told his hearers, also, that the war is over, and that the interests
of Tennessee and other southern states must naturally draw them to
the Republican party. He spoke to attentive ears."

The speech was reprinted and had considerable circulation, but,
like the shadows that pass, it is probably forgotten by all who
heard or read it. I consider it as one of the best, in temper,
composition and argument, that I ever made.

It had been arranged that I was to be driven to Saint Paul's chapel
after the meeting. The occasion was the assemblage of the educational
association of the African Methodist Episcopal church, and their
friends. The chapel was a large, handsome, well-furnished room,
and was crowded to the door with well-dressed men and women. Dr.
Bryant made an address of welcome, and Bishop Turner introduced me
to the audience. I made a brief response and excused myself from
speaking further on account of fatigue. General Grosvenor and ex-
Senator Warner made short speeches. Our party then returned to
the hotel. To me this meeting was a surprise and a gratification.
Here was a body of citizens but lately slaves, who, in attendance
on religious services and afterward remaining until a late hour
listening to us, behaved with order, attention and intelligence.
The report of my remarks, as given in their newspapers, was as
follows:

"Senator Sherman said that the praise of himself had been too high.
He had voted for the emancipation of the negro race in the District
of Columbia, an event which had preceded the emancipation proclamation
of Abraham Lincoln. He supported it as a great act of national
authority and of justice. Therefore, he could appear as a friend
of the race and of liberty. He had not voted for it because they
were negroes, but he had voted for it because they were men and
women. He would have voted for the whites as well. He spoke of
the society and said any measure that would tend to elevate the
race he was in favor of. What the race wanted was not more rights
but more education. Their rights were secured to them by the
constitution of the United States, and the time would come when
they would enjoy them as freely as anyone. They should not be
impatient to advance. Prejudice could not be overcome in a short
period. He said the best way to overcome all prejudice was by
elevating themselves; but not by gaudy extravagance, groans, abuse,
war, or tumult of war. They had the same right to