entering the Province of
Dahomey, and terminating on the Atlantic Ocean West; which would make
the GREAT THOROUGHFARE for all the trade with the East Indies and
Eastern Coast of Africa, and the Continent of America. All the world would
pass through Africa upon this rail road, which would yield a revenue
infinitely greater than any other investment in the world.
The means for prosecuting such a project—as stupendous as it may appear
—will be fully realised in the prosecution of the work. Every mile of the
road, will thrice pay for itself, in the development of the rich treasures that
now lie hidden in the bowels of the earth. There is no doubt, that in some
one section of twenty-five miles, the developments of gold would more
than pay the expenses of any one thousand miles of the work. This
calculation may, to those who have never given this subject a thought,
appear extravagant, and visionary; but to one who has had his attention in
this direction for years, it is clear enough.
But a few years will witness a development of gold, precious metals, and
minerals in Eastern Africa, the Moon and Kong Mountains, ten-fold greater
than all the rich productions of California.
There is one great physiological fact in regard to the colored race—which,
while it may not apply to all colored persons, is true of those having black
skins—that they can bear more different climates than the white race. They
bear all the temperates and extremes, while the other can only bear the
temperates and one of the extremes. The black race is endowed with natural

properties, that adapt and fit them for temperate, cold, and hot climates;
while the white race is only endowed with properties that adapt them to
temperate and cold climates; being unable to stand the warmer climates; in
them, the white race cannot work, but become perfectly indolent, requiring
somebody to work for them—and these, are always people of the black
race.
The black race may be found, inhabiting in healthful improvement, every
part of the globe where the white race reside; while there are parts of the
globe where the black race reside, that the white race cannot live in health.
What part of mankind is the "denizen of every soil, and the lord of
terrestrial creation," if it be not the black race? The Creator has indisputably
adapted us for the "denizens of every soil," all that is left for us to do, is to
make ourselves the "lords of terrestrial creation." The land is ours—there it
lies with inexhaustible resources; let us go and possess it. In Eastern Africa
must rise up a nation, to whom all the world must pay commercial tribute.

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CONDITION,
ELEVATION, EMIGRATION, AND DESTINY OF THE COLORED
PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES ***

Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will
be renamed.

Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
States without permission and without paying copyright royalties.
Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license,
apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic
works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ concept and
trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not
be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following the terms of
the trademark license, including paying royalties for use of the Project
Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for copies of this
eBook, complying with the trademark license is very easy. You may
use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative
works, reports, performances and research. Project Gutenberg eBooks
may be modified and printed and given away—you may do practically
ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected by U.S.
copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark license,
especially commercial redistribution.

START: FULL LICENSE

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG™ LICENSE
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK

To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free
distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or
any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
Gutenberg License available with this file or online at
www.gutenberg.org/license.

Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing
Project Gutenberg electronic works

1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg electronic
work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and accept
all the terms of this license and intellectual property
(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
all copies of Project Gutenberg electronic works in your possession. If
you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Gutenberg
electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the terms of this
agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or entity to whom
you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.

1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people
who agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg electronic works
even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
Gutenberg electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg electronic
works. See paragraph 1.E below.

1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the
Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the

collection of Project Gutenberg electronic works. Nearly all the
individual works in the collection are in the public domain in the
United States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in
the United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
that you will support the Project Gutenberg mission of promoting free
access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg works
in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project
Gutenberg name associated with the work. You can easily comply with
the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the same format
with its attached full Project Gutenberg License when you share it
without charge with others.

1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
other Project Gutenberg work. The Foundation makes no
representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
country other than the United States.

1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:

1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
access to, the full Project Gutenberg License must appear prominently
whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg work (any work on which
the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase
“Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed,
viewed, copied or distributed:

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States
and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no
restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it
under the terms of the Project Gutenberg™ License included with

this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located
in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the
country where you are located before using this eBook.

1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg electronic work is derived
from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not contain a
notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the copyright
holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in the United
States without paying any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or
providing access to a work with the phrase “Project Gutenberg”
associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply either with
the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain
permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg
trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg electronic work is posted
with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
will be linked to the Project Gutenberg License for all works posted
with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of
this work.

1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg
License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg.

1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
Gutenberg License.

1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide
access to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg work in a format
other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official

version posted on the official Project Gutenberg website
(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of
obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain
Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the
full Project Gutenberg License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.

1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg works
unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
access to or distributing Project Gutenberg electronic works provided
that:

• You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the
use of Project Gutenberg works calculated using the method you
already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to the
owner of the Project Gutenberg trademark, but he has agreed to donate
royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60 days
following each date on which you prepare (or are legally required to
prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments should be clearly
marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation at the address specified in Section 4, “Information about
donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.”

• You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he does
not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ License. You
must require such a user to return or destroy all copies of the works
possessed in a physical medium and discontinue all use of and all
access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ works.

• You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
receipt of the work.

• You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free distribution
of Project Gutenberg™ works.

1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg™
electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set forth
in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the
Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of the
Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in
Section 3 below.

1.F.

1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend
considerable effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and
proofread works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the
Project Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project
Gutenberg™ electronic works, and the medium on which they may be
stored, may contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete,
inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
cannot be read by your equipment.

1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES -
Except for the “Right of Replacement or Refund” described in
paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation,
the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party
distributing a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work under this
agreement, disclaim all liability to you for damages, costs and
expenses, including legal fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO
REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH
OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE
FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY
DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES

EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGE.

1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you
discover a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it,
you can receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by
sending a written explanation to the person you received the work
from. If you received the work on a physical medium, you must return
the medium with your written explanation. The person or entity that
provided you with the defective work may elect to provide a
replacement copy in lieu of a refund. If you received the work
electronically, the person or entity providing it to you may choose to
give you a second opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu
of a refund. If the second copy is also defective, you may demand a
refund in writing without further opportunities to fix the problem.

1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in
paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO
OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.

1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. If
any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the law
of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.

1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the
Foundation, the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the
Foundation, anyone providing copies of Project Gutenberg™
electronic works in accordance with this agreement, and any
volunteers associated with the production, promotion and distribution
of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works, harmless from all liability,
costs and expenses, including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly
from any of the following which you do or cause to occur: (a)

distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg work, (b) alteration,
modification, or additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg work,
and (c) any Defect you cause.

Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project
Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg is synonymous with the free distribution of
electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
from people in all walks of life.

Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg’s goals
and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg collection will remain freely
available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and
permanent future for Project Gutenberg and future generations. To
learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and
the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.

Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation

The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit
501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state
of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue
Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification number is
64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by U.S.
federal laws and your state’s laws.

The Foundation’s business office is located at 41 Watchung Plaza
#516, Montclair NJ 07042, USA, +1 (862) 621-9288. Email contact

links and up to date contact information can be found at the
Foundation’s website and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact

Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without
widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest
array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small
donations ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax
exempt status with the IRS.

The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United States.
Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a considerable
effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up with these
requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where we have
not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular
state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.

While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
approach us with offers to donate.

International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.

Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation
methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.

Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg
electronic works

Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg
concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
Gutenberg eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.

Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed
editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
edition.

Most people start at our website which has the main PG search facility:
www.gutenberg.org.

This website includes information about Project Gutenberg, including
how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.