The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-09-11
Colored Men as Citizens and Soldiers

sense of the people decide these questions,
Colored Men as Citizens and Soldiers.
The first leader Of the first band Of .'reb-
els" in Boston. and the first man who rails
ed his arm against the British soldiery in
that memorable struggle, was mula,to.-
This bold member of a prescribed race was
also the first killed in the opening struggle
for independence. In regard to the Boston
ARRAY, history says
"The guard were called, and in march,
ing to the Custom House, they encountered
band of poPullce, led By a maLdtio named
Aiiucks, who brandshed their clubs and
pelted them with snow balls. The male
/ dictions, the imprecations, the executions
Of the multitude were horrible. In the
midst OF a torrent of Inyectiys from every
quarter the military were challenged to fire.
she pOpulace advanced TO the points OF their
bayonets. The soldiers appeared like stat.
ues the cries, the ,howlings the menaces,
the violent din of bells still sounding the
alarm, increased the confusion and the hOr-
TOR OF these moments; atlength the mullato
and twelve Of his companions. pressing for
ward. enyironed the soldiers, and striking
their muskets with then clubs, cried to the
multitude. 'be not afraid, children OF men,
before the laws of the commonwealth they
dare not FIRE; why do you hesitate, why do
you not kill them, why not crush them ut
once? The mulatto lifted his arm against
Capt. Prescott, aud having turned one OF
tho muSkets, he seized the bayonet with his
left hand, Us il he intended to execute the
threat. Ut this moment confused cries
were heard. The wretches dare not ire.
Firing succeeds. iHuckS IS slam. The
other discharges follow. Three were killed,
Eve severely wounded, and several slightly.
Edward Everett said in his recent address
at the inauguration Of the Warren Statue
alt is the monument of the day, Of
the event, OF the battle OF Bunker
Hill; of all the hravs men who shared Its
perils -alike Prescott, and Putnam, and
Warren-the chiefs of the day, and the coli
ored man Salem, who is reported TO have
shot the gallant Pitcairn rs he mounted the
parapet Cold rs the clOds on which it
rests still a. the silent heaven to which 1t
SCARS, it is vet vocal, eloquent, in their UNI
divided praise"
Colored battalions were raised in nearly
all the States. and fought brlvely through
the war. Siid Senator Wilson, of Massa-
Whenever the country has re-
quired their blood in the days Of trial and
conflict they have given it freely, and we
have accepted it; but in times OF peace,
when their hood is not needed, we shun
and trample them under foot. have no
part in this great wrong to race. Wher-
ever and whenever we have the power to
do il, would give to all men, Of every cline
and race, Of every fault and creed, freedom
and equality before the law. My voice and
nv vote shall ever be given for the equality
of all the children of men before the laws Of
the Commonwealth Of Massachusetts, and
the United States"
The black men fought in our ships in
thosc days, and Capt. Shaler, of the stout
old brig Gov. TOmpkins, thus speaks of two
OF his crew -
"The name of one Of my poor fellows
who was killed ought to be registered in the
books of fame, and remembered with rcyer-
ence rs long rs bravery is considered a var.
tue. lie was black man by the nam, OF
John johnson. A 81 pound shot struck
him in the hip aud took away all the lower
mart of his holy. In this state the poor
brave fellow lay on the deck, and several
times Exclaimed to his shipmItcs, Fire away,
nv boys no haul color down. The
other was also black man by the name OF
John Davis, and was struck much in the
same way. He fell near me, and several
times requested to be thrown overheard.
SAYING he was only in the way Of others
While America has such tars, she has lit
tie to fear from tho tyrants OF Europe.
In the war of 1912, Gen. jackson called
upon the eolorcd men for aid, in the follow
ing language -
Through a mistaken policy you have
heretofore been deprived ola 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 our most in
estimablc blessings. rs imcricdRS, your
country looks with confidence 10 her adopt
ed citizens for yalOrous support, rs a
faithful return for the advantage enjoyed
under her mild and equitable government.
As fathers, husbands and brothers. you are
summoned to rally around the standard ct
the eagle TO defend all which is dear in ex-
istence
And the General thanked them after bat
tie, in which 400 of them participated:
"Soldirrs!-when on the banks of the
Mobile | called you to take up arm, invit-
ing YOU to partake the perils and glory OF
your white fellow-eiiizens, | expected much
of you. for was not ignorent that You
possessed qualities most formidable 10 m in
yading enemy knew with what iortitudc
you could ensure hunger, thirst, and oil the
htigu. of u campaign. | knew well how
YOU loved your native country. and that
YOU, as wcllas ourselves. had Ia defend what
nan holds most dear - his parents, wife.
children and property. You have done
more than expected. In addition TO the
sess, found among YOU noble enthusiasm
which leads to the performance Of great
things. Soldiers The President OF the
United States shall hear how praiseworthy
was YOU conduct in the hour Of danger, and
the representatives ofthe American people
will give you the praise your exploits EMIT
YOU TO. Your General anticipates them in
applauding your noble ardor."
LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS. We hear
ofthc following republican nominations