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the perils and glory of your
white fellow-citizens, I expected much from you; for I was not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to an invading enemy.
I knew with what fortitude you could endure hunger, and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign.
I knew well how you loved your native country, and that you, as well as ourselves, had to defend what
man holds most dear, —his parents, wife, children, and property.
You have done more than I expected.
In addition to the previous qualities I before knew you to possess, I found among you a noble enthusiasm, which leads to the performance of great things.
Soldiers! the
President of the
United States shall hear how praiseworthy was your conduct in the hour of danger, and the
Representatives of the
American people will give you the praise your exploits entitle you to. Your general anticipates them in applauding your noble ardor.
It will thus be seen that whatever honor belongs to the ‘heroes of the Revolution’ and the volunteers in ‘the second war for independence’ is to be divided between the white and the colored man. We have dwelt upon this subject at length, not because it accords with our principles or feelings, for it is scarcely necessary for us to say that we are
and certainly far more desirable and useful; but because, in popular estimation, the patriotism which dares and does on the battle-field takes a
