The following brief
account of the organization of a colored military
company in Boston, accidentally omitted from the
body of this work, is inserted here, (though
somewhat out of place,) as a matter too important to
be overlooked in a book of this character: -
The "Massasoit Guards," a military company originating
among some of the colored citizens of Boston, having
been refused a loan of State arms, have equipped
themselves in preparation for volunteer service.
They do not wish to be considered a caste
company, and hence invite to their ranks any
citizens of good moral character who may wish to
enrol their names.
Many query, "Why call themselves 'assasoit
Guards?' why not 'Attucks' Guards,' after one of
their own race, and the first martyr of American
Independence, on the 5th of March, 1770?
Perhaps, as the name of Attucks has been already
appropriated by colored military companies in New
York and Cincinnati, they accepted Massasoit as
their patron saint. He was one of those Indian
chiefs, who, in early colonial times, proved himself
signally friendly to the interests of the Old Bay
State. Their pride of loyalty may have
prompted the choice, though we believe a better
selection could have been made. Still, if they
are satisfied, the preferences of others are
superfluous.
We earnestly hope they will revive the efforts for
erasing the word white from the military
clause in the statute-book, for, until that is
accomplished, their manhood and citizenship are
under proscription.
----------
ERRATA.
Page 19, in
the sentence from Mr. Parker, read Crispus
for Christopher.
Page 21, for Salem, read Peter Salem.
Page 112, third line
from bottom, read J. S. Rock, M. D.
Page 157, five lines
from top, read fractional for practical.
Page 181, third line
from bottom, read John Boyer Vashon.