Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-11-04

TIE MEETING IN BEHALF OF THE Coz
TRABANDs.-The meeting last evening held
in the Baptist Church on the corner Of Eu-
cid and Erie streets, in behalf Of the con-
trabands, was largely attended, showing
deep interest among our citizens in the cause.
After Offering up prayer, Rev. Mr.. Adams,
pastor of the church, read a number of letters
from Port Royal, Fortress Monroe and other
points where large numbers Of contrabands
are cOngregated. These letters exhibit in
graphic manner the distressed condition Of
these helpless people, who being left BY their
masters, fleeing from the advance Of the
Union troops, have come within our lines.
Mr.. Cowan made some remarks previous to
introducing the eontraband, Ym. Davis to
the audience. He wished to correct sn error
into which numbers had fallen, viz: that
contributions for the fugitives would be sent
to Fortress Monroe alone. They would be
distributed around wherever needed.
Tke American Missionary Society was the
6rst to lend an agent to Fortress Monroe to
look after the interests Of the eontrabands
who were hOcking there by thousands. They
soon after sent an agent to Port Royal for a
similar purpose. When these agents came
back and reported, it was deemed advisable
to form distinct and separate organization
for the purpose of collecting and distributing
necessary articles among the cOntrabsnds,
to establish and sustain schools for their ed
uoation and Improvement, &c. The " Ma
tional Freedmen's Association" !" was the re-
suit, controlled by a committee, Of which
@. c. Lee is chairman. All the contributions
sent to Mr.. Lee will be property distributed
smong the cOntrabands wherever they may
be assembled. Mr.. COwen was rejoiced that
q seommitte had been appoinsd in this city
TO become auxiliary to the Freedmsn's As
sOeiatiOn in collecting contributions.
William Davis, the contraband from Fort
ress Monroe, then addressed the meeting
BE gave brief account Of his life and his
experience in slavery, which we have already
published. He ridiouled the idea, urged for
ward by those who oppose emancipation, that
If the slaves were freed the North would
swarm with them. he said if slavery was
abolished there would be black streak from
Canada to South CarOlina-the eolored folks
in the North wouldall go South to live, where
the climate is congenial to them, and where
they could labor with far greater profit to
themselves and the world than here. He
said it was absurd to say the negro needed
master to take care Of him, be takes care
Of his master and makes living for him,
where it would be very difficult for him
70 make q living for himself. His old
mistress, not long ago, came and begged two
dollars Of his (Davis') wife He closed with
an earnest appeal for material aid for his
brethren. BE mildly suggested that dona-
tiOn Of few postage stamps wouldn't go g
great way towards clothing and educating
the eOntrabands, and expressed hope that
I've and ten dollar bills might be literally
contributed.
A collection was taken up, and a handsome
sum realized.
A Agsntlenan present suggested to the chill
drsn mode In which they might assist in the
good work. It was BY contributing such
sShOolbOOks as they had got through with, ts
be ssnt to the schools for cOntrsbands, which
Eas certainly good suggestion. TIE meet
Ias shSH SlsI'd.