BOSTON, July 13, 1863.
DEAR SIR,--It will not be in my power to take part in the
proposed meeting at Poughkeepsie. But I am glad it has been
called, and I trust it will be successful.
To me it has been clear from the beginning that the colored men
would be needed in this war. I never for a moment doubted that
they would render good service. And thus far the evidence in
their favor is triumphant. Nobody now questions their bravery or
capacity for discipline. All that can be said against them is
that they are not “white.”
But they have a special interest in the suppression of the
Rebellion. The enemies of the Union are the enemies of their
race. Therefore, in defending the Union, they defend themselves
even more than other citizens; and in saving the Union, they save
themselves.
I doubt if in times past our country could have justly expected
from colored men any patriotic service. Such service is the
return for protection. But now that protection has begun, the
service should begin also. Nor should relative rights and duties
be weighed with nicety. It is enough that our country, aroused at
last to a sense of justice, seeks to enroll colored men among
its defenders.
If my counsels could reach such persons, I would say, Enlist
at once. Now is the day, and now the fortunate hour. Help to
overcome your cruel enemies battling against your country, and
in this way you will surely overcome those other enemies, hardly
less cruel, here at home, who still seek to degrade you. This is
not the time to hesitate or to higgle. Do your duty to our common
country, and you will set an example of generous self-sacrifice
which must conquer prejudice and open all hearts.
Accept my thanks for the invitation with which you have honored
me, and believe me, dear Sir,
Very faithfully yours,