We in
the army are doing what we can, but we must be backed up by those
who stay at home. My own feeling is that slavery has received its
death-blow. It may continue to live for some years, but it has
fallen from its pomp and pride of place. It is tottering to its
fall. What shall be done with the negroes in the transition state
will be a problem for statesmen to consider. I don't think we
need fear the consequences of doing right, and on this subject
there can be no doubt of what is right; The apparent
insensibility and brutish ignorance which we find among some of
the slaves will wear away under happier influences.
"There is a little fellow of perhaps a dozen years who comes into
our camp and runs of errands and does little services for the
men. Yesterday morning he came to my tent, and with a grin, said
to me, 'De ol' man died last night.'
" 'What, your father?' I inquired in surprise.
" 'Yes, massa,' with another grin: 'Goin' to tote him off dis
mornin'.'
"As he only lived a quarter of a mile off, I got permission to go
over to the house, or cabin, where Scip's father had lived.
Pages:
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270