Whittier’s “Song of the Negro Boatmen” strikes us as possessing more of the elements of poetry, pathos, and music of rhythm in its verses than almost any song which we remember. We are surprised that it has not already been set to music. With an appropriate melody, it would fasten itself upon the popular heart as few songs have ever done. —Norfolk Journal.
(Liberator, Feb 14, 1862, pg 3)
