The long spectral hand on the clock of American history points to the completion of the second decade since the American slave became an American citizen. How wondrous have been his strides, how marvellous his achievements! Twenty years ago we were in the midst of a great war for the extinction of slavery; in this anniversary week I complete my task, record the results of that struggle. I modestly strive to lift the Negro race to its pedestal in American history. I raise this post to indicate the progress of humanity; to instruct the present, to inform the future. I commit this work to the considerate judgment of my fellow-citizens of every race, "with malice toward none, and charity for all."
HOFFMAN HOUSE, NEW YORK CITY, Dec. 28, 1882.
_CONSERVATIVE ERA--NEGROES IN THE ARMY AND NAVY._
Commencement of the Nineteenth Century.--Slave Population of 1800.--Memorial presented to Congress calling Attention to the Slave-trade to the Coast of Guinea.--Georgia cedes the Territory lying West of her to become a State.--Ohio adopts a State Constitution.--William Henry Harrison appointed Governor of the Territory of Indiana.--An Act of Congress prohibiting the Importation of Slaves into the United States or Territories.--Slave Population of 1810.--Mississippi applies for Admission into the Union with a Slave Constitution.--Congress besieged by Memorials urging more Specific Legislation against the Slave-trade.--Premium offered to the Informer of every illegally imported African seized within the United States.--Circular-letters sent to the Naval Officers on the Sea-coast of the Slave-holding States.--President Monroe's Message to Congress on the Question of Slavery.--Petition presented by the Missouri Delegates for the Admission of that State into the Union.--The Organization of the Arkansas Territory.--Resolutions passed for the Restriction of Slavery in New States.--The Missouri Controversy.--The Organization of the Anti-slavery Societies.--An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery in New Jersey.--Its Provisions.--The Attitude of the Northern Press on the Slavery Question.--Slave Population of 1820.--Anti-slavery Sentiment at the North 1
Employment of Negroes as Soldiers in the War of 1812.--The New York Legislature authorizes the Enlistment of a Regiment of Colored Soldiers.--Gen. Andrew Jackson's Proclamation to the Free Colored Inhabitants of Louisiana calling them to Arms.--Stirring Address to the Colored Troops the Sunday before the Battle of New Orleans.--Gen. Jackson anticipates the Valor of his Colored Soldiers.--Terms of Peace at the Close of the War by the Commissioners at Ghent.--Negroes placed as Chattel Property.--Their Valor in War secures them no Immunity in Peace 23