History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880. Vol. 2: Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as CitizensWilliams, George Washington
History
History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880. Vol. 2: Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens
Williams, George Washington
African Americans -- History; Liberia; Sierra Leone
"It will be seen by a reference to our proceedings, that we have
again recommended the further prosecution of the contemplated
college, proposed by the last Convention, to be established at
New Haven, under the rules and regulations then established. A
place for its location will be selected in a climate and
neighborhood where the inhabitants are less prejudiced to our
rights and privileges. The proceedings of the citizens of New
Haven, with regard to the erection of the college, were a
disgrace to them, and cast a stigma on the reputed fame of New
England and the country. We are unwilling that the character of
the whole country should sink by the proceedings of a few. We are
determined to present to another portion of the country not far
distant, and at no very remote period, the opportunity of
gaining for them the character of a truly philanthropic spirit,
and of retrieving the character of the country, by the
disreputable proceedings of New Haven. We must have colleges and
high-schools on the manual-labor system, where our youth may be
instructed in all the arts of civilized life. If we ever expect
to see the influence of prejudice decrease, and ourselves
respected, it must be by the blessings of an enlightened
education. It must be by being in possession of that classical
knowledge which promotes genius, and causes man to soar up to
those high intellectual enjoyments and acquirements, which place
him in a situation to shed upon a country and a people that
scientific grandeur which is imperishable by time, and drowns in
oblivion's cup their moral degradation. Those who think that our
primary schools are capable of effecting this, are a century
behind the age when to have proved a question in the rule of
three was considered a higher attainment than solving the most
difficult problem in Euclid is now. They might have at that time
performed what some people expect of them now, in the then barren
state of science; but they are now no longer capable of
reflecting brilliancy on our national character, which will
elevate us from our present situation. If we wish to be
respected, we must build our moral character on a base as broad
and high as the nation itself; our country and our character
require it; we have performed all the duties from the menial to
the soldier,--our fathers shed their blood in the great struggle
for independence. In the late war between Great Britain and the
United States, a proclamation was issued to the free colored
inhabitants of Louisiana, September 21, 1814, inviting them to
take up arms in defence of their country, by Gen. Andrew Jackson.
And in order that you may have an idea of the manner in which
they acquitted themselves on that perilous occasion, we will
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account