December 30, 1864
“The abolition of slavery in this country is the release of a population as large as that of all New England from a tyranny which crushed all the rights and claims of human nature at a blow; which left to its victims nothing but the capacity to suffer, and the absolute duty to be submissive to their pretended owners as though they were created to be ‘yoked with the brute and fettered to the soil…emancipation, therefore, meets them just where slavery leaves them - in need of everything that pertains to their physical, intellectual, and moral condition…… we regard the various Freedmen’s Associations now in operation as trustworthy mediums, and deserving of general encouragement in proportion to the catholic spirit in which they are organized……in this connection it is due to the American (Boston) Tract Society to say, that it is largely concentrating its means and efforts for the elevation of the liberated bondmen, and adapting its publications to their understanding and needs with excellent judgment, on a liberal scale…”
December 30, 1864
Here is notice that the subscription price of the paper will be increased, from $3 to $3.50 per year.
December 2, 1864
With attention to the question of an amnesty for rebelling states and reconstruction of the government, this discussion ends with an affirmation of Lincoln’s assertion that “whether members sent to Congress from any State shall be admitted to seats, constitutionally rests exclusively with the respective Houses, and not to any extent with the Executive….Let Congress therefore act independently, and up to its full prerogative, and at the same time aim to preserve as much unity of action as possible with the Executive. “
November 11, 1864
“No Presidential Election has ever occurred at all comparable in magnitude, solemnity and far-reaching consequences to the one which came off on Tuesday last. The hosts of freedom and the powers of despotism met in a death grapple, and the latter have been sent howling to the pit from which they emanated, while the former are singing songs of praise and thanksgiving. The doom of Rebellion and Slavery is now irrevocably pronounced. “
October 14, 1864
This is a telegraphic report of the Boston Journal, of the Convention, held in Syracuse. Douglass was chosen as permanent chairman. Others noted for leadership include, J. B. Smith, Garnet, Wm. Wells Brown, John S. Rock, and J. Sella Martin. Resolutions are passed which include a declaration of rights, claiming the right of citizenship for the colored people of the nation.
October 7, 1864
William Cooper Nell writes to Garrison, and includes portions of letters he has received from four colored soldiers. “They contain a record of aspirations cherished, heroic deeds performed, a patience and perseverance under trying circumstances, and withal, an eagerness to improve their mental powers, worthy of the highest commendation.”
September 23, 1864
Douglass writes about a letter of his recently sent to an English correspondent, and published subsequently in the Liberator. Douglass comments on that letter, and in the context, recalls some of his previous criticism of Lincoln, and reasons why he has withheld his support from Lincoln. He says that circumstances have now changed, and he now urges that “every man who wishes well to the slave and to the country should at once rally with all the warmth and earnestness of his nature to the support of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson……”
September 9, 1864
A large and enthusiastic meeting was held to celebrate the recent victories of the Union army at Atlanta and Mobile. Speakers include Gov. Andrew, Senators Wilson and Sumner, and there is discussion of how negotiations for peace might best proceed.
August 26, 1864
Addressed to Garrison, Tappan regrets that he cannot attend a meeting to which Garrison has invited him, in Philadelphia, due to his age and infirmity. “During the years that have intervened since we last met, I have often recalled the time when we were united in working for the slave, and regretted than any occurrences should have estranged us from each other.”
August 26, 1864
From the N. Y. Tribune, here is an article, which positively affirms the condition of slaves emancipated a year ago by Holland, in Surinam. The writer quotes from a minister who is superintendent of mission-work in Surinam, and the article is intended to indicate the successful current results of emancipation.
