William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 1

[182] from the committee, reported, that, in view of the exigencies of public affairs, and the near approach of the close of the session, the resolves ought not to pass. He deemed it unwise to legislate on a minor point of the controversy, when the fact is, the battle for the black man is being fought every day, and will be fought on battle-fields yet unknown.

Mr. Albee, of Marlborough, spoke in favor of the resolves.

Mr. Slack, of Boston, recurred to the days of the Revolution, when the deeds of the colored citizens were the subject of the highest marks of approval.

Mr. Pierce, of Dorchester, advocated the passage of the resolve, and read the words of General Andrew Jackson in commendation of the bravery of the colored battalions at New Orleans, in the war of 1812.

Mr. Branning, of Lee, had always been, and was now, in favor of the rights of colored men; but he did not think it was wise to pass these resolves at the present time.

The vote to accept the report that the resolves ought not to pass was then taken,—yeas 78, nays 69.

The following was the principal resolution:—

Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested, to use their utmost efforts to secure the repeal of any and all laws which deprive any class of loyal subjects of the Government from bearing arms for the common defence.

On assembling in the afternoon, a committee of the two branches was appointed to inform the Governor that the Houses were ready to be prorogued.

The House then took a recess of an hour. On re-assembling, at three o'clock, the resolves in relation to the rights of colored citizens came down from the Senate, adopted.

Mr. Pierce, of Dorchester, moved a suspension of the rules, that they might be considered at once.

Mr. Bullock, of Worcester, made an earnest argument against suspending the rules, and against passing the resolves. He avowed his willingness to remove every vestige of disability from the colored citizens, and, in a proper time, he hoped to see it.