Letter from "Waif" p.1
Dublin Core
Title
Letter from "Waif" p.1
Description
"Mr. Editor:—It was my intention never again to write on political subjects, but the spirit moveth me and I must speak. There has been much talk about the Brannan Guards not appearing on the Fourth of July, and one of your correspondents even goes so far as to censure them for it.
The place assigned this company by the committee of arrangements was the rear of the ninth division, and I give them the credit of believing that they (the committee) felt this a flagrant outrage upon this body of men—hence their name was omitted from the programme. The first and second divisions were composed of the different military companies. I am glad our men did not appear, and hope they will never consent to form the rear guard of such a procession as turned out in our streets on the Fourth of July.
In the late rebellion the colored men proved their valor, their patiotism and devotion to a country which has never protected them, and cared nothing for them, except in a state of servitude. They did cry once since the war, “Let traitors take back seats;” but the time has changed since then, and everything goes to indicate that traitors can now come forward and give up their seats to loyal black men—and they wearing the uniform of the United States.
It is useless to expect people with thinking minds to look upon these wrongs unmoved; and it is impossible to bear all things in silence. The great fault with our people is their apathy and apparent indifference to the ills they duffer from. They do not cry out “Enough,” and if they give one howl over some glaring act of injustice, they immediately put their hands over their mouths to stifle the sound.
Abraham Lincoln, by the stroke of a pen struck the shackles from the limbs of four millions of human beings, but he had it not in his power to unfetter the minds of his white brethren; nothing but an Omnipotent hand can do that. If we take up the motto of this great and good man, and work faithfully for each other’s interest, our friends would be more willing to assist us.
The dear old flag waved gaily on the Fourth of July, and somehow the sight of its folds inspired me with the true feeling of patriotism, which I possess as a birthright; for try as I will, I cannot but remember that my forefathers too fought, bled and died to achieve the independence of these United States. Hence I am a true patriot; I honor the flag and love my country.
When we complain of the prejudice of the Irish, we can only look to the Americans as the teachers of this people. The Irishman, fresh from oppression, deams not of a rave inferior to himself; so degraded is his own condition, that to reach America and this be freed from oppressive laws is the aim and end of his existence. He knows nothing of the sweet boon of American liberty—the liberty to oppress his fellow-men, and to join the Democratic party to still further his object. When the son of Erin makes these discoveries, and becomes the tool and victim of the above named faction, he is indeed a zealous convert, his native ignotance adding zest to his hatred. The Republican party was defeated in this State at the late gubernatorial election on account of its prejudices. Will it suffer this ignominy again to fall to her lot? We hope not. May the writer of this live to see our country redeemed from the errors of which slavery was the first fruits. And to see emblazoned upon her banners, “Equal Rights to all Men!” With suffrage gained, and good schools established for the thorough education of our children, we can be content to walk anywhere in a procession. If we have any aspiration, now is the time to show it."
The place assigned this company by the committee of arrangements was the rear of the ninth division, and I give them the credit of believing that they (the committee) felt this a flagrant outrage upon this body of men—hence their name was omitted from the programme. The first and second divisions were composed of the different military companies. I am glad our men did not appear, and hope they will never consent to form the rear guard of such a procession as turned out in our streets on the Fourth of July.
In the late rebellion the colored men proved their valor, their patiotism and devotion to a country which has never protected them, and cared nothing for them, except in a state of servitude. They did cry once since the war, “Let traitors take back seats;” but the time has changed since then, and everything goes to indicate that traitors can now come forward and give up their seats to loyal black men—and they wearing the uniform of the United States.
It is useless to expect people with thinking minds to look upon these wrongs unmoved; and it is impossible to bear all things in silence. The great fault with our people is their apathy and apparent indifference to the ills they duffer from. They do not cry out “Enough,” and if they give one howl over some glaring act of injustice, they immediately put their hands over their mouths to stifle the sound.
Abraham Lincoln, by the stroke of a pen struck the shackles from the limbs of four millions of human beings, but he had it not in his power to unfetter the minds of his white brethren; nothing but an Omnipotent hand can do that. If we take up the motto of this great and good man, and work faithfully for each other’s interest, our friends would be more willing to assist us.
The dear old flag waved gaily on the Fourth of July, and somehow the sight of its folds inspired me with the true feeling of patriotism, which I possess as a birthright; for try as I will, I cannot but remember that my forefathers too fought, bled and died to achieve the independence of these United States. Hence I am a true patriot; I honor the flag and love my country.
When we complain of the prejudice of the Irish, we can only look to the Americans as the teachers of this people. The Irishman, fresh from oppression, deams not of a rave inferior to himself; so degraded is his own condition, that to reach America and this be freed from oppressive laws is the aim and end of his existence. He knows nothing of the sweet boon of American liberty—the liberty to oppress his fellow-men, and to join the Democratic party to still further his object. When the son of Erin makes these discoveries, and becomes the tool and victim of the above named faction, he is indeed a zealous convert, his native ignotance adding zest to his hatred. The Republican party was defeated in this State at the late gubernatorial election on account of its prejudices. Will it suffer this ignominy again to fall to her lot? We hope not. May the writer of this live to see our country redeemed from the errors of which slavery was the first fruits. And to see emblazoned upon her banners, “Equal Rights to all Men!” With suffrage gained, and good schools established for the thorough education of our children, we can be content to walk anywhere in a procession. If we have any aspiration, now is the time to show it."
Creator
N/A
Publisher
San Francisco Elevator
Date
1868-7-24
Collection
Citation
N/A, “Letter from "Waif" p.1,” African American Fourth of July, accessed April 29, 2024, https://africanamerican4th.omeka.net/items/show/283.