January 6, 1865
The editor comments on the beginning of his work, recalling his work with Benjamin Lundy, and indicates that since he started his work at twenty-three years of age, “we are not venerable in years, as some imagine us to be”. …he indicates that Stanton and Lincoln, whom he met at the recent Baltimore Convention, in June, both remarked that they expected him to appear older than he does. “We are not unfrequently asked, whether we ever expected to live to see the marvelous revolution which has taken place in the views and feelings of the people, as to the duty and necessity of the prompt and utter extinction of slavery. Our reply is, that we were never much given to conjecture on the subject.”… He then indicates a belief that the nation is being punished for its sin of slavery, and here he remembers Jefferson’s fear of God’s justice. “The precise manner of our national punishment was hidden from all eyes, but of its certainty and severity none who believed in the indissoluble connection of retribution with sin could doubt…..As that vast system of robbery and cruelty is the essential cause of this awful visitation, so its instant and total abolition will give the land rest, stop the effusion of blood, and procure for us, as a people, an enduring union based on liberty and justice for all, whereby; our peace shall be like a river, and our prosperity as the waves of the sea.”
January 13, 1865
A celebration of the second anniversary of the Proclamation was held at the Twelfth Baptist Church, Southac Street. The presence of Sen. Wilson is especially noted.
The day included a parade and dinner of the Shaw Guards.
There are also articles about similar Celebrations in New Bedford, and Providence.
January 20, 1865
At a Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Masons meeting, a letter from Gov. Andrew to Hayden, is read. With the letter, the Gov. sends “a gavel made from a piece of the whipping-post at Hampton, Va….I also place in your hands, for the same purpose, a rude boat of straw, made in the woods by a poor refugee from slavery, Jack Flowers, ….I know of no place more fitting for the preservation of these memorials of the barbarous institution that is now tottering to its rapidly approaching fall, than the association of free colored persons of Massachusetts over which you preside….”
January 20, 1865
Here is an item from L.M.C. (Presumably L. Maria Child), in which she tells of viewing a bust of Col. Shaw, created by Lewis. “I thought the likeness extremely good, and the refined face had a firm yet sad expression, as of one going consciously, though willingly, to martyrdom, for the rescue of his country and the redemption of a race….
January 27, 1865
The editor writes of the time when he and those who agreed with him “stood alone” in the matter of demanding immediate and unconditional emancipation. The November vote at the polls encourages him that now “..abolitionists find their strongest utterances against slavery every where acceptable, and repeated with emphasis and popular applause by the most influential men in Church and State.”….Then he quotes from a letter which had appeared in the Commonwealth, from London. “The anti-slavery men of America are just now supping with the men whose chief political recreation, up to the war, was to break up their meetings, and hurl bricks at the heads of their leaders….As Mr. Garrison is now with the majority, it is to be hoped that the strange phenomenon has been wrought by the majority coming over to him.”
February 3, 1865
“It is with devout thanksgiving to God, and emotions of joy which no language can express, that we announce to our readers the passage through the U.S. House of Representative, on Tuesday, last, of the proposed; amendment of the Constitution, in concurrence with the Senate, and the requisite two-thirds vote, abolishing and prohibiting slavery in every part of the republic! It is the greatest and most important event in the history of congressional legislation. It is better than all the military and naval victories of the war.”
February 17, 1865
From Harper’s Weekly, this article commends that “Missouri has emancipated herself; Illinois has thrown off her black laws.”, and then hopes that New York and other states will do the same…Suppose that sensible men and women now emancipate themselves from the black law of a most cruel and senseless prejudice.”
March 3, 1865
This article, by C. K. W., tells of a meeting at the Melodeon, at which physicians and others spoke of the work done at this hospital. “Another great object of the institution is the competent instruction of female students of medicine. It accomplished much not only in the care of the sick, but in the education of women….”
March 10, 1865
The Address is printed here, with this introduction: “It is without a parallel for brevity, and also for the contrite spirit and reverent recognition of the chastising hand of Divine Providence for our great national sin of slavery. It will inspire fresh confidence in the integrity and firmness of the President touching that hateful system, and deepen the popular feeling as to the duty and necessity of utterly abolishing it in the present struggle.”
March 17, 1865
‘The steps of the slave auction-block were placed upon the stage, and in front of the organ were suspended the large gilt letters: “MART”, which was the sign of the auction establishment where human beings were bought and sold. Upon the desk was placed the lock of the outside iron door where women were examined before the sale…..Garrison was called upon. “On ascending the slave steps for the purpose of ‘putting the accursed thing under his feet’, the scene was one of unusual interest and excitement, the audience raising thunders of applause and waving hundreds of white handkerchiefs for a considerable interval..”
