Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1851-03-08
The Free COlOrCd Veterans.

Not the least interesting although the most
novel feature of the procession yesterday
celebration of the Battle of New Orleans,
was the presence of ninety of the coloret
veterans who bore II conspicuous part in tho
dangers of the day they were now for III,
first time called to assist in celebrating, an,
who 10y their good conduct in prosenc
of the enemy, deserved and received th
appreciation Of their illustrions Command
er-in-chiec During the thirty-six year
that have passed away since they assisted Il
repcl the invaders from our shores, these
faithful men have never before participated
IN the annual rejOicings for the victory which
their valor contributed to gain. Their good
deeds have been consecrated only in their
own memories, or lived but to claim pass
ing notice on the page of the historian. Yet
who more than they deserve the thanks of
tie country and gratitude of succeeding
generations? Who rallied with more alac-
rlty in response 10 the summons of danger /?
Who endured more checrililly the harlships
of the camp, or faced with greater coumac
the perils of the fight? Ii in that hazardous
hour when our homes were menaced with
the horrors of war, we did not disdnin TO call
upon tbs colored population TO ussist in re-
pelling the invading horde, we should not,
them TO unite with us in celebrating the glo-
rious event which they helped TO make so
memorable an epoch in our history. We
were not too exalted TO mingle with Them i'm
the afiray; they were not too humble 10 join
in our reoicings.
Such, we think, is the universal opinion of
our citizens. We conversod with many yes
terday, and without exception they express
ed approval of the invitation which had been
extended TO the colored veterans to take part
in the ceremonies Of the day, aud gratiiica-
ton ut seeing them in conspicuous place in
the procession.
The responsibility of tleirHppearance and
the modesty Of their demeanor made an i'm
preston OH every observer, and elected un-
qualified appreciation. Indeed, though ia
saying so we do not mean disrespect TO aliy
one else, we think that they constituted de-
cidedly the most interesting portion of the
pageant, as they certainly attracted the most
attention. We are pleased, too, 10 observe
that an honorable position was assigned 10
them, Immediately in the rear of those few
remaining of our fellow-citizens who partici-
pated in the battle of the eighth. As they
passed us, many of them toltering beneath
the weight of years, on the verge of that
grave into which all of us must descend to-
gether, we looked with feelings akin to ven
Grafton on their aged forms. We reflected
that beneath their dark bosoms were shelter
ed faithful hearts, susceptible Of the noblest
impulses, aud we involuuturily asked il these
could be the people whom fabulous fanat-
icism would array against those whom their
arms were ready to defend in the hour of
dire extremity.
In another point Of view, we think that the
participation of the colored veterans in the
ceremonies of yesterday will have iavora-
bic result. We have no doubt that il will
produce an extremely salutary effect on the
free colored inhabitants of the city. They
will know that adherence to n correct line Of
conduct must secure TO them the respect of
a community, as surely as contrary course
will condemn them 10 suspicion aud dis
grace. As class, they are peaceable, Or
derly, and respectable people, aud many of
them own large amounts OF property among
US. Their interests, their homes, and their
affections, are here, and such strong ties are
not easily broken by the force of theoretical
philanthropy, or imaginative sentimontolity,