Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-05-21

the following preamble and resolution:
WHEREAS, We have learned by tn
published proceedings of Congress tha
there is probability of the peaceful anc
final adjustment of slavery in the Distric
of Columbia: Therefore,
T" ReSolped, That we recommend to tn,
churches and congregations we represent
that they set apart Sunday, the 18th dal
OF April, 1862, in connection with the us
ual religious services, as a day of specia
prayer to Almighty God, that if this grea
boon of freedom is vouchsafed to our peo
pie we may receive it in a becoming man
ner, and by our orderly behavior, our de
votion to our Christian duties, our obedi
ence to the laws, we may show how worthy
we are to enjoy it, and that He would bt
pleased in His own way and in His OWL
time to proclaim liberty throughout al
the land ufftoall the einhabitants thereof
The bill, as you are aware, passed the
House by large majority on Friday
The twelve colored churches in this Dis
trict, representing the several denomina-
tlons OF Presbyterians, Baptists, and Meth
odlsts, IN pursuance of the foregoing reso-
lutions assembled early on Sabbath morn
ing and held meetings of fasting and
prayer, without intermission. until twelve
or one o'clock at night. Many people,
infiamed by curiosity and some with the
expectation of witnessing many ludicrous
exhibitions, attended these meetings. !
went because | wished to see what effect
the assurance that they are free would
have upon community that had always
been slaves. Trying to realize by rehec-
ton how | should feel under similar cir
cumstances, Invent prepared to meet many
affecting scenes, and in this | was not
disappointed.
In the first church that attended, which
is of the Presbyterian congregation, be-
held a well dressed audience of men and
women, who, with their clergyman, were
engaged in prayer. The petitions were
not loud but fervent. Deep pemotion char
acterized the department of all. They
seemed tofeel all they expressed. Among
the number were some whose ransom from
lifelong servitude depended upon the
President. These were severally congrat-
ulated by those already free. Tears, Joy
ful, copious tears, mingled with these
greetings. The exercises began with GER
emony, grew exciting and became impa-
tlent of ordinary congregational restraints.
But there was nothing indecorous, forced.
overacted, and those who came to laugh,
soon found themselves crying. A slave
mother ciasped her free daughter, and a
tree father embraced slave son. The
African parent was congratulated by her
child, the mulatto by her quad
room daughter, and in turn the quadroon
Dy an octoroon son. All shades from the
Africa to those of complexion
rs fair as the sheet on which l write, join
I'd in the chorus of freedom and prayer of
| never before witnessed
scene of more intense interest. A slave !
holder, who had been attracted to the |
church by desire to witness how his own |
,hattels would behave, in the midst of !
heir rejoicing arose, and while the tears |
itreamed down his face, confessed that
What he had seen was more than compen-
'atory for all that he would lose by the |
of his slaves, after this"
aid ne, 81 shall never regret this Just |
l am glad it has occurred. 1t |
vas proper, right and butjustice to an op-
pressed people,"
At Methodist church the demonstra-
ions, partaking of the character
Il the faith, was still stronger, and
ntermingled with frequent shoutings
nd the widest gesticulations All the
ThIle that the Rev. C. w. Dennison was
ddressing them, the poor creatures
Fouid testify their happiness by frequent
amen" and "glories," uttered with tears
f thankfulness at their sudden deliyer-
nee. An old man, with a face of the
larkest African hue, but whose head was
rosted with the winters of three score
nd ten years of faithful service, as soon
S the eloquent preacher closed, rose to
us feet and, with extended arms and
yes streaming with tears, exclaimed =
Bless Almighty God that have lived to
ee this day. | am free after seventy-two
ears OF slavery. ammy own, and here,
pointing to seats on either side of him)
Iere are my children and children's chill
lren, but yesterday slaves, to-day forever
rec. Oh brethren oh sisters can we
yer be sufficiently thankful for this great
o1n! Let us pray, let us return thanks"
nd down he sank on his knees, and pour
d out one of the most thrilling prayers |
yer listened to.
Proceeding from the Methodist toa Bap-
lst church, there witnesses a re-produc-
ion of the same scenes. All the electric
~ of the African nature was aroused
hey prayed for their old masters and
listresses, many of them avowing a de-
never to leave or forget them,
nd Others asking that they might be free
7 forgiven for any injury they had inhict-
d upon them during their years of servi-
lde.
One of the most affecting scenes was the
leeting of ayoung quadroon mother with
beautiful little daughter, whose complex
IN would rival in fairness the whitest of
ne daughter of Japheth. The meet
lg was quite unexpected on both sides,
nd both mother and daughter rushed in {
} an embrace, and burst into open, uncon-
'ollable crying. 1t was the silent Ian
1age of the heart-the testimony of ma
Ire to the righteousness of the great act
freedom. A little boy of two years old |
tme tottering up the aisle, led by a girl
fewyears older. They were met by their {
ave par, ms, who, for the firsttime, there !
npressed upon them free kiss. You ]
e now" said the mother, taking the lit Z
e fellow on her lap, my own. No pow t
can take you from me. l can love you {
ithout fear"
But why continue. 1t would be impos- t
erous scenes of like interest, which, a
trough the entire day and until the mid
atches of the night, occurred during this '
orious Sabbath in the capital of our Ma j
on. And assure you that those who v
ent to laugh departed wiser for the visit. @
was one of those spectacles which men t
led to witness occasionally to remind t
lem of their humanity and the elove they i
stinctively bear their fellows. All are c
ade better by their occurrence.
This question of abolition, as before q
ated, has been an exciting one among i
e colored people of this District, ever v
nee the commencement of the present /
ssion. From the moment of its first ag- U
ltion, slave owners have been busy re- I
owing there slaves to Maryland. Many S
ry beautiful mulatto and quadroon girls q
I'VE been taken their and sold, in antic- L
alton of this act. Many of the same L
ass have been concealed by their free C
in garrets and outhouses, for b
eeks, upon the promise of members of d
,n0reSS that the act would certainly u