The American Missionary — Volume 34, No. 10, October, 1880Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 34, No. 10, October, 1880
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
[In giving the following letter it will, of course, be understood
that neither the A. M. A. nor Gen. Armstrong, nor even the Editor,
is committed to the plan suggested. Whether it is policy for the
friends of the negro to take up the gauntlet and cross swords in
his behalf on all occasions, or to possess their souls in patience
while they quietly wait for old prejudices to die, and a more
Christian spirit to prevail, may be a doubtful question.
Whether it would be advisable, even if the plan of a military
school for colored boys were adopted, to engraft it upon Hampton,
or upon any of our present schools, should be thoroughly weighed
before decision. But we are glad to hear what Mr. Lockwood, who
established our first Freedmen’s School at Hampton, has to say,
and print his letter not alone for the interesting anecdote of
our lamented Lincoln, but also as suggestive of thought on this
important subject.—ED. MISSIONARY.]
As the first missionary among the Freedmen (then refugees), at
Hampton and Fortress Monroe, Va., in 1861–2; I take a great
interest in the problem of colored cadetship.
After the persecution to which these cadets have been subjected
at West Point, I think wisdom dictates the wide circulation of
a petition to Congress, to have a National Military Academy
established in connection with the Hampton Institute, under the
Presidency of General Armstrong, who has already given that
Institute a national reputation. Would not this peaceful way of
bringing about the desired end be better than to battle with West
Point? In illustration, I offer an unpublished fact that showed
Lincoln’s common sense. After his proclamation about the arming of
colored troops in 1862, I went to Washington, and in company with
Senator Pomeroy, informed the President that the colored people of
Hampton were ready to enlist. His memorable reply was: “Yes, but
Fortress Monroe is not ready. Pennsylvania is not ready. New York
is not ready. The Country is not ready. My proclamation meant this
much and no more: Gov. Andrews, of Massachusetts, wishes to arm the
Yankee negro; Generals Hunter and Saxton wish to arm a few South
Carolina negroes to occupy a post, and relieve the soldiers for
active duty. Let them do it. But the rest must bide their time.
Please leave your statement with the Secretary of War, and when we
are ready we will let you know.” This “making haste slowly” was
what brought us through that tug of war, and I would recommend the
same common sense in reference to the cadetship. And I hope some
influential friend of the cause will second my suggestion, and
leave West Point alone in its unenviable glory.
* * * * *
M’LEANSVILLE, N. C.
Revival Interest.
REV. A. CONNET
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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