the point
of marching to the frontier when peace was proclaimed."--_Ibid._, pp.
14-17-18.[2]

And even in the slave States, where might reasonably be expected,
nothing but bitter hate and burning revenge to exist--where the
displeasure of Heaven and anger of God was invoked--where it is thought
the last glimmering spark of patriotic fire has been quenched, and every
aid withheld--even there, in the hour of their country's danger, did
they lay aside every consideration of the ten thousand wrongs
inflicted--throw in their contributions, and make common cause.

Says Mr. Nell, "The celebrated Charles Pinkney, of South Carolina, in
his speech on the Missouri question, in defence of the Slave
representation of the South, made the following admission:--They (the
colored people) were in numerous instances the pioneers, and in all the
labors of our army. To their hands we are owing the greatest part of the
fortifications raised for the protection of the country. Fort Moultrie
gave, at an early period of inexperience and untried valor of our
citizens, immortality to the American arms." And were there no other
proof on record, the testimony given to the brave followers of the
renowned hero of Chalmet Plains, would of itself be sufficient to
establish the right of the colored man to eligibility in his native
country. "In 1814," continues Mr. Nell, "when New Orleans was in danger,
and the proud criminal distinctions of caste were again demolished by
one of those emergencies in which nature puts to silence for the moment
the base partialities of art, the free colored people were called into
the field in common with the whites; and the importance of their
services was thus acknowledged by General Jackson:--

"HEAD-QUARTERS SEVENTH MILITARY
DISTRICT, MOBILE, SEPTEMBER 21, 1814.

"_To the Free Colored Inhabitants of Louisiana:_

"Through a mistaken policy, you have heretofore been deprived of a
participation in the glorious struggle for national rights, in
which _our_ country is engaged. This no longer shall exist. As
sons of Freedom you are now called upon to defend your most
estimable blessings. _As Americans_, your country looks with
confidence to her adopted children, for a valorous support, as a
faithful return for the advantages enjoyed under her mild and
equitable government. As fathers, husbands, and