The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-02-21

search" of Mr.. George LiVerihore, III us
course delivered before the Mass. Historical
Society, and recently printed by him for pri-
yate distribution. l intend to present some
extracts from Mr.. Livermore's work before 1
close; but wish first to introduce docu-
ment directly to the point, from our own To-
cality. The following paper is copied entire
from the original now before me, in the hand
writing of Thomas Smith, then in the 55th
year of his pastorate over the First Parish the
only religious society then in Portland. 1t
was found among the papers Of John Waite,
who was Colonel of the regiment in the coun-
ty, and employed in raising troops and fur
nishing supplies.
"Know all men by these presents, that
whereas /, Thomas Smith OF Falmouth,
In the county of Cumberland, and Com
monweath OF Massachusetts, clerk, did
purchase of Richard Goldman, Esq, negro
man servant named Romeo who has enlisted
in the continental army for three years, do, in
consideration, or on condition of receiving the
full moiety, or half part Of his wages during
that time, which he Is, upon the executing OF
this instrument, to give me orders upon the
committee of Falmouth to receive, with a pro-
misSory note under his hand to pay Inc ten
shiIlings per month during said term, to make
up said moiety, as the order itself is not suffi-
cient-liberate and give up all right, claim
and title to him and his services, and to all in
tents and purposes to be his own, or Free
man. In witness whereof / have hereunto
set my hand and seal this eighth day of May,
1881. THOMAS SMITH, (sealr'
The paper, perfectly authentic, proves not
only that negroes, but siaues, were permitted
An NJ
interesting work, to which l have alluded,
clearly shows that colored persons were not
only enlisted, but were sought for, and made
valuable soldiers. The authorities he cites
cannot be contradicted or set aside.
He says, AT the Battle of Bunker Hill ne
gro soldiers stood side by side, and fought
bravely with their white brethren"
"Msjor Pitcairn, OF the British Marines, it is
well known, fell just as he mounted the re-
doubt, shouting, "The day is oursr' The shot
which laid him low, was fired by Peter Salem"
Salem was a negro soldier, once a slave
Judge Washburn, in his History of Lexing-
TOM thus speaks of him: "He was born in
birmingham, aud was held as a slave proba-
bly, until he Joined the army whereby, il not
before, he became free. This was the case
with many Of the slaves of Massachusetts,. as
no slaves could be mustered into the army.
Peter served faithfully as a soldier during the
war, in Col. Nixon's regiment" Mr.. Liver
more again says: "Another colored soldier,
who participated in the battle of Bunker Hill,
is favorably noticed in petition to the Gener-
al Court, signed by some of the principal Off
GERS, less than six months after the event"
This petition, dated Dec. 5, IT'S, is signed by
Colonies Brewer, Nixon, Prescott. and sever
al other officers, and declares THAT a negro
man, called Salem Poor, of Col. Fryes regi-
ment, behaved like an experienced officer, as
well as an excellent soldier" They say again:
'In the person of this said negro centers a
brave and gallant soldier" Those were not
men to be deceived or mistaken.
In a memoir of VIM. Lawrence, the munifi-
cent merchant eff Boston, by DIR. Lathrop,
quoted by Mr.. Livermore, he speaks of Sam
uel Lawrence, the father of William, as
brave officer in the Revolution, who was in
some of the severest battles; he says: AT
one time he commanded a company whose
rank and file were all negroes, of whose
courage, military discipline and fidelity, he al
ways spoke with respect"
Mr.. Livermore also cites Mr.. Bancroft's his
tory of the United States, vol Z, to the same
point Mr.. Bancroft writes: "Nor should his
tory forget to record, that as in the army at
Cambridge, so also in this gallant band, the
free negroes of the colony had their represen-
toft E<srt 49, ;sxht ,cf
arms in the public defence was, at that day,
as little disputed in New England, as their
other rights. They took their place, not in a
separate corps, but In the ranks with the white
man, and their names may be read on the pen
sion rolls of the country, side by side with
those Of other soldiers of the Revolution
Mr.. Livermore says, "Many slaves were manu-
mitted, that they might becomes oldiers. They
served faithfully to the end of the war. Their
skill and bravery were never called 10 question,
but on the contrary, were frequently commend
ed" In South Carolina, their Congress adopted
a resolution for the enrolment of sable male
slaces to be employed as pioneers and labor
ers, as public exigencies might require" Dec.
81, IT'S, Gen. Washington wrote letter to
Congress, as follows: at has been represent
ed TO me that the free negroes who have serv-
ed in this army are very much dissatisfied az
being discarded. As il is apprehended that
they may seek employment in the Ministerial
army, have concluded to depart from the
resolution concerning them, and have given
license for their being enlisted" Mr.. Sparkes
in note to this says, "Many black soldiers
were in the service during all stages OF the
war" And Congress, in response to Gen.
Washingtons letter resolved that the free me-
groes, who have served faithfully In the army
at Cambridge, may be reinstated therein, but
no Others"
Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Vir-
ginia, Ia 1775, issued proclamation promising
freedom to all slaves who would join the Brit
ish army. The language of the proclamation
Is, sand do hereby further declare all inden-
ted servants, negroes aud others appertaining
to rebels, free, that are able and willing to
bear arms, they joining his majesty's troops as
soon as may be-" Mr.. Livermore adds that
many slaves focked to the British standard,
and great CONSERVATION was created by it Ia
virginia So it seems that both sides were
willing to avail themselves of this important
auxiliary to their cause. Is there any more
reason that we should now, in our present
emergency, reject the protiered aid from this
class of nersons9