The Rev. Dr. Harris, of Dumbarton, N. H., a Revolutionary veteran,
stated in a speech at Francetown, N. H., some years ago, that on one
occasion the regiment to which he was attached was commanded to defend
an important position which the enemy thrice assailed, and from which
they were as often repulsed. "There was," said the venerable speaker,
"a regiment of blacks in the same situation--a regiment of negroes
fighting for our liberty and independence, not a white man among them
but the officers--in the same dangerous and responsible position. Had
they been unfaithful, or given way before the enemy, all would have
been lost. Three times in succession were they attacked with most
desperate fury by well-disciplined and veteran troops, and three times
did they successfully repel the assault, and thus preserve an army.
They fought thus through the war. They were brave and hardy troops."
The anecdote of the Slave of General Sullivan, of New Hampshire, is
well-known. When his master told him that they were on the point of
starting for the army, to fight for liberty, he shrewdly suggested that
it would be a great satisfaction to know that he was indeed going to
fight for his liberty. Struck by the reasonableness and justice of this
suggestion, Gen. S. at once gave him his freedom.