Washington Reading Prayers in His Camp

The title of this picture is “Washington Reading Prayers in His Camp.” Even though the picture below may not be of a specific instance, there is documentation (located below the picture) to show that George Washington encouraged prayer amongst the troops and friendly Indian tribes.


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William Fairfax, Washington’s paternal adviser, had recently counseled him by letter, to have public prayers in his camp;1 especially when there were Indian families there; this was accordingly done at the encampment in the Great Meadows and it certainly was not one of the least striking pictures presented in this wild campaign—the youthful commander, presiding with calm seriousness of a motley assemblage of half-equipped soldiery leather-clad hunters and woodsmen, and painted savages with their wives and children, and uniting them all in solemn devotion by his own example and demeanor.2

The first decisive indication of his principles on this subject, with which we are acquainted, appeared during the encampment at the Great Meadows, in the year 1754. While occupying Fort Necessity, it was his practice to have the troops assembled for public worship. This we learn from the following note, by the publisher of his writings. “While Washington was encamped at the Great Meadows, Mr. Fairfax wrote to him; ‘I will not doubt your having public prayers in the camp, especially when the Indian families are your guests, that they, seeing your plain manner of worship, may have their curiosity excited to be informed why we do not use the ceremonies of the French, which being well explained to their understandings, will more and more dispose them to receive our baptism, and unite in strict bonds of cordial friendship.’”
“It may be added, that it was Washington’s custom to have prayers in the camp while he was at Fort Necessity.”3


Endnotes

1 William Fairfax to George Washington, July 10, 1754, National Archives.
2 Washington Irving, Life of George Washington (New York: G. P. Putnam & Co., 1856), I:116.
3 E. C. M’Guire, The Religious Opinions and Character of Washington (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1836), 136, quoting: Jared Sparks, The Writings of George Washington (Boston: Russell, Odiorne, & Metcalf, 1834), 2:54.

The Death of General Braddock

Edward Braddock, the commander of the British forces who was killed in the Battle of Monongahela was hastily buried as the British retreated before the French and Indian army. George Washington, having been General Braddock’s Aid-De-Camp, filled in for the wounded chaplain and read the funeral prayers over General Braddock’s body.


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The litter on which he lay was set down, and his remaining officers gathered sadly around it. As a last token of gratitude to his young volunteer aid, for his noble devotion and heroism, he gave him a splendid charger and his own body servant. A brief farewell—a faint gasp—a weak struggle—and Braddock lay a corpse in the forest. A grave was hastily dug in the center of the road, to conceal it from the Indians, into which, with his sword lain across his breast, he was lowered. Young Washington read the funeral service by torchlight over him, the deep tones of his voice interrupted only by the solemn ‘amen’ of the surrounding officers—the open grave, and beside it the pale face of the sleeper, combined to form a scene at once picturesque and most solemn. A mark was left to designate the spot, and the army again defiled though the wilderness.1

For additional information about the Battle of Monongahela, check out The Bulletproof George Washington


Endnotes

1 Hon. J. T. Headley, The Illustrated Life of Washington (New York: G. & F. Bill, 1859), 60. See also, Washington Irving, Life of George Washington (New York: G. P. Putnam & Co., 1856), I:201.

The USS Arizona sinks after it's bombed during the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941.

WWII Japanese Leaflets

During World War II, American bombers dropped millions of leaflets over Japan to warn citizens of events such as upcoming bombings and surrender terms. Below is a collection of Japanese language leaflets from the WallBuilders library (translations have been provided when found).


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Translation of text on the front:

After establishing strange bases in New Guinea, the American forces made their advance to the Philippines and finally cut the supply lines which link Japan with the Southern Regions.

Translation of text on the back:

Treasure trove of the South Seas
The U.S. military is advancing into Japan every moment. It’s getting close to distortion. Due to the success of the battle to recapture Hishima, Japan the waterway linking Japan to the Southern Ocean was completely cut off. As the strength of the US military in the Philippines continues to grow, the navy extends its influence to Thailand, France, and France, and the air force and the US military extend their influence by sea from the Ryukyu Islands to Saigon, attacking ships and military facilities. On the other hand, on the Japanese side, not only the navy, but the sky is the one that should be protected. As long as this situation continues, it will be absolutely impossible for Japan to reopen the waterway to the South Seas. Only by having enough supplies could the war be continued.


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Translation of text on the back:

What good is money in the bank or in bonds? Buy articles you need now and buy articles for future use. The remaining supply is low. As a result of bombing by America, many of your stores will close their doors while others will be open only for limited periods. Buy food, clothing, and other necessities to tide you over these periods. Money will not satisfy your hunger or clothe you. Bonds will not satisfy a baby’s cry. A wise person would buy now, not save his money. The present is not a time for money. It is a period for goods.


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Translation of text on the back:

In 1930, when the gumbatsu [a name for a “militarist clique” in Japan] had not yet started the war in China, you could buy the following items for 10 yen: 1) 25 sho of good rice. 2) Or, material for 8 summer kimonos. 3) Or, 4 bags of charcoal. In 1937, after the start of the China Incident, you could buy the following for 10 yen: 1) 25 sho of low grade rice. 2) Or, material for 5 summer kimonos. 3) Or, 2 bags of charcoal. Today, after waging 3 years of hopeless warfare with the world’s greatest powers, you can buy the following for 10 yen: 1) 1.2 sho of good rice on the black market. 2) Or small amount of charcoal, if you can get it. 3) Cotton material, nothing. This is what your leaders call co-prosperity.


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Translation of text on the back:

Boasting that their defense was an iron wall, the militarists asserted that the Japanese Navy and Air Force would annihilate all who attacked the homeland. Today, those militarists stand powerless while the U.S. Navy and Air Force attack Japan at will and with increasing fury. It is clear that the Japanese Navy and Air Force cannot defend the homeland. It is also clear that the militarists, whose so-called defense was merely an empty word, are not worthy to be leaders. The full force of the American attack has not yet been felt. When it comes, the destruction will be pitiless and complete. The militarists cannot save Japan by their boasts, but the people can save their country by unconditional surrender.


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The translation of the above leaflet is found below (right click on the image to view a larger version).

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Translation of text on the back:

Now that American forces are invading your island, your lives are in danger. Beaches will be bombed and shelled in order to weaken the Japanese Army and prepare for American troop landings. However, bombs dropped from planes and shells from battlehsips may land anywhere. Civilians who remain in coastal areas will be destroyed together with Japanese soldiers and installations used by the Japanese Army. If you value your lives, follow these instructions: 1. Stay away from all coastal areas. 2. Stay away from American parachute troops. If you make no signs of resistance, they will not harm you. 3. Wear light colored clothing so that you may be easily identified. 4. Send some representatives to obtain food and water from the Japanese Army. 5. Until further instructions are issued from the American forces, withdraw and seek safety. 6. Those who obey our instructions will get food, clothing and water. 7. Do not hide near your homes or join the Japanese soldiers in caves or houses. 8. Do not approach us until instruction is given. 9. Watch for later leaflets which will tell you how to avoid harm. The American troops do not want to harm you. Therefore it is your duty and to your benefit to follow these instructions.


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Translation of text on the back:

The military leaders [suffered?] repeated crushing defeats and began to defend the country by using their own houses as a defensive base. They are trying to hand over responsibility for the defense of the country to the people of the country. How could civilians, non-combatants, carry out a defense operation that had failed when an army with special combat training had failed? When the American army began its offensive against Japanese soil, no matter how stubbornly the Japanese people tried to defend themselves, no matter how hard they tried to defend themselves, they would not be able to [win?]. Attacks based on raw military power are truly frightening, and they completely destroy even the public. The people of Japan are now sacrificing their own lives, not to mention each city, and there is absolutely no hope of saving Japan. The only way left is to surrender unconditionally, and only then could the Japanese population be able to return to the peaceful life of the pre-war era.


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Translation of text on the back:

These leaflets are being dropped to notify you that your city has been listed for destruction by our powerful air force. The bombing will begin within 72 hours.

This advance notice will give your military ample time to take the necessary defensive measure to protect you from our inevitable attack. Watch and see how powerless they are to protect you.

We give the military clique this notification of our plans because we know there is nothing they can do to stop our overwhelming power and our iron determination. We want you to see how powerless the military is to protect you.

Systematic destruction of city after city will continue as long as you blindly follow your military leaders whose blunders have placed you on the very brink of extinction. It is your responsibility to overthrow the military government now and save what is left of your beautiful country.

In the meantime; we urge all civilians to evacuate at once.


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Translation of text on the front:

The Curtain has Dropped. War Starts.

Translation of text on the back:

AMERICAN AIR FORCE HITS TOKYO.

March 9th. 300 bombers air raided Tokyo again, dropping many incendiary bombs that caused huge fire all over the city.

A few hours after those planes left,central Tokyo become a sea of fire.

This is the warning of thousands of bomber attacking the main land of Japan in the near future.

Before this attack (3/9) Feb. 16/17’s bombing of Tokyo 1200, US Airforce hit a crowded factory area. They have dropped over 200 tons of bombs to military related factory and caused a big blow to them. And they came with the same scale of an attack on power plants, hangars, and an Air plane factory.

These attacks are part of upcomimg attacks to the main land.

While these attacks are happening, US Marines landed on Iwo Jima.

Iwo Jima was a stronghold, since Feb. 19 Marines have been conducting the ferocious attacks repeatedly. They keep attacking despite casuaities and are gaining their territory, the Japanese cannot fight back any longer.

Japanese air force and navy can no longer save the 20,000 force on this island because they are surrounded by Marines.

So the time is near that U.S. force will use this island as a base for attacks against all Japanese military facilities in main land Japan.

Losing the supply lines, losing capability of protection, foretelling Japanese military clique’s downfall.

Japanese Soldiers!!!

Tokyo became the battle field and it’s a begging of many attacks on the home land.
Now is the time you need to realize how this war will end.


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Translation of text:

How long will it last? What was the lowest point?


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Translation of text on the front:

Left on the small boat, the Army weeps

Translation of the text on the back:

To Japanese Officers
We are not trying to insult or deride the present condition you are in. Rather, with our experiences on the Battle of Bataan as well as Corregidor, we can’t help but feel deep sympathy for you. At the time we didn’t have any other choices but the actions we took. The reason is that the Japanese Navy had control of the Ses of the Philippines. Since then, the reality of the battle has turned. Who do you think has control of the sea near Japan? The supply ships were coming to you with things you needed. Where are they now? You already know our air force, navy battleships, and submarines inflicted huge damages on the Japanese fleet. Is there a ship still active? There might be a few. But have you seen any lately? The navy probably harbors them in a safe port. You are deserted on the isolated island where no supply ship can come. Well you know this reality.

Black Revolutionary War Soldiers Pay

See the below pay receipt documents from the WallBuilders library. These documents, from 1778, 1780, and 1782, are for three black soldiers who fought during the Revolutionary War.


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1778 Pay Receipt for Pomp Kearns, a member of the Rehobath militia.

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1780 Pay Receipt for Cuff Conomy, a member of the “Connecticut Line.”

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1782 Pay Receipt for Nero Cross, a member of the “Connecticut Line.”

Paying Off the Barbary Pirates

The following document is a type-signed Act of Congress enabling the President to pay the extortion fee to the Emperor of Morocco as a way to avoid conflict in what is now known as the Barbary Wars.The signatures include Speaker of the House, Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, President of the Senate, John Adams, and President of the United States, George Washington.


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Congress of the United States:

At the Third Session,

Begun and held at the City of Philadelphia, on

Monday the sixth of December, one thousand

Seven hundred and ninety.

An Act Making an Appropriation for the Purpose Therein Mentioned

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress, assembled, That for the purpose of effecting a recognition of the treaty of United States with the new Emperor of Morocco,1 there be, and hereby is appropriated a sum not exceeding twenty thousand dollars, to be paid out of the monies which prior to the first day of January next, shall arise from the duties imposed upon spirits distilled within the United States, and from stills by the act entitled, “An act repealing after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead, and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same,” together with the excess of duties which may arise from the duties imposed by the said act on imported spirits beyond those which would have arisen by the act entitled “An act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States.” And the President is hereby authorized to take on loan, the whole sum by this act appropriated or so much thereof as he may judge requisite, at an interest not exceeding six per cent per annum, and the fund established for the above mentioned appropriation, is hereby pledged for the repayment of the principal and interest of any loan to be obtained in manner aforesaid, and in case of any deficiency in the said fund, the faith of the United States is hereby also pledged to make good such deficiency.

Frederick August Muhlenberg,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.

John Adams, Vice-President of the United States,
and President of the Senate.

Approved, March the third, 1791.

George Washington, President of the United States.


1 “Treaty with Morocco,” June 28 & July 15, 1786, The Avalon Project, https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/bar1786t.asp; George Washington to the Emperor of Morocco, March 31, 1791, National Archives.

Battle of Trenton

Below is a picture depicting George Washington in the Battle of Trenton. George Washington’s horse was wounded during the battle.1 The Battle of Trenton marked a significant victory for the American Army. They carried that momentum into another victory a few days later at the Battle of Princeton. Below is an account of God’s Divine protection of Washington.

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Historical Account

The heroism of Washington on the field of Princeton is matter of history. We have often enjoyed a touching reminiscence of that ever-memorable event from the late Colonel Fitzgerald. Who was aid to the chief, and who never related the story of his general’s danger and almost miraculous preservation, without adding to his tale the homage of a tear

The aid-de-camp had been ordered to bring up the troops from the rear of the column, when the band under General Mercer became engaged. Upon returning to the spot where he had left the commander-in-chief, he was no longer there. And, upon looking around, the aid discovered him endeavoring to rally the line which had been thrown into disorder by a rapid on-set of the foe.

Washington, after several ineffectual efforts to restore the fortunes of the fight, is seen to rein up his horse, with his head to the enemy, and in that position to become immovable. It was a last appeal to his soldiers, and seemed to say, Will you give up your general to the foe? Such an appeal was not made in vain. The discomfitted Americans rally on the instant, and form into line. The enemy halt, and dress their line.

The American chief is between the adverse posts, as though he had been placed there, a target for both. The arms of both lines are levelled. Can escape from death be possible? Fitzgerald, horror-struck at the danger of his beloved commander, dropped the reins upon his horse’s neck, and drew his hat over his face, that he might not see him die. A roar of musketry succeeds, and then a shout. It is the shout of victory.

The aid-de-camp ventures to raise his eyes, and 0, glorious sight! The enemy are broken and flying, while dimly amidst the glimpses of the smoke is seen the chief. “Alive, unharmed, and without a wound,” waving his hat, and cheering his comrades to the pursuit.

Colonel Fitzgerald, celebrated as one of the finest horsemen in the American army, now dashed his rowels in his charger’s flanks, and, heedless of the dead and dying in his way, flew to the side of his chief, exclaiming, “Thank God! your excellency is safe!” The favorite aid, a gallant and warm-hearted son of Erin, a man of thews and sinews, and “albeit unused to the melting mood,” now gave loose rein to his feelings, and wept like a child, for joy.

Washington, ever calm amid scenes of the greatest excitement, affectionately grasped the hand of his aid and friend, and then ordered—”Away, my dear colonel, and bring up the troops—the day is our own!”2


Endnotes

1 Bulletin of Information for Cavalry Officers (Washington: October 1920), 510.
2 George Washington Parke Custis, Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington, by His Adopted Son (New York: Derby & Jackson, 1860), 190-192.

American troops land at Omaha Beach during the D-Day landings of 1944.

War Bond Posters

During WWI and WWI, war bonds were sold by the U.S. Treasury Department to help fund the war efforts. To promote the bonds and encourage their purchase by citizens, the government produced posters that would promote patriotism and stir pro-American feelings. Below are some of the official posters printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office; notice that each has a strong religious theme. For example, in the WWII posters, the enemy is attacking the Bible — the book that represented the heart and core of America and her beliefs and values. Notice that in the poster with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a family is gathered around a cross. Others contain Bible themes and even point to the birth of Christ. Among the WWI posters is a mother and child offering a prayer, and an image of religious leader and hero Joan of Arc. Such messages, conveyed by the official mechanisms of the federal government, were never seen to be unconstitutional nor were they even questioned by citizens. To the contrary, Christian and Biblical principles were seen as indivisible from America.


World War II Posters

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World War I Posters

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A member of the American military stands beside a US flag raised after the Battle of Iwo Jima.

John Basilone Magazine Cover

Sergeant John Basilone showed great heroism during his service in WWII. During the Campaign of Guadalcanal (August 1942-February 1943), he and his handful of men were responsible for holding back a Japanese assault on October 24-25, 1942. Throughout this engagement, he personally repaired and manned multiple machine guns. When his small detachment ran low, Basilone fought his way through the Japanese lines to resupply critically-needed ammunition. The Americans eventually won this long campaign. As a result of his actions, Basilone was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Later in the war at the Battle of Iwo Jima (February 19-March 26, 1945), Basilone came ashore with the first wave of Marines. Shortly after landing, his unit was trapped by machine guns from Japanese blockhouses. Basilone worked his way around one of these blockhouses and single-handedly destroyed it. As he was making his way towards an airfield, he came across an American tank trapped in a minefield. While under fire, he guided the tank out of the minefield and to safety. He was later killed by flying shrapnel. Basilone was awarded the Navy Cross for his courageous actions during the battle.

Below is a June 24, 1944 Collier’s magazine cover with a picture of Sergeant Basilone as well as a brief note by him.


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General Order Respecting the Observance of the Sabbath

At the height of the Civil War in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued this General Order regarding the observance of the Sabbath in the military. In his General Order, President Lincoln quoted from two separate General Orders (February 26, and July 9, 1776) issued by George Washington during the Revolutionary War.


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GENERAL ORDER RESPECTING THE OBSERVANCE OF THE SABBATH DAY IN
THE ARMY AND NAVY

EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, November 15, 1862

The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, desires and enjoins the orderly observance of the Sabbath by the officers and men in the military and naval service. The importance for men and beast of the prescribed weekly rest, the sacred rights of Christian soldiers and sailors, a becoming deference to the best sentiment of a Christian people, and a due regard for the divine will demand that Sunday labor in the Army and Navy be reduced to the measure of strict necessity.
The discipline and character of the national forces should not suffer nor the cause they defend be imperiled by the profanation of the day or name of the Most High. “At this time of public distress,” adopting the words of Washington in 1776, “men may find enough to do in the service of God and their country without abandoning themselves to vice and immorality.” The first general order issued by the Father of his Country after the Declaration of Independence indicates the spirit in which our institutions were founded and should ever be defended:

The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN


George Washington’s original General Orders:

February 26, 1776

All Officers, non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers are positively forbid[den from] playing at Cards, and other Games of  chance. At this time of public distress, men may find enough to do in the service of God and their country without abandoning themselves to vice and immorality.

July 9, 1776

The Hon. Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Chaplain to each Regiment, with the pay of Thirty-three Dollars and one third pr month—The Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure Chaplains accordingly; persons of good Characters and exemplary lives—To see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect and attend carefully upon religious exercises. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger—The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.

[Source: The Writings of George Washington, ed. John C. Fitzpatrick (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1931), 4:347, February 26, 1776 Order; Writings (1932), 5:244-245, July 9, 1776 Order.]

Robert Smalls Honored with Medal


The following newspaper article is about the Gold Medal presented to Robert Smalls. Robert Smalls, a former slave at the time of the printing of this article, was pressed into service in the Confederacy as the quartermaster for the steamer Planter. On May 12, 1862 he was given an opportunity, as a result of the removal of the Confederate officers of the steamer, to take the steamer and make his escape. He piloted the steamer to freedom and surrendered it to the Union. The complete story of his inspiring escape can be found in this WallBuilders Newsletter. The New York newspaper, The Evening Post from October 7, 1862, gives the account of the presentation of Smalls with a Gold Medal from the “colored citizens of New York.”


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The Black Hero of the Planter Among His People.

PUBLIC RECEPTION OF ROBERT SMALLS – INTERESTING CEREMONIES AT SHILOH CHURCH

smalls2A great concourse of the colored people of this city assembled last evening at Rev. Henry Highland Garnett’s (Shiloh) Church, at the corner of Prince and Marion streets, to participate in the ceremonies of a public reception and presentation to Robert Smalls , the heroic pilot of the secession steamer Planter, which, with a crew of slaves, he ran out of Charleston harbor, passing six fortifications, including Sumter, and achieving freedom for himself and all on board. The gathering was most respectable in character; nearly all the noted colored men of New York and Brooklyn were present, and the demonstration was in every respect worthy of the occasion. The spectacle of a great and intelligent gathering of black men and women to do special honor to a recognized hero, who has honored not only himself but his race, was sufficiently sublime.

Ransom F. Wake called the meeting to order and nominated J. H. Townsend for President, and twenty vice-presidents, who were elected by acclamation. Mr. Townsend, on taking his seat, made an address, referring in suitable terms to the object of the gathering. A prayer was offered by the Rev. J. T. Raymond [Pastor of First Independent Baptist Church in Boston].

The first regular speech at the meeting was delivered by Rev. S. N. Gloucester, of the Siloam Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn. The speaker reviewed the history of the colored race in this country, form the time of Attocks {sic}, who was murdered in the streets of Boston for his hatred of England and his insults to British soldiers, to the present day. The most notable instances of courage and many resolution that have been developed in all that period, and finally, the crowning act of Smalls, not less difficult nor dangerous than many which have been undertaken that did not prove so signally successful – were referred to by the speaker; and he held that they were sufficient to establish the claims of the African-American race, notwithstanding the disadvantages under which it labored, to respectful recognition among the other races. Mr. Gloucester also spoke of the emancipation proclamation, regretting the delay of ninety days, but regarding it simply as an act of grace, which would not be accepted by the rebels. The hero of the evening received a flattering notice.

robertsmallsThe next speaker was Professor J. B. Wilson, principal of the Brooklyn colored public school. His remarks were directed principally to the question of emancipation, and the condition of the colored people of the South in the new sphere of life which he held they were about entering. He believed the slaves would remain permanently where they are at present – perhaps on the plantations they were now cultivating, and which they would finally possess. The war would, he thought, bring about this result. The colored men would obtain their livelihood as hitherto by the cultivation of the soil; and eventually either by purchase (which was most likely), from the government or individuals, or by possible confiscation and results which might grow out of the war, they would peaceably acquire the lands in small parcels. The fact that if the struggle continues, the rebel male population will be so diminished as to render it impracticable if not impossible for the agricultural interests of the South to be managed by the whites now resident there, had also in the estimation of the speaker an important bearing on the question. The South was the natural home of the blacks; there they desired to remain; and would not be removed, for the reason, if for no other, that as the only available laboring force their place could not be filled. Colonization, while it was unpopular, was yet also, he held, impossible; and the destiny of the southern states was inseparably connected with that of the black race, which constituted the bone and sinew of their prosperity.

Robert Smalls entered the church as Professor Wilson closed his remarks and advanced to the front of the pulpit in company with reception committee. The entire audience, as he was recognized, rose and received him with demonstrations of extreme delight. The scene during the five minutes ensuing was the most remarkable, perhaps, of tis kind that ever occurred. The period of the reception and its object, with the new light the congregation felt was dawning on their race, combined to intensify the welcome and to impart to the cheers and various wild and enthusiastic outbursts of feeling which were manifested, an electrifying effect that can scarcely be conceived. No description that we could give would convey any adequate appreciation of the occasion.

smalls3A gold medal was presented to Mr. Smalls on behalf of the colored people of the city by Mr. J. J. Zuille, in a presentation speech, in which he expressed his doubt if there was a rebel in Charleston, who would have had even the presumption to undertake or the courage to execute such an act as his people has assembled to honor Robert Smalls for accomplishing.

The medal is of gold, and bears a representation of the steamer Planter leaving Charleston harbor, when near Sumter. The federal fleet is seen in the distance. On the reverse it bears this inscription:

“Presented to Robert Smalls by the colored citizens of New York, October 2, 1862, as a token of their regard for his heroism, his love of liberty and his patriotism.”

Mr. Smalls responded. He gave a narrative of his escape, that we need not here repeat. Mrs. Smalls and the little boy Robert were presented to the audience. They were greeted with wild and prolonged cheering.

Professor Reason presented a set of resolutions recapitulating the facts; holding that Smalls was a representative man, and asserting the easy possibility of accomplishing emancipation in the rebel states.

After the resolutions were approved, Rev. Mr. Garnett made a brief speech. He had, he said, always hated South Caroline, but he had reason to change his mind if this (Mr. Smalls) was the kind of men she now presented. He urged his people to wait patiently the President’s emancipation policy, which he thought would result in freeing every slave in this country. Mr. Garnett’s remarks, as well as the remarks of all the speakers, were much applauded.

At 11 o’clock the ceremonies of the reception closed with a general handshaking and congratulations.

We understood that Mr. Smalls will proceed to Port Royal on Monday, and that he will become the regular pilot of the Planter, receiving the government pay and allowances. He was, according to the decision of the government, a one-quarter interest in the vessel, equal to $7,000 which will be paid him. It is stated that the authorities of Charleston have offered a reward of $4,000 for Smalls. He does not, however, propose to return to the rebels until his services can be made available in conducting a Union fleet into the harbor of the cradle of the rebellion.