Gov. Andrew ready to enlist blacks

The Secretary of War has written to Gov. Andrew, asking how soon he might raise more infantry regiments for the war.  The Governor’s reply includes this challenge…. ” If the President will sustain General Hunter, and recognize all men, even black men, as legally capable of that loyalty, the blacks are waiting to manifest, and let them fight with God and human nature on their side, the roads will swarm, if need be, with multitudes, whom New England would pour out to obey you call…..”   (Liberator, May 30, 1862, pg 2, from the NY Times)