enlarges the affections, kindles the imagination, and gives to us
a view of the past, the present, and the future, is one of the
highest gifts that the Creator bestows upon man. With acute powers
of conception, a sparkling and lively fancy, and a quaintly curious
felicity of diction, Mr. Wilson wakes us from our torpidity and
coldness to a sense of our capabilities. In personal appearance he is
under the middle size; his profile is more striking than his front
face; he has a rather pleasing countenance, and is unmixed in race;
has fine conversational powers, is genteel in his manners, and is a
pleasant speaker upon the platform.
JOHN MERCER LANGSTON.
One of the most promising young men of the west is John M. Langston,
a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, and a graduate of Oberlin College. He
studied theology and law, and, preferring the latter, was admitted to
the bar, and is now successfully practising his profession.
The end of all eloquence is to sway men. It is, therefore, bound by
no arbitrary rules of diction or style, formed on no specific models,
and governed by no edicts of self-elected judges. It is true, there
are degrees of eloquence, and equal success does not imply equal
excellence. That which is adapted to sway the strongest minds of an
enlightened age ought to be esteemed the most perfect, and, doubtless,
should be the criterion by which to test the abstract excellence of
all oratory. Mr. Langston represents the highest idea of the orator,
as exemplified in the power and discourses of Sheridan in the English
House of Commons, and Vergniaud in the Assembly of the Girondists.
He is not fragmentary in his speeches; but, a deep, majestic stream,
he moves steadily onward, pouring forth his rich and harmonious
sentences in strains of impassioned eloquence. His style is bold and
energetic--full of spirit. He is profound without being hollow, and
ingenious without being subtile.
Being at Oberlin a few years since, and learning that a suit was to
be tried before a justice of the peace, in which Langston was counsel
for the defence, I attended. Two white lawyers--one from Elyria, the
other residing at Oberlin--were for the plaintiff. One day was consumed
in the examination and cross-questioning of witnesses, in which the
colored lawyer showed himself more than a match for his antagonists.
The plaintiff's counsel moved an adjournment to the next day. The
following morning the court room was full before the arrival of the
presiding justice, and much interest was manifested on both sides.
Langston's oratory was a model for the students at the college, and all
who could leave their studies or recitations were present. When the
trial commenced, it was observed that the plaintiffs had introduced
a third lawyer on their side. This was an exhibition of weakness on
their part, and proved the power of the "black lawyer," who stood
single-handed and alone. The pleading commenced, and consumed the
forenoon; the plaintiff only being heard. An adjournment for an hour
occurred, and then began one of the most powerful addresses that I had
heard for a long time. In vigor of thought, in imagery of style, in
logical connection, in vehemence, in depth, in point, and in beauty
of language, Langston surpassed his opponents, won the admiration of
the jury and the audience, and, what is still better for his credit,
he gained the suit. Mr. Langston's practice extends to Columbus, the
capital of the state, and in the county towns, within fifty miles of
his home, he is considered the most successful man at the bar.
An accomplished scholar and a good student, he displays in his speeches
an amount of literary acquirements not often found in the mere business
lawyer. When pleading he speaks like a man under oath, though without
any starched formality of expression. The test of his success is the
permanent impression which his speeches leave on the memory. They do
not pass away with the excitement of the moment, but remain in the
mind, with the lively colors and true proportions of the scenes which
they represent. Mr. Langston is of medium size and of good figure,
high and well-formed forehead, eyes full, but not prominent, mild and
amiable countenance, modest deportment, strong, musical voice, and
wears the air of a gentleman. He is highly respected by men of the
legal profession throughout the state. He is a vigorous writer, and
in the political campaigns, contributes both with speech and pen to
the liberal cause. Few men in the south-west have held the black man's
standard higher than John Mercer Langston.
WILLIAM C. NELL.
No man in New England has performed more uncompensated labor for
humanity, and especially for his own race, than William C. Nell.
Almost from the commencement of the _Liberator_, and the opening
of an anti-slavery office in Boston, he has been connected in some
way with the cause of freedom. In 1840, Mr. Nell, in company with
William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, and Francis Jackson, signed
a petition to the city government, asking it to grant equal school
rights to the colored children. From that time till 1855, Mr. Nell
lost no opportunity to press this question. During all this while he
had to meet the frowns of the whites, who were instigated by that
mean and relentless prejudice which slavery had implanted in their
minds; but he went steadily on, resolving that he would not cease
till equality was acknowledged in the Boston schools. In 1855 the
obnoxious rule was abolished, and the colored youths admitted to the
schools, without regard to complexion. On the evening of December 17 of
the same year, Mr. Nell was publicly presented with a testimonial by
his fellow-citizens. This consisted of a valuable gold watch. Master
Frederick Lewis, on behalf of the children, addressed Mr. Nell as
follows:--
"Champion of equal school rights, we hail thee. With unbounded
gratitude we bow before thee. Our youthful hearts bless thee for thy
incessant labors and untiring zeal in our behalf. We would fain assist
in swelling thy praise, which flows from every lip; but this were
a tribute far too small. Noble friend: thou hast opened for us the
gate that leadeth to rich treasures; and as we pass through, Ambition
lendeth us a hand--ay, she quickeneth our pace; and as, obeying her,
we look through the vista of future years, we recognize bright Fame
in a field of literary glory, her right hand extended with laurels
of honor, to crown those who shall be most fortunate in gaining the
platform whereon she standeth; while before her is spread the banquet,
with viands rich and rare, that our literary hunger may be satiated. To
this we aspire. To gain this we will be punctual to school, diligent in
study, and well-behaved; and may we be enabled to reach the goal, that,
in thy declining years, thy heart may be gladdened by what thine eye
beholdeth, and it shall be like a crown of gold encircling thy head,
and like a rich mantle thrown around thee, studded with jewels and
precious stones.
"Kind benefactor: accept, we entreat thee, this simple token, emblem
of the bright, gladsome years of youthful innocence and purity; and as
thou hast befriended us, so may we ever prove faithful friends to thee.
May the blessings of Heaven attend thee through life's ever-changing
scenes and intricate windings, is our prayer."
Mrs. Georgiana O. Smith then presented to Mr. Nell the watch, bearing
this inscription:--
"A Tribute to
WILLIAM C. NELL,
FROM THE COLORED CITIZENS OF BOSTON,
For his untiring efforts in behalf of
EQUAL SCHOOL RIGHTS,
Dec. 17, 1855."
Mrs. Smith's address was well conceived, and delivered in an eloquent
and feeling manner, which seemed to touch every heart and quicken
every pulse. Mr. Nell responded in an able speech, recounting many of
the scenes that they had passed through. William Lloyd Garrison and
Wendell Phillips were both present, and addressed the meeting, showing
their deep interest in the black man's rights. Besides contributing
occasionally to the columns of the _Liberator_, Frederick Douglass's
paper, the _Anglo-African_, and other journals, Mr. Nell is the author
of the "Colored Patriots of the American Revolution," a book filled
with interesting incidents connected with the history of the blacks of
this country, past and present. He has also written several smaller
works, all of which are humanitarian in their character. He has taken
a leading part in most of the conventions and public gatherings of
the colored citizens, held within the past twenty-five years. From
1835 to 1850, no public meeting was complete without William C Nell as
secretary.
Deeply interested in the intellectual development and cultivation
of his race, he aided in the organization of the "Adelphic Union
Association," which did much good in its day. Later still, he brought
into existence the "Histrionic Club," a society that encouraged
reading, recitation, and social conversation. In this he drew
the finest talent that Boston could produce. They gave a public
representation a few years since, which was considered one of the
most classic performances which has ever been witnessed. Mr. Nell
is of medium height, slim, genteel figure, quick step, elastic
movement, a thoughtful yet pleasant brow, thin face, and chaste in
his conversation. Born in Boston, passing through her public schools,
a good student, and a lover of literature, he has a cultivated
understanding, and has collected together more facts, on the race with
whom he is identified, than any other man of our acquaintance. An
ardent admirer of Wendell Phillips, he seems as much attached to that
distinguished orator as Boswell was to Johnson. Mr. Nell's devotion to
his race is not surpassed by any man living.
JOHN SELLA MARTIN.
J. Sella Martin is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and was born
on the 27th of September, 1832. His mother was a slave, and by the
laws of the state the child follows the condition of the mother. Young
Martin sustained the double but incongruous relation to his owner of
master and son. At the tender age of six years, the boy, together with
his mother and an only sister, was taken from the old homestead at
midnight, and carried to Columbus, Georgia, where they were exposed
for sale. Here they were separated, the mother and daughter being
purchased by one man, and Sella by another. The latter had the good
fortune, however, to fall into the hands of an old bachelor, with
whom he lived, in the capacity of _valet de chambre_, until he was
eighteen years old. His opportunities, while with him, for acquiring
a knowledge of books and the world generally, were far better than
usually fall to the lot of the most favored house servants. Both master
and slave boarded at the principal hotel in the place; and the latter,
associating with other servants, and occasionally meeting travellers
from the free states, obtained much valuable information respecting the
north and Canada, and his owner was not a little surprised one day when
a complaint came to him that his servant had been furnishing passes
for slaves in the neighborhood to visit their wives. Sella was called
before the master, and threatened with severe punishment if he ever
wrote another pass for a slave. About two years after this, the owner
partially lost his sight, and the servant became first the reader of
the morning paper, and subsequently the amanuensis in the transaction
of all the master's business. An intimacy sprang up between the two,
and it being for the white man's interest that his chattel should read
and write correctly, the latter became in fact the pupil of the former,
which accelerated his education. At the age of eighteen his owner died,
and Sella was left free. But the influence of the heirs at law was
sufficient to set the will aside, and the free young man, together with
other slaves of the estate, was sold on the auction block, and the new
owner took Sella to Mobile, where he resided till 1852, when he was
again sold and taken to New Orleans. Here the subject of our sketch
hired his own time, became a dealer in fruit and oysters, and succeeded
in saving a little money for himself, with which he made his escape
on a Mississippi steamer in December, 1855, and arrived at Chicago on
the 6th of January, 1856. The great hope of his younger days had been
attained, and he was now free. But Mr. Martin had seen too much of
slavery to feel satisfied with merely getting his own freedom, and he
therefore began the inquiry to see what he could do for those whom
he had left in the prison house of bondage. While at Chicago, he made
the acquaintance of Mr. H. Ford Douglass, who was just about to visit
the interior of the state, to deliver a course of lectures. The latter
observed by his conversation with Mr. Martin, that he possessed the
elements of a good speaker, and persuaded him to join and take part in
the meetings. It is said that Mr. Martin's first attempt in public was
an entire failure. He often alludes to it himself, and says that the
humiliation which he experienced reminded him of the time when he was
sold on the auction block--only that the former seemed the cheaper sale
of the two. He was advised never to try the platform again. But his
want of success on the first occasion stimulated him to new exertion,
and we are told that he wrote out a speech, committed it to memory, and
delivered it two days after to the satisfaction of all present. Mr.
Douglass himself characterizes it as a remarkable effort. But there was
too much monotony in the delivery of one or two lectures over and over,
and his natural aversion to committed speeches induced Mr. Martin to
quit the lecturing field. He now resolved to resume his studies, and
for this purpose he removed to Detroit, Michigan, where he commenced
under the tutorage of an able Baptist minister. Feeling that he was
called to preach, soon after this he began the study of theology, and
remained the student until his education was so far finished that he
felt justified in his own mind to commence lecturing and preaching.
About this time he made the tour of the State of Michigan, and lectured
with great success. In the beautiful and flourishing town of Coldwater,
he addressed a large and influential meeting, and the effect upon the
audience was such as to raise the speaker high in their estimation. The
weekly paper said of this lecture,--
"Our citizens filled the court house to hear J. S. Martin speak for
his own race and in behalf of the oppressed. The citizens admired
and were even astonished at his success as a public speaker. He is
a natural orator, and, considering his opportunities, is one of the
most interesting and forcible speakers of his age, and of _the_ age.
Indeed, he is a prodigy. It would seem impossible that one kept in
'chains and slavery,' and in total ignorance till within a few months,
could so soon attain so vast a knowledge of the English language, and
so clear and comprehensive a view of general subjects. Nature has made
him a great man. His propositions and his arguments, his deductions and
illustrations, are new and original; his voice and manner are at his
command and prepossessing; his efforts are unstudied and effectual.
The spirit which manifests itself is one broken loose from bondage and
stimulated with freedom."
Shortly after this, Mr. Martin was ordained and settled over the
Michigan Street Baptist Church, Buffalo, New York, where he labored
with signal success till April, 1859, when he removed east. During the
same summer he was introduced to the Boston public by Mr. Kalloch, the
popular preacher at the Tremont Temple. The latter, pleased with Mr.
Martin, secured his services while away on his annual vacation, which
occupied six or eight weeks. No place of religious worship was more
thronged than the Temple during the time that he filled its pulpit.
At the termination of his engagement at the Temple, Mr. Martin was
invited by Dr. Eddy to preach for him a few weeks, which he did with
credit to himself and satisfaction to the society. The first Baptist
Church at Lawrence being without a pastor, Mr. Martin was engaged to
supply the pulpit, and was there seven or eight months, and might have
remained longer; but during this time he received a call from the Joy
Street Church, Boston, and feeling that his labor was more needed
with his own color, he accepted the latter. He has now been at the
Joy Street Church about three years, where his preaching has met with
marked success. That society had long been in a declining state; but
the church is now as well filled on Sundays as any place in the city.
In the summer of 1861, Mr. Martin visited England, and remained abroad
six months, where he did good service for the cause of freedom. On his
return home he was warmly welcomed by his church and congregation. Soon
after, he secured the freedom of his only sister and her two children,
whom he settled at the west. In person, Mr. Martin is somewhat taller
than the medium height; firm, dignified walk; not what would be termed
handsome, but has a pleasing countenance; in race, half and half;
eyes clear and bright; forehead well developed; gentlemanly in his
deportment; has a popularity not surpassed by any of the preachers of
Boston.
He has written considerably for the press, both prose and poetry. Some
of the latter is much admired. His poem "The Hero and the Slave" has
been read in public entertainments, and received with applause.
CHARLES LENOX REMOND.
Charles L. Remond is a native of Salem, Mass. He has the honor,
we believe, of being the first colored man to take the field as a
lecturer against slavery. He has been, more or less, in the employ of
the Anti-Slavery Society for the past twenty-eight or thirty years.
In 1840, he visited England as a delegate to the first "World's
Anti-Slavery Convention," held in London. He remained abroad nearly two
years, lecturing in the various towns and cities of Great Britain and
Ireland. The following lines, addressed to him, appeared in one of the
public journals, after the delivery of one of his thrilling speeches,
in Belfast, and will give some idea of the estimation in which he was
held as a platform speaker.
TO C. L. REMOND.
Go forth and fear not! Glorious is the cause
Which thou dost advocate; and nobly, too,
Hast thou fulfilled thy mission--nobly raised
Thy voice against oppression, and the woes
Of injured millions; and, if they are men,
Who can deny for them a Saviour died?
Nor will it e'er be asked, in that dread day
When black and white shall stand before the throne
Of Him their common Parent, "Unto which
Partition of the human race didst thou
Belong on earth?" Enough for thee to fill
The lot assigned thee, as ordained by Heaven.
I would not praise thee, Remond,--thou hast gifts
Bestowed upon thee for a noble end;
And for the use of which account must be
Returned to Him who lent them. May this thought
Preserve thee in his fear, and may the praise
Be given only to his mighty name.
And if, returning to thy native land,
By thee beloved, though dark with crimes that stain
Her boasted freedom, thou art called to prove
Thy true allegiance, even then go forth
Resigned to suffer,--trust thy all to Him
Who can support thee, whilst a still, small voice,
Within thy breast, shall whisper, "All is well."
Mr. Remond was welcomed on his return home, and again resumed his
vocation as a lecturer. In stature he is small, spare made, neat, wiry
build, and genteel in his personal appearance. He has a good voice, and
is considered one of the best declaimers in New England. Faultless in
his dress, and an excellent horseman, Mr. Remond has long been regarded
the Count D'Orsay of the anti-slavery movement. He has written little
or nothing for the press, and his notoriety is confined solely to
the platform. Sensitive to a fault, and feeling sorely the prejudice
against color which exists throughout the United States, his addresses
have been mainly on that subject, on which he is always interesting. He
is a good writer who embodies in his works the soul and spirit of the
times in which he lives,--provided they are worth embodying,--and the
common sympathy of the great mass is sounder criticism by far than the
rules of mere scholars, who, buried up in their formulas, cannot speak
so as to arrest the attention or move the heart. Adaptation without
degeneracy is the great law to be followed. What is true of the writer
is also true of the speaker. No man can put more real meaning in fewer
words than Mr. Remond, and no one can give them greater force. The
following extract from a speech of Mr. Remond, delivered before the New
England Anti-Slavery Convention, at its anniversary in May, 1859, is
characteristic of his style.
"If I had but one reason, why I consented to appear here, it was
because, at this moment, I believe it belongs to the colored man in
this country to say that his lot is a common one 'with every white man
north of the Potomac River; and if you ask me who are my clients, I
think I may answer, 'Every man north of Mason and Dixon's line, without
reference to his complexion.' I have read in the newspapers that one or
two distinguished men of this city propose to spend the coming summer
in Europe. Born in Boston, educated at Harvard, having been dandled in
the lap of Massachusetts favor and Massachusetts popularity, they are
about to travel in Europe, among despotisms, monarchies, aristocracies,
and oligarchies; and I trust in God they may learn, as they travel in
those countries, that it is an everlasting disgrace that on the soil on
which they were born, no man of color can stand and be considered free.
If they shall learn no more than this, I will wish them a pleasant and
prosperous tour; and unless they shall learn this, I hope they will
come back and have the same padlock put upon their lips that is put
upon men south of Mason and Dixon's line.
"I want to ask this large audience, Mr. Chairman, through you,
supposing the citizens of Boston should call a meeting to-morrow, and
resolve that, in the event of a southern man, with southern principles,
being elected to the presidential office, this state will secede, how
would the State of Mississippi receive it? Now, I am here to ask that
the non-slaveholding states shall dare to do, and write, and publish,
and resolve, in behalf of freedom, as the slaveholders dare to act and
resolve in behalf of slavery.
"The time has been, Mr. Chairman, when a colored man could scarcely
look a white man in the face without trembling, owing to his education
and experience. I am not here to boast; but I may say, in view of what
I have seen and heard during the last five years, as I said in the
Representatives' Hall a few months ago, that our lot is a common one,
and the sooner we shall so regard it, and buckle on our knapsacks and
shoulder our muskets, and resolve that we will be free, the better for
you as well as for me. The disgrace that once rested upon the head of
the black man, now hovers over the head of every man and woman whom
I have the honor to address this evening, just in proportion as they
shall dare to stand erect before the oligarchy of slaveholders in the
southern portion of our country; and God hasten forward the day when
not only Music Hall, but every other hall in the city of Boston, the
Athens of America, shall be made eloquent with tones that shall speak,
as man has never before spoken in this country, for the cause of
universal freedom. If the result of that speaking must be bloodshed, be
it so! If it must be the dissolution of the Union, be it so! If it must
be that we must walk over or through the American church, be it so!
The time has come when, if you value your own freedom, James Buchanan
must be hung in effigy, and such men as Dr. Nehemiah Adams must be put
in the pillory of public disgrace and contempt; and then Massachusetts
will cease to be a hissing and a by-word in every other country."
GEORGE T. DOWNING.