On the Fourth of July an unprecedented event was witnessed in
Washington. By special consent of the President, the White House
grounds were granted to the colored people of the city for a grand
Sunday-school festival, and never did they present a busier or more
jubilant scene. Inside the grounds a platform was erected, upon which
accommodations were placed for speakers. Around this were rows of
benches, which, during the greater part of the day, were not only well
filled but crowded. Meanwhile groups reposed under every tree or walked
to and fro along the shaded paths. From the thick-leaved branches of
the trees were suspended swings, of which all, both old and young,
made abundant use. Every contrivance which could add to the pleasure
of the time was brought into energetic requisition, and altogether no
celebration of the day presented a greater appearance of enjoyment and
success.
By the Act of Emancipation, Mr. Lincoln built for himself the first
place in the affections of the African race on this continent. The
love and reverence manifested for his name and person on all occasions
during the last two years of his life, by this down-trodden people,
were always remarkable, and sometimes of a thrilling character. In the
language of one of the poor creatures who stood weeping and moaning
at the gateway of the avenue in front of the White House, while the
beloved remains were lying in state in the East Room, “_they_ had him.”
No public testimonial of regard, it is safe to say, gave Mr. Lincoln
more sincere pleasure during his entire public life, than that
presented by the colored people of the city of Baltimore, in the summer
of 1864, consisting of an elegant copy of the Holy Bible. The volume
was of the usual pulpit size, bound in violet-colored velvet. The
corners were bands of solid gold, and carved upon a plate also of gold,
not less than one fourth of an inch thick. Upon the left-hand cover,
was a design representing the President in a cotton-field knocking
the shackles off the wrists of a slave, who held one hand aloft as if
invoking blessings upon the head of his benefactor,--at whose feet was
a scroll upon which was written “Emancipation”; upon the other cover
was a similar plate bearing the inscription:--
“To ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States, the friend of
Universal Freedom. From the loyal colored people of Baltimore, as a
token of respect and gratitude. Baltimore, July 4th, 1864.”
The presentation was made by a committee of colored people, consisting
of three clergymen and two laymen, who were received by the President
in the most cordial manner, after which the Rev. S. W. Chase, on the
part of the committee, said:--
“MR. PRESIDENT: The loyal colored people of Baltimore have
delegated to us the authority to present this Bible, as a token of
their appreciation of your humane part towards the people of our
race. While all the nation are offering their tributes of respect,
we cannot let the occasion pass by without tendering ours. Since
we have been incorporated in the American family we have been true
and loyal, and we now stand by, ready to defend the country. We
are ready to be armed and trained in military matters, in order to
protect and defend the Star-spangled Banner.
“Our hearts will ever feel the most unbounded gratitude towards
you. We come forward to present a copy of the Holy Scriptures as
a token of respect to you for your active part in the cause of
emancipation. This great event will be a matter of history. In
future, when our sons shall ask what mean these tokens, they will
be told of your mighty acts, and rise up and call you blessed.
“The loyal colored people will remember your Excellency at
the throne of Divine Grace. May the King Eternal, an all-wise
Providence, protect and keep you, and when you pass from this
world, may you be borne to the bosom of your Saviour and God.”