Civil War Journal

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Recommended: What were the different roles African Americans played in the Civil War

1861, July 16

The battle of Bull Run ended today. Northerners, like myself, know it as Bull Run but the Confederates know it as Manassas. This battle is giving me bad thoughts about the outcome of this war. This was a Southern victory and the Confederate army looks high in spirit and high in confidence, compared to the hurt, tired, and disappointed North. The great leadership of the Confederate generals won this battle. Their plans and attacks were no match for the Union ones. I hope the North can do something to rebound from this great loss, maybe there will be a second battle.

1862, December 31

Today I attended a gathering at the Tremont Temple. It was in Boston so I had to travel a ways. At the Tremont Temple many black, including myself celebrated the issuance of the Emancipation proclamation that is effective at midnight tonight. At the gathering everyone's spirits were high and everybody was excited. The black men who have learned that the Emancipation could mean the end of slavery were as happy as little boys were when they were getting a present. They have forgotten everything bad about being black, but its only temporary, the struggling of slaves and in this time period cannot be measured. At midnight tonight, millions and millions of people's lives will be changed.

1863, January 1

Today, the 1st of January is the day where the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abe Lincoln begins. The streets are filled with free blacks celebrating and rejoicing. People are having parties and celebrating but most of all praying. Groups of blacks are praying together and thanking God for setting them free.

1863, February 24

Today I became an agent for the U.S. Government to recruit Negro soldiers into the Union Army. These black men will be involved in all black regiments and fight the Confederate army. My prediction is that it won't be hard to find willing blacks to fight for the Union. I hope this is successful and the blacks will have a big part in freeing all slaves and winning the Civil War.

1863, February 27

Today I issued the "Men of Color, to Arms." This challenge to black men to fly to arms, and smite with death the power that would bury the government and your liberty in the same grave. I worked on the end of my message for a long time to get my point across, it sounded like this, "Remember that in a contest with oppression, t...

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...can still survive without him. He has played a big part in rebuilding this country and if you are Southern or Northern you know that and recognize it.

1865, April

Today I had another speech at the annual meeting of Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society in Boston on "What the Black Man Wants." Basically it was about the rights blacks should have, and how we deserve them now because we are free.

1865, May 30

Another speech to add to my many… I spoke at a memorial meeting on the life and death of Lincoln. Negroes of New York City called this memorial after New York Common Council refused to permit Negroes to participate in the funeral procession when Lincoln's body passed through the city. This was a great way to show how much we appreciate and respect Lincoln.

1865, August 17

Today I thanked Mrs. Lincoln for sending me the president's walking stick. This was a very nice gesture of her and I will cherish this piece of his life.

1865, October

Today I delivered a lecture at the inauguration of Douglass Institute, school for Negro children. I think this school will help the black children learn and become successful in their life. I am glad I am making a difference.

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