Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-07-18
CITY AND COUNTY.


Meeting Mt Mechanics Hall in Ala OF W.T.
James Mission.
There was a large assemblage Of our citi-
zens at Mechanics Hall last evening, not
withstanding the unfavorable weather, to hear
Rev. Mr.. James and others in behalf OF his
mission among the freedmen of North
Carolina. Hon. \. IL. Bullock presided, and
made brief but eloquent speech, advocating
the movement proposed, and concluded by in
Producing Rev Mr.. James to speak for him
self in explanation of his mission, Mr.. James,
after some appropriate Introductory remarks,
said he was sent north by Maj. Gen. Foster
tor specified purpose, as superintendent of
contrabandS, although he was still chaplain of
the 25th regiment, with which he was proud to
be connected. Within the department of North
Carolina were some $4,000 contrabands in our
lines, one-halfor two-thirds Of whom were self
supporting, acting in some trade or capacity,
and earning their own living, while the re-
naming half or one-third, were unable so to
do; and it was for the benefit OF this latter
class, that the movement he represented was
got up. 1t was the object of the meeting to
consider what was to be done with tins class
of persons, what means were best to be
adopted for their education, and to fit them
for their new condition. He said he could
speak from personal observation, of the great
desire of the blacks for their freedom, their
anxiety to avail themselves of opportunities
for instruction., Sc. The scheme desired was,
after mature deliberation, to colonize them
upon Roanoke Island. Mr.. James gave a
graphic description of the island, its pro-
ductiveness, and adaptation to the purposes
designed, giving also a brief sketch of the
battle participated in so prominently by the
25th regiment, and resulting the taking en-
tire possession of the island by our troops
Ten thousand dollars were wanted to begin
the work, by the introduction of the various
instruments of mechanical industry, for the
construction of houses, churches, and shops.
A saw mill and steam engine were needed i'm
mediatey.
Mr.. James said he wished to have this
movement go on and spread, until it en-
braced all of the four millions enslaved, as
well as he few thousands it was now pro-
posed to aid; until the whole foul system of
slavery was destroyed. But beginning
must be made, and it was proposed to makeit
now, TO solve the great problem, what is to
become OF this unfortunate class of our fell
low beings, when endowed with the boon of
freedom. Mr.. James concluded by an ear
nest appeal to Worcester to do her duty in
this great cause.
Mr.. Cough was then introduced, and spoke
in behalf of the movement in his peculiarly
eloquent vein. He dealt some terribly severe
blows upon the copperheads, in which the au-
dience enthusiastically sympathised
At the close of the meeting, subscriptions
were taken in aid of the object, and it was
stated that they might be handed in at Boy
lens Exchange, to-day or Monday, or sent to
Ir. James through the post office. Mr..
lanes is to leave very soon for the field of
lis operations. He has been a Boston few
lays, and obtained large subscriptions there.
let Worcester do her share in this work.
Rev. Mr.. james will preach at the Old
south church tomorrow forenoon.