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PREFACE.
PREFACE.
Feeling anxious to preserve for future reference an account of the part which the Negro took in suppressing the Slaveholders’ Rebellion, I have been induced to write this work. In doing so, it occurred to me that a sketch of the condition of the race previous to the commencement of the war would not be uninteresting to the reader. For the information concerning the services which the blacks rendered to the Government in the Revolutionary War, I am indebted to the late George Livermore, Esq., who
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CHAPTER I—BLACKS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR AND IN 1812.
CHAPTER I—BLACKS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR AND IN 1812.
The First Cargo of Slaves landed in the Colonies in 1620.—Slave Representation in Congress.—Opposition to the Slave-Trade.—Crispus Attucks, the First Victim of the Revolutionary War.—Bancroft’s Testimony.—Capture of Gen. Prescott.—Colored Men in the War of 1812.—Gen. Andrew Jackson on Negro Soldiers. I now undertake to write a history of the part which the colored men took in the great American Rebellion. Previous to entering upon that subject, however, I may be pardoned for bringing before the
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CHAPTER II—THE SOUTH-CAROLINA FRIGHT.
CHAPTER II—THE SOUTH-CAROLINA FRIGHT.
Denmark Vesey, Peter Poyas, and their Companions.—The deep-laid Plans.—Religious Fanaticism.—The Discovery.—The Trials.—Convictions.—Executions. H uman bondage is ever fruitful of insurrection, wherever it exists, and under whatever circumstances it may be found. An undeveloped discontent always pervaded the black population of the South, bond and free. Many attempts at revolt were made: two only, however, proved of a serious and alarming character. The first was in 1812, the leader of which was
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CHAPTER III.—THE NAT TURNER INSURRECTION.
CHAPTER III.—THE NAT TURNER INSURRECTION.
Nat Turner.—His Associates.—Their Meetings.—Nat’s Religious Enthusiasm.—Bloodshed.—Wide-spread Terror.—The Trials and Executions. T he slave insurrection which occurred in Southampton County, Na., in the year 1831, although not as well planned as the one portrayed in the preceding chapter, was, nevertheless, more widely felt in the South. Its leader was Nat Turner, a slave. On one of the oldest and largest plantations in Southampton County, Va., owned by Benjamin Turner, Esq., Nat was born a sla
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CHAPTER IV.—SLAVE REVOLT AT SEA.
CHAPTER IV.—SLAVE REVOLT AT SEA.
Madison Washington.—His Escape from the South.—His Love of Liberty.—His Return.—His Capture.—The Brig “Creole.”—The Slave-traders.—Capture of the Vessel.—Freedom of the Oppressed. T he revolt on board of the brig “Creole,” on the high seas, by a number of slaves who had been shipped for the Southern market, in the year 1841, created at the time a profound sensation throughout the country. Before entering upon it, however, I will introduce to the reader the hero of the occasion. Among the great n
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CHAPTER V—GROWTH OF THE SLAVE-POWER.
CHAPTER V—GROWTH OF THE SLAVE-POWER.
Introduction of the Cotton-gin.—Its effect on Slavery.—Fugitive Slave Law.—Anthony Burns.—The Dred Scott Decision.—Imprisonment for reading “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”—Struggles with Slavery. T he introduction of the cotton-gin into the South, by Whitney of Connecticut, had materially enhanced the value of slave property; the emancipation societies of Virginia and Maryland had ceased to petition their Legislatures for the “Gradual Emancipation” of the slaves; and the above two States had begun to make
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CHAPTER VI.—THE JOHN BROWN RAID.
CHAPTER VI.—THE JOHN BROWN RAID.
John Brown.—His Religious Zeal.—His Hatred to Slavery.—Organization of his Army.—Attack on Harper’s Ferry.—His Execution.—John Brown’s Companions, Green and Copeland.—The Executions. T he year 1859 will long be memorable for the bold attempt of John Brown and his companions to burst the bolted door of the Southern house of bondage, and lead out the captives by a more effectual way than they had yet known: an attempt in which, it is true, the little band of heroes dashed themselves to bloody deat
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CHAPTER VII—THE FIRST GUN OF THE REBELLION.
CHAPTER VII—THE FIRST GUN OF THE REBELLION.
Nomination of Fremont.—Nomination of Lincoln.—The Mob Spirit.—Spirit of Slavery.—The Democracy.—Cotton.—Northern Promises to the Rebels.—Assault on Fort Sumter.—Call for 75,000 Men.—Response of the Colored Men. T he nomination of John C. Fremont by the Republican party in 1856, and the large vote given him at the election that autumn, cleared away all doubts, if any existed as to the future action of the Federal Government on the spread and power of slavery. The Democratic party, which had ruled
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CHAPTER VIII—THE UNION AND SLAVERY BOTH TO BE PRESERVED.
CHAPTER VIII—THE UNION AND SLAVERY BOTH TO BE PRESERVED.
Union Generals offer to suppress Slave Insurrections.—Return of Slaves coming into our Army. A t the very commencement of the Rebellion, the proslavery generals in the field took the earliest opportunity of offering their services, together with those under their commands, to suppress any slave insurrection that might grow out of the unsettled condition of the country. Major-Gen. B. F. Butler led off, by tendering his services to Gov. Hicks of Maryland. About the same time, Major-Gen. Geo. B. Mc
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CHAPTER IX—INTELLIGENT CONTRABANDS
CHAPTER IX—INTELLIGENT CONTRABANDS
James Lawson.—His Bravery.—Rescue of his Wife and Children.—He is sent out on Important Business.—He fights his Way Back.—He is Admired by Gens. Hooker and Sickles.—Rhett’s Servant.—“Foraging for Butter and Eggs.” I spent three weeks at Liverpool Point, the outpost of Hooker’s Division, almost directly opposite Aquia Creek, waiting patiently for the advance of our left wing to follow up the army, becoming, if not a participator against the dying struggles of rebeldom, at least a chronicler of th
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CHAPTER X—PROCLAMATIONS OF FREMONT AND HUNTER.
CHAPTER X—PROCLAMATIONS OF FREMONT AND HUNTER.
Gen. Fremont’s Proclamation, and its Effect on the Public Mind.—Gen. Hunter’s Proclamation; the Feeling it created. W hile the country seemed drifting to destruction, and the Administration without a policy, the heart of every loyal man was made glad by the appearance of the proclamation of Major-Gen. John C. Fremont, then in command at the West. The following extract from that document, which at the time caused so much discussion, will bear insertion here:— “All persons who shall be taken with
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CHAPTER XI—HEROISM OF NEGROES ON THE HIGH SEAS.
CHAPTER XI—HEROISM OF NEGROES ON THE HIGH SEAS.
Heroism of Negroes.—William Tillman re-captures “The S. G. Waring.”—George Green.—Robert Small captures the Steamer “Planter.”—Admiral Dupont’s Opinion on Negro Patriotism. I n the month of June, 1861, the schooner “S. J. Waring,” from New York, bound to South America, was captured on the passage by the rebel privateer “Jeff. Davis,” a prize-crew put on board, consisting of a captain, mate, and four seamen; and the vessel set sail for the port of Charleston, S.C. Three of the original crew were
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CHAPTER XII—GENERAL BUTLER AT NEW ORLEANS.
CHAPTER XII—GENERAL BUTLER AT NEW ORLEANS.
Recognition of Negro Soldiers with Officers of their own Color.—Society in New Orleans.—The Inhuman Master.—Justice.—Change of Opinion.—The Free Colored Population. W hen Major-Gen. Butler found himself in possession of New Orleans, he was soon satisfied of the fact that there were but few loyalists amongst the whites, while the Union feeling of the colored people was apparent from the hour of his landing; they having immediately called upon the commander, and, through a committee, offered their
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CHAPTER XIII—THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FREE.
CHAPTER XIII—THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FREE.
Emancipation in the District.—Comments of the Press.—The Good Result.—Recognition of Hayti and Liberia.—The Slave-trader Gordon. F or many years previous to the Rebellion, efforts had been made to induce Congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, without success. The “negro-pens” which adorned that portion of the national domain had long made Americans feel ashamed of the capital of their country; because it was well known that those pens were more or less connected with the Americ
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CHAPTER XIV—THE BLACK BRIGADE OF CINCINNATI.
CHAPTER XIV—THE BLACK BRIGADE OF CINCINNATI.
The Great Fright.—Cruel Treatment of the Colored People by the Police. —Bill Homer and his Roughs.—Military Training.—Col. Dickson.—The Work.—Mustering Out.—The Thanks. H atred to the negro is characteristic of the people of Cincinnati; more so, probably, than any other city in the West. Mobs in which the colored citizens have been the victims have more than once occurred in that place, to the utter disgrace of its white inhabitants,—mobs resulting often in the loss of life, and always in the de
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CHAPTER XV. PROCLAMATION OF FREEDOM.
CHAPTER XV. PROCLAMATION OF FREEDOM.
Emancipation Proclamation.—Copperhead View of It.—“Abraham Spare the South.”—The Contrabands Rejoicing.—The Songs.—Enthusiasm.—Faith in God.—Negro Wit.—“Forever Free.” O n the 22d of September, 1862, President Lincoln sent forth his proclamation, warning the rebel States that he would proclaim emancipation to their slaves if such States did not return to the Union before the first day of the following January. Loud were the denunciations of the copperheads of the country; and all the stale argum
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CHAPTER XVI.—THE NEW POLICY.
CHAPTER XVI.—THE NEW POLICY.
A New Policy announced.—Adjutant-Gen. Thomas.—Major-Gen. Prentiss.—Negro Wit and Humor.—Proslavery Correspondents.—Feeling in the Army.—Let the Blacks fight. A ttorney-Gen. Bates had already given his opinion with regard to the citizenship of the negro, and that opinion was in the black man’s favor. The Emancipation Proclamation was only a prelude to calling on the colored men to take up arms, and the one soon followed the other; for the word “Emancipation” had scarcely gone over the wires, ere
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CHAPTER XVII.—ARMING THE BLACKS.
CHAPTER XVII.—ARMING THE BLACKS.
D epartment of the South.—Gen. Hunter Enlisting Colored Men.—Letter to Gov. Andrew.—Success.—The Earnest Prayer.—The Negro’s Confidence in God. T he Northern regiments stationed at the South, or doing duty in that section, had met with so many reverses on the field of battle, and had been so inhumanly treated by the rebels, both men and women, that the new policy announced by Adjutant-Gen. Thomas, at Lake Providence and other places, was received with great favor, especially when the white soldi
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CHAPTER XVIII.—BATTLE OF MILLINERS BEND.
CHAPTER XVIII.—BATTLE OF MILLINERS BEND.
Contraband Regiments; their Bravery; the Surprise.—Hand to hand Fight.—“No Quarters.”—Negroes rather die than surrender.—The Gunboat and her dreadful Havoc with the Enemy. O n the 7th of June, 1863, the first regular battle was fought between the blacks and whites in the valley of the Mississippi. The planters had boasted, that, should they meet their former slaves, a single look from them would cause the negroes to throw down their weapons, and run. Many Northern men, especially copperheads, pr
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CHAPTER XIX—RAISING BLACK REGIMENTS AT THE NORTH.
CHAPTER XIX—RAISING BLACK REGIMENTS AT THE NORTH.
Prejudices at the North.—Black Laws of Illinois and Indiana.—Ill-treatment of Negroes.—The Blacks forget their Wrongs, and come to the Rescue. I n the struggle between the Federal Government and the rebels, the colored men asked the question, “Why should we fight?” The question was a legitimate one, at least for those residing in the Northern States, and especially in those States where there were any considerable number of colored people. In every State north of Mason and Dixon’s Line, except M
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CHAPTER XX.—FIFTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
CHAPTER XX.—FIFTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Its Organization.—Its Appearance.—Col. Shaw.—Presentation of Colors.—Its Dress-Parade.—Its Departure from Boston. T he Fifty-fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was called into the service of the United States by the President, under an act of Congress, passed July 21, 1861, entitled “An Act to authorize the Employment of Volunteers to aid in enforcing the Laws and protecting’ Public Property.” Recruiting began Feb. 9, 1863, in Boston. A camp of rendezvous was opened at “Camp Mei
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CHAPTER XXI—BLACKS UNDER FIRE IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER XXI—BLACKS UNDER FIRE IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Expedition up the St. Mary’s River.—The Negroes Long for a Fight.—Their Gallantry in Battle. T he Department of the South, under Major-Gen. Hunter, was the first in which the negro held the musket. By consent of the commanding-general, I give the following interesting report from Col. T. W. Higginson:— “On Board Steamer ‘Rex Deford,’ Sunday, Feb. 1, 1863. “ Brig-Gen. Saxton, Military Governor, &c . “ General ,—I have the honor to report the safe return of the expedition under my command,
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CHAPTER XXII—FREEDMEN UNDER FIRE IN MISSISSIPPI.
CHAPTER XXII—FREEDMEN UNDER FIRE IN MISSISSIPPI.
Bravery of the Freedmen.—Desperation of the Rebels.—Severe Battle. Negroes Triumphant. W hile the people along the banks of the Mississippi, above New Orleans, were discussing the question as to whether the negro would fight, if attacked by white men, or not. Col. Daniels, of the Second Regiment Louisiana Volunteers, gave one side of the subject considerable of a “hist,” on the 9th of April, 1863. His official report will speak for itself. “Headquarters, Ship Island (Miss.), April 11, 1863. “ Br
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CHAPTER XXIII—BATTLE OF PORT HUDSON.
CHAPTER XXIII—BATTLE OF PORT HUDSON.
The Louisiana Native Guard.—Capt. Callioux.—The Weather.—Spirit of the Troops.—The Battle begins.—“Charge.”—Great Bravery.—The Gallant Color-bearer.—Grape, Canister, and Shell sweep down the Heroic Men.—Death of Callioux.—Comments. O n the 26th of May, 1863, the wing of the array under Major-Gen. Banks was brought before the rifle-pits and heavy guns of Port Hudson. Night fell—the lovely Southern night—with its silvery moonshine on the gleaming waters of the Mississippi, that passed directly by
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CHAPTER XXIV—GENERAL BANKS IN LOUISIANA.
CHAPTER XXIV—GENERAL BANKS IN LOUISIANA.
Gen. Banks at New Orleans.—Old Slave-laws revived.—Treatment of Free Colored Persons.—Col. Jonas H. French.—Ill Treatment at Port Hudson. G en. Banks’s antecedents were unfavorable to him when he landed in New Orleans. True, he was from Massachusetts, and was a Republican; but he belonged to the conservative portion of the party. The word “white” in the militia law, which had so long offended the good taste and better judgment of the majority of the people, was stricken out during the last term
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CHAPTER XXV—HONORS TO THE NOBLE DEAD.
CHAPTER XXV—HONORS TO THE NOBLE DEAD.
Capt. André Callioux.—His Body lies in State.—Personal Appearance.—His Enthusiasm.—His Popularity.—His Funeral.—The great Respect paid the Deceased.—General Lamentation. T he death of Capt. André Callioux created a profound sensation throughout Louisiana, and especially in New Orleans, where the deceased had lived from childhood. This feeling of sorrow found vent at the funeral, which took place on the 11th of July, 1863. We give the following, written at the time by a correspondent of a New-Yor
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CHAPTER XXVI.—HE NORTHERN WING OF THE REBELLION.
CHAPTER XXVI.—HE NORTHERN WING OF THE REBELLION.
The New-York Mob.—Murder, Fire, and Robbery.—The City given up to the Rioters.—Whites and Blacks robbed in Open Day in the Great Thoroughfares.—Negroes murdered, burned, and their Bodies hung on Lamp-posts.—Southern Rebels at the Head of the Riot. T he partial successes which the rebels had achieved at Bull Run, Ball’s Bluff, and Big Bethel, together with the defiant position of Gen. Lee on the one hand, and the bad management of Gen. McClellan on the other, had emboldened the rebels, and made t
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CHAPTER XXVII—ASSAULT ON FORT WAGNER.
CHAPTER XXVII—ASSAULT ON FORT WAGNER.
The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment.—Col. Shaw.—March to the Island.—Preparation.—Speeches.—The Attack.—Storm of Shot, Shell, and Canister.—Heroism of Officers and Men.—Death of Col. Shaw.—The Color-sergeant.—The Retreat.—“Buried with his Niggers.”—Comments. O n the 16th of July, the Fifty-fourth Regiment (colored), Col. R. G. Shaw, was attacked by the enemy, on James Island, in which a fight of two hours’ duration took place, the Rebels largely outnumbering the Union forces. The Fifty-fourt
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CHAPTER XXVIII—THE SLAVE-MARTYR.
CHAPTER XXVIII—THE SLAVE-MARTYR.
The Siege of Washington, N.C.—Big Bob, the Negro Scout.—The Perilous Adventure.—The Fight.—Return.—Night Expedition.—The Fatal Sandbar.—The Enemy’s Shells.—“Somebody’s got to die to get us out of this, and it may as well be me.”—Death of Bob.—Safety of the Boat. T he siege of Washington, N.C., had carried consternation among the planters of the surrounding country, and contrabands were flocking in by hundreds, when, just at day-break one morning, a band of seventeen came to the shore, and hailed
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CHAPTER XXIX—BATTLE OF OLUSTEE, FLORIDA.
CHAPTER XXIX—BATTLE OF OLUSTEE, FLORIDA.
The Union Troops decoyed into a Swamp.—They are outnumbered.—Their great Bravery.—The Heroism of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts.—Death of Col. Fribley. T he battle of Olustee was fought in a swamp situated thirty-five miles west of Jacksonville, and four miles from Sanderson, in the State of Florida. The expedition was under the immediate command of Gen. C. Seymour, and consisted of the Seventh New Hampshire, Seventh Connecticut (armed with Spencer rifles, which fire eight times without loading)
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CHAPTER XXX—BATTLE OF POISON SPRINGS, ARKANSAS.
CHAPTER XXX—BATTLE OF POISON SPRINGS, ARKANSAS.
Hand-fought Battle.—Bravery of the Kansas Colored Troops.—They die but will not yield.—Outnumbered by the Rebels.—Another severe Battle.—The heroic Negro, after being wounded, fights till he dies. T he battle of Poison Springs, Ark., between one thousand Union and eight thousand rebel troops, was one of the most severe conflicts of the war. Six hundred of the Union forces were colored, and from Kansas, some of them having served under old John Brown during the great struggle in that territory. T
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CHAPTER XXXI—THE MASSACRE AT FORT PILLOW.
CHAPTER XXXI—THE MASSACRE AT FORT PILLOW.
Assault and Capture of the Fort.—“No Quarter.”—Rebel Atrocities.—Gens. Forrest and Chalmers.—Firing upon Flags of Truce.—Murder of Men, Women, and Children.—Night after the Assault.—Buried Alive.—Morning after the Massacre. N othing in the history of the Rebellion has equalled in inhumanity and atrocity the horrid butchery at Fort Pillow, Ky., on the 13th of April, 1864. In no other school than slavery could human beings have been trained to such readiness for cruelties like these. Accustomed to
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CHAPTER XXXII—INJUSTICE TO COLORED TROOPS.
CHAPTER XXXII—INJUSTICE TO COLORED TROOPS.
The Pay of the Men.—Government refuses to keep its Promise.—Efforts of Gov. Andrew to have Justice done.—Complaint of the Men. —Mutiny.—Military Murder.—Everlasting Shame. W hen the War Department commenced recruiting colored men as soldiers in Massachusetts, New Orleans, and Hilton Head, it was done with the promise that these men should receive the same pay, clothing, and treatment that white soldiers did. The same was promised at Camp William Penn, at Philadelphia. After several regiments had
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CHAPTER XXXIII.—BATTLE OF HONEY HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA.
CHAPTER XXXIII.—BATTLE OF HONEY HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA.
Union Troops.—The March.—The Enemy.—The Swamp.—Earthworks.—The Battle.—Desperate Fighting.—Great Bravery.—Col. Hartwell.—Fifty-fifth Massachusetts.—The Dying and the Dead.—The Retreat.—The Enemy’s Position.—Earthworks.—His Advantages.—The Union Forces.—The Blacks.—Our Army outnumbered by the Rebels.—Their concealed Batteries.—Skirmishing.—The Rebels retreat to their Base.—The Battle.—Great Bravery of our Men.—The Fifty-fifth Massachusetts saves the Army. H oney Hill is about two and a half miles
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CHAPTER XXXIV—BEFORE PETERSBURG AND RICHMOND.
CHAPTER XXXIV—BEFORE PETERSBURG AND RICHMOND.
Assault and Failure.—Who to Blame.—Heroic Conduct of the Blacks.—The Mine.—Success at the Second Attack.—Death of a Gallant Negro.—A Black Officer. W hen the mining assault on Petersburg failed, with such fearful loss in killed and wounded, the cry went through the land that it was owing to the cowardice of the negro troops; but this falsehood was very soon exploded. However, it will be well to state the facts connected with the attempt. A writer in “The New-York Evening Post” gave the following
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CHAPTER XXXV—WIT AND HUMOR OF THE WAR.
CHAPTER XXXV—WIT AND HUMOR OF THE WAR.
Negro Wit and Humor.—The Faithful Sentinel.—The Sentinel’s Respect for the United-States Uniform.—The “Nail-kag.”—The Poetical Drummerboy.—Contrabands on Sherman’s March.—Negro Poetry on Freedom.—The Soldier’s Speech.—Contraband capturing his Old Master. W ith all the horrors of the Rebellion, there were occasions when these trying scenes were relieved by some amusing incident. Especially was this true with regard to the colored people. Thus when Adjutant-Gen. Thomas first announced the new poli
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CHAPTER XXXVI—A THRILLING INCIDENT OF THE WAR.
CHAPTER XXXVI—A THRILLING INCIDENT OF THE WAR.
Heroic Escape of a Slave.—His Story of his Sister.—Resides North.—Joins the Army and returns to the South during the Rebellion.—Search for his Mother.—Finds her.—Thrilling Scene.—Truth stranger than Fiction. I t was in the month of December, 1832, while Col. Rice and family were seated around a bright wood-fire, whose blaze lighted up the large dining-room in their old mansion, situated ten miles from Drayton, in the State of Ohio, that they heard a knock at the door, which was answered by the f
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CHAPTER XXXVII—PROGRESS AND JUSTICE.
CHAPTER XXXVII—PROGRESS AND JUSTICE.
Great Change in the Treatment of Colored Troops.—Negro Appointments.—Justice to the Black Soldiers.—Steamer “Planter.”—Progress.—The Paymaster at last.—John S Rock. T he month of May, 1864, saw great progress in the treatment of the colored troops by the Government of the United States. The circumstances were more favorable for this change than they had hitherto been. Slavery had been abolished in the District of Columbia., Maryland, and Missouri: the heroic assault on Fort Wagner, the unsurpass
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CHAPTER XXXVIII—FOURTH-OF-JULY CELEBRATION AT THE HOME OF JEFF. DAVIS.
CHAPTER XXXVIII—FOURTH-OF-JULY CELEBRATION AT THE HOME OF JEFF. DAVIS.
Fourth-of-July Celebration at the Home of Jeff. Davis in Mississippi.—The Trip.—Joe Davis’s Place.—Jeff.‘s Place.—The Dinner.—Speeches and Songs.—Lively Times.—Return to Vicksburg. B y invitation of the Committee of Arrangements, a party of teachers and their escorts, and other friends of the freedmen, embarked on board “The Diligent,” on the morning of the 4th inst. “The Diligent” left the levee at Vicksburg soon after seven o’clock, a.m., and made a pleasant trip in about three hours, down the
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CHAPTER XXXIX—GALLANTRY, LOYALTY, AND KINDNESS OF THE NEGRO.
CHAPTER XXXIX—GALLANTRY, LOYALTY, AND KINDNESS OF THE NEGRO.
The Nameless Hero at Fair Oaks.—The Chivalry whipped by their Former Slaves.—Endurance of the Blacks.—Man in Chains.—One Negro whips Three Rebels.—Gallantry.—Outrages on the Blacks.—Kindness of the Negroes.—Welcome. T he gallantry and loyalty of the blacks during the Rebellion is a matter of history, and volumes might be written upon that subject. I give here a few instances out of the many I have gathered:— “At the bloody battle of Fair Oaks, Va., the rebels, during the first day’s fight, drove
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CHAPTER XL—FALL OF THE CONFEDERACY, AND DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
CHAPTER XL—FALL OF THE CONFEDERACY, AND DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
Flight of Jeff. Davis from Richmond.—Visit of President Lincoln to the Rebel Capital.—Welcome by the Blacks.—Surrender of Gen. Lee.—Death of Abraham Lincoln.—The Nation in Tears. J efferson Davis and his cabinet had hastily quitted Richmond, on Sunday, the third day of April, 1865; the Union troops had taken possession the day following; and Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, and the best-hated man by the rebels, entered the city a short time after. For the following account of the
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CHAPTER XLI—PRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON.
CHAPTER XLI—PRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON.
Origin of Andrew Johnson.—His Speeches in Tennessee.—The Negro’s Moses.—The Deceived Brahmin.—The Comparison.—Interview with Southerners.—Northern Delegation.—Delegation of Colored Men.—Their Appeal. S pringing from the highest circle of the lowest class of whites of the South, gradually rising, coming up over a tailor’s board, and all the obstacles that slaveholding society places between an humbly-born man and social and political elevation, Andrew Johnson entered upon his presidential duties,
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CHAPTER XLII—ILL TREATMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE SOUTH
CHAPTER XLII—ILL TREATMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE SOUTH
The Old Slave-holders.—The Freedmen.—Murders.—School-teachers. —Riot at Memphis.—Mob at New Orleans.—Murder of Union Men—Riot at a Camp-meeting. H aughty and scornful as ever; regarding themselves as overpowered, but not conquered; openly regretting their failure to establish a Southern Confederacy; backed up by President Johnson in their rebellious course,—the Southerners appear determined to reduce the blacks to a state of serfdom if they cannot have them as slaves. The new labor-laws of all t
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CHAPTER XLIII—PROTECTION FOR THE COLORED PEOPLE.
CHAPTER XLIII—PROTECTION FOR THE COLORED PEOPLE.
Protection for the Colored People South.—The Civil Rights Bill.—Liberty without the Ballot no Boon.—Impartial Suffrage.—Test Oaths not to be depended upon. I n attempting to form a Southern Confederacy, with slavery as its corner-stone, by breaking up the Union, and repudiating the Constitution, the people of the South compelled the National Government to abolish chattel slavery in self-defence. The protection, defence, and support which self-interest induced the master to extend to the slave ha
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CHAPTER XLIV—CASTE.
CHAPTER XLIV—CASTE.
Slavery the Foundation of Caste.—Black its Preference.—The General Wish for Black Hair and Eyes.—No Hatred to Color.—The White Slave.—A Mistake.—Stole his Thunder.—The Burman.—Pew for Sale. C aste is usually found to exist in communities or countries among majorities, and against minorities. The basis of it is owing to some supposed inferiority or degradation attached to the hated ones. However, nothing is more foolish than this prejudice. But the silliest of all caste is that which is founded o
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CHAPTER XLV—SIXTH REGIMENT UNITED-STATES VOLUNTEERS.
CHAPTER XLV—SIXTH REGIMENT UNITED-STATES VOLUNTEERS.
Organization of the Regiment.—Assigned to Hard Work.—Brought under Fire.—Its Bravery.—Battle before Richmond.—Gallantry of the Sixth.—Officers’ Testimony. T he following sketch of the Sixth Regiment United-States colored troops was kindly furnished by a gentleman of Philadelphia, but came too late to appear in its proper place. The Sixth Regiment United-States colored troops was the second which was organized at Camp William Penn, near Philadelphia, by Lieut.-Col. Louis Wagner, of the Eighty-eig
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