The Liberator Files

January 2, 1863

Several letters from subscribers are printed here, giving encouragement to the editor, after his concerns about the price increase, expressed in the last editions of 1862.

January 2, 1863

“Glory, Hallelujah”

The text of the Proclamation is included, followed by an account of “the grand demonstration in this city, yesterday, at Tremont Temple, …probably the only public celebration of the kind in this section of the country.  The Proclamation of freedom was not received at the meeting until just previous to the adjournment last evening when it was read by Charles W. Slack.  The joyous enthusiasm manifested was beyond description….the whole audience rising to their feet and shouting at the tops of their voices …. After the meeting at the Temple, a large number wended their way to the Twelfth Baptist Church, where they joined in prayer and congratulations, and partook of a repast which had been there prepared.”  From The Boston Journal of Friday morning.

January 9, 1863

This is an address by Wendell Phillips, “on Sunday morning, to one of the grandest audiences ever congregated together in this or any other city.”

January 9, 1863

The call to the thirtieth annual meeting, includes reference to the Proclamation.

“…however effectual may be the President’s Emancipation Proclamation in breaking the chains of the bondmen in such rebellious sections of the country as he has just designated, — and Heaven grant that it may be as potent in operation as it is comprehensive in its scope; nevertheless, nothing at this hour is settled so surely  as the continued enslavement of four millions of the inhabitants of the land; and while any of these remain to wear the yoke, the primary object and specific work of this Society will not have been accomplished. Slavery, in the so-called loyal Border States is as inexcusable, as criminal, as revolting, as unendurable, as pregnant with evil and ruin, as in the rebellious Confederate States, and must be as vigorously and uncompromisingly assailed, until liberty is proclaimed “throughout  all the land, to all the inhabitants thereof.”

January 16, 1863

Under the Refuge of Oppression column, from the New Hampshire Patriot, this article begins: “The greatest crime ever committed by a Chief Magistrate of a free people has been perpetrated by the President in the promulgation of the Emancipation Proclamation….the abolition scheme, unconstitutional, partisan, and atrocious in itself, cannot do any good, but is sure to produce immense harm to the cause of the Union, at home and abroad; and only those who are blind to the most patent facts, and deaf to all the appeals of reason and patriotism, can doubt it…”

January 16, 1863

This is an account of a meeting, in New Bedford, on January 1st, held under the auspices of the colored clergy.  Resolutions express support and joy at the Proclamation.  One resolution includes, “we would also remember, with heartfelt gratitude to God, the name of William Lloyd Garrison, whose unwearied exertions and self-sacrifices, with those of his noble coadjutors, have been chiefly instrumental in bringing about the present hopeful crisis in the cause of human freedom.”

January 30, 1863

Here is a petition, addressed to the General Court of Massachusetts. An introduction says, “we publish it with the hope that it may be circulated extensively for signatures, so as to challenge the most serious attention…..the laws pertaining to those who are alleged to be insane are not what they ought to be to ensure absolute justice to the accused, but give scope for the exercise of tyrannical power whereby the weak and defenceless are crushed,, and all chance of redress rendered hopeless……”

February 6, 1863

A brief note that “a Washington correspondent says it is probable that an African bureau will be added to the Interior Department upon the application of the Emancipation  League of Boston, recommending the establishment of a bureau of emancipation….”

February 6, 1863

A bill has  been approved in the US House of Representatives, which authorizes the President to enroll volunteers of African descent in the armed forces….also stipulates that no officer of African descent shall have authority over a white officer…. “

February 20, 1863

The colored citizens have met at the Joy Street church “for the purpose of awakening interest in the new enterprise of forming one or more negro regiments in this Commonwealth.”   Judge Russell and Wendell Phillips, and Robert C. Morris, Esq., are reported as speakers.  Phillips encourages enrollment:  “Your success hangs on the general success.  If the Union lives, it will live with equal races.  If divided, and you have done your duty, then you will stand upon the same platform with the white race….”