Semi-weekly Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1871-1872, 1871-07-06
HON. P. Q. 9. PiNcHsAck.
[raox TIE X. o. JouRSAL.]

The accompanying portrait is a
fair likeness of the gentleman whose
name heads this article. We have
given it for the double reason that
the career of Senator Pinchback H.
Illustrates the power Of energy, when
backed by real ability, to achieve
success under even the most unfav-
orable circumstances, and also be-
cause it presents one instance OF a
result rendered inevitable by the
progress of events: the full and un-
challenged participation OF the col
ored race in the privileges and hon
ors of government.
Senator Pinchback was born in
the State of Georgia, in the year
1887. His father. Major w. Pinch
back, being the proprietor of large
estate in Holmes county, MISSISSIPPI
pi, a portion of his life was passed
at that place. In 1916 he left the
South for the purpose of attending
school in Ohio, where he remained
till the year 1S4S, when he returned
for a time to Mississippi. The
death of his father occurring short
ly after, the family moved to Ohio.
The next fourteen years of his life
were passed amid struggles which,
while testing his powers of endur-
ance, contributed largely to the de-
velt pm n, of the energy and deter
mination which have since marked
his private life.
In 1862, when in the progress OF
the late war New Orleans was ,ken
by the national fleet and army, Sell
ator Pinchback being at that time
within the Confederate lines, ran the
blockade and reached the city OF
New Orleans in safety.
This was in 1862. Shortly after,
General Butler arrived, and in Au-
gust of the same year the First
Regiment (Union) Louisiana Vol
unteers was raised. Though this
was one of the white regiments MIR
Pinchback enlisted therein as u pri-
vate soldier, and on becoming
known, soon rose high in the es-
TEEN OF his commanding officer, and
was detailed for recruiting ser
vice.
Next came General Buffers cele
brated order No. 63, calling on fire;
colored men to arm and organize il
4 License of the Union. This afford
ed the opportunity long desired b.,
Senator t'inchback. He was de
;ached from his regiment and direct
ed to raise a company of coloret
troops, in which he succeeded, win
ming the honor of recruiting thu
first colored soldier regularly Ell
listed for United States service
Having raised his company. he wa
commissioned as its captain, and OF
he twelfth of October was mustered
in as Captain of Company A, Sec
ond Louisiana Native Guards. H
served in this position until Sep
TENDER IL, 1863, when through tn
treatment ut that time accorded t
, colored officers, a feeling of injure
; self-respect led him to resign. Ye
his heart was too thoroughly enl,ste
in the great struggle for freedom t
: allow him to be satisfied with mac
, tivity while the whole land ran
with the thunders of war, on the re
suit (which depended the enthrone
: ment of liberty or the perretuatio
Of q heartless despotism; so. afte
a an interval of inactivity, Senate
: Pinchback, authorized by Colon'
: james Grant Wilson, raised con
k pany OF cavalry, and on applyin
: for his commission, it was refuse
u by General Banks. who returned tn
application with the following il
dorsements: Respectfully returned
e This application is disapproved, th
It commissioning of negroes as con
|, missioned officers being contrai
If to law"
d In 1865. Senator Pinchback fir
d entered the field OF politics. +
spoke at numerous public meeting
y in Alabama, working energetical
:. to secure the colored men the RICH
.e accorded by the Republican Co
ct sress. During the same year
rs entered the political field in Loui
1t lana, since which time his infuen