Item about the meeting in Philadelphia, called “in favor of filling up the 54th Mass. Regiment. ….. The hall was crowded and considerable enthusiasm was manifested…… Several leaders speak and recommend that all should endeavor to fill up the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, and when authority is granted for colored enlistments in Pennsylvania, then Philadelphia can raise her brigade. ….A colored man in the audience arose, and made a few very sensible remarks, which were received with loud applause. He stated that the colored people were a forgiving race, and although they had been deprived of their rights, yet he knew they were willing to forget all, and rally round their country’s flag at that moment when their services were most needed…..”
(Liberator, April 17, 1863, pg 2)
