The Union. [volume] (Georgetown, Del.) 1863-1866, 1863-12-18


with the white man in this country, having
been generally denied the common rights Of
humanity. Though he had been an inhabi-
tant almost as long as the white man, aud
has done much for it's welfare, yet he has not
been treated 80 well as the foreigner, even in
the free States. There is much trath aud |
force in what highly-respected colored cler-
gyman of New York said a few years since;
We are natiUes Of this sountry; weask only |
to be treated as well as Jorsigners. Not a few
of our fathers suffered and blsd to purchase
its independence; we only ask to be treated
as well as those who fought against it. We
have toiled to cultivate it, and 10 raise it to
its present prosperous condition; we only ask
to share equal privileges with those who
come from distant lands to enjoy the fruits of
our labor"
Notwithstanding the treatment that the
colored man has received in this cedntry, yet
he has displayed high degree Of loyalty aud
bravery. Treason and cowardios can by no
means be charged on eolored Americans,
though they have had 50 little, comparatively,
to call out the opposite qualities. CHANGING
at the facts that the history Of the past can
furnish on this subject, who can doubt for
moment that the millions of colored men in
this country can render most effective service
towards suppressirg the existing rebellion
with the opportunity afforded them, and the
powerful motive of freedom unequivocally
presented before them.
The first martyr to liberty in the Revslu-
ton was colored man by the name of Girls
pus Attacks. He was the first man shot by
the British soldiers in the Boston massacre of
March 5th, ITO, which occurred on King
tnow State) street.
There were several eolored soldiers at the
battle of Bunker Hill, among whom was one
by the name of Salem. Particular allusion
is made to him by SWEET, in his "Sketches"
of that battle. He says: "Major Pitcairn
caused the first efrusion of blood at Lexington
In that battle his horse was shot under him,
while he was separated from his troops
With presence of mind, he feigned himself
slain. His pistols were taken from his hol-
sters, and he was left for dead, when he seized
the opportunity and escaped. He appeared
at Bunker Hill, "and," says the historian,
"among those who mounted the works was
the gallant Major Pitcairn, who ezullingly
cried out, THE day is oursp when q black
soldier named Salem shot him through, and
he fell. His agoniEed son received him in his
arms, and tenderly bore him to the boats
A contribution was made in the army for the
colored soldier, and he was presented to
Washington as having performed this feat"
In the Revolution there was a colored
company called the Bucks of America" that
rendered most valuable service. AT the
close of that struggle John Hammock present
ed them with an appropriate banner, bearing
his initials, as an expression of his appreci.
alton of their patriotism and bravery. The
Bucks" commanded by Col. Middleton, were
invited to a collation. in neighboring town,
and, while on their way, were requested to
halt in front Of the Hancock mansion, on
Beacon street, where the Governor and his son
united in presenting the banner.
AT the commencement of the War of the
Revolution, Rhode Island had quite number
Of slaves, but she knew how to mako good
pseofthem. A regiment ofthem was formed,
and no Drawer men went into battle than they
were, They were not, however, permitted to
become soldiers until they were first enamel
pated, and their freedom pledged to them
forever. In the gallant defence of Red
Bank that regiment bore most honorable
part. In that struggle four hundred mer
met and repulsed, after terrible slaughter
fifteen hundred Hssisn troops, headed BY
Count Donor.
The capability Of the blacks 10 rendel
valuable services as soldiers, was acknowl
edged at the Revolutionary period at tn,
South, as well as at North. In I779 con
vention Of delegates from South Carolin,
and the. special envoy from Georgia sug
gested "that a force might be raised in tn,
said State from among the negroes, which
would not only be formidable to the enemy
from their numbers, and the discipline o
which they would readily admit, but woulc
also lessen the dangers from revolts and de
sertiOns by detaching the most vigorous an
enterprising Of the negroes"
In the beginning the Georgia delegate
gave to John Adams, as recorded in his diar
at the time, "a melancholy account of tn
States of Georgia and South Carolina. The
said if one thousand regular troops shoul
land in Georgia, their commander be provide
with arms and clothes enough, and proclai
freedom to all dhe negroes who would join h
camp, twenty thousand negroes would join
from the two Provinces in fortnight. IL
negroes having wonderful art of conveyiu
intelligence among themrelvss, it will ru
several hundred miles in week or fortnight.
The fact that cOlored Americans rendere
important service in that contest, several lea,
ing men North and South have acknowledge
whe could not be accused Of special ami
slavery tendencies. Charles Pinckney,
South Carolina, in his speech on the Nilsson
question, and in defence Of the slave represe
tation Of the South, said: They tthe slave
then were, as they stin are. as valuable pa
of our population 10 ths Union an any 9th