of such amalgamation of African and Scotch-Irish race stocks, with
white motherhood.[58] The reasons were largely economic. Many of the
whites who came to live in the lower farm lands down from their first
holdings on the rocky slopes and unfertile soil, were driven from
these more productive lowlands by the rich white land owners who
preferred to have large plantations with great numbers of blacks to
raise the crops, rather than to rent or sell to small farmers. For
these poorer white neighbors there was no recourse but to take to the
mountains and to cultivate there the less desirable lands. The life
they had to live was necessarily very rough and hard; their principal
diet was corn, and often the rocky soil only yielded them that
grudgingly and scantily. They frequently came in contact with the
slaves, and the latter were known to steal provisions from their
masters' storehouses and bring to these hill-country people appetizing
additions to their meager provisions. And the slaves were also known
to mingle with them in the quilting, husking, barn-raisings, and other
rural festivities, being undoubtedly made welcome. It requires no
immoderate imagination to state here the likelihood of much racial
intermixure, as we know, from testimony, of more than a few specific
cases, and we have, in this rather strange way, the account of social
intermingling and the secret gifts of the black men who visited these
mountain homes.
WILLIAM LLOYD IMES.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Compendium, U. S. Census (1870), pp. 13-15.
[2] The _Nashville American_, "City of Nashville" booklet, p. 20.
[3] Garrett and Goodpasture, _History of Tennessee_, pp. 249 sqq.
[4] _Ibid._, pp. 245-246.
[5] _Proceedings of the Anti-Slavery Convention_, London, 1843.
[6] _Ibid._, p. 300.
[7] See paper of E. E. Hoss, Tenn. Hist. Soc., Nashville.
[8] Greely, Horace, _The American Conflict_, p. 79, New York, 1864.
[9] _Journal of The Constitutional Convention_, State of Tennessee,
1834.
[10] _Journal of Constitutional Convention_, 1834.
[11] Haywood and Cobb, _Statute Laws of Tenn._, 1779, Ch. 5.
[12] _Ibid._, 1741, Ch. 21.
[13] _Ibid._, 1788, Ch. 7.
[14] _Ibid._, 1799, Ch. 9.
[15] R. T. Q., Jr., State Archives, Capitol Library, Tennessee.
[16] This is most natural, of course, but is inserted to emphasize the
absolute quality of ownership, for the master was held responsible for
the deed just as if he himself had committed it, and the slaves were
morally irresponsible. But for other breaches of social good conduct
the slave was the direct victim of the penalty, thus at once being
slave and man, property and human being.
[17] _Statute Laws of Tenn._, 1819, Chap. 35.
[18] Acts, 2d Session Gen. Assembly (Knoxville), 1809.
[19] _Statute Laws_, 1813, Chap. 135.
[20] _Ibid._, 1826, Ch. 22, Sec. 1.
[21] _Ibid._, 1801, Ch. 27, Sec. 1.
[22] _Acts of Gen. Assembly_ (Tenn.), 1822, Ch. 102.
[23] Cf. 1 and 2.
[24] _Statute Laws_, 1831, Ch. 102, Sec. 2.
[25] _Ibid._, Sec. 2.
[26] _Statute Laws_, 1826, Ch. 22, Sec. 6.
[27] _Ibid._, 1741, Ch. 24, Sec. 23.
[28] _Proceedings of the Anti-Slavery Convention_, London, 1843.
[29] _Acts of the Gen. Assembly, Tennessee_, 1821, Chap. 26.
[30] _Statute Laws, Tenn._, Chap. 6, Sec. 2. Laws of 1787.
[31] _Statute Laws, Tenn._, Chap. 6, Sec. 2, Laws of 1787.
[32] _Ibid._, 1833, Chap. 4, Sec. 1.
[33] _Tenn. Constitutional Convention Journal_, 1834.
[34] _Tenn. Constitutional Convention Journal_, pp. 31-40.
[35] _Ibid._, p. 53.
[36] _Southern Statesman_ (clipping from _Knoxville Register_, Oct.,
1831).
[37] _Tenn. Constitutional Convention Journal_, 1834, pp. 102-104.
[38] _Ibid._, pp. 125-126.
[39] Journal Const. Conv., _op. cit._, pp. 214 et seq.
[40] _Tennessee Constitutional Journal_, 1834, pp. 126 et seq.
[41] _Ibid._, pp. 184 et seq.
[42] _Ibid._, p. 200, p. 209.
[43] Constitution of Tenn., 1834, Art. 3, Sec. 1.
[44] Code of Tenn. '57, '58, Sec. 3809.
[45] Stephenson, _Race Distinctions in American Law_, p. 284. _Tenn.
Const. Conv. Journal_, 1834, _op. cit._, p. 209.
[46] Bureau of the Census, "A Century of Pop. Growth," p. 82.
Washington, 1909.
[47] _Acts of Tenn._, 1846, Chap. 47 (Nicholson).
[48] Code of 1858, Tenn., Art. IV, See. 2725.
[49] _Ibid._, Sec. 2725.
[50] _Ibid._, Sec. 2728.
[51] Nicholson, _Acts of Tenn._, 1846, Chap. 191, Sec. 1.
[52] Code of Tenn., _op. cit._, Sec. 2714.
[53] _Ibid._, Sec. 2793-2794. Cf. Statute Laws here.
[54] _Statute Laws, Tenn._, 1846, Ch. 191.
[55] Brackett, "The Negro in Maryland," _Johns Hopkins Studies_, Ch.
V, p. 191.
[56] _Ibid._, pp. 191-192.
[57] Personal Testimony, B. S.; J. P. Q. E.; E. S. M. Nashville, 1912.
[58] {Transcriber's Note: Missing footnote text in original.}
NEGRO LIFE AND HISTORY IN OUR SCHOOLS
The study of the ethnology and the history of the Negro has not yet
extended far beyond the limit of cold-blooded investigation. Prior to
the Civil War few Americans thought seriously of studying the Negro in
the sense of directing their efforts toward an acquisition of
knowledge of the race as one of the human family; and this field was
not more inviting to Europeans, for the reduction of the Negro to the
status of a tool for exploitation began in Europe. The race did
receive attention from pseudo-scientists, a few historians pointed out
the possibilities of research in this field, and others brought
forward certain interesting sketches of distinguished Negroes
exhibiting evidences of the desirable qualities manifested by other
races.
There was a new day for the Negro in history after the Civil War. This
rending of the nation was such an upheaval that American historians
eagerly applied themselves to the study of the ante-bellum period to
account for the economic, social, and political causes leading up to
this struggle. In their treatment of slavery and abolition, they had
to give the Negro some attention. In some cases, therefore, the
historians of that day occasionally departed from the scientific
standard to give personal sketches of Negroes indicating to some
extent the feeling, thought and the aspiration of the whole race.
Writers deeply interested in the Negroes at that time wrote eulogistic
biographies of distinguished Negroes and of white persons who had
devoted their lives to the uplift of the despised race. The attitude
in most cases was that the Negroes had been a very much oppressed
people and that their enslavement was a disgrace of which the whole
country should be made to feel ashamed. As it was the people of the
South who had to bear the onus of this criticism and they were not at
that time sufficiently enlightened to produce historians like
Hildreth, Bancroft, Prescott, Redpath and Parkman, the world largely
accepted the opinions of those historians who sympathized with the
formerly persecuted Negroes.
During the last quarter of the nineteenth century, however, there came
about a change in the attitude of American scholarship effected
largely by political movements. Because of the unpopularity and the
blunders of the southern States reconstructed on the basis of
universal suffrage and mainly under the dictation of white adventurers
from the North, the majority of the influential men of the country
reached the conclusion that the southern white man, in spite of his
faults as a slaveholder, had not been properly treated. This
unsatisfactory régime, therefore, was speedily overthrown and the
freedman was gradually reduced to the status of the free Negro prior
to the Civil War on the grounds that it had been proved that he was
not a white man with a black skin.
Following immediately thereupon came a new day for education in the
South. Many of its ambitious young men went North to study in the
leading universities then devoting much attention to the preparation
of scholars for scientific investigation. The investigators from the
South directed their attention primarily toward the vindication of the
slavery régime and the overthrow of the Reconstruction governments. As
a result there have appeared a number of studies on slavery and the
Reconstruction. All of this task was not done by southerners and was
not altogether confined to the universities, but resulted no doubt
largely from the impetus given it in these centers, especially at
Johns Hopkins and Columbia. It was influenced to a great extent by the
attitude of southern scholars. Ingle, Weeks, Bassett, Cooley, Steiner,
Munford, Trexler, Bracket, Ballagh, Tremain, McCrady, Henry, and
Russell directed their attention to the study of slavery. With the
works of Deane, Moore, Needles, Harris, Washburn, Dunn, Bettle,
Davidson, Hickok, Pelzer, Morgan, Northrop, Smith, Wright, and Turner
dealing with slavery in the North, the study of the institution by
States has been considered all but complete. In a general way the
subject of slavery has been treated by A. B. Hart, H. E. von Holst,
John W. Burgess, James Ford Rhodes, and U. B. Phillips.
The study of the Reconstruction has proceeded with renewed impetus and
has finally been seemingly exhausted in a way peculiar to the recent
investigators. Among these studies are those of Matthews, Garner,
Ficklen, Eckenrode, Hollis, Flack, Woolley, Ramsdell, Davis, Hamilton,
Thompson, Reynolds, Burgess, Pearson, and Hall, most of whom received
their inspiration at Johns Hopkins University or Columbia. The same
period has been treated in a general way by W. A. Dunning, John W.
Burgess, James Schouler, J. B. MacMaster, James Ford Rhodes and W. L.
Fleming. Most of these studies deal with social and economic causes as
well as with the political and some of them are in their own way well
done. Because of the bias in several of them, however, John R. Lynch
and W.E.B. DuBois have endeavored to answer certain adverse criticisms
on the record of the Negroes during the Reconstruction period.
Speaking generally, however, one does not find in most of these works
anything more than the records of scientific investigators as to facts
which in themselves do not give the general reader much insight as to
what the Negro was, how the Negro developed from period to period, and
the reaction of the race on what was going on around it. There is
little effort to set forth what the race has thought and felt and done
as a contribution to the world's accumulation of knowledge and the
welfare of mankind. While what most of these writers say may, in many
respects, be true, they are interested in emphasizing primarily the
effect of this movement on the white man, whose attitude toward the
Negro was that of a merchant or manufacturer toward the materials he
handled and unfortunately whose attitude is that of many of these
gentlemen writing the history in which the Negroes played a part as
men rather than as coal and iron.
The multiplication of these works adversely critical of the Negro race
soon had the desired result. Since one white man easily influences
another to change his attitude toward the Negro, northern teachers of
history and correlated subjects have during the last generation
accepted the southern white man's opinion of the Negro and endeavor to
instill the same into the minds of their students. Their position
seems to be that because the American Negro has not in fifty years
accomplished what the master class achieved in fifty centuries the
race cannot be expected to perform satisfactorily the functions of
citizenship and must, therefore, be treated exceptionally in some such
manner as devised by the commonwealths of the South. This change of
sentiment has been accelerated too by southern teachers, who have
established themselves in northern schools and who have gained partial
control of the northern press. Coming at the time when many Negroes
have been rushing to the North, this heresy has had the general effect
of promoting the increase of race prejudice to the extent that the
North has become about as lawless as the South in its treatment of the
Negro.
Following the multiplication of Reconstruction studies, there appeared
a number of others of a controversial nature. Among these may be
mentioned the works of A. H. Stone and Thomas Pierce Bailey adversely
criticizing the Negro and those of a milder form produced by Edgar
Gardner Murphy, and Walter Hines Page. Then there are the writings of
William Pickens, and W. E. B. DuBois. These works are generally
included among those for reference in classes studying Negro life, but
they throw very little light on the Negro in the United States or
abroad. In fact, instead of clearing up the situation they deeply
muddle it. The chief value of such literature is to furnish facts as
to sentiment of the people, which in years to come will be of use to
an investigator when the country will have sufficiently removed itself
from race prejudice to seek after the truth as to all phases of the
situation.
The Negro, therefore, has unfortunately been for some time a
negligible factor in the thought of most historians, except to be
mentioned only to be condemned. So far as the history of the Negro is
concerned, moreover, the field has been for some time left largely to
those sympathetically inclined and lacking scientific training. Not
only have historians of our day failed to write books on the Negro,
but this history has not been generally dignified with certain brief
sketches as constitute the articles appearing in the historical
magazines. For example, the _American Historical Review_, the leading
magazine of its kind in the United States, published quarterly since
1895, has had very little material in this field. Running over the
files one finds Jernagan's _Slavery and Conversion in the American
Colonies_, Siebert's _Underground Railway_, Stevenson's _The Question
of Arming the Slaves_, DuBois's _Reconstruction and its Benefits_, and
several economic studies of the plantation and the black belt by A. H.
Stone and U.B. Phillips. It has been announced, however, that the
Carnegie Institution for Historical Research will in the future direct
attention to this neglected field.
In schools of today the same condition unfortunately obtains. The
higher institutions of the Southern States, proceeding doubtless on
the basis that they know too much about the Negro already, have not
heretofore done much to convert the whites to the belief that the one
race should know more about the other. Their curricula, therefore, as
a general thing carry no courses bearing on Negro life and history.
In the North, however, the situation is not so discouraging. Some
years ago classes in history in northern colleges and universities
made a detailed study of slavery and abolition in connection with the
regular courses in American history. There has been much neglect in
this field during the last generation, since many teachers of history
in the North have been converted to the belief in the justice of the
oppression of the Negro, but there are still some sporadic efforts to
arrive at a better understanding of the Negro's contribution to
history in the United States. This is evidenced by the fact that Ohio
State University offers in its history department a course on the
_Slavery Struggles in the United States_, and the University of
Nebraska one on the _Negro Problem under Slavery and Freedom_.
This study in the northern universities receives some attention in the
department of sociology. Leland Stanford University offers a course on
_Immigration and the Race Problems_, the University of Oklahoma
another known as _Modern Race Problems_. The University of Missouri
and the University of Chicago offer _The Negro in America_; the
University of Minnesota, _The American Negro_; and Harvard University,
_American Population Problems: Immigration and the Negro_. This study
of the race problem, however, has in many cases been unproductive of
desirable results for the reason that instead of trying to arrive at
some understanding as to how the Negro may be improved, the work has
often degenerated into a discussion of the race as a menace and the
justification of preventative measures inaugurated by the whites.
A few Negro schools sufficiently advanced to prosecute seriously the
study of social sciences have had courses in sociology and history
bearing on the Negro. Tuskegee, Atlanta, Fiske, Wilberforce and Howard
have undertaken serious work in this field. They have been
handicapped, however, by the lack of teachers trained to do advanced
work and by the dearth of unbiased literature adequate to the desired
illumination. The work under these circumstances, therefore, has been
in danger of becoming such a discussion of the race problem as would
be expected of laymen expressing opinions without data to support
them. In the reconstruction which these schools are now undergoing,
history and sociology are given a conspicuous place and the tendency
is to assign this work to well-informed and scientifically trained
instructors. These schools, moreover, are now not only studying what
has been written but have undertaken the preparation of scholars to
carry on research in this neglected field.
The need for this work is likewise a concern to the enlightened class
of southern whites. Seeing that a better understanding of the races is
now necessary to maintain that conservatism to prevent this country
from being torn asunder by Socialism and Bolshevism, they are now
making an effort to effect a closer relation between the blacks and
whites by making an intensive study of the Negro. Fortunately too this
is earnestly urged by the group of rising scholars of the new South.
To carry out this work a number of professors from various southern
universities have organized what is called the University Commission
on Southern Race Questions. They are calling the attention of the
South to the world-wide reconstruction following in the wake of the
World War, which will necessarily affect the country in a peculiar
way. They point to the fact that almost 400,000 Negroes were called
into the military service and thousands of others to industrial
centers of the North. Knowing too that the demobilization of the
Negroes and whites in the army will bring home a large number of
remade men who must be adapted anew to life, they are asking for a
general coöperation of the whites throughout the South in the interest
of the Negro and the welfare of the land.
These gentlemen are directing this study toward the need of making the
South realize the value of the Negro to the community, to inculcate a
sympathy for the Negro and to enable the whites to understand that the
race cannot be judged by the shortcomings of a few of the group. They
are appealing to the country and especially to the scholarly men of
the South for more justice and fair play for the Negroes in view of
the fact that, in spite of the radical aliens who set to work among
the Negroes to undermine their loyalty, the Negroes maintained their
morale and supported the war. Men of thought then are boldly urged to
engage in this movement for a large measure of thoughtfulness and
consideration, for the control of "careless habits of speech which
give needless offense and for the practice of just relations. To seek
by all practicable means to cultivate a more tolerant spirit, a more
generous sympathy, and a wider degree of coöperation between the best
elements of both races, to emphasize the best rather than the worst
features of interracial relations, to secure greater publicity for
those whose views are based on reason rather than prejudice--these,
they believe are essential parts of the Reconstruction program by
which it is hoped to bring into the world a new era of peace and
democracy. Because college men are rightly expected to be molders of
opinion, the Commission earnestly appeals to them to contribute of
their talents and energy in bringing this program to its
consummation."
Among these are James J. Doster, Professor of Education, University of
Alabama; David Y. Thomas, Professor of Political Science and History,
University of Arkansas; James M. Farr, Professor of English,
University of Florida; R. P. Brooks, Professor of History, University
of Georgia; William O. Scroggs, Professor of Economics and Sociology,
Louisiana State University; William L. Kennon, Professor of Physics,
University of Mississippi; E. C. Branson, Professor of Rural
Economics, University of North Carolina; Josiah Morse, Professor of
Philosophy, University of South Carolina; James D. Hoskins, Dean of
the University of Tennessee; William S. Sutton, Professor of
Education, University of Texas; and William M. Hunley, Professor of
Economics and Political Science, Virginia Military Institute.
C. G. WOODSON.
GREGOIRE'S SKETCH OF ANGELO SOLIMANN
The historical setting of this sketch is the life of the author
himself. Abbé Grégoire was born in 1750 and died in 1831. He was
educated at the Jesuit College at Nancy. He then became Curé and
teacher at the Jesuit school at Pont-a-Mousson. In this position he
had the opportunity to apply himself to study and soon attained some
distinction as a scholar. In 1783 he was crowned by the Academy of
Nancy for his _Éloge de La poésie_ and in 1788 by that of Metz for an
_Essai sur la Régénération physique et morale des Juifs_. Throughout
his career he exhibited evidences of a breadth of mind and interest in
the man far down. When the French Revolution broke out, therefore, he
easily became a factor in the upheaval, but endeavored always to
restrain the people from fury and vandalism. In 1789, he was elected
by the clergy of the bailliage of Nancy to the States-General, where
he coöperated with the group of deputies of Jansenist or Gallican
sympathies.
He was among the first of the clergy to join the third estate and
contributed largely to the union of the three orders. He took an
active part in the abolition of the privileges of the nobles of the
church and under the new constitution he was one of the first to take
oath. In taking this stand, however, he lost the support of most of
his fellow churchmen, who, unlike Abbé Grégoire, did not think that
the Catholic religion is reconcilable with modern conceptions of
political liberty. Because of the changing fortunes of the
revolutionists, therefore, Abbé Grégoire finally found himself often
deserted and sometimes almost reduced to poverty.
To the end of his career, however, he maintained his attitude of
benevolence toward the oppressed. Differing widely from most white
men, who although willing to take radical measures to make democracy
safe for themselves, are reluctant to extend its benefits to those of
color, Abbé Grégoire earnestly labored in the Constituent Assembly to
bring about the emancipation of the Negroes in the French colonies.
His interest in persons of African blood, moreover, was not restricted
to the mere abolition of slavery because it was a stain on the
character of the whites but he endeavored also to elevate the slaves
to the full status of citizenship. It was largely through his efforts
that men of color in the French colonies were soon after their
emancipation admitted to the same civil and political rights as the
whites in those dependencies.
He made an effort, moreover, to influence public opinion in behalf of
the Negroes in other lands. Having read in Jefferson's _Notes on
Virginia_ his references to the so-called inferiority of the Negroes,
Grégoire sent him a copy of his _De la Litterature des Nègres_.
Replying to the communication transmitting this publication Jefferson
expressed himself in diplomatic and flattering terms, apparently
indicating that he had expressed the opinion of inferiority with much
hesitation and that the argument to establish the doctrine was after
all rather weak. Writing a few days later to Joel Barlow, Jefferson no
doubt expressed his real opinion as to what he thought of the
inferiority of the Negro and Grégoire's evidences to the contrary. The
pamphlet no doubt had some effect for, "As to Bishop Grégoire," says
he, "I wrote him a very soft answer. It was impossible for doubt to
have been more tenderly or hesitatingly expressed than there was in
the _Notes on Virginia_ and nothing was or is further from my
intentions than to enlist myself as the champion of a fixed opinion
where I have only expressed a doubt."
In later years, however, Abbé Grégoire's _De la Litterature des
Nègres_ fell into the hands of a more sympathetic man. This was D. B.
Walden of Brooklyn, New York, then secretary to the legation at Paris.
Interested in the abolition of the slave trade and the welfare of the
blacks, Walden translated Grégoire's _De la Litterature des Nègres_,
that friends of the race unacquainted with the French language might
have additional information as to what the Negro had done to
demonstrate that the race is not intellectually inferior to others.
This translation, however, is unfortunate because of the numerous
faults throughout the work and largely on account of its omissions.
Exactly why the translator did not desire to bring before the American
public all of the facts set forth in this book has never been exactly
cleared up. It has been said, however, that the facts omitted were too
favorable to the Negro race to be received by the American public at
that time. The whole work should be translated as soon as some scholar
can direct his attention to it, but, in the absence of such an effort,
I am submitting herewith a translation of the most striking omission,
chapter five, which gives an interesting sketch of the career of
Angelo Solimann.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE NEGRO ANGELO SOLIMANN
Although Angelo Solimann has published nothing[1] he deserves,
because of his extensive learning and still more by the morality
and excellence of his character, one of the first places among
the Negroes who have distinguished themselves by a high degree of
culture.
He was the son of an African prince. The country subject to the
latter's domination was called Gangusilang; the family,
Magni-Famori. Besides the little Mmadi-Make (this was Angelo's
name in his native country) his parents had another younger
child, a daughter. He remembered with what respect his father,
surrounded by a large number of servants, was treated; he had,
like every prince's child of that country, certain marks
imprinted on his two legs, and for a long time he hoped that he
would be sought for, and recognized by these marks.
Even in his old age, the memories of his childhood, of his first
practice in shooting arrows, in which he surpassed his comrades,
the memory of the simple customs and the beautiful blue sky of
his native country, often recurred to his mind with a pleasure
not unmixed with sorrow. He could not sing, without being
profoundly affected, those songs of his native land which his
good memory had very well conserved.
It appears, from Angelo's reminiscences, that his tribe already
had some civilization. His father possessed many elephants, and
even some horses which were rare in those countries; money was
unknown, but trade by barter was carried on regularly and by
auction. Stars were worshipped; circumcision was usual. Two white
families lived in the country.
Some writers who have published accounts of their voyages, speak
of the perpetual wars between some tribes of Africa, of which the
purpose was sometimes vengeance or robbery, sometimes the most
ignominious kind of avarice, because the victor took the
prisoners to the nearest slave market in order to sell them to
the whites. One day as the boy, then seven years old, was
standing at the side of his mother who was nursing his sister, a
war of this kind of a danger that his father did not suspect
broke out against the tribe of Mmadi-Makeé. Suddenly there were
heard the frightful clashing of arms and howlings of the wounded.
Mmadi-Maké's grandfather, struck by fear, ran into the cabin
crying: "There is the enemy." Fatuma, frightened, arose. The
father hastily sought his weapon; and the little boy, terrified,
ran away as quickly as an arrow. His mother called loudly: "Where
are you going Mmadi-Maké?" The child answered: "Wherever God
wishes me to go." In his old age he often reflected upon the
great significance of these words. When he was out of the cabin,
he looked back and saw his mother and many of his father's men
fall under the blows of the enemy. He cowered down with another
boy under a tree. Struck with fear, he covered his eyes with his
hands. The fight continued. The enemy, believing themselves
already victorious, seized him, and held him aloft as a sign of
joy. At this sight, the fellow-countrymen of Mmadi-Maké cheered
their forces and rallied to save the son of their king. The
fighting began again, and while it lasted the boy was still
raised aloft. Finally the enemies were conquerors and he was
positively their prize. His master exchanged him for a fine black
horse, which another Negro gave him, and the child was taken to
the place of embarkation. There he found many of his
fellow-countrymen, all like himself, prisoners, all condemned to
slavery. With sorrow they recognized him, but they could do
nothing for him. They were even forbidden to speak to him.
When the prisoners, being taken on small boats, reached the
seashore, Mmadi-Maké saw with surprise several large vessels, on
one of which he was received with his third master. He supposed
that it was a Spanish vessel. After suffering a storm, they
landed on a coast, and the master promised the child that he
would take him to his mother. The latter, delighted, quickly saw
his hope disappear, finding instead of his mother, his master's
wife, who, moreover, received him very well, kissed him and
treated him with much kindness. Her husband named him Andrew, and
directed him to take the camels to the pasture, and watch them.
It is impossible to say of what nationality this man was, or how
long Angelo, who has now been dead twelve years, lived at his
home. This short memoir has been written down recently from the
story of his friends. But it is known that after a reasonably
long stay, his master announced to him his intention of
transporting him to a country where he would be better off.
Mmadi-Maké was greatly pleased with this. His mistress parted
from him with regret. They embarked and arrived at Messina, where
he was conducted to the home of a wealthy lady, who, it appeared,
was expecting to receive him. She treated him kindly, gave him an
instructor to teach him the language of the country, which he
learned with ease. His good nature won for him the friendship of
the numerous servants, among whom he singled out a Negress, named
Angelina, because of her gentleness, and her kindly attitude
towards him. He became dangerously ill; the Marchioness, his
mistress, gave him all the care of a mother, even to the point of
sitting up with him part of the night. The most skillful
physicians were called in and his bed was surrounded by a crowd
of persons who awaited his orders. The Marchioness had long
wished that he would be baptized. After repeated refusals, one
day, during his convalescence, he himself asked for baptism. His
mistress, very much delighted, ordered the most elaborate
preparations. In a parlor there was erected over a stately bed a
canopy richly embroidered. The entire family and all the friends
of the house were present. Mmadi-Maké, lying on this bed, was
asked concerning the name he desired to have. Because of
gratitude and his friendship for the Negress Angelina, he wished
to be named Angelo. His desire was granted, and as a family name
he was given that of Solimann. He was accustomed to celebrate
piously the day of his entrance into Christianity, the eleventh
of September, as though it were his birthday.
His goodness, his kindness, and his sense of justice made him
dear to every one. The Prince Lobkowitz, then in Sicily in the
capacity of imperial general, frequented the house where this
child lived. He experienced for him such an affection that he
made the most earnest entreaties that he be given to him. Because
of her affection for Angelo, the Marchioness could not easily
grant his request. She finally yielded to the considerations of
advantage and prudence which impelled her to make this gift to
the general. How she wept when she parted with the little Negro
who entered with repugnance the service of a new master.
The duties of the prince did not permit a long stay in this
country. He loved Angelo, but his manner of life and perhaps the
spirit of the time caused him to give very little attention to
his education. Angelo became wild and ill-tempered. He passed his
days in idleness, and children's sports. An old steward of the
prince, realizing his good heart and excellent qualities, in
spite of his thoughtlessness, procured for him a teacher, under
whom Angelo learned in seventeen days to write German. The tender
affection of the child, and his rapid progress in all the
branches of instruction, repaid the good old man for his trouble.
Thus Angelo grew up in the house of the prince. He accompanied
him on all his tours, and shared with him the perils of war. He
fought side by side with his master, whom one day he carried
wounded, on his shoulders, from the field of battle. Angelo
distinguished himself on these occasions, not only as a servant
and faithful friend, but also as an intrepid warrior, as an
experienced officer, especially in tactics, although he never had
military rank. The field marshall Lascy, who esteemed him highly,
gave, before a group of officers, a most creditable eulogy upon
his bravery, presented him with a splendid Turkish sabre, and
offered him the command of a company, which he refused.
His master died. By his will he left Angelo to the Prince
Wenceslas de Lichtenstein, who for a long time, had desired to
have him. This man asked Angelo if he were satisfied with this
arrangement and if he were willing to come to his home. To this
Angelo agreed, and made the preparations for the change necessary
in his manner of living. In the meanwhile, Emperor Francis I
called him to him, and made the same offer, with very flattering
terms. But the word of Angelo was sacred. He remained at the home
of Prince Lichtenstein. Here, as at the home of General
Lobkowitz, the tutelar genius of unhappy persons, he was
accustomed to convey to the prince the requests of those who
wished to obtain some favor. His pockets were always filled with
notes and petitions. Never being able or willing to ask favors
for himself, he fulfilled with equal zeal and success this duty
in favor of others.
Angelo followed his master on his journeys, and to Frankfort, at
the time of the coronation of Emperor Joseph, as king of the
Romans. One day, at the instigation of his prince, he tried his
luck at chance and won twenty thousand florins. He played another
game with his opponents, who again lost twenty-four thousand
florins; in playing the second game, Angelo knew how to arrange
the play so finely that the loser regained the last amount. This
fine trait of Angelo won for him admiration, and gained for him
numerous congratulations. The transient favor of chance did not
dazzle him; on the contrary, apprehending his fickleness, he
never again ventured any big sum. He amused himself with chess
and had the reputation of being one of the best players of this
game of his time.
At the age of ---- he married a widow, Madame de Christiani, née
Kellerman, of Belgium origin. The prince did not know of this
marriage. Perhaps Angelo had reasons for concealing it. A later
event has justified his silence. The Emperor Joseph II, who had a
lively interest in everything concerning Angelo and who, as a
mark of distinction, even walked arm in arm with him, made known
to Prince Lichtenstein one day, without foreseeing the
consequences, Angelo's secret. The latter called Angelo, and
questioned him. Angelo admitted his marriage. The prince
announced that he would banish him from his house, and erase his
name from his will. He had intended to give him some diamonds of
considerable value, with which Angelo was accustomed to being
decked when he followed his master on festive days.
Angelo, who had asked favors so often for others, did not say one
word for himself. He left the palace to live in a distant suburb,
in a small house bought a long time before, and transferred to
his wife. He lived with her in this retreat, enjoying domestic
happiness. The most careful education of his only daughter,
Madame the Baroness of Hoüchters-leöen, who is no longer living,
the cultivation of his garden, the social intercourse of several
learned and estimable men, were his occupations and his
pleasures.
About two years after the death of Prince Wenceslas of
Lichtenstein, his nephew and heir, the Prince Francis, saw Angelo
in the street. He ordered his carriage to be stopped, had him
enter it, and told him that, being convinced of his innocence, he
was resolved to make amends for the injustice of his uncle.
Consequently he assigned to Angelo an income revertible after his
death to Madam Solimann. The only thing which the prince asked of
Angelo was to supervise the education of his son, Louis of
Lichtenstein.
Angelo fulfilled punctiliously the duties of his new vocation,
and he went daily to the prince's home, in order to watch over
the pupil recommended to his care. The Prince, seeing that the
long walk might be difficult for Angelo, especially in inclement
weather, offered him a residence. There again was Angelo settled,
for the second time, in the Lichtenstein palace; but he took with
him his family. He lived there in retreat as before in the
company of some friends, in that of scholars, and devoted to
"belles lettres" which he constantly cultivated with zeal. His
favorite study was history. His excellent memory aided him
greatly. He could cite the names, dates, year of birth of all
illustrious persons, and noteworthy events.
His wife, who for a long time had been declining, was kept alive
several years longer, through the tender care of a husband who
lavished upon her all the aid of science; but finally she died.
From that time on Angelo made several changes in his household.
He no longer invited friends to dine with him. He never drank
anything except water as an example for his daughter, whose
education, then finished, was entirely his work. Perhaps, also,
he wished, by a strict economy to make sure the fortune of this
only daughter.
Angelo, esteemed and loved everywhere, still did much traveling
at an advanced age, sometimes in the interests of others,
sometimes to attend to his own affairs. People have recalled his
acts of kindness, and the favors that he had shown. Circumstances
having taken him to Milan, the late Archduke Ferdinand, who was
governor there, overwhelmed him with demonstrations of
friendship.
He enjoyed, to the end of his career, a robust constitution; his
appearance showed hardly any signs of old age, which caused
several mistakes and friendly disputes; for often people who had
not seen him for twenty or thirty years, mistook him for his son,
and treated him according to this error.
Suffering a stroke of apoplexy in the street, at the age of
seventy-five, people hastened to give him succor which was
useless. He died, November 21, 1796, mourned by all his friends,
who cannot think of him without emotion, and without tears. The
esteem of all men of consequence has followed him to the tomb.
Angelo was of medium stature, slender and well proportioned. The
regularity of his features and the nobleness of his carriage,
form, by their beauty, a contrast with the unfavorable opinion
generally held concerning the Negro physiognomy. An unusual
suppleness in all bodily exercises gave to his carriage and to
his movements grace and ease. Combining with all the fineness of
virtue a good judgment, ennobled by extensive and thorough
knowledge, he knew six languages, Italian, French, German, Latin,
Bohemian, and English, and besides spoke especially the first
three fluently.
Like all his fellow countrymen, he was born with an impetuous
temper. His unchangeable calmness and good nature were
consequently so much the more admirable, as they were the result
of hard fighting and many victories won over himself. He never
allowed, even when someone had irritated him, an improper
expression to escape his lips. Angelo was pious without being
superstitious. He carefully observed all religious rites, not
believing that it was beneath him to give in this way an example
to his family. His word and decisions, to which he had come after
careful consideration, were unchangeable, and nothing could
swerve him from his intention. He always wore the costume of his
country. This was a kind of very simple garment in Turkish
fashion almost always of dazzling whiteness, which accentuated to
advantage the black and shining color of his skin. His picture,
engraved at Augsburg, is found in the art gallery of
Lichtenstein.
F. HARRISON HOUGH.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] I discharge a duty in disclosing to the public the names of the
persons to whom I am indebted for the biography of this estimable
African, concerning whom Dr. Gall was the first to speak to me. Upon
the request of my fellow-citizens, D'Hautefort, attaché to the
embassy, and Dudon, First Secretary to the French legation in Austria,
they hastened to satisfy my curiosity. Two estimable ladies of Vienna,
Mme. Stief and Mme. Picler, worked at it with great zeal. All the
details furnished by the defunct Angelo's friends were carefully
collected. From this material has been written the interesting account
which follows. In the French translation it loses in delicacy of
style, for Mme. Picler, who wrote it down in German, possesses the
rare talent of writing equally well in prose and in poetry. I take
great pleasure in expressing to these kind persons my just gratitude.
DOCUMENTS
LETTERS OF NEGRO MIGRANTS OF 1916-1918[1]
The exodus of the Negroes during the World War, the most significant
event in our recent internal history, may be profitably studied by
reading the letters of the various migrants. The investigator has been
fortunate in finding letters from Negroes of all conditions in almost
all parts of the South and these letters are based on almost every
topic of concern to humanity. These documents will serve as a guide in
getting at the motive dominant in the minds of these refugees and at
the real situation during the upheaval. As a whole, these letters
throw much light on all phases of Negro life and, in setting forth the
causes of unrest in the South, portray the character of the whites
with whom the blacks have had to do.
These letters are of further value for information concerning the
Negroes in the North. From these reliable sources the student can
learn where the Negroes settled, what they engaged in, and how they
have readjusted themselves in a new situation. Here may be seen the
effects of the loss resulting from the absence of immigrants from
Europe, the conflict of the laboring elements, the evidences of racial
troubles and the menace of mob rule.
LETTERS ASKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE NORTH
GALVESTON, TEXAS,
this 24th day of May, 1917.
_Sir_: Please inform me of a situation, please ans. if fill out
or not so I will no. answer at once.
DALLAS, TEX.,
April 23, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: Having been informed through the Chicago Defender
paper that I can secure information from you. I am a constant
reader of the Defender and am contemplating on leaving here for
some point north. Having your city in view I thought to inquire
of you about conditions for work, housing, wages and everything
necessary. I am now employed as a laborer in a structural shop,
have worked for the firm five years.
I stored cars for Armour packing co. 3 years, I also claims to
know something about candy making, am handy at most anything for
an honest living. I am 31 yrs. old have a very industrious wife,
no children. If chances are available for work of any kind let me
know. Any information you can give me will be highly appreciated.
SAVANNAH, GA., April 24, 1917.
_Sir_: I saw an advertisement in the Chicago Ledger where you
would send tickets to any one desireing to come up there. I am a
married man with a wife only, and I am 38 years of age, and both
of us have so far splendid health, and would like very much to
come out there provided we could get good employment regarding
the advertisement.
WINSTON-SALEM, N. N., April 23, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: Colored people of this place who know you by note of
your great paper the Age and otherwise desire to get information
from you of jobs of better opportunities for them and better
advantages.
You will do us a great favor to answer us in advance.
MOBILE, ALA., June 11, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: Will you please send me the name of the society in
Chicago that cares for colored emigrants who come north
seeking-employment sometime ago I saw the name of this society in
the defender but of late it does not appear in the paper so I
kindly as you please try and get the name of this society and
send the same to me at this city.
MOBILE, ALA., April 27, 1917.
_Sir_: Your advertisement appearing in the Chicago Defender have
influenced me to write to you with no delay. For seven previous
years I bore the reputation of a first class laundress in Selma.
I have much experience with all of the machines in this laundry.
This laundry is noted for its skillful work of neatness and ect.
We do sample work for different laundries of neighboring cities,
viz. Montgomery, Birmingham and Mobile once or twice a year. At
preseant I do house work but would like to get in touch with the
Chicago ----. I have an eager desire of a clear information how
to get a good position. I have a written recommendation from the
foreman of which I largely depend upon as a relief. You will do
me a noble favor with an answer in the earliest possible moment
with a description all about the work.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA., 4-25-17.
_Dear Sir_: in reading a copy of the Chicago defender note that
if i get in touch with you you would assist me in getting
imployment. i am now imployed in Florida East coast R R service
road way department any thing in working line myself and friends
would be very glad to get in touch with as labors. We would be
more than glad to do so and would highly appreciate it the very
best we can advise where we can get work to do, fairly good wages
also is it possible that we could get transportation to the
destination. We are working men with familys. Please answer at
once, i am your of esteem. We are not particular about the
electric lights and all i want is fairly good wages and steady
work.
Pensacola, Fla., April 28, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: I seen in the Chicago Defender where men was wanted
in small towns near Chicago at fair wages. As i want to lokate in
the north i thought it very nessary to consult you in the
direction of this work, hoping to receive from you full
pertikulars i a wate a reply.
ATLANTA, GA., April 30, 1917.
_Sir_: I would thank you kindly to explain to me how you get work
and what term I am comeing to Chicago this spring and would like
to know jest what to do would thank and appreciate a letter from
you soon telling me the thing that I wont to know.
VICKSBURG, MISS., May the 5th, 1917.
_Sir_: Just wants you to give me a few words of enfermation of
labor situations in your city or south Dakota grain farms what is
their offers and their adress. Will thank you for any enfermation
given of same.
FULLERTON, LA., April 28, 1917.
_Dear sir_: I was reading about you was neading labor ninety
miles of Chicago what is the name of the place and what R R
extends ther i wants to come north and i wants a stedy employment
ther what doe you pay per day i dont no anything about molding
works but have been working around machinery for 10 years. Let me
no what doe you pay for such work and can you give me a job of
that kind or a job at common labor and let me no your prices and
how many hours for a day.
MARCEL, MISS., 10/4/17.
_Dear Sir_: Although I am a stranger to you but I am a man of the
so called colored race and can give you the very best or
reference as to my character and ability by prominent citizens of
my community by both white and colored people that knows me
although am native of Ohio whiles I am a northern desent were
reared in this state of Mississippi. Now I am a reader of your
paper the Chicago Defender. After reading your writing ever wek I
am compell & persuade to say that I know you are a real man of my
color you have I know heard of the south land & I need not tell
you any thing about it. I am going to ask you a favor and at the
same time beg you for your kind and best advice. I wants to come
to Chicago to live. I am a man of a family wife and 1 child I can
do just any kind of work in the line of common labor & I have for
the present sufficient means to support us till I can obtain a
position. Now should I come to your town, would you please to
assist me in getting a position I am willing to pay whatever you
charge I dont want you to loan me not 1 cent but _help_ me to
find an occupation there in your town now I has a present
position that will keep me employed till the first of Dec. 1917.
now please give me your best advice on this subject. I enclose
stamp for reply.
BEAUMONT, TEX., May 14, 1917.
_My dear Sir_: Please write me particulars concerning emigration
to the north. I am a skilled machinist and longshoreman.
ST. PETERSBURG, FLA., May 31, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: pleas inform me of the best place in the north for
the colored people of the South, I am coming north and I want to
know of a good town to stop in. I enclose stamp for reply.
SANFORD, FLA., April 27, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: I have seen through the Chicago Defender that you and
the people of Chicago are helping newcomers. I am asking you for
some information about conditions in some small town near
Chicago.
There are some families here thinking of moving up, and are
desirous of knowing what to expect before leaving. Please state
about treatment, work, rent and schools. Please answer at some
spare time.
NEW ORLEANS, LA., April 30, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: Seeing you ad in the defender I am writing you to
please give me some information concerning positions--unskilled
labor or hotel work, waiter, porter, bell boy, clothes cleaning
and pressing. I am experienced in those things, especially in the
hotel line. am 27 years of age, _good health_--have a wife--wish
you could give me information as I am not ready to come up at
present. would be thankful if you could arrange with some one who
would forward transportation for me and wife. would be very glad
to hear from you as soon as convenient. Thanking you in advance
for interest shown me.
NEW ORLEANS, LA., April 23, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: Reading a article in the 21st issue of the Chicago
Defender about the trouble you had to obtain men for work out of
Chicago and also seeing a advertisement for men in Detroit saying
to apply to you I beg to state to you that if your could secure
me a position in or around Chicago or any northern section with
fairly good wages & good living conditions for myself and family
I will gladly take same and if ther could be any ways of sending
me transportation I will gladly let you or the firm you get me
position with deduct transportation fee out of my salary. as I
said before I will gladly take position in northern city or
county where a mans a man here are a few positions which I am
capable of holding down. Laborer, expirance porter, butler or
driver of Ford car. Thaking you in advance for your kindness, beg
to remain.
CEDAR GROVE, LA., April 23, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: to day I was advise by the defendent offices in your
city to communicate with you in regards to the labor for the
colored of the south as I was lead to beleave that you was in
position of firms of your city & your near by surrounding towns
of Chicago. Please state me how is the times in & around Chicago
for the colored laboring man of the south & the average salary of
the labor man & the rates of room & ordanary board. Kindly state
to me just in every prticly that you no of that I have asked. I
will be in your city on or before six weeks from date above and
desire to becom a citizen of same. Please reply me at wonce. i
enclos stamp for quick action. When i arive you city i will be
more than glad to apply at your place as i wish to thank you in
advance for any asistance that you will do for me or tell me.
NEW ORLEANS, LA., 5-5-17.
_Dear Sir_: Am applying for a position in your city if there be
any work of my trade. I am a water pipe corker and has worked
foreman on subservice drainage and sewer in this city for ten
(10) years. I am now out of work and want to leave this city. I
am a man of family therefore I am very anxious for an immediate
reply. Please find enclosed self addressed envelop for return
answer.
NEW ORLEANS, LA., 5-5-17.
_Dear Sirs_: I was advised by the Chicago Defender to get in
touch with you if I desired to locate in or around Chicago. I
write this to find out what kind of work that you have on slate.
I expect to locate in or around Chicago by the first of June.
ANNISTON, ALA., April 29, 1918.
_Dear sir_: I read a peas in the defender about the member com
north I shall be vary glad to com in touch with you, as am
planing on coming north and I riting you that you mite no of som
good town in that secson I am a carpenter by traid and I would
like for you to locate in me as I should not like to com in that
secson with out no enfremation.
CHARLESTON, S. C., Feb. 10, 1917.
_Gentlemen_: Upon reading the N. Y. age, have seen where there
are need of employees in some sugar concern in New York. Kindly
answer this letter, and tell me the nature of the work.
As I am from the south and it is an average difficulty for a
southerner to endure the cold without being climatize. If it is
possiable for you to get any other job for me regardless to its
nature just since the work is indoor I'll appreciate the same.
As it is understood the times in the south is very hard and one
can scarcely live. Kindly take the matters into consideration,
and reply to my request at your earliest convenience.
CHARLESTON, S. C., May 25, 1917.
_Sir_: Having been informed that you can secure jobs for people
who desire to leave the south, I would like to get information
about the conditions and wages either in Niagra or Detroit. I
would prefer work in a factory in either town. Also advise as to
climate.
_Dear Sirs_: Having heard of you through a friend of mine, I
thought that I would write asking you to please send me full
information as to conditions and chances for the advancement of
the negro in the north.
I am seeking for the opportunity and chance of advancement as far
as my ability is capable as I am a negro my self.
I would like very much to get in touch with you if think that you
can give me some assistance along the line which I have spoken.
MIAMI, FLA., May 4, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: Some time ago down this side it was a rumour about
the great work going on in the north. But at the present time
every thing is quite there, people saying that all we have been
hearing was false until I caught hold of the Chicago Defender I
see where its more positions are still open. Now I am very
anxious to get up there. I follows up cooking. I also was a
stevedor. I used to have from 150 to 200 men under my charge.
They thought I was capable in doing the work and at the meantime
I am willing to do anything. I have a wife and she is a very good
cook. She has lots of references from the north and south. Now
dear sir if you can send me a ticket so I can come up there and
after I get straightened out I will send for my wife. You will
oblige me by doing so at as early date as possible.
_Dear Sirs_: I am now looking for a location and am a man hunting
work and there is so many has left the South for the north and
Seemes as they are all gone to one place now please send the
names of some firms that wants labor i am a Man who Beleave in
right and Beleave in work and has worked all of my days and mean
to work till i die and Never been No kind of trouble and never
has to be made work.
Now i will Cloes, hoping to here from you Soon Yours Very Truly,
NEW ORLEANS, LA., 4/24/17
_Dear Sirs_: Being desirous of leaving the South for the
beterment of my condition generaly and seeking a Home Somewhere
in Ill' Chicago or some other prosperious Town I am at sea about
the best place to locate having a family dependent on me for
support. I am informed by the Chicago Defender a very valuable
paper which has for its purpose the Uplifting of my race, and of
which I am a constant reader and real lover, that you were in
position to show some light to one in my condition.
Seeking a Northern Home. If this is true Kindly inform me by next
mail the next best thing to do Being a poor man with a family to
care for, I am not coming to live on flowry Beds of ease for I am
a man who works and wish to make the best I can out of life I do
not wish to come there hoodwinked not knowing where to go or what
to do so I Solicite your help in this matter and thanking you in
advance for what advice you may be pleased to Give I am yours for
success.
P.S. I am presently imployed in the I C RR. Mail Department at
Union Station this city.
PALESTINE, TEX., Mar. 11th, 1917.
_Sirs_: this is somewhat a letter of information I am a colored
Boy aged 15 years old and I am talented for an artist and I am in
search of some one will Cultivate my talent I have studied
Cartooning therefore I am a Cartoonist and I intend to visit
Chicago this summer and I want to keep in touch with your
association and too from you knowledge can a Colored boy be an
artist and make a white man's salary up there I will tell you
more and also send a fiew samples of my work when I rec an answer
from you.
TOPEKA, KANSAS, May 1st, 1917.
_The Editor of The Chicago Defender._
_My Dear Sir_: Being a regular reader of your most valuable paper
(The Defender) I am impressed with the seeming unlimited interest
that paper is taking in the welfare of the army of emigrants
comeing from the south.
This alone without the knowledge of its incomparable service as a
link in the chain that should bind our people together more
closely through out the country, should demand its presence in
every negro home of this country. In keeping in touch with the
doings of our people in the east and northern states through the
Defender. To the Majority of the Middle western race people it
seem quite improbable that opportunities for good wage earning
positions such as factory work and too a chance for advancement
would be given to the workers of our race.
Such conditions in this part of the country to my knowledge is
rare. Noteing in the issue of last weeks paper through the
investigation into certain matter concerning our people some
appearantly well organized league found openings for negro
workmen in some parts of Wis. and Ill. that could not be filled.
As I for one that am not satisfied to content myself with little
and to remain in the same old rut for the sake of lengthy
assiation and fair treatment I am making My appeal to you in your
wide aquaintence with conditions to help me to take advangage of
an oppertunity that I might other wise miss.
I am mechanically inclined also with the advantage of a course
with the International Correspondance School in Automobile work
and with several years experience. I am not afraid of any kind of
work that pays.
Will kindly ask you to help me all you can at my expense and I
will be very grateful to you.
GONZALES, TEXAS, May 28, 1917.
NEW YORK AGE, New York, N. Y.
_Gentlemen_: I wish to know if a man from the south come north,
such as common laborer, stationery engineer, gasoline engineer,
fireman or janitor able to care for heating plants ets. and able
to pay his own way there, is there a likelihood of finding
lucrative employment?
I would be plased to have you advise me on the same as myself and
several other men of good morals and sober habits and who are
able to bear our own expenses would like to better our conditions
by coming North.
If you can advise us or Know of any one or place that we can get
the desired information please give us the benefit of the same.
Find stamp enclosed for answer.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, April 20, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: wanted to leave the South and Go and Place where a
man will Be any thing Except A Ker I thought would write you for
Advise As where would be a Good Place for a Comporedly young man
That want to Better his Standing who has a very Promising young
Family.
I am 30 years old and have Good Experence in Freight Handler and
Can fill Position from Truck to Agt.
would like Chicago or Philadelphia But I dont Care where so long
as I Go where a man is a man Hopeing hear of you soon as I want
to leave on or about 15 day of May I am yours as Ever.
TEMPLE, TEXAS, April 29, 1917.
MR. T. ARNOLD HILL, 3719 State St., Chicago, Ill.
_Dear Sir_: Being a reader of the Defender and young man seeking
to better my conditions in the business world, I have decided to
leave this State for North or West. I would like to get in touch
with a person or firm that I might know where I can secure steady
work. I would certainly appericate any information you might be
able to give. I finished the course in Blacksmithing and
horseshoeing at Prairie View College this State and took special
wood working in Hampton Institute Hampton Va. Have been in
practical business for several years also I am specializing auto
work. I am a married man a member of the church. Thanking you in
advance for any favors Am very truly
ROME, GA., 5/16/17
_Dear Sir_: "Ive" just read your ad in the Chicago Definder on
getting employment. So I will now ask you to do the best you can
for me. Now, Mr. ----, I am not a tramp by any means, I am a high
class churchman and business man.
I am the Daddy of the Transfer Business in this city. And carried
it on for teen years. Seven years ago I sold out to a white
Concern.
I prefer a job in a Retail furniture store if I can be placed
"Ill' now name a few things that I do. Viz I can repair and
Finish furniture, I am an Exspert packer & Crater of furniture, I
pack China, Cut Glass & Silver ware.
I can Enamel, Grain & paint furniture. I can repair Violins,
Guitars, & Mandolins, I am a first-class Umbrella Man, I can do
any thing that can be do to Umbrella & parasol, I can manage a
Transfer Business, I understand all about Shipping H. H. Goods &
gurniture, I can make out Bills of Lading & write tags for the
same.
Now if you can place me on any of these Trades it will be all
O.K.
HOUSTON TEX April., 30, 1917.
_Sir_: I read in the Chicago Defender April the 28 inst that you
wonted men to labor in mills sir Eff you Cand Get me a joB to doo
it will be Hiley orpresheAted I am A masster firman I cand handle
oil or I cand Burn Cole Keep up my pumps in Good order and i is
A no. 1 masheane helper I cand doo moste eny thange around the
mill and if you cand Get me a joB I Will hiley orpresheate it
And I Will Ask you to send me a pass for self and wife and when I
Come take out my fare out off my work so pleas let me here from
You at once I wonter com at once Cand Come recker-mended pleaS
oBlige
ATLANTA, GA., May 1/1917.
MR. ARNOLD HILL.
_Dear Sire_: I am a glazer and want information on My line of
work. I am a cutter and can do anything in a glazing room.
I reads the Defender and like it so much, hoping to hear from you
soon
BROOK HAVEN, MISS., 4/24/1917.
CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE.
_Sirs_: I was reading in the defender that theare was good
openings for Men in Smalle towns near Chicago would like to know
if they are seeking loborers or mechanics I am going to come
north in a few days and would rather try to have me a position in
view would you kindly advise me along this line as I am not
particular about locateing in the city all I desire is a good
position where I can earn a good liveing I am experienced in
plumbing and all kinds of metal roofing and compositeon roofing
an ans from you on this subject would certainly be appreciated
find enclosed addressed envelop for reply I wait your early reply
as I want to leave here not later than May 8th I remain
respectfully yours,
P. S. will say that I am a Man of family dont think that I am
picking my Job as any position in any kind of shop would be
appreciated have had 12 years experience in pipe fitting.
PINE BLUFF, ARK., 4/23-17.
MR. R. S. ABBOTT
_Kine frind_: I am riting you asting you to see if you can get me
a job with some of the ship bilders I am a carpenter & can Do
most iny thing so if you can get me a job pleas rite me at once.
PENSACOLA, FLA., 4-29/17.
_Dear Sir_: I was looking over The Chicago Defender & I saw where
you wanting mins to work & the meantime was advanceing
transportation if it is so i would thank you kindly if you will
aid me with a Transportation that i may come and get some of
thoes jobs thae i am a painter by traid but i will & can do eny
kind of worke i am a sober and hard working Man my weight is 179
Lbs heigth 6 ft 2 in i see where you can use sum moulders i am
not a Moulder but I am a moulder son I can do that worke till the
Moulder Come very skilful at eny kind of work Hoping to here from
you Soon for more rezult.
PATTERSON, LA., May 1, 1917.
_Kind Sir_: I saw your ad in the Defender for Laborers I am
anxious to get north to do something I am a Cleaner and Presser
by Trade exprence Hoffman Pressing mashine oppreator of this
Trade is Not in your line. I would be very glad if you could get
me a Transportation Advanced from Chicago to woek with the
Molders I am anxious to lean That Trade I hope you with them and
I would like to learn the Trade.
I hope you will attend to the above matter as I am in Eanest
about this matter.
ATLANTA, GA.
TO THE URBAN COMMITTY--
_Dear Sir_: I am comming north and have read advice in the
Chicago Defender and I would be very much obliged to you if you
would direct me to some firm that is in need of brick layers for
that is my Professical trade and can do any class of work and if
I can't get Brick Work now I will consider any other good Job as
I want to come right away I have 3 in fambly and I have no
objection to work in other small towns I will be very glad to
hear from you right away as I have never been north and advice
will be excepted yours truly and friend of the race.
HATTIESBURG, MISS., 12/4/16.
HON. JOHN T. CLARK, _Sec. National League on Urban Conditions_,
New York City, N.Y.
_Sir_: I am writing you on matters pertaining to work and
desirable locations for industrous and trust worthy laborers. Me
for myself and a good number of Friends especially thousand of
our people are moving out from this section of whom all can be
largely depended upon for good service, for the past 15 years I
have been engaged in insurance work of which I am at the head of
one now, And have a large host of people at my command. I have
had a deal of experience in the lumbering business, Hotel, Agency
of most any kind. Any information as to employment and desirable
locations especially for good School Conditions Church Etc., will
be appreciated.
FAYETTE, GA., January 17, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: I have learned of the splendid work which you are
doing in placing colored men in touch with industrial
opportunities. I therefore write you to ask if you have an
opening anywhere for me. I am a college graduate and understand
Bookkeeping. But I am not above doing hard labor in a foundry or
other industrial establishment. Please let me know if you can
place me.
NATCHEZ, MISS., Sept. 22-17.
MR. R. S. ABBOTT, _Editor_.
_Dear Sir_: I thought that you might help me in Some way either
personally or through your influence, is why I am worrying you
for which I beg pardon.
I am a married man having wife and mother to support, (I mention
this in order to properly convey my plight) conditions here are
not altogether good and living expenses growing while wages are
small. My greatest desire is to leave for a better place but am
unable to raise the money.
I can write short stories all of which potray negro characters
but no burlesque can also write poems, have a gift for cartooning
but have never learned the technicalities of comic drawing, these
things will never profit me anything here in Natchez. Would like
to know if you could use one or two of my short stories in serial
form in your great paper they are very interesting and would
furnish good reading matter. By this means I could probably leave
here in short and thus come in possession of better employment
enabling me to take up my drawing which I like best.
Kindly let me hear from you and if you cannot favor me could you
refer me to any Negro publication buying fiction from their race.
BATON ROUGE, LA., 4/26/17.
_Dear Sir_: I saw your advertisement in the Chicago Defender. I
am planning to move North this summer. I am one of the R. F. D.
Mail Carriers of Baton Rouge. As you are in the business of
securing Jobs for the newcomers, I thought possibly you could
give some information concerning a transfer or a vacancy, in the
government service, such, as city carrier, Janitor, or something
similar that requires an ordinary common school education.
Possibly you could give me information about some good firm, that
pays from, $3.50 upwards. If I could get a Job with a good
reliable firm I would not mind quitting the government service, I
have been a Mail carrier for 11 years.
I want to buy property and locate in Chicago permently with my
family.
Please let me know what are your charges for securing positions.
DECATUR, ALA., 4/25/17.
THE CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE
_Gentlemen_: Gentlemens desious of Settling in some Small
Northern Town With a modrate Population & also Where a Colored
man may open a business Also where one may receive fairly good
wedges for a While ontill well enough, azainted with Place to do
a buiseness in other words Wonts to locate in Some Coming town
Were agoodly no, of colard People is. Wonts to Work At Some
occupation ontill I can arrange for other buiseness Just Give Me
information As to the best placers for a young buiseness Negro to
locate & make good. in. Any Northern State
Thanking you inavance any information you may give in regards to
Laber & buiseness Location Also when good Schools or in opration
Please adress
P. S. answer this at once as I plain to leave the South by May
the 3rd. I can furnish best reffreces.
DYERSBURG, TENNESSEE, 5/20, 1917.
THE DEFENDER, NEGRO NEWS JOURNAL,
_My dear Sir_: Please hand this letter to the Agency of the negro
Employment Bureau--connected with your department--that I may
receive a reply from the same--I am a practical fireman--, or
stoker as the yankee people call it--have a good knowledge of
operating machinery--have been engaged in such work for some 20
yrs--will be ready to call--or come on demand--I am a married
man--just one child, a boy about 15 yrs--of--age--a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church--and aspire to better my condition in
life--Do me the kindness to hand this to the agent.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.
I seen your advertisement in the Chicago defender where you would
direct men with families where to go in order to find good work.
I am a Southern cook, butler or Janitor I have two boys age 15
yrs & 13 yrs, and wife that does maid work now I would like for
you to help me locate myself & family some where up there for
work I can furnish reference to thirteen years of service at one
place I am anxious to come right away.
LEXINGTON, MISS., May 12-17.
_My dear Mr. H----:_--I am writing to you for some information
and assistance if you can give it.
I am a young man and am disable, in a very great degree, to do
hard manual labor. I was educated at Alcorn College and have been
teaching a few years: but ah: me the Superintendent under whom we
poor colored teachers have to teach cares less for a colored man
than he does for the vilest beast. I am compelled to teach 150
children without any assistance and receives only $27.00 a month,
the white with 30 get $100.
I am so sick I am so tired of such conditions that I sometime
think that life for me is not worth while and most eminently
believe with Patrick Henry "Give me liberty or give me death." If
I was a strong able bodied man I would have gone from here long
ago, but this handicaps me and, I must make inquiries before I
leap.
Mr. H----, do you think you can assist me to a position I am good
at stenography typewriting and bookkeeping or any kind of work
not to rough or heavy. I am 4 feet 6 in high and weigh 105
pounds.
I will gladly give any other information you may desire and will
greatly appreciate any assistance you may render me.
PASCA GOULA, MISS., May the 8, 1917.
_Dear Sir & frend:_ as understand that you ar the man for me to
con for to & i want to Com to you & my frend & i has not got the
money to Com Will you pleas Sir send me & my frend a ticket to
Com an if you will I will glad La Com at onC & will worK et out
will Be glad to do so I will not ask you to send the redey Casch
for you dont nae me & if you Will Send me 2 tickets i will gladly
take the, & i will Com Jest now hoping to hear from you by re
torn male Yors Evor.
MEMPHIS, TENN., May 5, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: I saw your add in the Chicago Defender papa and me
being a firman and a all around man I thought I would write you.
prehaps You might could do me lots of good, and if you can use me
any way write me and let me No. in my trade or in foundry work.
all so I got a boy 19 years old he is pretty apt in Learning I
would Like to get him up there and Learn him a trade and I have
several others would come previding if there be an opening for
them. So this is all ans. soon
ALGIERS, LA., May 16-17.
_Sir_: I saw sometime ago in the Chicago Defender, that you
needed me for different work, would like to state that I can
bring you all the men that you need, to do anything of work. or
send them, would like to Come my self Con recomend all the men I
bring to do any kind of work, and will give satisfaction; I have
bin foreman for 20 yrs over some of these men in different work
from R. R. work to Boiler Shop machine shop Blacksmith shop
Concreet finishing or puting down pipe or any work to be did.
they are all hard working men and will work at any kind of work
also plastering anything in the labor line, from Clerical work
down, I will not bring a man that is looking for a easy time only
hard working men, that want good wages for there work, let me
here from you at once,
ELLISVILLE, MISS., 5/1/17.
_Kind Sir_: I have been takeing the Defender 4 months I injoy
reading it very much I dont think that there could be a grander
paper printed for the race, then the defender. Dear Editor I am
thinking of leaving for Some good place in the North or West one
I dont Know just which I learn that Nebraska was a very good
climate for the people of the South. I wont you to give me some
ideas on it, Or Some good farming country. I have been public
working for 10 year. I am tired of that, And want to get out on a
good farm. I have a wife and 5 children and we all wont to get
our from town a place an try to buy a good home near good Schools
good Churchs. I am going to leave here as soon as I get able to
work. Some are talking of a free train May 15 But I dont no
anything of that. So I will go to work an then I will be sure, of
my leaving Of course if it run I will go but I am not depending
on it Wages here are so low can scarcely live We can buy enough
to eat we only buy enough to Keep up alive I mean the greater
part of the Race. Women wages are from $1.25 Some time as high
as $2.50. just some time for a whole week.
Hoping Dear Editor that I will get a hearing from you through
return mail, giving me Some ideas and Some Sketches on the
different Climate suitable for our health.
P. S. You can place my letter in Some of the Defender Colums but
done use my name in print, for it might get back down here.
TALLADEGA, ALA., Apri 29, 1917.
_Dear Sir_: I am a subscriber for the Chicago Defender and have
been reading in your paper of occupations waiting to be filled.
And as I understand you want the person writting to state just
what kind of work they can do. I can car petter work and have
been off and own for some years. I am not a finished up
carpenter, I can do ware-house work, I can work in a wholesale, I
have not sufficient money to come on will you be obliging to send
me my transportation. I am near thirty eight (38) years old and
weighs about one hundred and ninety five (195) pounds. If you
will send a transportation please write me at once at Talladega.
MOBILE, ALA., April 21. 17.
_Dear Sirs_: I am a man that would like to get work in some place
where I can elevate my self & family & I think some where in the
north is the place for me & I would like to get you gentlemen to
advise me in getting a location my trade is cook rail Road camp
cars pre fered but will do enything els that I can do. so if you
all can help me out in eny way I will Sure take it as a favor.
PALESTINE, TEX., Mar. 24, 17.
MR. EDITOR--
_My dear Sir_: I have been reading your paper for some time my
farther is a subscriber for the New York age I have read a few
letters in your paper asking for help of securing a position in
the North I am trying to make a man of myself I can get any work
down here in the South and owing to prejudice I cant get a start
I am 18 yrs. of age weighs 152 lbs. and any position that you can
get me will work at any job--untill I can get better I am asking
how can I get transportation from here it can be deducted from
salary and I will certainly appreciate any thing you do for me
toward helping me leave the south a gol any where in the
north--please help me if you possible can
I am hoping to hear from you some time soon Your agent of
Palestine Mr. ---- is a cousin to me my farther is principle of
D---- School but refuses to help me any I havent any special
trade a little expierence in stage work and drawing.
BESSEMER, ALA., 5/14/17.
_Sirs_: Noticing an ad in Chicago Defender of your assitance to
those desiring employment there I thought mayhaps you could help
me secure work in your Windy City I'm a married man have one
child. I have common school education this is my hand write. I am
presently employed as a miner has been for 14 years but would
like a Change I'm apt to learn would like to get where I could go
on up and support myself and family. You know more about it than
I but in your opinion could I make anything as pullman porter
being inexsperienced? I'd be so grateful to U. to place me in
something Ive worked myself too hard for nothing. I'm sober and
can adjust my life with any kind and am a quiet Christian man.
NEW ORLEANS, 4/25/17.
_Kind Sir_: I noticed in last weeks Defender an issieu relating
to ocupations in your territory I am a Laborer of N.O. and desire
to get information concerning Best ways and means of securing a
Position I am absolutely willing to do manual Labor any-where
will you--Kindly inform me as to what step can be taken for
further reference if necessary apply to ---- Hoping this will
meet with your generous approval I remain
NEW ORLEANS, April 22, 1917.
under the head lines in the Chicage Defender of Saturday April
22-17 I red how some of us that goes up north are being treated.
there is a few that have gone from this city north, and came back
a few weeks. some say they came back on account of being to cold
"The others Say they ware to pay so much to get work etc" I would
like to go north. and would rather be in some place. other then
Chicago. or near Chicago. I am a union man" but dont exspect to
work at union only" there is a few of us union men that are
planing to go north and Kindly please write me" all so I mail you
one of my union cards hoping to heare from you soon I am
respectfully, Yours.
MEMPHIS, TENN., May 12 8 17.
_Dear Sir_: I am a constant reader of your paper which can be
purchased here at the Panama Cafe news stand. Mr. ---- at present
I am employed as agent for the Interstate Life and acc'd ins. Co.
but on account of the race people leaving here so very fast my
present job is no longer a profitable one. I have a number of
young friends in your city who are advising me to come to Chicago
and I have just about made up my mind to come. but before leaving
here I wanted to ask Some advice from you along certain lines. I
am buying property here and taking up notes each month on Same
these notes now are aroun $14 per month. and with my present
Salary and the unusual high price on everything I can't possibly
protect myself very long against a foreclosure on above mentioned
property on account of my Salary being less than $50.00 per
month. Mr. ---- do you think I could come to your city with
myself and wife rent this place out here and better my condition
financially? I am strong and able to do anything kind of work so
long as the Salary is O. K. I have a fair experience as a meat
cutter and can furnish the best of reference from business houses
one of them is Swift & Co of this city. I hope you can understand
me clearly, it is my aim to make an honest living and would not
dream of any other method. I am prepared to leave here at any
time and must go Some place but Chicago is the place that impress
me most. and having the confidence in you as a great race man I
am writing you for your honest opinion concerning the facts in
the matter. Many thanks for the information in today's paper
under the Caption ("Know thyself") hoping this will meet with
your hearty Cooperation.
P. S. What is about the average salaries paid there for unskilled
laborers and what is board and room rent? if I come would it be
advisable to come alone and Secure location and everything and
then have my wife come later?
JACKSON, MISS., May 10-17.
_Kind Sir_: I saw your ad., in the Chicago Defender. Where you
wonted 15 or 20 good men. So I am Writing you asking you do you
still wont them. Also you said that you would send transportation
for them. If you still wont them I can get good steady working
men that wount to work and not gambling no rounders but working
men. I am working man can work at anything not a left hand man
but work both right and left. So please let me hear from you at
once. For I wont to work and wont to work now. So if you Can not
send transportation for all send me one. Please Oblige me.
P.S. Please let me hear from you at once.
MEMPHIS, TENN., May 22nd, 1917.
_Sir:_ As you will see from the above that I am working in an
office somewhat similar to the one I am addressing, but that is
not the purpose with which I sat out to write.
What I would like best to know is can you secure me a position
there? I will not say that I am capable of doing any kind of
labor as I am not. Have had an accidental injury to my right
foot; hence I am incapable of running up and down stairs, but can
go up and down by taking my time. I can perform janitors duties,
tend bar, or grocery store, as clerk. I am also a graduate of the
Law Department, Howard University, Washington, D. C. Class of '85
but this fact has not swelled my head. I am willing to do almost
any thing that I can do that there is a dollar to it. I am a man
of 63 years of age. Lived here all of my life, barring 5 or 6
years spent in Washington and the East. Am a christian, Bapitst
by affiliation.
Have been a teacher, clerk in the government department, Law and
Pension offices, for 5 years, also a watchman in the War Dept.
also collector and rental agent for the late R. R. Church, Esq.
Member of Canaan Baptist Church, Covington, Tenn. Now this is the
indictment I plead to.
_Sir_, If you can place me I will be willing to pay anything in
reason for the service. I have selected a place to stop with a
friend of earlier days at ----, whenever I can get placed there.
An early reply will be appreciated by yours respectfully.
PASCOQOULA, MISS., April 8 17,
_Dear Sir:_ As you have charge of the Urban League, I want to
know if the League can locate work for about 8 or 10 men. We are
all middle-aged men and would like to have our faires paid and
deducted from our wages.
We will work in any small town in Illinois. All of these men are
property owners and have large families. We'll _leave_ families
'till later on.
Any good you can do for us Will be highly appreciated.
P.S. Some of these men have trades and are capable of working in
railroad shops.
HAMLET, N. C., May 29, 1917.
_Gentlemen:_ I am very desirous of changing my location and am
writing to know whether or not you can find a lucrative opening
for me somewhere in the North.
I am 42 years old, married, wife and four children and a public
school teacher and printer by profession and trade. Will accept
any kind of work with living wages, on tobacco farm or factory. I
am a sober, steady worker and shall endeavor to render
satisfaction in any position in which I am placed.
BEAUMONT, TEXAS, July 16, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ I am a colored, am desiring work in New York or some
of the adjoining states. I am not a skilled workman but I can do
most any kind of common labor. I have spent several years in the
plaining mills of the south. I know all about feeding planers and
I can also keep them up very well. I have checked lumber and in
fact, I can do a number of different things.
Will you be kind enough to put me in correspondence with some one
who would like to employ a good conscientious steady laborer.
I have a family and I would be glad to come north to live. So
please be so kind as to do me the favor above asked. I have a
little education too if it could be used to any advantage.
Hoping an early reply.
COLLINS, MISS., May 1st, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ By being a Subscriber and reader of the Chicago
Defender, I read an advertisement where they are wanting and
needing help. Needing Moulders and Machinist of course I do not
know anything about the trade. But they Said they would pay men
$2.25 begin with and Learn the trade And transportation forworded
and they would deduct it Out of their wages.
I am Very Anxious to Come Up North. And I would put all of my
energy and mind on my work. And try in every way to please the
One for whom I am working for. They could get about five men from
here. One that is a Pretty good Machinist I am Writting you as
they Gave two branches for Colored and that you is the head of
the ---- So Any favors extended towards Me will be highly
Appreciated hoping to hear from you at an early Date I remain
yours truly.
MCDONOGHVILL, LA., May 1--1917.
_dear Mr. ----:_ it afford me With pleasur to right to you on
Some infermashian how to get me a transportation to Some town in
the North as i Would like to Come out there to Live and better my
condition as i am A young Man and desire to get With the good
Clase of Laboring people i have not got a trade but i have Work
all My time around oil Mill and Coopper Shop for the Last 8 years
and i cand work at Moust enj thing if i get A Little experence.
My age is--24--years good healt good behaver goof record in the
south this is all to tell now but if you would Like to no My
record i caNd give it to you from my Lodge--are from my
church--good by
HATTIESBURG, MISS., May 27th, 1917.
_Gentlemen:_ by reading in the defender of the position you are
in for securing jobs. I thought I would write, and see if you
could place me. Now my job pay me well, but as my wife and
Children are anxious to come north I would try and get a job now
I am a yellow Pine Lumber inspector and checker can furnish
recomdation from some reliable Saw Mill Firms as there is in
South Miss. As Gradeing Triming & Checking yellow pine lumber.
P. S. I know I can make good in any Lumber Yard such as checking
& stowing Lumber if you Will place me write on what terms to--
WINONA, MISS., 4/13/17.
In reading the defender I saw your advertising for more men I
would like very much to come up their I wants to leave the South
and go whear I can make a support for myself and Family. I have a
wife and six children to take cair of and I would like to bee
whair I could cair for Them my occupation is Carpenter but I can
do most any kind of work will you furnish me a Transportation to
com up thair on
GREENWOOD, MISS., Apr. 22nd, 17.
_Sir:_ I noticed in the Defender about receiving some information
from you about positions up there or rather work and I am very
anxious to know what the chances are for business men. I am very
anxious to leave the South on account of my children but mu
husband doesn't seem to think that he can succeed there in
business, he is a merchant and also knows the barber trade what
are the chances for either? Some of our folks down here have the
idea that this Northern movement means nothing to any body but
those who go out and labor by the day. I am willing to work
myself to get a start. Tell me what we could really do. I will do
most anything to get our family out of _Bam_. Please let this be
confidential.
WININA, MISS., Mar the 19 1917.
_My dear driend:_ it is With murch pleaser that i rite to You to
let You no i reed Your letter & Was glad to hear from you all so
i excepts all you Said that you wood do for me so i am a Painter
and Carter to So i am willing to learn in neything in works kind
So mr. ---- i thank You for Your kindes for all of Your aid so i
am a Barber to so i am a good farmer to al all kind So i am not
Set do Wn at all so if You Can healp pleas do So So i hay niCe
famely so i will tell you i am a Curch member for 38 years i and
all of my famely but 3 children so i am not a de Sever So mr.
---- i wood ask you for if the monney So i Was so glad to get
your letter dear Sit When I com up thire look for me at your
offes Pleas so mr ---- i all waYs hold gob When i get wone So in
god name pleas healp me up there and i will pay you When i com up
thire mr ---- i Cant raise my famely hear i wanter to So this all
Your friend
KNOXVILLE, TENN., Apr. 30, '17.
_Dear Sir:_ I am anxious to come to Chicago. I have thirteen
years experiance as janitor in large residence apartment house,
am also handy with tools.
I have a wife and four children. If you can place me where I can
earn a decent living for my family will appreciate it.
MONTGOMERY, ALA., Dec. 3rd, 1916.
_Dear Sir:_ in Reading The Defender I See Where you are Disirious
of Communicating With a better class of working men To supply the
different trades. Please advise Some place by which I could
better my condition North or East.
I would be glad To come in to a better Knowing by writting you
before Starting
JAZOO CITY, MISS., 4/3/17.
_dear sir:_ I owe in Con sist to write you a few lines as in the
regards of my ability as I am anxus to get some work to do I have
a famely to work for and I habe bin workin as helper and bon do
most any Kind of work. Has been in the Bixness as MoChinest
helper for 7 years and Have fally good ExpernCe in it and would
like for you to Help me out if possibl to do so I Would like to
work in some Shop or Millplant and I Would lik for you to send me
a transpotation and I will pay out of my salry so answer soon and
let me no what yo Can do for me I Will Close.
MOBILE, ALA., May the 4, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ I write you a few line to find out about the Work and
if I could get you to Send me and Wife and Son a transportation I
am not a loafer and can send references that I will work.
P. S. Please rite me at once I am anxious to here from you.
PENSACOLA, FLA., 30th, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ in answer to your advertisment for labors I am a man
want to work am noes a opertunity Please notiefie me at ane as I
Want to get Job with you I Will Ask a Transportation an will leve
when its reaches me Please take my letter in canceration ans me
at once as I very anxious to from I am stiedy drink no whiskey or
eny thing that is intosicating an can give fot the infomation
Right soon
MACON, GA., 4/30/17.
_Mr. ----:_ i War took and Read the Chicago Defender and i read
for the Wanted laborers and i am rinten to you to let you here
from we all that Wold liKe to taKe a laborers part with this
Manufacturing and We or Willing to do ennery kind of Work and We
or men Will Work and or Glad that me seet With this canne and We
will gladly come if you will Send us transportation fore 9 Mens
and We Will Come at once and these Mens is Men With Famly and We
all or hard work men and i Will Say A Gin that Me Will do enny
Kind of Work dut Me thave a tirde Some us
PENSACOLA, FLA., April 29-1917.
_Sir:_ While sitting reading the Chicago defender I found that
you are in need labering mens that will work sir I am a labering
man and I womts to came but are able to pay my way so I ask you
to send me a transportation and I will come Just as soon as I get
it I am a married man have a wife and six childrens and I wonte
to take car of them but con not here in the south so let me here
from you in return mail.
PENSACOLA, FLA., 4-25-17.
_Dear Sir:_ Having read in the "Chicago Defender" are helping the
negroes of the South to secure employment I am writing you this
note asking you to please put me & my friend in touch with some
firm that are employing men.
Please do what you can for us.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA., June 12, 1917.
_dear sir:_ I am writing to you for information concerning a Job
I have a wife and 2 children and who so ever my employer may Be I
would ask that they may send trancipertation for me and my family
and I will pay as i work I am a come laber man my wife is a good
launders all So my daughter and My Son is a laber all so I am a
railroad mon By trade please aBlige mr ----
Port Arthur, Texas.
_Kind sir:_ inclose you will find Just a word to you in reading
the News I found your address and was very glad to see it Kind
sir I write you with my hole heart and I do not mean Just to pass
off time my brothers and I are now writing you to please send 2
tickets one for ---- and one for ----
we are Very Well Experence long many lines so long as publice
work I am now employed in the largest Company in the south it is
the Gulf Refining Co. I have ben Working for them for a number of
years Write soon I remain yours very truly.
BEAUMONT, TEXAS, May 7, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ I see in one of your recent issue of collored men
woanted in the North I wish you would help me to get a position
in the North I have no trade I have been working for one company
eight years and there is no advancement here for me and I would
like to come where I can better my condition I woant work and not
affraid to work all I wish is a chance to make good. I believe I
would like machinist helper or Molder helper. If you can help me
in any way it will be highly appreciate hoping to hear from you
soon
BEAUMONT, TEXAS, May 8th, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ I wrote you some time ago, and never received any
answer. I learn you can assist me in bettering my condition. I
would like very much to come North. I have no trade but Im a
willing worker, and the Job I have now I have had it for eight
years and there is no advancement here for me. I can give eight
year refference I would like mechinist helper or some thing where
I could learn a trade I have a fair education and I wish is a
chance I need no transportation Im very well fix financial Im
single and 29 years old if you can help me in any way it will be
highly appreciate. hoping to hear from you soon.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, April 21, 17.
_Dear Sir:_ As I was looking over your great news paper I would
like very mutch to get Some information from you about Comeing to
your great City, I have a famile and Can give you good Referns
about my Self. I am a Working man and will Prove up to what I say
and would be very glad to Know from you, about a Job Allthough I
am at work But, If I Could get Something to do I would be very
glad to leave the South, as I Read in the Chicago Defender about
Some of my Race going north and makeing good.--well I would like
to be on the List not with Standing my reputation is all O.K.
I thank you.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA., May 22, 1917.
_Chicago Defender:_ I wish to go North haven got money enuff to
come I can do any kind of housework laundress nurse good cook has
cook for northen people I am 27 years of age just my self would
you kindly inderseed for me a job with some rich white people who
would send me a ticket and I pay them back please help me. I am
brown skin just meaden size.
NEW ORLEANS, LA., August 27, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ i am wrighting you for help i haird of you by telling
my troble i was told to right you. I wont to come there and work
i have ben looking for work here for three month and cand find
any i once found a place $1 a week for a 15 year old girl and i
did not take that, now you may say how can that be but New
Orleans is so haird tell some have to work for food and the only
help i have is my mother and she have work 2 week now and she
have four children young then me and i am 15teen and she have
such a hard time tell she is willing for me to go and if you will
sin me a pass you will not be sorry i am not no lazy girl i am
smart i have got very much learning but i can do any work that
come to my hand to do i am set here to day worry i could explane
it to you i have ben out three time to day and it only 12 oclock.
and if you please sire sine me a pass, it more thin i am able to
tell you how i will thank you i have clothes to bring wenter
dress to ware, my grand mama dress me but now she is dead and all
i have is my mother now please sire sin me a pass and you wont be
sorry of it and if you right and speake mean please ancer i will
be glad of that but if you would sin a pass i would be so much
glader i will work and pay for my pass if you sin it i am so
sorry tell i cant talk like i wont to and if you and your famely
dont wont to be worry with me I will stay where i work and will
come and see you all and do any think i can for you all from
little A---- V---- excuse bad righting.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA., April 29, 1917.
_My dear Sir:_ I take grate pleazer in writing you. as I found in
your Chicago Defender this morning where you are secur job for
men as I realey diden no if you can get a good job for me as am a
woman and a widowe with two girls and would like to no if you can
get one for me and the girls. We will do any kind of work and I
would like to hear from you at once not any of us has any
husbands.
MOSS POINT, MISS., May 5, 1917.
_Dear Sirs:_ Will you please send me in formation towards a first
class cookeing job or washing job I want a job as soom as you can
find one for me also I want a job for three young girls ages 13
to 16 years. Pease oblidge.
NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 7, 1917.
_Gentlemen:_ I read Defender every week and see so much good
youre doing for the southern people & would like to know if you
do the same for me as I am thinking of coming to Chicago about
the first of June, and wants a position. I have very fine
references if needed. I am a widow of 28. No children, not a
relative living and I can do first class work as house maid and
dining room or care for invalid ladies. I am honest and neat and
refined with a fairly good education. I would like a position
where I could live on places because its very trying for a good
girl to be out in a large city by self among strangers is why I
would like a good home with good people. Trusting to hear from
you.
SELMA, ALA., May 19, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ I am a reader of the Chicago Defender I think it is
one of the Most Wonderful Papers of our race printed. Sirs I am
writeing to see if You all will please get me a job. And Sir I
can wash dishes, wash iron nursing work in groceries and dry good
stores. Just any of these I can do. Sir, who so ever you get the
job from please tell them to send me a ticket and I will pay
them. When I get their as I have not got enough money to pay my
way. I am a girl of 17 years old and in the 8 grade at Knox
Academy School. But on account of not having money enough I had
to stop school. Sir I will thank you all with all my heart. May
God Bless you all. Please answer in return mail.
NATCHEZ, MISS., Oct. 5, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ Now I am writing you to oblige me to put my
application in the papers for me please. I am a body servant or
nice house maid. My hair is black and my eyes are black and
smooth skin and clear and brown, good teeth and strong and good
health and my weight is 136 lb.
CORINTH, MISS., April 30, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ I am a good cook age 35 years. I can bring my
recermendation with me my name is ---- ----. I am in good health
so I would like for you to send me a transportation I have got a
daughter and baby six months old so she can nurse so I would like
to come up there and get a job of some kind I can wait table
cook housegirl nurse or do any work I am ready to come just as
soon as you send the passes to us I want to bring a box of quilts
and a trunk of clothes so you please send us the passes for me
and daughter. Write me at once I am a negro woman. We will leave
her Sat. if you send the passes if you are not the man please
give me some infamation to whom to write to a negro friend.
BILOXI, MISS., April 27, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ I would like to get in touch with you a pece of
advise I am unable to under go hard work as I have a fracture
ancle but in the mene time I am able to help my selft a great
dele. I am a good cook and can give good recmendation can serve
in small famly that has light work, if I could get something in
that line I could work my daughters a long with me. She is 21
years and I have a husban all so and he is a fireman and want a
positions and too small boy need to be in school now if you all
see where there is some open for me that I may be able too better
my condission anser at once and we will com as we are in a land
of starvaten.
From a willen workin woman. I hope that you will healp me as I
want to get out of this land of sufring I no there is som thing
that I can do here there is nothing for me to do I may be able to
get in some furm where I dont have to stand on my feet all day I
dont no just whah but I hope the Lord will find a place now let
me here from you all at once.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA., April 28, 1917.
_Kind sir:_ I seen your name in the Chicago Defender I am real
anxious to go north I and my family I am a married womon with
family my husbon and 3 children my olders boy 15 younger 13 baby
4 my sister 20. I can wash chamber mad dish washer nurse or wash
and my boy can work my sister can cook or wash or nurse my
husband is a good work and swift to lern we are collored pepel a
good family wonts a job with good pepel pleas anser soon
_Kind Sir:_ We have several times read your noted paper and we
are delighted with the same because it is a thorough Negro paper.
There is a storm of our people toward the North and especially to
your city. We have watched your want ad regularly and we are
anxious for location with good families (white) where we can be
cared for and do domestic work. We want to engage as cook, nurse
and maid. We have had some educational advantages, as we have
taught in rural schools for few years but our pay so poor we
could not continue. We can furnish testimonial of our honesty and
integrity and moral standing. Will you please assist us in
securing places as we are anxious to come but want jobs before we
leave. We want to do any kind of honest labor. Our chance here is
so poor.
MOBILE, ALA., April 30, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ I after seeing your jobs advertised in the Defender
was moved to write to you for clear information of the ---- ----.
I am a laundress wanting a position in some place where I can get
pay for what I do, work here are too scarce to support me
necessarily so I humbly wish you to favor me with an early answer
stateing the entire nature of the great colored society. Your
answer are daily and impatiently expected by your humble servant.
VICKSBURG, MISS., May 7, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ This comes to say to you will you please inform us of
some place of employment. We are working here at starvation wages
and some of us are virtually without employment willing to accept
any kind of work such as cooking, laundering or as domestics no
objection to living in a small town, suburb or country. There are
fifteen wants work. You can just write me and I will notify them
please let me hear from you at your earliest convenience.
LETTERS ABOUT CLUBS AND GROUPS FOR THE NORTH
SAUK, GA., May 1, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ There are about 15 or 20 of us hard working mans
seeking employment an we would be more than glad if you assis us
in finding work i see here in the Chicago Defender laborers
wanted i am a skill labor at most anything except molder but i am
willing to learn the trade we are hard working mans no lofers
neather crap shooters work is what we want and can not get it
without you assistant, if you will assis us with transportation
please rite and let us no what way to came to you these white
folks here having meeting trying to stop us from going off to
seek work an noing they haven got work nor wagers for us here.
We have had jobs but loose it and have not the money to get away
if you except my letter please give us some assistant to leave
because is send you a letter Monday but i see afterward that it
was send rong so i send you this one. have you got employment up
there for female if so let us no please if you send me a speciel
please dont put 15 or 20 men and i will under stand if you say 15
or 20 mans they will put me in jail. please answer just as soon
can as i want to get away as soon as i can there nothing here to
do. some industrious female want employment answer at once
please.
MOBILE, ALA., April 21, 1917.
_Dear Sirs:_ We have a club of 108 good men wants work we are
willing to go north or west but we are not abel to pay rail road
fare now if you can help us get work and get to it please answer
at once. Hope to hear from you.
MOBILE, ALA., May 11, 1917.
_Dear sir and brother:_ on last Sunday I addressed you a letter
asking you for information and I have received no answer, but we
would like to know could 300 or 500 men and women get employment?
and will the company or thoes that needs help send them a ticket
or a pass and let them pay it back in weekly payments? We have
men and women here in all lines of work we have organized a
association to help them through you.
We are anxiously awaiting your reply.
ATLANTA, GA., April 29, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ I was reading you advertisement in the Chicago
Defender and it come intresting to me and I thought I would rite
you to get information about it. There are 5 or six families of
us wants to know would you send us a ticket if you would we would
like to heare from you at once and we will explain our statement
in my next letter. I am looking for reply soon.
JACKSON, MISS., May the first, 1917.
_sir:_ I was looking over the Chicago Defender and seen ad for
labers both woman an men it is a great lots of us woud come at
once if we was only abel but we is not abel to come but if you
will send me a pas for 25 women and men I will send them north at
once men an women
MOBILE, ALA., April 29, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ In reading the defender I seen where you are acting
as agent for some big concerns and that you are in need of men.
I am a married man and would like to get up there to work but it
seems a hard proposition to get enough money to pay my fare and
there are a lots more men around here that follow the very work
that you want men for but cant get away upon that reason. but if
you could plan to get us up there and let us pay after we got
there we will be very thankful. At present I am employed as a
boiler makers helper and all the men I speak of are boiler makers
and machinists helpers and all are hard working men and have
families but we want to come north. Let me hear from you please
and I can get (12) twelve men at least that have reputation.
Looking for an early reply, I am, Your friend for betterment.
CHARLESTON, S. C., April 2, 1917.
_Dear Sir:_ I saw your want in the paper and I thought i would
right you and find out about it and if you have work for me and
my wife I will be glad to come and if you have no work for her
you can send for me and I will be glad to come and bring along
manny more if you want them. You can let me know at once and i
will be glad to do so. so you can write me at once and I will
know just what to do.
MOBILE, ALA., April 23, 1917.
_Dear Sirs:_ You will find my full name and address from which
please give infermation about jobs and also tell me will you pay
my fare up there and take it out of my work after geting to work
and i can get a great many men and family if you want them. they
wants to come but they cant get no work to do so they can get the
money to come on. I can get men women and families so please
answer and let me me no what you will do if you need them.
PASCAGOULA, MISS., May 3, 1917.
_Dear Sirs:_ Whilse reading over the want adv. of the Defender I
find where you wants bench molders 20 not saying I am one but I
am a labering man and verry apt to lern anything in a short while
and desires to come and give it a trile or something else I can
do eny thing in common labor hoping you will send me a
transportation and give me a trile and I can all so bring you as
meny men as you want if you dont want me to bring eny men send me
a transportation for my self. hopeing to hear from you by return
mail.
HATTIESBURG, MISS., April 13, 1917.
_Sir:_ Please oblige me in getting me a pass to Chicago to some
firm that are in need of labors I have three in family besides
myself I have four or five other men with me now want to know if
you can secure that pass we will come at once this would be about
eight passes, my self and two in family and five men which will
be eight passes. these are able and good work man if you can
arrange this & let the list of passes bear each name so as to
form a club. let hear from you soon.
DE RIDDER, LA., April 29, 1917.