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INTRODUCTION
THE colored
race have been generally considered by their enemies,
and sometimes even by their friends, as deficient in
energy and courage. Their virtues have been
supposed to be principally negative ones.
This little collection of interesting incidents, made by
a colored man, will redeem the character of the race
from this misconception, and show how much injustice
there may often be in a generally admitted idea.
IN considering the services of the Colored Patriots of
the Revolution, we are to reflect upon them as far more
magnanimous, because rendered to a nation which did not
acknowledge them as citizens and equals, and in whose
interests and prosperity they had less at stake.
It was not for their own land they fought, not even for
a land which had adopted them, but for a land which had
enslaved them, and whose laws, even in freedom, oftener
oppressed then protected. Bravery, under such
circumstances, has a peculiar beauty and merit.
It is to be hoped the reading of these sketches will
give new self-respect and confidence to the race here
represented. Let them emulate the noble deeds and
sentiments of their ancestors, and feel that the dark
skin can never be a badge of disgrace, while it has been
ennobled by such examples.
And their white brothers in reading may remember, that
generosity, disinterested courage and bravery, are of no
particular race and complexion, and that the image of
the Heavenly Father may be reflected alike by all.
Each record of worth in this oppressed and despised
people should be pondered, for it is by many such that
the cruel and unjust public sentiment, which has so long
proscribed them, may be reversed, and full opportunities
given them to take rank among the nations of the earth.
H. B. STOWE.
Andover, October, 1855.
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