LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CAL1FORHTA DAVIS FREE AT LAST By MRS. JANE S. COLLINS Author of "Emma's Triumph" and other Stories, Etc., Etc. PITTSBURGH : PRESS OF MURDOCH, KERR & Co., INCORPORATED, 53 AND 55 NINTH STREET, 1896 LIBRARY ITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS COPYRIGHTED 1898 BY MRS. JANE S. COLLINS. Txx Itoe ^ttoilisr xrf a sen, tulrfl gaw^ Iris lif^ tlrat might trt fr^e, this book is affjeiifla:tetg xitxiirzittxi bg t AUTHOR'S PREFACE. TN presenting this book to the public, no * apology is offered for selecting, as my themes, subjects that have been used over and over again. The slave problem is settled, but the drink is still an unsolved question before the American people. My interest in the colored people dates from early childhood, at the family altar, where the Father of Mercies was daily asked, " That the yoke might be broken, and the oppressed go free." In the National Era I read to my father the stirring speeches of Congressmen, and I heard the subject of slavery discussed in the pulpit and on the platform. At the open ing of the war I saw the gathering forces on the border land ; heard the cry, " To arms"; visited the sick in the hospital ; made shirts and scraped lint for the wounded. I rejoice that my father's family would not accept of slaves left them, but set them free. To-day, the stars and stripes float over "this land of the free and home of the brave" more united than ever, through suf fering. Scarcely had this war-cloud passed over when the gathering forces of women, as well as men, engaged in a mighty conflict with a more terrible foe. Mothers and sisters kneeled on curb-stones, pleading for pro tection to their boys from the saloon. The eloquent Gough, and gentle women pleaded in their behalf. The cry comes from the millions of Anglo- Africans at our doors, in the South land, "Come over and help us." Shall they be evangelized and raised to a higher plane of civilization ? To assist in this work, is the design of this little book. J. S. C. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. THE NEW LIFE, . . . . '.- . 9 CHAPTER II. IMPROVING OPPORTUNITIES, . , . .31 CHAPTER III. A NEW TRIAL AND TEMPTATION, . . 39 CHAPTER IV. BUOYANT WITH HOPE, . . . ' . . 57 CHAPTER V. GEORGE VISITS WASHINGTON, . . . 71 CHAPTER VI. MRS. HAYES' EXAMPLE, . . . . 94 CHAPTER VII. CABINET DINNER, . . '* * . .107 CHAPTER VIII. HOMEWARD BOUND, . 124 CHAPTER IX. A MILLION AND A HALF VOTERS, . .131 CHAPTER X. AN EDUCATED MINISTRY NEEDED, \. : . . 149 CHAPTER XL PURITY IN HOME LIFE, . -. . . 153 CHAPTER XII. UNFULFILLED PROMISES, .. -J . . .158 CHAPTER XIII. WOMEN HELPERS, . '.' ."... 164 CHAPTER XIV. USEFUL TRADES AND DOMESTIC SCIENCE, . 172 CHAPTER XV. AN ELOQUENT ADDRESS, . ' . ...; . .179 CHAPTER XVI. THREATS, . . \. . . . . 194 CHAPTER XVII. SCHEME OF WICKED MEN THWARTED, . 197 FREE AT LAST! ILLUSTRATIONS, FRONTISPIECE THE FREEDMEN. REV. JOSEPH G. McKEE, . . . .17 MCKEE SCHOOL HOUSE, . . . 27 POSSIBLE STATESMAN, . . . . 37 GEORGE GOING TO TEACH SCHOOL, v 56 GOES TO COLLEGE, ... . . 69 AT WASHINGTON, AT PRESIDENT GARFIELD'S FUNERAL, . . -. . . . . . 81 MRS. LUCY WEBB HAYES, . . . . 99 HON. FRED DOUGLASS, . - . ,. 91 LIBERTY MONUMENT, . .'.,.. . 115 HON. HENRY BLAIR, . . / . 119 WENDELL PHILLIPS, . . . . 135 ABRAHAM LINCOLN, ^ . . . 161 MRS. MARY A. WOODBRIDGE, . . 165 OCEAN GROVE, N. J., .;. < . -.. . 183 CLINTON B. FISKE, % . . ..' l8 9 CHAPTER I. THE NEW LIFE. 4 ' Thine eye hath seen the bondsman's tear; Thine ear hath heard the bondsman's prayer." Whittier. "Ise berry happy dis ebenin"; said Sam, with a broad grin on his face. " What makes yo' so happy ? " Sam paused a moment, and sitting down in his chair, said: "Yo' see, Percy, Ise a free man. I calls no man massa now. I kin cum an' go as I please. Aint dat enuft ? "I reckon it is, Sam ; I likes dat, too, but I don't likes hevin nuffin ; to be poah. I tho't dat freedom meant a IO Free at Last. piece of Ian', an' flouah in de bar'l, an' a heap ob bacon ; but dis chile haint seed none of it yit." "It is mighty hard to be sot down widout a picayune in yo' pocket, an' no massa ter look ter ter 'sply de chick ens. 'Spose we'll hev ter scratch fur ourselves now/' "I,'spose. I've allus worked hard an' kin do it agin; but I likes ter hev suthin' fur my work, don't yo?" "Laws yes, an' plenty ob it, too." These men were among the poorest of the freedmen at Nashville, Tenn. Like many others, they thought the Government had land for them, and when they did not get it, were disap pointed. They did not realize that the Government had a big contract on hand, and that it would take time to ad just matters. The New Life. II The freedom of four millions of slaves, and the preservation of the Union, were achievements not to be despised. How the freedmen would live, was an after thought. War was the Nation's cruel way of throwing off the yoke which bound these human beings in slavery. It took money as well as time and lives to carry on the war which freed them. For centuries the prayers and tears of this poor, oppressed people had gone up before the Lord, and he heard them. No longer were they to be bought and sold, as cattle and horses in the stalls. They were free to think and act for themselves ; but free dom brought poverty and great suf fering. Hardly had Mr. Lincoln issued the proclamation when thousands of those 12 Free at Last. poor creatures left the places they called home, some to find transporta tion by the army to a safe retreat, others to join the ranks of soldiers, to help free themselves. Many crowded the cities, hoping to find something to do. The United States Government fur nished some rations ; but with it all, there was great destitution among them. Many died from starvation. Everything was in a chaotic state ; both armies left ruin in their path. During General Thomas' occupancy of Nashville many found shelter there. They erecled small shanties, with sel dom anything but the earth for floors, in the center of which they drove stakes and hung cross-bars of iron for the ket tles, in which they cooked their meals. A dozen would crowd into a small The New Life. 13 room, where all ate and slept. A little straw in a corner of the room, and an army blanket served for a bed for all the family. This description is given, that the reader may have some idea of their extreme destitution. Many were very ignorant, having been neglected by those who should have taken an interest in them. But ignorant as they were of books, they knew what freedom meant. At night they gathered in their miserable quarters and sang their plantation songs, which often inspired them with hope in the fu ture, and they were happy. Every day brought new recruits. Loved ones long separated, in time found each other ; then there was rejoic ing, and the scanty fare was shared in common. 14 Free at Last. Among the children were many bright, intelligent ones, whose great need was something to educate and ele vate, and make them useful men and women. To reach these with Chris tianizing influences, the Church imme diately set to work. The Government could not long con tinue to help them, or enter into any great scheme to ameliorate their condi tion. The vast expense of the war made this impossible. It would take time and means to accomplish a change among them. Something would have to be done to improve them morally and socially. This was needed for self- protection, if for no other reason. Their habits were bad ; many were lazy and shiftless, and needed to be taught. Long accustomed to lean on others, The New Lije. 15 they had not learned lessons of self-reli ance and self-help. If to-day they had "hoe cake and bacon," they were sat isfied ; they had no thought for the fu ture. Kind people, North, whose pray ers for years had been for "liberty to the captives," were ready and waiting to help them. Teachers were sent to instruct them in temporal and spiritual things. The American Missionary As sociation, founded in 1846, anticipating the need, opened Sabbath and day schools among them ; cabins and the deserted mansions being used for this purpose. Thus early some were taught the way of life, and the occupations neces sary to their elevation and future use fulness. Of the church organizations, the United Presbyterian has the honor 1 6 Free at Last. of being among, if not the very first, to send teachers to the freedmen. In 1862-3 they opened schools at Good rich Landing, Miss., and Nashville, Tenn. Young men and women of cul ture, with the true missionary spirit and devotion, left pleasant homes to go to the South and labor in this most noble work. Through their persevering ef forts great good was accomplished. A pioneer teacher, Rev. Joseph G. McKee, whose life was sacrificed in his effort to improve the condition of the freedmen, suffered many privations. He organized the work when it was very unpopular. People pointed the finger of scorn at him on the streets. Often he had not where to lay his head, being compelled to sleep under army wagons, in stable lofts, in the rough REV. JOSEPH G. McKEE, NOVEMBER IOTH, 1832, AT ANAHILT, COUNTY DOWN, IRELAND, The New Life. 19 cabins of these poor people, or wher ever he could find a resting place. Once he found forty-two persons in one small room, without a chimney, cooking their meals on stones and bricks in the center of the floor. Among them were sick women and poor, weakly children, without food, or fire to cook their meals, or keep them warm. He often cut "wood, carried it on his back in par cels, and distributed it to the suffer ing." The untold hardships he en dured among the thousands of "contra bands," who came to Nashville for shel ter, will never be known. With the temperature at six degrees below zero and wood at $40 a cord, there was great suffering. This faithful friend of the slave never faltered, though the difficulties he en- 2O Free at Last. countered would have crushed many. Without a murmur or a complaint he calmly trusted his cause to the God whom he served, and who gave him grace to bear all his trials. But the ex posure was too much for him ; he con- tracled a cold which brought on repeat ed hemorrhages, causing great weak ness. As he went about ministering to the wants of the freedmen, they said of him, " Massa 'Kee is an angel jis cum down frum Heben, to help us in our time of need." He was a cheerful, happy man, kind alike to friends and foes ; and when forced to lay down this grand work, so dear to his heart, thou sands mourned. Mr. McKee believed a bright future awaited the colored race, and to this end inaugurated reforms in the schools. The New Life. 21 Being a member of the City Council he secured the passage of a law requiring the City Board of Education to assume the supervision of six schools, taught in what was called the McKee school building in Nashville. His teachers, who passed examination, were paid the same as teachers in the other public schools of the city.* It was a great satisfaction to see the local laws so changed that a man or woman could teach a negro, without be ing fined fifty dollars in the courts, or being threatened with hanging by the mob. He began to realize his ideal when he gathered a room full of boys and girls into a Normal Class for instruction, and opened a training school for girls and *Diary. 22 Free at Last. women to be taught knitting and sew ing. " He won for this work the sup port of the city." He gave five years of faithful service to this worthy work for the Master. When he died the cause of temperance, social purity and education generally, lost an able champion. But his works follow him. Many now rise up and call him blessed. When he left his father's house in Ire land, a lone boy of sixteen, to come to America, his friends wondered. Though he knew not its nature, he had a mission of great good to poor, oppressed hu manity. He longed to do something to lift up the degraded from darkness and sensuality to light, purity and useful ness. His mission included the salvation of men from the drink slavery which The New Life. 23 threatened them. His first school was opened in September, 1863. He after ward occupied a building called the Mc- Kee School, erected by the churches, near the now famous Fiske University, named in honor of its founder, Clinton B. Fiske. Church and Sabbath school services were held every Lord's day. Old and young were taught to read and study the Bible. Gray-haired men and women wept with joy when first they read the name of " Jesus," "Master," etc. At last the long-looked-for day had come when they could read God's own book, and they were happy. One* who labored for a time with Mr. McKee, says : " Another work, but closely akin to that for the freedmen, was for the prisoners in the penitentiary. *Rev. S. Collins, D. D. 24 Free at Last. Probably three-fourths of six or seven hundred there were colored men, ex slaves, against whom there was an im placable prejudice. They, and too often their white friends, on the slightest pre text, were consigned to hard labor and to the cruelties of heartless prison-labor- contraclors. This gratified both the race prejudice among the whites, and the love of money on the part of the contractors, who made fortunes out of convicl labor. Mr. McKee seeing and pitying these poor unfortunates, with the consent of the more humane prison warden, in 1868 organized in the penitentiary a Sabbath school, in which some two or three hundred convicls readily took part. Some very efficient teachers were secured from among them. Souls were there "'born again" and trained for Christ and for glory. From this has The New Life. 25 largely grown the more efficient moral training now generally prevalent in the larger prisons and reformatories of our own and other Protestant countries. " Another step taken by Mr. McKee in the prison work, was the organization of a prayer-meeting among the convicls the only one of the kind we have ever known. The proposition (made by a friend, March, 1868,) at first appeared visionary and impracticable ; but it was tried. The poor prisoners at first shrank from it. But some there had taken Christ's yoke upon them a few before, but more since coming within those walls, and these agreed to and did take part in the devotions of that prayer- meeting. For years it was well at tended and bore fruit. At one time it was said that not less than a hundred 3 26 Free at Last. and fifty different persons would lead in prayer whenever called upon, a grand testimonial to the Christian faithfulness of that humble, most diligent and de voted servant of God, Rev. Jos. G. Mc- Kee. He was small in stature and feeble in body ; but strong in faith he overcame the world, and now wears a crown of victory with many gems, to the glory of the Lord Jesus." Thousands gathered into the schools, their ages ranging from 5 to 50, all eager and thankful to learn. Those otherwise employed during the day, attended the night schools, some walking several miles to do this. Their homespun cloth ing, never very good, was often so worn and torn that it could no longer be patched. Kind friends North, who sent them teachers, also sent boxes of new The New Life. 29 and second-hand clothing by the ton, to be distributed among them. All able to earn a little were required to pay a nominal price for good suits, thus teach ing them habits of honesty and inde pendence. At the same time it fur nished a fund with which other clothing and material, not supplied in boxes, could be procured. The kind men and women, whose love to do good led them to leave friends and home to labor among them, received but little sympathy from the whites around them. There was odium connected with teaching the freedmen. Many of the freedmen themselves looked with suspicion on those who went to teach them. Nor were the sufferings and privations of teachers realized or rewarded as they should have been. 3O Free at Last. t Still they went in and out of the rude cabins of their scholars, carrying aid and cheer to the living, and ministering spiritual comfort to the sick and dying. Women, often the greatest sufferers, were taught to accept their lot, and cheered with the hope that a better day was coming. A marked change was soon visible among them. Adults and children im proved every way. The education given was practical, not head culture only, but heart and hand as well. They were taught to reverence and obey God as supreme, and next their parents and teachers. CHAPTER II. IMPROVING OPPORTUNITIES. In one of the schools for the freedmen our hero, as will be seen from the sequel, began his life work. George was an unusually bright boy, black as black could be, contradicting the idea so often advanced that intelli gence could not be found in the pure African. He was the eldest of six chil dren. His father, whose health was poor, could not earn enough to feed so many, hence the mother took in wash ing. Her great ambition was to give her children an education. When the schools were opened she sent George, 32 Free at Last. who, though his clothes were patched, always was neat and clean. His was an honest face, that carried sunshine wherever he went. He made such rapid progress in school that he was not long in mastering the first lessons in arithmetic and other studies. His books, though somewhat worse for the wear, having done good service in schools North before he received them, were well cared for. His teacher was proud of him, and before the end of the year set him to hear some of the classes. His mother's name was Abigail, which signifies, "joy of her father," but for convenience she was called Abby. Like her namesake, she had a mission. She was one of those irrepressible women who always pray and speak in meeting. Improving Opportunities. 33 This she conscientiously did, even in the presence of her superiors in learn ing. Her place was never vacant in prayer-meeting, and often the Spirit moved her to speak when others wanted to. She was a good woman, whose honesty and sincerity no one ever doubted. If George grew up 'spected like young massa, she would be happy. George was an active boy, and was always in demand, because he could be trusted. He did his work promptly, without a murmur, though it was a trial to be kept from school. His father had been a plantation hand, and in his youth possessed great muscular strength ; but over-work had brought on some nervous disease, which disabled him for manual labor. This made it hard on his wife, 34 Free at Last. who was an industrious, careful house keeper. Their crowded room afforded but few facilities for George to study. They were too poor to have the luxury of a candle, but he had the privilege of gathering bits of boards and pine knots in a neighboring shop. These he stored away to use for light. Like many a white boy, he began his education under great difficulties. Kind people North, ever on the alert for the comfort and improvement of the freedmen, continued to send cloth ing, books and other useful articles, which added much to their comfort and appearance. Men's and women's suits, but little worn, were sent in quantities from Pittsburgh, Boston, Philadelphia and other places all over the North, which, when altered, made suits for old Improving Opportunities. 35 and young. Many a young man got his first suit of broadcloth out of boxes sent from the North. On Sabbath, when they assembled for service in the mission, dressed in good clothes, they looked respectable, and began to act like gentlemen. There was much to be done in re moving their superstitions in regard to signs and omens before they would be intelligent Christians. The " traditions of the fathers," handed down from time immemorial, were religiously observed. A century of education would be neces sary to their removal. The fourth year of freedom found the schools in a more flourishing condition. The mission buildings were increasing in number and size. Thousands now availed themselves of the privilege of 36 Free at Last. attending school. This was a golden opportunity for the Christian Church to do more than it did, to save the freed- men from the Roman Catholic Church. There will be a sad reckoning for this neglect, in suffering them to lapse through Romanism into all the idolatries of the land from whence they came. " Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of these, ye did it not to me." The door is still open, inviting all to work. It promises as rich rewards as ever it did. The freedmen are willing, nay anxious, to be instructed. CHAPTER III. A NEW TRIAL AND TEMPTATION. With the dawn of freedom came a new temptation to the freedmen. They no sooner found they were their own masters than something else claimed the mastership. The drink demon, prevalent in slavery times, still troubled them. "Just a little while, my son. It is too bad yer father got hisself inter trouble with dat dirty licker. Ef I hed de chance I'd turn ebry drop ob it into de ribbah." ' ' If I stay home from school, mother, I'll get behind with my lessons," said George, crying. 4O Free at Last. "Never mind, George, it won't be long. Stay at home and earn a little while your father ain't workinV 4 'We had a good time befoah father got to drinkin'. We looked like white folks, with our nice table an' plenty ter eat, and kindling for light." * ' 'Deed we had, son ; 'en we wuz happy ; but Fse hearn dat when ' whis key is in, wit is out. ' Reckon yer father will drink, en we will have to bar it, hard as it is." "I'm glad father did not kill any body," said George, drawing a long sigh. "Oh, dat would be a mighty sight harder," said his mother, her eyes filling with tears at the thought of such a terrible thing. "Don't trouble yoself, mammy; I A New Trial and Temptation. 4 1 will be a good son, and take care of yo' all yo' days." "God bress de chile. I'se sure yo' will, my son. De good book says, ' H'ar now, my son, an' be wise ; don' go wid wine tipplers.' Yo' father was not wise, an' yer see what he cum ter." "If he had kept out of Bill Holly's company he would not be in prison to-day, " said George, very wisely. 1 ' Dat's so, " said his mother, with a sigh. Many learned to drink from their masters' example. No matter how poor they were, their masters encour aged them to save money for whiskey on Christmas. Among those who had fallen into drinking habits was George's father. His physician prescribed liquor for some disease, and he had become 42 Free at Last. so much addicted to its use, that he could not do without it. Those who indulged were becoming idle, vicious and unreliable. Loafing prevailed in the neighborhood of the drinking places. Freedmen, as well as whites, were guilty of offenses for which they were sent to the peniten tiary at Nashville, Tenn. On any day the chain-gang could be seen marching to and from the work in a stone quarry. Many of these were colored. Not unfrequently colored men suf fered for crimes committed by whites men whose innocence could be proven beyond a doubt ; but because of their idle habits and their color, the blame rested on them. The good missionary found George's father in the penitentiary. He could A New Trial and Temptation. 43 not tell how he came to be there. All he remembered was that he had been drinking, and was in court receiving 1 his sentence for theft. "Fse suah I nebbah took nuthin. Please get me outen dis place." His case excited the sympathy of the good missionary, but he was powerless before the inexorable law. The prayer- meeting and Sabbath school inaugu rated in the prison, proved a great blessing to the prisoners. This reform in prison work has been adopted with good results in other prisons North and South. It could not be expected that an ignorant people would all do right. The wounds which generations of slavery made were too deep to be healed in one life time. Often when 44 Free at Last. parents were tempted and tried, their spirits revived at seeing their children growing up in intelligence under their faithful teachers. This was compen sation enough for all the poverty and hardships of their lot. The faith, which was their solace for over two hundred and fifty years, did not now forsake them. They had prayed and believed freedom would come ; but the trials and temptations were not thought of. George had a manly pride which made him feel very keenly his father's imprisonment. He was never guilty of dishonest tricks, such as often occur among boys in school. He was too well brought up by his teacher and mother, whose home training made her careful of her children. He was strong and healthy, and could make a hand A New Trial and Temptation. 45 now at any ordinary employment. He rose bright and early to find something to do. His straightforward look in a man's eye, when asking for work, pro cured a job, with the promise that if satisfactory, he should have another when that was done. When he re ceived his first money he hurried home, and laying it in his mother's lap, said : * ' Here, mammy, is my wages ; get something for father with some of it." The boys tried to tempt him to treat to " 'backer," but he told them he did not use his money for such things. Poor as the freedmen were, most of them used tobacco. Brought up to raise and handle it, they learned to like it, if for nothing else than for the little stimulus it gave, making them forget their poverty, and for the time they 46 Free at Last. were happy. Women, as well as men, would sit for hours smoking their cob pipes. No matter if the meal in the barrel was low and they had nothing in the house, Topsy would spend her last dime for a pipe or a tin rabbit, or other useless thing. George's mother had been a house servant, arjd was trained to care for the little things. While others were in need, she always had something laid up for a rainy day. She was comforted in having such a thoughtful son, whose acls of kindness helped to lighten her burdens. George wanted to see his father, but the thought that he would have to go to the prison to see him was very humili ating. "What is I heah foah? I'se dun A New Trial and Temptation. 47 nuffin dat's wrong as I know ob," said his father, weeping bitterly. "That may be, father, but I can't get you out of prison. Won't you promise that you will never drink anymore ?" ' ' 'Deed I will. Fse berry sorry I has dis bad habit. It is mighty trouble some. Fse allus hed sich mis'able health, an' ole massa said: 'Why don't yer try ole rye?' an' I did, an' it got de better ob me. Yer see, son, it ain't safe fer medicine, no how." " My teacher read in the good book, ' Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. ' ' "Dat's de Bible dodlrine, an' true as preachin'. Fse sure yer won't drink, son." "'Deed I will not. I want an educa- 48 Free at Last. tion, and to be respected like Colonel G ." Young as he was, when freed he remembered white men whom he was taught to respect as but little inferior to his Maker. In his ignorance he imag ined he would be like them. He had not learned that some of those very men had the same failing his father had; that neither education nor color in itself was a safeguard against temp tation. Tears stole down their cheeks when they parted. Centuries of bondage and ignorance could not entirely re move the finer feelings and affections from the African heart. Their trials rather intensified their love and interest in one another. There was always room in their homes, however poor, A New Trial and Temptation. 49 for the aged and homeless man or woman, or for a stray waif whose parentage was doubtful. Out of school, George improved the time by studying at night, so that when he returned to school he continued with his classes. His mother spent some of his earnings in candles, by the light of which he studied. She wanted him to be a scholar like her young massa, who went North to college and became convinced of the sin of slavery, though he never told any save herself of the fadl. Ever after, he was her ideal, and the best the house afforded was brought out when he came home in vacation. She kept his secret deep down in her own heart. He was now a respedled minister, and she loved and revered him. If her son was only like him, 5O Free at Last. noble, manly and true, she would be thankful. In all her toil and trials she held up her young massa as one whose example could be safely followed. As the freedmen advanced in means and intelligence they gave attention to their dress and homes. The rough shanties were cleaned up, and in many there was an air of neatness hitherto unknown. Through George's skillful hands a chimney was built in the end of their cabin, instead of having the fire in the center of the earth floor. The pine box, on which they ate their meals, had given way to a neat table. A set of knives and forks, a few dishes, with bits of carpet here and there over the rough floor, gave their room a com fortable, home-like appearance. Their limited room and few conveniences A New Trial and Temptation. 5 1 made it difficult for George to carry out his ideas of order. " A place for every thing, and everything in its place, " was his motto. So great was his desire for knowledge, that he saved every bit of newspaper and folded it away to read at his leisure. This desire for knowledge seemed to be contagious. Other homes and neighborhoods were waking up to the importance of having schools. Appli cation was made at the mission for a teacher for a school sixteen miles from the city. The wages offered were not much inducement, but George was selected for the place. Though young, he was manly and dignified in manner. His father, who was just out of prison, thought ten dollars a month small pay for a teacher. The mother, taking a 52 Free at Last. more practical view of the subject, said: " Half a loaf is better'n no bread. Look at me toilin' an' toilin' at de wash-tub an' iron-board from mornin' to night, an' cookin' fur de family. It would be a long time befo' I could make dat much." ' * Yer better paid accordin' ter yer time," said her husband, who did not appreciate woman's work. * ' I dunno ; my work is nebbah done, an' I gits berry little fur it. " George heard this conversation. His mother's hard lot made him decide to go and teach. Mentally he was a rich man. Never before had he a prospect of so much money. He turned over in his mind how many nice things it would buy his mother. Among them he did not forget a large Bible. He had A New Trial and Temptation. 53 taught her to read, and she wanted one with large print, like ole massa's. ' ' Then I must have a ' carpet bag ' to hold my clothes, a hat and a pair of shirts. " His mother drew a long breath when he told all his wants. She visited the mission store and procured the articles. There were hats of all kinds and styles, including Derbys and high silk hats. She turned them over and over again, and finally selected a high silk hat but little worn, promising to pay for it in "washinV George laughed as he held it up and asked what she got that for. "Yer gwine ter be a teacher, an' mus' be 'speclable lookinV * ' It must be the cast-off hat of some big preacher. It will not add much to my looks, mother. See, it comes down 54 Free a t Last. over my eyes and ears. It has been some powerful man's hat." " Reckon it was a preacha's." George turned it and read a name on the inside lining. "What's dat yo' readin' 'bout my young massa, George?" 1 ' Why, yes, mother ; his name is on the inside, " said he, reading the name aloud." "I declah I likes dat hat, cos it looks jes like him when he used ter cum home 'cation times." The hat reminded her of her massa, whom she loved, and she bought and brought it home. It was a pardonable ambition in her to look and be like the good. ' ' Where did you get such a big hat ?" A New Trial and Temptation. 5 5 said his teacher, when George called to get directions to his school. " Mother took a fancy to it and bought it. I wore it to please her." His teacher examined and found one corresponding with his clothes, and which George accepted in place of the other. After bidding his teacher farewell, he picked up his carpet bag and started on foot to his school. CHAPTER IV. BUOYANT WITH HOPE. It was a calm, clear morning in April. A rain storm had passed over the day before, making the air stiff and breezy. The sun shone brightly on the glisten ing grass at the roadside; fleecy clouds flitted across the clear, blue sky, and the little birds warbled their sweetest notes. All nature was springing into life under the genial atmosphere of this delightful spring morning. George was buoyant with hope on the morning he left his humble home to go and try to teach school. A feeling of self-impor tance came over him, and he wondered if he could see his cabin in the north of town. Reaching the highest point on 5 58 Free at Last. the road he laid down his carpet bag, and looking back over the city the first building he saw was the handsome mar ble State House. It never looked so large as it did this morning, as he stood gazing at it in admiration. The re flected light of the sun on the stained glass windows suggested what he read of speeches by Andrew Johnson and others inside those walls when slavery was the exciting theme. What a change, thought he; that subject no longer troubles the statesmen. He looked in every direction, and there were places yet visible telling sad stories of war and decay. Over to the right he could see the breastworks thrown up by General Thomas before his battle with Hood. For the first time he had a realizing sense of the horrors of war. Buoyant With Hope. 59 Was all that blood shed for poor, black boys like me? How many noble young men gave their lives that I and others might be free! Raising his eyes toward heaven he promised, God helping, to live and labor for the good of his race. Happy in his new resolution he gath ered up his carpet bag and proceeded on his journey. A few miles from the city he came to a charming country seat, * ' with closed doors, from which life and thought have gone away," once the home of a rich slaveholder, who spared no pains or slave labor in improving the grounds. Since the war the house had fallen into decay. Pieces of fine statuary, evi dences of former wealth and glory, were still standing here and there like sentinels over the grounds. He had 60 Free at Last. heard his father tell of grand old coun try seats, where people lived in splendid ease, but he did not expect to find one so near home. This wealthy planter, like others, went abroad and copied after the English. A rustic seat near by afforded a resting place, and sitting down he looked long at that once mag nificent but now deserted home. Evidences of war and devastation were everywhere before him. At last saddened by the view and growing weary, he started up again and went on until he came to a little stream gushing out of the splendid limestone rock, and coursing its way down the side of the hill and spreading out over the banks. Here seating himself beside this beautiful stream he ate the lunch his mother had so kindly provided. Buoyant With Hope. 6 1 As he opened the gay bandana he thought of her kindness and love; how all her life she cared for his comfort. Now that she was making great sacri fices for his education, would he ever be able to repay her? The sun was sinking behind the western hills, as he came near the place where he was to open his first school. He inquired at a house about the way. A half dozen curly heads rushed to the door, all so eager to tell him, that he was compelled to ask them to stop; and when they were quiet, he asked the largest boy to direct him. "Go ober dar, by Jack's shop, an' when yer cum ter Mass Fry's, den go down ter a creek, en go ober it, en yo's dar, sah." This was about as indefinite as any- 62 Free at Last. thing George had ever heard about roads; but it was not likely he could find anyone more capable of directing him, so he followed it as well as he could. Coming to the creek he asked a colored man for Cross Creek school house. " Ober dar," pointing to a low cabin. "Is yer de teachah?" When told that he was, the man invited him into his home, and he was cordially welcomed by the hostess, a large, fat woman, who soon had a good supper on the table, and the stranger was invited to "setup." George felt safe when he lay down that night, for he was with people who feared "de Lawd." He would have but little opportunity for study, as he was expected to board among the scholars. Buoyant With Hope. 63 Early Monday morning he was at the school house, a cabin seated with rough benches and stools. The children com menced coming, and continued to come all day. Punctuality was a thing they never had been taught. It was neces sary at the beginning to enforce some very strict rules. Parents as well as children needed training in habits of punctuality. The discipline of the school in Nashville was laid down and most vigorously enforced. Though young, he had good command over the scholars. He wanted it to be a model school. It would be hard to describe the motley throng which crowded into that room, all anxious to see "de young teachah." It was wonderful to see a colored man acting like white folks. Some walked five miles, and 64 Free at Last. crossed marshy ground, bare-footed and bare-headed, and with but little cloth ing on their bodies. There were coarse, bad boys, who bragged that they drank whiske} , and were guilty of unmentionable sins. There was some low grumbling among them, when the teacher told them that the first boy who should spit on the floor should take a mop and wipe it up, and that for the second offense, he would be kept after school. Order and neatness were taught, and above all truthfulness and honesty, essential traits in building up character. For lack of these there were many de formed characters among them. To impress these immortal souls with the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and that for every transgression they would be Buoyant With Hope. 6$ punished, was a difficult task. He loved his Bible; it was his guide. He tried to comprehend its meaning, as he studied it from day to day and read from its pages. No book interested the children so much as the Bible. They never tired reading or hearing it read. A solemn awe came over them when he commenced reading from its pages. The histories of Joseph, David and Esther were specially attractive to them. When held up as models the scholars would say: "No use: dey is white folks; we can't be like 'em." When told that God had made of one blood all nations and was no respecter of persons, they looked in blank aston ishment. Thus by his reading and study of the 66 Free at Last. Bible he was being prepared for the great work before him. His experience as a teacher gave him an insight into the sad effects of slave life. To his eye the scars of slavery were ever visible. The ignorance of parents could be seen in the dwarfed intellects of their children. Now and then one gave evidence of unusual aptness in acquiring knowledge, but the average intelligence of his scholars was below what he expected. His keen sense of right, and his religious education were developing much that was good and useful in him, and made him willing and anxious to impart it to others. Few could read or write; their ignor ance was indeed deplorable. Their preachers, in whose judgment they placed implicit confidence as leaders, Buoyant With Hope. 67 were unfit for their positions as teachers and leaders. At the close of his term George, full of hope, prepared to return to his home. The clouds which darkened his path way were being dispelled, and he was not aware of the cheering news that awaited him. A kind gentleman from the North had been to see his parents, and had arranged to send him to a northern college, and pay for his educa tion. This was a pleasant surprise, for his ambition was to find something to do by which he could get an education. Providence now opened the way and furnished the means, so he could go through his course without delay. He now prepared for college. We will not ask the reader to follow him over all those years which were 68 Free at Last. spent most industriously in the prose cution of his studies. Suffice it to say, at their close his perseverance was re warded by the faculty conferring upon him the first honors of his class. As a scholar and gentleman he had no peer in the college, and he was withal a devoted Christian. He was now prepared for his life work; but before settling down to this he would visit his brethren in Wash ington City. CHAPTER V. GEORGE VISITS WASHINGTON. " The greatest men of the world are those who have been able to sway by moral and spiritual forces stars in the firmament, and beacon lights on shore." George had long cherished a plan for visiting the Capital City, and seeing where grand statesmen distinguished themselves speaking in behalf of free dom. He also wanted to see what progress his people had made since their freedom. In these days of speedy travel, he was not long accomplishing the journey. While enjoying the changing scenery, he was studying the faces of his fellow-passengers. Some of them made him feel uncomfortable on account of his color. This was no- 72 Free at Last. ticeable in trains, and hotels, and wherever brought in contact with white people. His first-class ticket was no protection from the insults of those who gathered up their skirts in horror, be cause compelled to ride in the same coach, and sit in the same seat, with a negro. He was very sensitive to such treatment, and could not see why an in telligent colored man should not receive as polite treatment as a rude beer-guz zler at his side, whose breath and cloth ing were fairly saturated with liquor and tobacco. An agreeable incident showed that he was not without friends, even among the most refined ladies. He had gone out at a station for lunch, leaving his satchel on the floor instead of the seat. When he returned he found in his seat George Visits Washington. 73 a big aristocratic man with a red face, that grew redder as George proceeded to take his seat beside him. The man scolded at the insolence of " niggers" expecting to ride with white people, but George said nothing in reply. The passengers heard all and were an noyed. A lady sitting near offered him a seat at her side. He thanked her with all the politeness of a well-bred gentleman, and took the seat so kindly offered. This raised a titter among the passengers, whose sympathies were with the would-be aristocrat in his ideas of negro equality. The good lady at once entered into conversation with him. She was a judge of character and could not be mistaken in regard to his respectability. With wise tact she let him know that 74 Free at Last. she was interested in his race, and la bored and spent means for their eleva tion, both North and South. Her's was one of the oldest and most re- speclable Quaker families in Philadel phia, and she spent her time in philan thropic work. She was much inter ested as George unfolded his history and plan of visiting Washington and looking into the moral, social and physi cal condition of his people. " You will find a sad state of things among some of your people," she said. " Intemperance, impurity and every evil example are leading 'many of them to destruction. Designing men are taking advantage of their weakness and many of them are being hopelessly ruined. It is done so quietly that only George Visits Washington. 75 those laboring in reform fully under stand and realize it." She had scarcely finished her re marks when the train stopped at her station. George assisted her with her baggage, while she put a bill in his hand, he all the time wondering at his singular good fortune. He had prayed for something to do to help him along, and it came in this way. He was being prepared for trials awaiting him. It was on a warm, sultry morning that he first set foot in the capital. He had often heard of this beautiful city of " magnificent distances," now he real ized the truth as he stood at the head of Pennsylvania avenue looking down as far as the eye could reach. On in quiring for a hotel kept by people of 76 Free at Last* his color, he was directed to one on Fourteenth street, but on going there he found, to his great disappointment, it was no place for him. The proprie tor kindly informed him that his house was kept for white folks, members of Congress and other regular boarders, who were decidedly opposed to asso ciating with colored people. His cheeks burned with shame when he heard this. Was he not an edu cated man, sober and well behaved? Why such distinction at the seat of a republican government? Was it con sistent for a colored man to encourage caste ? This caste problem was harder than any he had found at college. Who would, could or should solve it ? After walking miles in search of a rest ing place, and growing tired and hun- George Visits Washington. 77 gry, he entered Temple Cafe, on Ninth street, but the elegance of the place made him afraid to ask for something to eat. It was kept by a white lady, who received him kindly and gave him a table all to himself, and colored ser vants served him a good breakfast. This cafe was kept on temperance prin ciples, and the boarders were among the most respectable women and men in office, and others visiting the city temporarily and otherwise. This Chris tian lady presided over the cuisine, trained her servants to be useful citi zens, and labored for the promotion of temperance among the colored people of the District, and was beloved for her interest in them. All in her employ were taught that truthfulness and hon esty were essential to good character. 78 Free at Last. After breakfast George started out to view the city. Dog days are not the most favorable for making good impres sions on those visiting the capital for the first time. The sun's rays pouring down on marble and granite and re flected from asphalt streets added to the discomfort of sight-seeing. With it all a somber cloud hung over the capital at this time. President Jas. A. Garfield, whose voice had often been heard in defense of justice, had been smitten by cruel hands, and lay in the White House, just before being taken to Elberon. His life fast ebbing away, he was carefully watched, and each change in his condition heralded to every part of this and other lands. Men, women and children walked and talked softly during those sorrowful George Visits Washington. 79 days. People met in churches and prayed : " God spare our President." Then came days alternating between hope and despair. Only a few months ago President Garfield had been sworn into office in the presence of thousands. Now he lay dying. In his delirium he talked of the sea ; if he were only be side it, health would come again. They carried him there ; recovery was not so decreed. One evening, while the peo ple all over the land were praying that he might be spared, the noble life went out. It was a beautiful evening in Sep tember, 1 88 1. George was returning from church where prayers were offered for the dying President. He had hard ly reached his lodging place when the tolling bells took up the sad refrain the martyr President is no more. 8o Free at Last. Then came trying days, waiting for the body to be brought back from El- beron. At last the funeral train arrived with the remains. These lay for three days in state in the rotunda of the Capi tol. Men, women and children from far and near came, some to look for the first, all for the last time on the mur dered President. The middle aged and young, and those who were bowed with the infirmities of age, whites and blacks, came. None were more interested spectators than the colored people, many of whom on the funeral day walked ten and fifteen miles, and stood in the hot sun all day in the procession which reached many squares. Poor old men and women hobbled along, and as they passed the coffin dropped silent tears. One old woman, bent with age, George Visits Washington. 83 stooping down as she passed to better see the face, said audibly: " Poah fel low, how he mus' hev suffe'd," so ema ciated was his face. " The old, the young, the grave, the gay, Were bowed alike in grief." Only fifteen hundred persons were admitted to the rotunda to attend the funeral obsequies. These, the highest officials, and foreign ministers, and am bitious politicians recently at swords' points, that day forgot the past, and, arm in arm, walked together and min gled their tears over the untimely death of their President. But no colored man was there. Guitteau, the miserable as sassin, was trembling in his prison cell for a crime committed on an unoffend ing brother, for which he should sooner 84 Free at Last. have been brought to account. Not until he expiated his crime on the gal lows was the law vindicated. Then the nation breathed freely again. The funeral over, amid strains of de lightful music by the Marine Band, they bore him who was honored in life, and still mofe in death, to the train which carried him to his last resting place in Cleveland, Ohio. Men were detailed as guards to pro tect the body that no harm overtake it by the way. Sad that with that train liquor in large quantity was sent for those who wished to use it, but no one was detailed to look after it, or its con sequences. Afterward bills were pre sented to Congress, and voted to be paid, of eight thousand dollars, ex penses for liquors used at the funeral George Visits Washington. 85 and the Yorktown centennial. George was in the gallery and heard the bill discussed. He thought what a fine op portunity this to display a little tact and courage. Would no one oppose this unjust bill? Where were the heroic men who pleaded so fearlessly for freedom ? Are they not needed to plead for those bound down by the cruel drink habit ? As he listened to the discussion of this unjust bill he thought if that was what statesmen called political econo my he wanted to hear no more of it. He congratulated himself that no color ed man had anything to do in this dis graceful affair, except, perhaps, to serve the liquors on the train. Like most of his race, George was naturally religious. He was a close ob- 86 Free at Last. server of all that was going on around him. He read of balls and dances soon after the funeral. He thought how wicked and irreverent. One day a nation in tears, the next reveling and dancing. Even long-established custom could not make it right in his eyes. Just before Lent twenty-four consecu-. tive balls were announced to take place in Masonic Hall the next twenty-four week nights. The usual accompani ments of the ball room were there. He rejoiced that his people would not be permitted to attend, even if they de sired to ; but it was possible that some of them would serve " refreshments." It was so; the rattle of glasses and bot tles falling below, told the story. Colored men were actually serving the dancers with liquors, and throwing the George Visits Washington. 87 empty glasses and bottles in an alley below. The habits of some of those waiters could be traced to the example of offi cials. Was it surprising they wanted to be there? There was money to be made, and they could hear enchanting music. The Cabinet officer, with his eight thousand dollar salary, was there ; and the Government clerk, whose sala ry was hardly sufficient to pay his board. The gambler and libertine were there, and men and women who loved pleasure and extravagant display. The example there was far-reaching in its influence. Colored, as well as whites, were being lured to ruin by this exam ple. What would become of his peo ple, sixty-five thousand of whom lived at the capital ? They were poor, and 88 Free at Last. by many despised. They were sur rounded by every temptation and diffi culty. A few men had become wealthy. Hon. Fred. Douglass and Mr. Wormly had acquired wealth amounting to hun dreds of thousands of dollars. Their advantages for education were good. They had their schools and private seminaries, and some, like their aristo cratic white neighbors, sent their sons and daughters abroad to be educated. Already signs of caste were visible, the better educated and wealthy being un willing to associate with the poor and ignorant. Many were indolent and shiftless, living from hand to mouth in a sort of dreamy way, believing, hoping " Suthin would turn up by 'm by." It troubled George to see so many bright men in positions in hotels and George Visits Washington. 89 saloons, where their morals were in danger. Intelligent Africans in Wash ington, as elsewhere, accepted white apron and tea towel positions, when, by a little perseverance and energy, they could have fitted themselves for something better and more ennobling. Their white neighbors decided their fit ness to serve. It did not require much education, and they accepted their po sitions in all humility. Few had the energy and ambition of John M. Lang- ston, Mr. Bruce and Fred. Douglass, who fought their way up to fame and fortune by hard study. George wished that more of his race had a desire for knowledge. He saw too many idle, vicious-looking men out of employment begging on the streets, stopping pedes trians to tell of want and suffering. 7 9