|
|
|
To
Arms! To Arms! |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
The invasion of the
North - street scenes in Philadelphia |
| ACTION OF THE COLORED
PEOPLE |
|
A number of the colored men of this city met at the
Bethel Church, Sixth Street, above Lombard, yesterday, with regard to their enlisting for the State defense. Mr.
J. C. White presided, and Mr. John Wolf acted as Secretary. Among those present were Fred Douglass and most
of the colored clergymen of the city. The following were adopted:
Resolved, That inasmuch as we solemnly believe that God has no attributes that can take part with the slave-holder in this rebellion, we hold it to be our highest
religious duty to sustain our Government in the prosecution of
this war so far as it is conducted for the purpose of equal rights, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Resolved, That we earnestly request all ministers of the Gospel, preaching to colored congregations, to teach
their several charges that the days of our bondage in this land are at an end, and that God is saying to us, in the most
emphatic manner, Be free, and take our place on the broad platform of equal rights.
Resolved, That we deeply feel for, and sincerely sympathize with, those of our race who are flying from the
chains and slavery of a rebellions horde, and, forced before the march of a conscript army of marauders, have
sought a refuge in our midst; and that we hereby pledge to them the protection of our homes and firesides, a part
of our personal property, and a share of our daily bread, even to a portion of our last crumb.
It was proposed that the colored men present tender to the Government their services for three months or the
emergency. There being no definite understanding as to the terms on which colored men would be received into the
State service, the postponement of the consideration of the subject to another meeting was suggested.
Mr. Douglass urged immediate action. He said those present could enroll their names: if their services were
not accepted, the responsibility would rest with the
authorities. A number of persons then signed the roll. Another meeting is to be held this afternoon. |
|
| Note: |
|
|
This illustration by Thomas Nast depicts
various scenes in Philadelphia in reaction to
Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of
Pennsylvania. The two inset pictures at the bottom
of the page show Union recruitment efforts aimed
at the free black population of the city.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
