The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-02-17
Religious Exercises Of the Negroes Of the
Sea Islands.
BY MRS. FRANCES D. GAGE.

NC" $50
MRS. FRANCES D. GAGE
The religious exercises Of the negroes 0
South Carolina are some Of them exceedinel
curious They are thoroughly religion
people, emotional!y and their life seems to b,
sustained amid its trials and perpIexities by al
enthusiasm that puts to the oush the sleep,
forms and ceremonies Of higher culture.
Hear II 10 their boat rowing in the fields, il
their churches, and especially in their praise.
house at night or wherever the melody OF
thelr souls is constrained to burst forth and
Jesus ana God and heaven are the key-notes OF
every strain. They are mournful people, too
| have yet to hear them sing a light or merry
song, although there is often mingled with
thelc sadness a spirit Of exultation and faith
that is truly touching. | never, even yet, hear
them sing in large numbers that | am not
moved TO tears.
Many o! their melodies seem like wall Of
anguish, as If crushed soul was CRYING I'D to
Jesus from the very depths Of despair.
want to go home oh, want to 60 home
Good Lord, come for me.
Oh, mother, want to 60 home, want to 20 home
Jesus, come for me.
want 10 go horne oh, want to go home.''
So sang our boats Grew this morning as with
strong hands they dipped their oars in tho tide
keeping time with heavy labor to their own
mournfal music. 1t was tbe perfection of
suffering cry.
1t made my heart throb heavily, and the
mighty wrongs OF the century seemed to walk
in solemn procession before me. Grim specters
we're they all, calling aloud for the vengeance
Of the Most High upon the oppressors of men.
The boats crew caught the spirit OF the song
and plunged their oars deeper down, and pulled
With a strong will, as it they saw the out.
stretched arms Of mother and Jesus from afar
9tf.
When they had finished, they were silent
md a word Of cheer had to be spoken to break
he spell.
1t has been often asserted that these people
we're full OF Toy and mirth, and never too weary
o dance at night when their tasks were done
This may be explained. They have religious
lance, which they call shout, which is to old
md mIddle-aged, and even the children q great
privilege.
After service, Sunday or two ago, the
uperln'endent said to the people :. Now,
rlends, you may finish the worship Of the day
D your own way.
"A glow OF Joy spread over the whole cougre.
alton. The men nodded their heads, and the
'omen cOrtsied, and thanky massa, came
Iom flty voices.
Very soon 40 exhiIirating air was struck
p every one joining and standing up. thev
waved their bodies to and fro, keeping time
or'nslog the right foot down heavily upon
ne h0or. Like welLdrilled soldiers there
'as but one loot. The men, as they sang, re-
'0Ved the benches, and piled them by the
oes OF the room. When the whole center
as clear, three good singers ranged them.
'lVes on one side, and commenced an ipsni.
"e Soug' AZ inc same time BRING the palms ;
lneir hands together with ring ling sound, :
eeplng time. Then the shout began. Two or =
lree nsures glded into the GENRE of the !
'om' and commenced shufflinp dance in =.
ng' AS each one joined in the exercise a .
aeSSl0u was asked BY the singers, calling the {
= Sister to-, julia where you goiug7' =
10 which came the response from all with.
1t one particle OF discord,