THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
FROM THE VIRGINIA PLANTATION
TO
THE NATIONAL CAPITOL
OR
The First and Only Negro Representative in
Congress from the Old Dominion
JOHN MERCER LANGSTON
ILLUSTRATED.
Self-reliance the secret of success
HARTFORD, CONN.
AMERICAN PUBLISHING COMPANY
1894
Copyright 1894
By JOHN MERCER LANGSTON
(A 'I rights reserved)
E
1
W14
Gbis Book 110 IRespectfulty Debicatcb
To the young, aspiring American, who, by manly and
self-reliant effort, would gain standing and influence, serving
his day and generation by such personal accomplishment
and useful, heroic achievement, as show him worthy of his
citizenship.
God and Destiny shall prove themselves the sure sup-
ports of such person, bearing him to victory in every con-
test. He has only, therefore, to be true, brave and faithful,
to win the highest rewards of dignified life, as bestowed in
honors and emoluments by his fellow-citizens.
1344812
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE.
FROM PLANTATION TO CAPITOL, Frontispiece
PORTRAIT OF JOHN MERCER LANGSTON, 1894, . . Facing Page u
LEAVING THE VIRGINIA PLANTATION, 31
THE RETURN OF COLONEL GOOCH AND JOHN, 50
THE ADMISSION TO THE OHIO BAR, 1854, 125
PRESENTATION OF COLORS TO 5rrH U. S. COLORED TROOPS, CAMP
DELAWARE, OHIO, 1863, 210
ADDRESSING THE COLORED TROOPS AT NASHVILLE, TENN., 1864, . 228
AFTER THE SPEECH AT LOUISA COURT HOUSE, VIRGINIA, 1867, . . 270
VISITING THE GRAVES OF HIS PARENTS, 272
BOARD OF HEALTH, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, .... 318
PORTRAIT OF SALOMON, PRESIDENT OF HAITI, 393
ADMISSION TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON,
SEPTEMBER 23RD, 1890, 498
MAKING HIS FIRST SPEECH IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
JANUARY 16, 1891, 514
HILLSIDE COTTAGE, WASHINGTON, D. C., 521
PORTRAIT OF Miss. NETTIE D. LANGSTON, 527
PORTRAIT OF MRS. J. M. LANGSTON, 531
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Parents and Birthplace — Emancipation Deed of his Mother — Will
and Testament of his Father— The Four Orphans, . . .11
CHAPTER II.
Settlement of his Father's Estate— Changes upon the Plantation —
Uncle Billy Quarles — The Fugitive Slave — The Preparation and
Departure for Ohio— Arrival at Chillicothe 23
CHAPTER III.
Becomes a Member of the Gooch Family— Col. Wm. D. Gooch —
The Family — Early Education—" Westward, Ho ! " the Popu-
lar Sentiment — Starts for Missouri with the Goochs — The Court
Interferes and Requires his Return — The Separation from his
Friends, 37
CHAPTER IV.
The Great Change— Receives needed and valuable Discipline under
Mr. Long— Goes to Cincinnati— The Limited Educational
Advantages Offered the Colored Youth there— Deep Seated
and ' Growing Sentiment against the Colored People— Cowardly
and Deadly Attack upon them in 1840 — Dark Days, . . -54
CHAPTER V.
Colonel Gooch visits him — The Promise which he did not Keep —
Returns to Chillicothe — High Record in School — " You Have
in you, John, all the Elements of an Orator," . . . .68
CHAPTER VI.
Decides to go to Oberlin College— His Arrival— First Impressions
— The First Year — Success as a Country School-teacher —
Returns to College—" We do not Entertain Niggers "—
Graduates, 1849. .......... 77
vii
viii CONTENTS.
PAGE.
CHAPTER VII.
Oberlin. its Community and its College-The » Oberlin Movement "
-The Founders of the College-Oberlin, a Leader and Re-
former-The " Liberty School "-Fugitive Slave Population-
•• What shall I do ? " 97
CHAPTER VIII.
Seeks Admission to a Certain Law School, but is Denied—" I am a
Colored American "—"I Do not need Sympathy," . . .104
CHAPTER IX.
Studies Theology— Refuses many Desirable Calls— Studies Law in
Judge Bliss' Office— Makes Rapid Advancement— Admitted to
the Bar, 1854, I]
CHAPTER X.
Purchases a Farm— Rural Life— His Disagreeable Neighbor— A
Negro-hater— His First Case— Success and Pocket Full of
Retainers— Strong Anti-negro Sentiment in Ohio— " That
Darkey is too Smart for You " — His Marriage 126
CHAPTER XI.
Anniversary Meeting, American Anti-Slavery Society, May, 1855—
His Speech >47
CHAPTER XII.
Sells his Farm and Settles in Oberlin— His new Home—" A Nigger
Lawyer "—Resents an Insult and is a Winner — His Practise
and Success as the Colored Lawyer of Ohio— His First Colored
Client I56
CHAPTER XIII.
A Rare and Interesting Case which Tested his Powers, . . • i?1
CHAPTER XIV.
Prophetic Events Preceding the great Struggle and Overthrow of
Slavery — Negro-catchers in Oberlin — Kidnapping of John Price
—The Rescue— Arrest of Citizens, their Conviction and Release
—John Brown, Jr. visits him— Three Oberlin Men Join John
Brown's Immortal Spartan Band, 181
CHAPTER XV.
Recruits Colored Troops for the National Service— The 54th Massa-
chusetts—The 55th Massachusetts— The 5th United States
Colored Troops . .198
CONTEXTS. ix
PAG E
CHAPTER XVI.
First Official Errand to the National Capital— General Lee's Sur-
render— Assassination of Lincoln — Colored Camp at Nashville
— The Fugitive Slave Again, . . . . . . .218
CHAPTER XVII.
Early Labors and Observations among the Freed People— First
Official Trip through the South — His Faith in his People — The
Colored Women, 232
CHAPTER XVIII.
First Professional Call to Washington— Appointed General Inspector
of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands —
Mr. Langston and the Republican Party— Visits his old Home
— Lousia Court House, 249
CHAPTER XIX.
His Labors in the South — Their Influence and Effect — President
Johnson opposed to General Howard— Action of General Grant
—Prosperity of the Colored People in the Old North State—
His Popularity in the Carolinas, ...... 275
CHAPTER XX.
Founds and Organizes the Law Department of Howard Univer-
sity—Is made its Vice and Acting President— Ralph Waldo
Emerson visits the University— First Lady Law Student, . . 296
CHAPTER XXI.
President Grant Appoints him a Member of the Board of Health of
the District of Columbia — Personnel of the Board— Resigna-
tion—Resolutions and Gifts of his Associates 318
CHAPTER XXII.
Three Great Enterprises — Charlotte Scott — The Lincoln Monument
—Freemen's Saving and Trust Company— Minor Normal
School, 335
CHAPTER XXIII.
Appointed Minister-resident and Consul-general to Haiti — Arrival
and Reception — First Impressions— Haiti and the Haytians—
Port-au-Prince, 350
x CONTENTS.
PAGE.
CHAPTER XXIV.
The Legation and Residence of the American Minister— San Souct
— Diplomatic and Consular Services and Achievements— Our
Trade with Haiti greatly Increased—" The Haytians have gone
crazy on American Blue Denims," 375
CHAPTER XXV.
Suit against the United States Government for Balance of Unpaid
Salary-— Judgment Secured— Paid in Full— The Case a Preced-
ent of Importance 4°i
CHAPTER XXVI.
Accepts the Presidency of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Insti-
tute— His work of Organization — The School Flourishes under
his Guidance — Gen. Fitzhugh Lee 409
CHAPTER XXVII.
Resigns the Presidency and Leaves the Institute — Beloved by his
Scholars— Their Expressions of Friendship 425
CHAPTER XXVIII.
. Nominated to the Fifty-first Congress — Opposed by General
Mahone — " No colored man would be allowed to stand " — The
" N*gger " must be Beaten— The Black Belt of Virginia— The
Campaign — " Harrison, Morton and Langston's Invinci-
bles," 438
CHAPTER XXIX.
Election Day, November 6, 1888— Represenatives at Every Polling
Place — Voting in Petersburg — The Result — Counted Out —
Fights for his Seat and Wins— Admission to the House of
Representatives, September 23, 1890 474
CHAPTER XXX.
Congressional Experience and Record — Close Observation of House
Affairs— The Fifty-first Congress and its Leaders— Its Important
Enactments— Mr. Langston Returns to his District at Close of
Session— Visiting his Constituents— First Speech— Bills Intro-
duced—Declines Nomination to Fifty-third Congress, . . 504
CHAPTER XXXI.
Description of Hillside Cottage and Surroundings— The Family-
Arthur, Ralph, Nettie and Frank ; their Education, Marriage,
etc.— The Grandchildren— Mrs. Langston— Mrs. Fidler— Miss
Percival— The old Home in Virginia, ... .521
PORTRAIT OF JOHN MERCER LANGSTON, 1894.
CHAPTER I.
PARENTS AND BIRTHPLACE.
JOHN MERCER LANGSTON was born upon a plantation,
located three miles from Louisa Court House, in Louisa
County, Virginia, on the I4th day of December, 1829.
The plantation was a large one, beautifully located and
well appointed in every respect. It was fully furnished with
slaves, according to the custom of the times, and being of
rich, fertile soil, was made valuable in the cultivation of
products peculiar to that section of the State and the coun-
try.
Upon this plantation, after the manner and habit of the
wealthy slave-holding classes, there were found the Great
House, occupied by the owner for his own special accom-
modation ; the smaller, though in this case the equally
important one, used as the residence and home of the
favored slave of the place ; with such usual quarters as
were necessary to meet the demands of the common slaves,
engaged in ordinary field and other services.
The owner of this plantation was Captain Ralph Quarles,
a man of large wealth, having in his own right great landed
possessions, with many slaves. His social relations were of
excellent character, as his name imports, among those
acquainted with his family. He was a person of broad and
varied education, with a love of learning and culture remark-
FI
12 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
able for his day ; while his habits of leisure, natural inclina-
tion and circumstances, offered abundant opportunity, with
such influences as contributed to the enlargement and per-
fection of his general information. His views with regard
to slavery and the management of slaves upon a plantation
by overseers, were peculiar and unusual. He believed that
slavery ought to be abolished. But he maintained that the
mode of its abolition should be by the voluntary individual
action of the owner. He held that slaves should be dealt
with in such manner, as to their superintendence and
management, as to prevent cruelty, always, and to inspire
in them, so far as practicable, feelings of confidence in their
masters. Hence, he would employ no overseer, but, divid-
ing the slaves into groups, convenient for ordinary direction
and employment, make one of their own number the chief
director of the force. Of course, on this plan, care must be
exercised, in his judgment, to prevent any feelings of
jealousy, or misunderstanding, among those whose benefit
was sought. With such views put in practice upon his
plantation, it is not difficult to perceive, that his course
would attract attention, with comment not always approv-
ing; often, in fact, severe and condemnatory. Besides, such
course, finally, as was natural and inevitable, under the cir-
cumstances, wrought social ostracism, compelling one hold-
ing such views and adopting such practices, to pursue
exclusive life among his own slaves, with such limited society
otherwise, as might be brought by business interests, or
merely personal regard, within his reach. Thus situated, it
was not unnatural for such person to find a woman, a com-
panion for life, among his slaves, to whom he gave his
affections ; and, if forbidden by law to sanctify, in holy wed-
lock, their relations, to take and make her, Heaven approving
their conduct, the mother of his children.
Captain Quarles came of an ancestry distinguished for
the vigor of its intellect and the robustness of its manhood.
Once fixed in its convictions and determinations, nothing
seemed able to hinder or change its course of action. The
son of such ancestry was loyal and patriotic, not only as a
PARENTS AND BIRTHPLACE. 13
matter of duty, but by reason of the very elements and
instincts of his nature. So that, at the call of his country,
in the Revolutionary times, he made quick response and
served with such courage and devotion, as to win not only
the military title ascribed to him, but distinction among
her best and bravest sons.
The woman for whom he discovered special attachment
and who, finally, became really the mistress of the Great
House of the plantation, reciprocating the affection of her
owner, winning his respect and confidence, was the one
whom he had taken and held, at first, in pledge for money
borrowed of him by her former owner ; but whom, at last,
he made the mother of his four children, one daughter and
three sons. Her name was Lucy Langston. Her surname
was of Indian origin, and borne by her mother, as she came
out of a tribe of Indians of close relationships in blood to
the famous Pocahontas. Of Indian extraction, she was
possessed of slight proportion of negro blood ; and yet, she
and her mother, a full-blooded Indian woman, who was
brought upon the plantation and remained there up to her
death, were loved and honored by their fellow-slaves of every
class. Lucy was a woman of small stature, substantial
build, fair looks, easy and natural bearing, even and quiet
temper, intelligent and thoughtful, who accepted her lot
with becoming resignation, while she always exhibited the
deepest affection and earnest solicitude for her children.
Indeed, the very last words of this true and loving mother,
when she came to die, were uttered in the exclamation,
" Oh, that I could see my children once more ! "
As early as 1806, as her emancipation papers show, Cap-
tain Quarles set Lucy and her daughter Maria, then her
only child, at liberty. Subsequently, three other children,
sons, were born to them ; and, though it may be indirectly,
they were certainly and positively recognized by Captain
Quarles, as his children, in his last will and testament.
The emancipation deed of Lucy and her daughter Maria
reads as follows :
i4 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
•• Be it known to all whom it may concern, that I, Ralph Quarles of Lousia
-County, do hereby liberate, manumit, and set free my negro slaves Lucy, a
"woman, and Maria a girl, daughter of said Lucy; and I do hereby renounce
"forever all right, jurisdiction, authority, and power, which I have, or may
"lawfully exercise, over the said slaves. And I do hereby declare the sa.d
"slaves to be henceforward free persons, at liberty to go when and where they
•' please, and to exercise and enjoy all the rights of free persons so far as I can
"authorize, or the laws of Virginia will permit; and I hereby bind myself, my
« heirs, executors, etc., to warrant and forever defend to the said Lucy and
"Maria their right to freedom, clear of the claims of all persons whatsoever.
« In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal and signed my name,
" this first day of April one thousand eight hundred and six.
" (Signed) RALPH QUARLES."
The three sons born to such parents were Gideon Q.,
Charles H., and John M. Langston ; the children under the
circumstances following the condition of their mother and
bearing her name.
That portion of the last will and testament of Captain
Quarles, which has to do with the three sons here mentioned,
is contained in the following words :
" In the name of God, Amen ! I, Ralph Quarles, of the County of Louisa, and
" State of Virginia, reflecting on the uncertainty of human life, have thought
" proper to make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and
" form following, that is to say :
" 1st. I desire that out of the money that I may have at my death and the
"debts that may be owing to me at that time, all my just debts and necessary
" expenses may be paid.
" 2d. I give and devise to Gideon Langston, Charles Langston, and John
" Langston, the three youngest children of Lucy, a woman whom I have eman-
" cipated by a deed of emancipation bearing date the first day of April one thou-
" sand eight hundred and six and duly admitted to record in the Clerk's Office of
"the County Court of Louisa, to them and their heirs forever all my lands lying
" on Hickory Creek and its waters in the County of Louisa together with all my
" stock of horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and bees, and household and kitchen f ur-
"niture, and plantation and all other utensils of every sort whatsoever, including
" wagons, carts and still, and all the grain of every kind, and all the hay and
" fodder, and dead victuals that I may have on the above-mentioned lands at the
' time of my death, and also all the crops of every kind that may be growing there-
" on at that time to be equally divided among them whenever they may think
" proper to divide it. But if the said Gideon Langston, Charles Langston, and
" John Langston should wish to remove to some other place during the time
" between my death and the time of the youngest of them coming of age, then and
" in that case it is my will and I do hereby direct that my executors, the survivors
" or survivor of them may sell the above-mentioned lands and lay out the
PARENTS AND BIRTHPLACE. 15
" money arising from the sales thereof in such other lands as they the said
" Gideon Langston, Charles Langston, and John Langston may wish it laid
•' out in. And I also give and devise to them the said Gideon Langston.
" Charles Langston, and John Langston and their heirs all the money that I
" may have at the time of my death, and also all the debts of every description
" that may be owing to me at that time except what I have hereinbefore
" particularly disposed of and what I may hereinafter particularly dispose of,
"and I desire that my executors, the survivors or survivor of them may
" either lay out that part of the above-mentioned money and debts which they
" the said Gideon Langston, Charles Langston and John Langston may be
" entitled to in lands or put it out at interest for their benefit until they
"severally attain the age of twenty-one years, and as they attain that age pay
"them their equal parts. And I moreover give to them the said Gideon
"Langston, Charles Langston and John Langston and their heirs all my
" United States Bank Stock, and also all my Virginia Bank Stock, and desire
" that my executors the survivors or survivor of them may receive the dividends
" as they become due on the said Bank Stock and apply the money to the
"support and maintenance of them the said Gideon Langston, Charles
" Langston, and John Langston if necessary, if not put it out at interest till
"they severally attain the age of twenty-one years, and as they attain that age
"pay them their equal parts of the said Bank Stock and interest, if any, that
" may have accrued.
" And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint Mr. Nathaniel Mills and Mr.
" William D. Gooch, and my nephews David Thomson and John Quarles
"executors of this rny last will and testament, hereby revoking all other or
" former wills or testaments by me heretofore made. The foregoing will is
" wholly written by myself and will therefore require no subscribing witnesses
" to prove it.
" In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this
" i8th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
" thirty-three.
" (Signed) RALPH QUARLES."
It is apparent from the gifts of landed and personal
property made in his will that Captain Quarles regarded the
sons of Lucy, described therein, as sustaining peculiar
relations to him as well as to her ; and, hence, his unusually
generous and considerate treatment of them. Could
his tender care of them, in their extreme youth, and his
careful attention to their education, as discovered by him
as soon as they were old enough for study, be made known,
one could understand, even more sensibly, how he loved
and cherished them ; being only prevented from giving them
16 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
his own name and settling upon them his entire estate, by
the circumstances of his position, which would not permit
either the one or the other. He did for his sons all he
could; exercising paternal wisdom, in the partial distri-
bution of his property in their behalf and the appointment
of judicious executors of his will, who understood his
purposes and were faithful in efforts necessary to execute
them. Thus, he not only provided well for the education
of his sons, but, in large measure, made allowance for their
settlement in active, profitable business-life.
The Virginia plantation upon which John, like the other
sons, was born, and spent the first and tenderest years of
his life, was one of the very best and most wisely-ordered
of his native State. It was fertile, handsomely located, in
the midst of a beautiful section of the country, and
surrounded by other extensive, rich and productive farms,
distinguished for their improvements of valuable and
excellent character. The owners of several of these plan-
tations, the most desirable, were blood connections of
Captain Quarles. All of such plantations were cultivated
by slave labor. Whatever may have been the rigor of its
management upon other plantations of the neighborhood,
upon that upon which the sons of Lucy Langston were
born and spent their early lives, no one witnessed, in dealings
had with the slaves thereupon, any other than mild, well
tempered and considerate treatment.
For twenty years before his death, no white man resided
upon his plantation other than Captain Quarles himself.
No overseer was employed ; and none other than a single
young colored boy, one of the slaves, was punished in any
wise during such period. He had persistently disobeyed
the orders of his superintendent after being several times
warned and directed by his owner ; and, thus, incorrigible,
deserved and received merited correction only.
Indeed, Captain Quarles, by reason of his personal con-
victions and opinions, with respect to the humane and con-
siderate treatment of all slaves, sought to demonstrate,
upon his own plantation, the wisdom and advantage of
PARENTS AND BIRTHPLACE. 17
such plans of management, as were calculated to develop
the self-respect and self-reliance of every slave. He
allowed and tolerated, therefore, no abuses, outrages, or
severe and unnatural scourgings upon his place ; but culti-
vated kind, and so far as practicable, indulgent treatment
of every one. So he gained the respect and confidence of
all, and might very well trust his people, as was his habit,
to govern and direct, largely, their own movements. To
this end, he divided his slaves, as already stated, and fur-
nishing superintendents and managers of their own number,
easily accomplished his purposes.
In the midst of such conditions of slave life and the so-
cial environments connected therewith, the boy John
began life, influenced by such knowledge of his father, who
always treated him tenderly and affectionately, and by such
loving care of his mother, as seem natural and inevitable.
In their advanced age, as late as 1834, Captain Quarles
and Lucy Langston, after brief illness, on the part of either,
died upon the plantation, where they had lived so long to-
gether. The former, as he neared his end, requested and
ordered, that Lucy, when she died, should be buried by his
side, and, accordingly, upon a small reservation in the plan-
tation, they sleep together their long quiet sleep. While
the humblest possible surroundings mark the spot of their
burial, no one has ever disturbed or desecrated it.
During his last sickness, Captain Quarles was attended
only by Lucy, her children, and his slaves. During the
two days his body lay upon its bier, in the Great House, it
was guarded, specially and tenderly, by the noble negro
slave, who, when his master was taken sick suddenly, and
felt that he needed medical assistance, without delay, but a
few nights before, hurried across the country to the home
of the physician, and secured his aid for his stricken owner.
The beautiful day on which he was borne from his house
to his last resting-place, by his slaves, and, in the midst of
their tears and sobs, committed to the earth till the great
Resurrection, was only surpassed in its brightness, its splen-
dor and glory by the other day which quickly followed,
i8 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
when Lucy, who had fallen asleep in her own house, at the
other end of the garden, was borne thence to her grave by
his side, in the arms of the same true, considerate, Christian
people, many of them, then slaves, but on the verge of
their emancipation and freedom.
Among those who followed their aged parents to the
grave, were their own children, the one daughter and
three sons, already named. Of such children, Maria was
the only one who, born before her mother was set free, was
like her a slave ; and, hence, was made the subject of eman-
cipation. Far older than either of the other children, she
had not only experienced, in this single way, the deep in-
terest which her father took in her; but in every attention
given to her support, education and improvement, she had
enjoyed the most abundant evidence of his fatherly disposi-
tion toward her, and his constant solicitude for her welfare.
At the time of her emancipation, Maria was esteemed a
young girl of fine looks, intelligent and well behaved.
Early care was shown for her improvement ; and though
she was not taught with the same thoroughness as her
brothers, who were by many years her junior, her education
was not neglected, and her knowledge of books was unusual,
certainly for a girl of her class — even for any young girl
of her times. She spelled, read and wrote well, being rea-
sonably advanced in all the ordinary elementary English
branches. Besides, she was not without that sort of general
culture, gained at home, in rather intimate association with
her father, who, as already stated, was not only a man of
excellent native endowment, but learning and refinement.
Attractive as Maria was, for the reasons indicated, as
well as others, it may not be considered surprising that she
married early in life, upon the approval of her father, who
thereupon located her, in handsome manner, upon a plan-
tation in his own neighborhood, which he bought and gave
her. He purchased the person, who was her husband, as
he did several other slaves, men and women, and gave
them all to his daughter. For many years, this remarkable
woman, the only daughter of Ralph Quarles, conducted
PARENTS AND BIRTHPLACE. 19
not only all her household and domestic affairs generally,
with wisdom and success ; but all her business matters,
growing meantime a large number of sons and daughters,
maintaining her family, constantly, in respectable and pros-
perous social condition. Through her influence and her
own efforts, every son of hers and every daughter was given
a reasonably fair English education, with instruction in
every sort of domestic and plantation industry, with sound
moral and religious training. Her children numbered in all
twenty-one persons. And, it is not known to-day! when or
where, any son or daughter of hers, has failed in manly or
womanly duty to the community. Besides being persons
of fair looks, substantial physical development and sound
mental endowment, the children of Maria have not failed
to so improve themselves as to be able to exert wholesome
educational and moral influence upon their own offspring;
and thus perpetuate the character and teachings of parents
and grand-parents, who must ever be loved, honored and
revered.
Maria lived to be an aged woman ; and she and her hus-
band, Joseph Powell, were grateful enough, as they were
permitted to see one after another of their family to better
their condition, as believed, some married, others still single,
leave their old home for a new and improved one, in what
was then the western State of Ohio.
Finally, these excellent parents, the wife dying first and
the husband following shortly thereafter, were gathered in
their long sweet sleep to the father and mother of the wife,
who had gone before them.
The other children, the fruits of the union between Cap-
tain Quarles and Lucy Langston, were the three boys named,
born, respectively, in 1809, 1817, and 1829. The first of
these boys was Gideon, born on the I5th day of June in the
year indicated. Cared for by his mother and nurse in ten-
der affectionate manner, he soon reached his seventh year
in playful, interesting life on the plantation. At this age,
he was a bright, intelligent, active, promising young lad, of
remarkably good looks and manly bearing. His father
20 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
manifesting the deepest interest in him, sought by his own
efforts and influence to give him such thorough English
education, with general information and mental and moral
improvement, as to make him a useful man. The boy was
in no wise wanting in native aptitude for intellectual accom-
plishments—even for earnest, persistent and protracted
study. Nor was he found averse to any one of the require-
ments enjoined upon him by his instructor. He was re-
quired to appear, for his recitations, in his father's special
apartments, the year round, at five o'clock in the morning ;
and be ready after his duties in such respect had been met,
at the usual hour, to go with the slave boys of his age to
such service upon the plantation as might be required of
them. Thus his father adopted in his case, the rule of in-
tellectual and manual training at one and the same time ;
so that when he reached his majority, he was well-developed
in body, and strong and firm ; while in intellect, he was well
advanced in English study, with his powers, mental and
moral, in good trim for earnest, scholarly labor, within the
measure and limits of his opportunities.
So much had Gideon followed in look, in physical confor-
mation, mental endowment, temper, taste and disposition,
his father and those of his father's family, that, at his twenty-
first birthday, a very significant addition was made to his
name. Thereafter, he was called Gideon Quarles Langston.
He was a young man then of fine appearance, and impress-
ive and agreeable presence ; and among his friends, he was
always admired as an excellent type of manly character,
made even more admirable by his gentle and pleasing man-
ners. His physical peculiarities were all of Anglo-Saxon
stamp. He was naturally of religious turn of mind; and
discovered under all circumstances becoming interest in
those about him, however humble and lowly, seeking where
possible to render them some service. These traits of char-
acter, especially, were calculated to create and sustain strong
attachments for him, not only among those who resided on
the plantation with him, but among those, who, residing on
neighboring plantations, had made his acquaintance.
PARENTS AND BIRTHPLACE. 21
Charles was sixteen years of age, only, at the death of his
father. In blood, mind and disposition, he partook of the
lineage of his mother. He was not large nor apparently
firm of body ; but well endowed intellectually. His dispo-
sition and temper though ordinarily well controlled, were
not naturally of the easy and even sort. In his constitution,
he was impetuous and aggressive ; and under discipline and
opposition, he was always restive, yet, he yielded with rea-
sonable docility and obedience to the training to which his
father, interested in his education, sought to subject him.
From seven years of age or thereabout, brought under
the tuition of his parent, he made, under the circumstances,
disturbed as he was often by attacks of ill health, unusual
progress in manual and mental improvement. The disci-
pline which was adopted in his case was precisely the same
as that followed in dealing with his brother, Gideon ; and
was, naturally, adapted to the one and the other, in special
sense only, as they differed somewhat in mental make and
moral traits and peculiarities. The difference between the
two boys, in such respects, was as marked and noteworthy
as the diversity in their physical construction. Neverthe-
less the discipline adopted for their improvement proved
to be advantageous, certainly, in large measure to both of
them.
Charles was peculiar in this respect, however, as we shall
see in the sequel, that his knowledge and power in an
emergency never failed him ; and, as a rule, was even then
more vigorous and marked. Early this trait of character
manifested itself. If he mastered study with less facility
and with greater difficulty, by reason of any want of taste in
such regard and application, he was never wanting in orig-
inality and special individual power.
The start which his father gave him in study was of large
service throughout his life; and although his education as
gained by such means was not so thorough and perfect as
that of his brother, it made deep impression upon him and
did more than anything else connected with his life, to in-
duce him to pursue the after-course of study which made
22 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
him stronger, more intelligent and useful in his matured
manhood. Not possessed of Gideon's personal presence,
nor so fortunate as he in favor or manner ; in debate, or in
urgent trying rhetorical effort, while they were both, finally,
men of decided influence in such respects, he far surpassed
his brother, and, as between the two, was by far the most
successful and masterly disputant and orator. Less re-
ligious, naturally, than Gideon ; intolerant from his very boy-
hood of everything like superstition ; demanding always of
his fellow the reason for his faith ; more retiring, more sen-
sitive, and less communicative, while respected and admired
by all who knew him, he was, always, less a favorite, gener-
ally, than his brother.
John, the child of the advanced years of his parents, was
in his fourth year when they died. However affectionately
treated by his father, he was too young for any attempt to
be made at his education. His mother was so situated as to
.make it necessary that care and attention be given him con-
stantly by a nurse. From his birth he was committed to
the care of a slave woman, Lucky. When his father died
and was buried, this woman carried him to the funeral and
the grave. When his mother was dying, she bore him to
her bedside, that the dying mother might give her child her
parting caresses with her lasting benediction. And, when
his mother was buried, it was this woman who took him
to her funeral and grave, and soothed and solaced his agi-
tated, aching little heart with sweet, gentle, affectionate
caresses.
CHAPTER II.
THE SAD SEPARATION AND DEPARTURE FOR OHIO.
HOW many changes depend on death ! The moral and
legal changes which it works are often as marvellous and
surprising as the physical ! Through its agency one goes to
his long home, and his endless sleep ! Another is called to
that condition of active life thereby, in society, sometimes
in wealth, often in responsibility, which tests all his powers,
and makes, or shipwrecks, his future.
The time had come when, through the death of Captain
Ralph Quarles, everybody upon his plantation, his children
and all his slaves, had not only to change their situation,
but most of them to experience a long and final separation.
Property of whatever character, as enjoined by the law, or
directed by the provisions of his last will and testament,
might be distributed and settled upon those in interest with-
out difficulty, or moral shock. The land even, which com-
posed the plantation, which had been for so many years the
home of all now grief-stricken and full of anxiety and solici-
tude for their future, might pass without legal jar by devise
to those who were fortunate enough to have won the con-
sideration of a generous testator. All his property, personal
or real, must now pass, in accordance with lawful or testa-
mentary regulation, to those who, in such regard, might be
esteemed representatives of the dead.
It is easier much to mark divisions in ownership of prop-
erty and alien title and possession thereto, than to sepa-
23
24 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
rate even in prospect of a more fortunate position in life,
those who have, in constant, intimate, friendly association,
spent' their days together, giving one another those evi-
dences of sympathy and kindly affection, which win and hole
the heart of man to his fellow.
Any slaves disposed of, in this case, must go now t
those to whom given. Any of the same class emancipated,
must seek by independent individual effort, in freedom,
their living and support. At all events, the time had come
for each and all upon this plantation to say good-bye and
farewell, the one to the other. A separation, under such *.
circumstances, certainly has features that are sad enough
to those who had lived so long together and so agreeably,
even though most of them had been held as property and
inured to daily tasks, often heavy and trying. Even those
who had been given their freedom found it hard to leave
any of their old comrades, especially as they were to
remain in slavery. Certainly, those allotted to such condi-
'tion, could experience no feelings of satisfaction and pleas-
ure, or resignation of soul, even in a separation which might
send any of their former associates into such liberty as they
might enjoy in a free State of the North. The scene of
grief and sorrow produced by the separation here described,
as the same appears now, in memory, to one, then but a
child, who witnessed it, was sad and affecting beyond hu-
man endurance ; and anyone who was witness to it may
never lose the effect produced upon his heart.
The last will and testament of Captain Quarles, in accord-
ance with whose provisions, he ordered the distribution of
his estate, including all slaves, stocks, and cash, was made
by himself, as he declares, upon due reflection and without
the least undue influence. It is a remarkable paper, and
when understood in the light of the circumstances which
surrounded the testator when published, must be regarded
as one noted for its wisdom and sagacity. In order to the
accomplishment of his purposes with respect to his children,
it was necessary for him to exercise here the largest care
and caution ; and yet his will must be considered as express-
THE SAD SEPARATION. 25
ive in important senses, beyond doubt, of the peculiar views
and maxims which had governed his life.
That which occupied the chief purpose of his mind, fill-
ing the largest place in his heart, commanding his attention
first of all, in making it, was how he could most effectively
and certainly provide for his sons. Though partially
colored, and the children of a woman whom he had owned
and set free, he made them his principal legatees, giving
them in large measure his real and personal property.
Distribution of portions of his estate was so made to near
kinsmen, and in such character and quantity, as to prevent
attempt to set aside his will and nullify his purposes with
respect to his children. Could he have done so safely, he
would have, doubtless, through bequest and devise,
bestowed upon them, large and valuable as it was, his entire
estate, except his slaves. So far as the slaves were con-
cerned, could he have followed his desires and convictions,
he would have emancipated every one of them. He feared,
however, that should he attempt such settlement of his
property and the freedom of his slaves, all his purposes, in
such regard, would have been defeated. According to his
best understanding, he distributed his property, including
his children as specially interested, as already shown ;
and went so far as to emancipate several of the principal
and most valuable of the slaves described in his will. The
language used by him in that section of the will, which re-
spects the liberation of such slaves, is very remarkable. It
reads :
" I do hereby liberate, manumit, and set free my slaves, Billy, Burrel, James,
" Jr. and Arthur, and all other slaves that I may have any right or title to, not
"hereinbefore particularly disposed of; and I do hereby declare the said
"slaves to be henceforward free and at liberty to go when and where they
" please, and to exercise and enjoy all the rights of freedom so far as I can
" authorize or the laws of Virginia will permit. And I do hereby give to the
" said Billy two hundred and twenty dollars ; and to the said Burrel, James,
"Jr. and Arthur, I give each one hundred and twenty dollars, to be paid out
" of the debts that I may have owing to me at the time of my death."
It will not be doubted that Captain Quarles did all in his
power, situated as he was, to serve his own sons, and to
26 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
promote the welfare of his servants. In the appointment
of the executors of his estate, it is a fact, that he chose four
of the wealthiest and most influential men of his county ;
all slave-holders to be sure, but persons well known and
deservedly esteemed. One of them, Col. William D. Gooch,
did not qualify and serve in such capacity, though a special
personal friend of the testator, whose advice was often
sought in matters of business, and upon general subjects of
importance and interest, and whose judgment was wont,
always, to be regarded with sincere consideration and confi-
dence. Colonel Gooch did not serve because before Cap-
tain Quarles died he had concluded to leave the State of
Virginia, and having disposed of his possessions there, set-
tled with his family in Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio.
The other three gentlemen, however, did qualify, and acted
accordingly, as an item of the court record of Louisa
County will show. They did not proceed, however, with-
out giving their several bonds, which aggregated one hun-
dred and eighty thousand dollars, conditioned that they
would honestly and faithfully discharge their duties as
defined and prescribed in the last will and testament under
which they had been appointed. Perhaps, if Captain
Quarles had searched the whole State of Virginia, he could
not have found three persons who would have more impar-
tially, and sincerely and efficiently executed the purposes
and objects of his will ; and, in this connection, it may not
be inappropriate to express, even now and here, the deep
gratitude which all concerned ever felt toward these men,
who failed, in no respect, in the honest and just discharge
of their duties. It is true that the men who thus acted
have been dead many years ; and it is equally true that all
those who were most directly interested in their manage-
ment of the estate upon which they administered, have,
also, been buried for many years past, save the one who
writes these words; and yet, he, moved as he is by feelings
of obligation himself, would record, in earnest phrase, the
indebtedness and appreciation of those who are no longer
able to speak for themselves.
THE SAD SEPARATION. 27
But at last the sad separation comes ! It is final and
decisive in the lives of all those immediately concerned !
Jacob and his wife, Winney, with their daughter, Lucy and
her children, Lucky, Johnson, Martha, Anthony, Edward,
Henry and Ann, are seen busy in preparation for their de-
parture from the plantation. They spend an hour or such
matter in gathering together the remnant of their little
effects scattered here and there. Abram and Lawrence are
employed with looks and manner, significant enough, as
they occupy themselves in like manner and to the same
purpose. At last, these are all ready to take their leave.
Messrs. Ralph and John Quarles, nephews of the testator to
whom these slaves had been given, had already come to take
them to their own neighboring plantations.
Those who were making preparation to leave soon for
Ohio, Gideon, Charles, and John, with Billy, Burrel, James
Jr. and Arthur, appear at the door of the great deserted
mansion, near which their friends, so long their associates,
for whom they bore such cordial attachment, are gathered,
to bid them farewell ! This meeting and this separation
were touching and pathetic enough ! And it was not
unnatural that the white men present, seeing those dark-
hued friends, all in tears, hearing their sighs, and witnessing
other manifestations of their deep grief, should turn their
faces aside, to hide their own agitated feelings, as they
themselves were moved by this heartrending scene of part-
ing.
Abram and Lawrence go off in one direction with their
new master to his plantation. Jacob, with his family, not
separated as to a single member, thank God ! take up their
way, under the guidance of Mr. John Quarles, whom they
shall thereafter serve, to their home a little more distant.
Those who are to take another journey, so entirely differ-
ent— one to freedom in a far-off State — at a day so near at
hand, watch, in affectionate solicitude, those who leaving
are soon lost to sight in the distance. These turn in silence,
then, with heavy hearts to thoughts and duties which press
upon them, in view of those necessary preparations, incident
28 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
to the movements which they must undertake and accom-
plish before their own departure from scenes and surround-
ings in the midst of which they were all born, and which
becoming familiar and pleasant in the growing days of their
Jive's, have won and held their affections.
Two months elapsed in preparation, with such assistance
as the executors, Nathaniel Mills, David Thomson and
John Quarles, could give, by those who would soon make
their westward trip.
During this period, Uncle Billy Quarles, designated in
the will Billy, the most aged, the most largely experienced,
and naturally the most intelligent of the company still
remaining upon the plantation, became by general consent
its guardian and protector. He was withall a very religious
man, noted throughout the neighborhood for his deep piety
and the unction with which he always expressed himself in
favor of pure and undented religion. His utterances
always discovered his constitutional, positive superstition,
• which largely influenced and determined his spiritual faith,
and explained, generally, his acceptance, or rejection, of
any appearance, fact, or unusual movement in nature and
conduct. He was a staunch believer, also, in ghosts. And
not unfrequently, sounds and movements, which excited
his attention and attracted his interest, were ascribed to
such agency, at work for man's good, as he would claim, by
appointment of divine Providence. Had he not been thus
superstitious, afraid of ghosts, and easily disturbed by strange
noises and curious sights, so commonly found figuring in the
imagination of the too credulous Virginia slave of the olden
time, he would have been by reason of his natural endow-
ments and general qualities of character, with his experience
and observation, eminently successful in any efforts which
he might have been called to make, in such capacity.
For several years anterior to the time here mentioned,
the neighborhood in which the plantation spoken of was
located, was famous for the presence of several remarkable
characters, who had left certain plantations located there,
and as fugitive slaves spent their days concealed in the
THE SAD SEPARATION. 29
adjoining forests ; while, during the night-season, they paid
visits to any negro quarters, and sometimes even to other
portions of such places as they desired to, for food or other
necessary thing. Frequently, by their presence as they
first appeared, or were heard, they caused great fear and
trepidation even to those of their dusky friends who knew
them well, and would do whatever they might to shelter
and sustain them.
The most noted among these characters, was a black
man of towering build, strong and sinewy, with hair and
beard quite abundant for his complexion, unkempt and
unshaken, who, with solemn tread and thrilling voice,
periodically leaving his hiding-place, came among those
who had known him from his very youth. Now, however,
they had invested him by reason of his wild, mysterious,
weird character, with all those peculiarities of awe and
dread calculated to inspire fear and trembling in all
those who might witness his ghostly and terror-inspiring
approach. It had been a long time since this particular
person had made his last visit ; and it was generally
believed that he had gone to other more safe and agree-
able parts. Some felt that he had gone to the North.
It might be even to Canada.
The night was a dark one, but not unpleasant by reason
of rain, storm, or chill. It was not unpropitious for such
visit as this fugitive slave now made to the Great House,
where were congregated Uncle Billy and those hoping so
soon to quit the plantation. The hour was early ; and the
promise of a quiet and pleasant night, to all indoors, was
apparent. James was the only one who proposed to dis-
turb the pleasure of the company by absenting himself.
He decided to visit a neighboring plantation. Against this
Uncle Billy offered serious objection, urging among other
things that, since he had been set free and was about leav-
ing the country, it became him, as it did all the others, to
be exceedingly careful how he undertook such enterprises,
under the circumstances. James, however, was persistent,
stating in reply that he was well known to all persons upon
3
3o FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the plantation which he would visit, and no one there would
certainly fail to appreciate, as all would be pleased, with his
call. He had not more than passed the garden gate, when
a strange unusual rap was heard at the door, which threw
Uncle Billy, at once, into great perturbation of mind, as
shown in his exclamation: "There! Somebody is after
that boy, Jeems, now ! " Agitated as he was, he inquired :
"Who is there?" A stentorian, oracular voice replied:
" Open the door." Uncle Billy was not at all reassured ;
but whispered to those about him : " That voice is strange,
and yet it seems to be one I have heard before." Still the
old man was greatly disturbed, and even trembled, as
admission was demanded again by the newcomer, at the
door. Burrel, however, came to his relief, saying as he
threw the door open: "Come in!" A strange towering
black figure entering, said : " Boys, I have come for some-
thing to eat ! "
All present, save John, recognized this wonderful, mys-
terious person, coming from the wilderness, as one whom
they had heretofore seen, and whose presence, and manner,
and words, were not wholly unfamiliar to them. They had
known him to be one who was always terribly in earnest,
never trifling ; and while he found his home in the swamps
and the desert places of the neighborhood, as a fugitive
slave, he would serve no master other than the God who
made him. Such a visit, at such a time, from such a per-
son, was to Uncle Billy the augur of a prosperous future to
those who would go hence to freedom and the blessings
which it might bring. From this time forward, through his
influence, moved as he was by the impression just described,
the whole company pressed the preparations for their
departure with redoubled vigor and enthusiasm.
Gideon, who was a young man of real courage and
business ability, understanding well what was to be done
and how to do it, led and directed in the arrangement of all
those things which must precede their departure for Ohio.
First of all, he secured authenticated copies of free papers,
not only for himself, Charles and John, but for the other
THE SAD SEPARATION. 31
four persons, whom he would conduct safely to their pro-
spective homes in another State. He obtained of the
executors all the means necessary for the journey for the
entire party ; and further insisted that Uncle Billy, Burrel,
James, Jr. and Arthur, be paid the respective amounts due
them under the will.
At this time, no railroads had been built in this section of
the country, and no easy, quick, convenient methods of
travel had been established between the different States
through which they must pass. Special provisions had,
therefore, to be made for a trip such as is here contem-
plated. Conveyances as well as necessary teams must be
provided ; and to this end Gideon selected and purchased
for himself and his brothers a vehicle in those days called a
carry-all, with necessary harness and horses ; and for Uncle
Billy and his companions a light wagon, with harness and
horses, suited to their use. So far as personal outfits,
clothes, hats, shoes, and other necessary things, were con-
cerned, ample provision was made.
All things had been made ready. The final words of
counsel from the executors, especially those of the good
and excellent Nathaniel Mills, had been spoken. The last
kindly farewells of a host of true friends, white and colored,
had been said. And now, early upon a bright and beauti-
ful October morning in 1834, just as the dawn touched the
eastern sky, these inexperienced wayfarers, at the time
appointed, quitted the old plantation upon a journey which
should prove to be to them all a new revelation. No one of
them had ever gone beyond the neighborhood, except
Uncle Billy, who had gone once or twice to Richmond, with
the wagon, to carry tobacco and wheat. The road over
which they were to journey was beset with inconveniences
and difficulties. Besides being mountainous and rugged, it
lay across a country largely without comfortable and
accommodating stopping-places for travellers situated as
these were. It was distinguished as well for the number of
small streams, easily swollen by too frequent rains, which
they must ford, however dangerous to strangers ; and rivers
32 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
which could only be crossed by ferries, with appliances of
the crudest character.
They contemplated their situation, however, with real
courage, and entered upon their journey with true spirit
and purpose. Some anxiety was provoked, in view of the
tender age and rather feeble constitution of John, then
a child in his fourth year only. It was feared, especially by
Uncle Billy, that he could not stand such a hard and fatiguing
trip. Gideon soon quieted such apprehensions by assuring
everyone that he could and would take due care of his
young and delicate brother.
They had journeyed on without special noteworthy
incident for several days, until they had reached the foot of
the Allegheny Mountains, pressing on to the north and
westward. They had driven on, gradually, day by day,
pitching their tents and camping out by night, feeding and
caring tor the teams as thoroughly as they might ; eating
cold food, with warm drinks of tea and coffee, themselves,
according to such supply as they had on hand. The sun
had just gone down, on the evening of the first week after
they had left Louisa Court House. They had just unhitched
and unharnessed the teams ; some were engaged in pitching
the tents, while others went to the limpid mountain stream
near at hand, to bring water for men and beasts; when a
man on horseback, with saddlebags, attired as a traveller,
was seen coming down the highway.
As this man came in sight, Gideon advanced upon him
promptly, as if he recognized him, which was in fact the
case. He addressed him in tender affectionate words, dis-
playing the most cordial conduct towards him ; when all
joined in giving the stranger a warm and hearty welcome.
This person was one possessing large conversational power,
well informed and entertaining. The night was far spent,
the moon had reached well-nigh its setting, before he had
finished his interesting conversation to the tired travellers
— old friends in fact of his, who composed his auditors. He
told much of his home in Ohio : how he lived, and what he
did there ; hotr he was treated by all classes ; when he left
THE SAD SEPARATION. 33
home, and what his experience had been as he journeyed
alone southward to meet those who were now made so happy
by his presence and his prospective assistance. He had left
the town in Ohio, to which these friends and relatives of
his were wending their way, upon the same day, as he sup-
posed, that they had left Louisa Court House ; and had
expected to meet them sooner ; and, if possible, so near
their starting-point, as to make it practicable for him to
hurry on even so far ; spend there at least one day, and
pressing his horse and himself in his return, overtake them
within fifty miles, certainly, westward of the spot where this
agreeable meeting occurred. Now, however, he concluded
to go no further ; but returning at once, direct and guide
those who must travel the road over which he had just
passed.
He had known all the persons in this company of travel-
lers well, before he met them here, except the boy John, to
whom he seemed drawn at once, and whom he constantly
caressed with warm and deep affection. He seemed glad to
hold and fondle him. At one time, he would declare that
the child was the very picture of his mother; at another,
that he was the very image of his father. From day to
day, however, his affection as his interest in and for the boy
seemed to grow and deepen, being manifested, continually,
by loving and tender treatment. Finally, as an expression
of his love for him, having arranged the stirrup-leathers of
his saddle to fit his little legs and feet, he gave him, as he
said, his horse, saddle and bridle. While he directed the
horse, with the greatest care, he placed the child in the sad-
dle to ride, and held him there to his great delight and sat-
isfaction. Such treatment he accorded him, daily, to the
very end of the journey ; and, in a thousand other ways, he
manifested his attachment to him, and won thereby his
fond confidence.
This man, whose name we have not yet given, was Wil-
liam Langston, the eldest of the three first children — one
son and two daughters — born to Lucy Langston, before she
was taken from the plantation into the Great House, made
34 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
housekeeper, and, finally, became the mother of the three
sons of Captain Quarles heretofore mentioned and described.
He was the half-brother, on the mother's side, to Gideon,
Charles and John.
In this solitary place, at the foot of the mountains, for
the first time William met his half-brother John, whom he
had never seen ; for, years before his birth, he, with Mary
and Harriett, his sisters, had been emancipated by Captain
Quarles and sent to Ohio. The sisters, constitutionally
feeble, not standing the severe cold climate of the North,
did not live many years after their settlement in that State.
The brother, however, found himself very much at home
there, and pursuing his trade as a carpenter and joiner, be-
came permanently located at Chillicothe, in Ross County ;
and, at this time, led a most respected and prosperous life.
Having passed over the road which was now being travelled
by those whom he sought to aid, he was well prepared to
give them valuable assistance. This he did ; and by his
presence and guidance contributed not a little to relieve
them of much of the tediousness and fatigue of their journey.
Pushing on, it was not long before the party reached and
crossed by ferry the Kanawa river. Holding steadily on
their way, shortly thereafter they came in sight of the
great Ohio ; and coming upon its banks opposite the town
of Gallipolis, they were at once set across in the same
manner, creating, as they landed in this first town of Ohio,
as they had done in several small ones through which they
had passed in the State of Virginia, no little interest and
concern among its people.
All seemed anxious at first to know who they were;
where they were going; what they were going to do;
whether they were really free ; or whether Gideon was not a
white man and the owner of them all. Any one save the
child of the party was able to answer all such questions to
the satisfaction of any intelligent person ; while William
kept all in good courage by his stout assurances, that these
were good people— inquisitive to be sure, but that they
meant and would do them no harm.
THE SAD SEPARATION. 35
Tarrying in Gallipolis for a single night only, they
pushed on through Gallia and Jackson Counties, reaching a
small negro settlement near Berlin Cross-roads, about
noon on the third day after leaving that town. Here
Uncle Billy, Burrel, James, Jr., and Arthur concluded to
end their journey and settle in new homes. So they did.
They had been careful in the use of their means and were
able to buy small pieces of land, cheap as it was at that
time and in that neighborhood, upon which they might
respectively locate, and by their industry and accustomed
frugality live in reasonable comfort.
Their numbers thus reduced, the other persons compos-
ing the party, with William still accompanying them, hav-
ing in viexv now only their own destination and settlement,
within the next two days found themselves in their bat-
tered and worn carry-all, with horses reduced in flesh — all,
persons, animals and conveyance bearing a wretched and
forlorn appearance — entering the famous, beautiful city of
Chillicothe, once the capital of the State of Ohio.
The excitement produced by the arrival of these strangers
ran high. The inhabitants of this city as well as those of
the neighboring country were, for the most part, Virginians.
Many of the families located here were composed of per-
sons who had known these new-comers as they were sit-
uated and lived in Louisa County. Their arrival had been
expected by many of such persons, who hoped to receive
through them direct and reliable news from friends and
relatives who still resided in the state of their birth, and in
the county from which the Langstons had just come.
They were, therefore, quickly surrounded by representa-
tives of such families ; and upon the streets, even before
they had been able to locate themselves, were plied with
questions, which discovered the anxiety and interest of
those seeking tidings, in this way, from those whom they
loved, and in whose welfare they cultivated constantly the
deepest concern. All. such inquiries were answered as
made ; sometimes briefly and in haste, but at all times with
becoming respect and consideration. It is true, that such
36 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
was the behavior of Gideon and Charles, in such respects,
that they won at once marked attention and favor from
those who questioned them.
Gideon and Charles, by the assistance and guidance of
William, soon found comfortable stopping-places for them-
selves and their team ; while John was carried directly to
the house of Col. William D. Gooch, who had promised his
father before his death, at his own home in Virginia, that
when sent to Ohio, he would take, care for, and educate
him.
CHAPTER III.
COL. WILLIAM D. GOOCH AND FAMILY.
THE family of Colonel Gooch consisted of himself, his wife
and three daughters. Their residence, at the time John
was taken into the household, was situated on the outskirts
of the city of Chillicothe, to the southeastward, near Paint
Creek ; and the house which they occupied was peculiar for
the place, as it was built of stone. Not long after John's
advent, the colonel bought a large and valuable farm, one
mile below the town, in the most fertile part of the Scioto
Valley, upon the Ohio Canal, then the chief public thorough-
fare of the State, running from Cleveland upon Lake Erie to
Portsmouth on the Ohio river.
The home of this family was, in all respects, a model one.
The parents and children were persons of remarkable quali-
ties of character, possessing and cultivating such amiability
of disposition, evenness of temper, and considerate regard
for others and their happiness, as to win and hold every
one's admiration and esteem.
Colonel Gooch himself, in personal appearance and bear-
ing impressed one directly with the exalted chivalrous
manhood which he possessed. In bodily build and develop-
ment he was a prince, discovering in his fine head, pleasant
face, full blue eyes, and well-formed nose, mouth, and chin,
as well as the luminous display of conscious rectitude and
strength found always in his generous countenance, that he
was one who could, indeed, be trusted as husband, father
37
38 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
and friend. There was no responsibility and no risk, which
he was not ready to meet, to promote, defend, and protect
all the interests committed to his care and keeping in such
relations. At times, especially under circumstances which
required of him earnest and deep reflection, he seemed stern ;
and yet, he was possessed of a sensibility as tender as pos-
sible, responsive, ever, to human necessity and trial.
Mrs. Gooch was a woman, wife and mother of rare
elements of disposition and wisdom. Small of stature, but
possessing great natural strength and endurance, she was
constantly and judiciously engaged in cares and duties con-
nected with her family and household. She neglected no
obligation to her husband, or her children; nor did she
hesitate, or fail, in respect to any courtesy, or service, how-
ever disagreeable, due from her to anyone. Her spirit and
temper, in this last particular, were strikingly manifested in
her reception and treatment of the new-comer to her home
and care. It is not difficult to understand what must have
been the condition of John, in person and clothing, neglected
as he had been, in fact, for months, before he left the planta-
tion in Virginia, and, then, directly thereafter spending all
of three full weeks upon the road, in camp at night, and in
carry-all by day. His male relatives and friends, who never
so anxious to serve him, neither possessed the knowledge
nor the patience necessary to the proper care of one so
young. It is true that his brothers and friends did all that
they could for him. But, at his age, and in his situation, he
needed, daily, if not the attention of an intelligent mother,
that of a judicious and painstaking nurse. At a glance,
Mrs. Gooch saw his plight ; and though the task of renovat-
ing his condition was truly a trying and unpleasant one, she
displayed, in view of it, no evidences of hesitation or dread.
So far from this, in less than two hours after arrival and
welcome to the house, he had been thoroughly cleansed in
person, changed in clothing, and given his seat by her own
side at the table about which all gathered for supper. The
various members of the family plied the boy with questions
suited to his age. calculated- to inspire him with feelings of
COLONEL GOOCH AND FAMILY. 39
contentment and satisfaction, manifesting in every word and
act of theirs the deepest interest in him.
Mrs. Gooch at once became his mother to all intents
and purposes ; and during his residence in her family, in
health or sickness, treated him in an endearing, affectionate
manner. She won completely his confidence and fondness.
It is true that John never loved anyone, as mother and pa-
rent, as he did, finally, this worthy woman, behind whose
apron he felt, as against the whole world beside, that he
was in a walled town. Such was the care given him in
every way, that he soon became well known among the
friends of the family throughout the community. And, by
reason of such constant considerate treatment as the whole
family accorded him, he lost measurably his own name in
another given him, and by which he was usually called —
Johnnie Gooch.
The daughters of the family were young ladies of such
culture, beauty and influence, so esteemed in the com-
munity, as to command the special attention of the high-
est and best elements of social life. The two elder were so
far advanced in age, and were of such attractive and pleas-
ing person and character, that within the first two years
after his adoption into the family, John witnessed their
marriage to two foremost business gentlemen of Chillicothe,
Messrs. Fisher and Eggleston. Immediately, they left their
parents, and entered upon earnest substantial life in their
own homes.
Virginia, the youngest daughter, born in the State after
which she was named, was in personal appearance and be-
havior the very likeness of her father, modified only by
her charming womanhood ; while in disposition and temper
she reflected the best possible image of her mother. At
this time, she was a pupil of the then famous and flourish-
ing Young Ladies' Seminary of the city of Chillicothe.
Her conduct and record, as such student, attested the so-
briety of her disposition and her exalted mental endow-
ments. While apt and ready, as a scholar, she possessed,
naturally, such diligence and application as to master and
40 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
retain in her vigorous memory, the most difficult and intri-
cate things of learning, with the greatest apparent ease.
Her love of books was very great and unusual ; and she
never seemed to be really so happy as when engaged in
their study.
Within a very few days after John became a member of
the family, Virginia was directed by her parents to instruct
him, according to his tender ability and understanding.
Upon this duty she entered with such enthusiasm, diligence
and wisdom, as to advance the boy, by means of her oral in-
structions, rapidly ; not only in improved conditions of speech
and manners, but so as to impart a reasonable knowledge,
under the circumstances, of many of the elementary things
of learning. Under her tuition and management, always
so patient and tender, John's progress was so commendable
that not infrequently Colonel Gooch and his wife applauded
him, in view of his success, while they praised and encour-
aged their daughter for her good work done in his interest.
In such happy circumstances, with a guardian entirely
considerate of his welfare in person and property, becoming
to him indeed a father, full of solicitude and affection ; tak-
ing him into his own family, where he found in Mrs. Gooch
all that he needed in a kind and gentle mother, and in Vir-
ginia all that he might hope to find in a devoted sister and
teacher, John spent the early happy days of his life in the
charming home of his father's true and faithful friend.
In his last conversation had with Captain Quarles, just
before he left Virginia for Ohio, Colonel Gooch had dis-
closed to him the earnest purpose of his friend to provide
more thoroughly for the education of his three sons, by set-
tling upon them a reasonable part of his estate ; and by
sending them to a free State, where he was assured they
could gain public educational advantages, and secure such
academic and collegiate opportunities as they might desire.
Captain Quarles insisted that it was his desire, as it was
his purpose, to have them so advanced and improved by
study and learning, as to make them useful, influential
members of society. In this conversation, he advised Col-
COLONEL GOOCH AND FAMILY. 41
onel Gooch, with earnestness, and emphasis, of his anxieties
and desires with respect to his son John. He had not
been able himself to give him a single lesson, nor to make
upon his mind a single educational impression. With press-
ing solicitude, he dwelt to Colonel Gooch upon his wish that
he would take John upon his being sent to Ohio, and while
acting as the guardian of his person and property, look well
and diligently to his education. Upon this last, and seem-
ingly most important matter to Captain Quarles, Colonel
Gooch gave his hearty and sincere promise that he would
spare no pains, no effort and no reasonable outlay, to
accomplish in the case of this boy what his anxious parent
requested.
It was in keeping with such engagement, that the boy
John was received at the house and home of Colonel Gooch,
and was directed and taught in all those elementary
branches of study which proved to be so beneficial to him.
And opportunities of social advancement and improvement
were for like reason accorded him ever, in Colonel Gooch's
own family and among his own wealthy and cultured asso-
ciates and friends. Colonel Gooch meant to keep to the
letter, in its broadest sense, the obligation which he had
assumed with respect to the care, education and culture of
this boy. And the sequel will show even more fully how
his purpose, in such behalf, was firm and decided.
John spent during his stay in the Gooch family, the prin-
cipal part of his time at their beautiful home upon the
canal. To this place the family had moved after he joined
it ; and it was the scene of his chief doings, while a member
of the household. After the family had become located
there he seemed to settle down to real permanent earn-
est life and duty. He acted as if he had in prospect a
future, apparently as propitious and happy as the son of
any home could have sought or desired. Every want and
whim of his was noted and answered ; and every attention
given to his general nurture and admonition. No one tired
of effort in his interest ; and as he grew in years and
knowledge, new plans and endeavors were adopted and
42 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
made to render him, if possible, more satisfied and con-
tented. His cup of happiness seemed to be ever enlarging
itself, and filled to its brim. His recognition and treatment
by the colonel and Mrs. Gooch were of the most fatherly
and motherly character. In his presence and society, as
they seemed to feel, the boy met a want in the household.
Among their children, these aged parents had not num-
bered a son ; and now this lad had become a veritable
scion of their affection and family.
Located upon a farm of such dimensions and value, with
such appointments and service as seemed to be indispens-
able, the situation of this family became as conspicuous as
it was convenient and agreeable. It did not fail to excite
comment, in connection with close observation of the acts
of its members and inmates, comment which was often of
unhandsome and unkind character. One inquired, Where
did Gooch get the money to make this purchase and estab-
lish such a home? Another ventured the opinion that it
.came through the Langston boys, whose Virginia father, as
he said, had made them wealthy. For two of them, as this
person claimed, Colonel Gooch was a retained agent ; and
for the third and youngest, the duly appointed guardian of
person and property. And, hence, allowed a third wiseacre,
he treats his ward as a very son. Like a true and brave
man, Colonel Gooch paid no attention to such absurd specu-
lations ; and the family grew day by day more and more
respected, honored, and influential. Not a single change
was made in the treatment of John, except as already stated,
it became constantly more cordial and pronounced, at home
and abroad.
Time had passed so rapidly, in the midst of such con-
genial, interesting, busy and fortunate circumstances, that
John had already reached and entered upon his eighth year.
At this juncture, the question of starting him to school
regularly was discussed. The distance, quite a mile and a
half, which he must walk morning and evening daily, con-
stituted a very serious objection, as urged by Mrs. Gooch,
in view of his age, size, and inexperience in self-manage-
COLONEL GOOCH AND FAMILY. 43
ment. And this objection was urged so stoutly by her, and
sustained by Virginia, that he was not put to school for all
of three months after the first consideration of the subject.
Finally, Colonel Gooch decided to enter him as a pupil of
the public school, and took the necessary steps to that end.
His regular training by his first, his best, and truest
teacher, was to be interrupted. She had taken him well on
in the easy primary lessons of spelling, reading, geography,
and arithmetic, with simple instruction in printing and writ-
ing the English alphabet ; and had taught him how to
recite, with comparative childish effect, portions of the Ser-
mon on the Mount, as well as other special selections of
the Bible. She would, however, still give him such general,
weekly attention, especially as respected his manners and
behavior, as might be required.
It was upon a beautiful Monday morning, early in 1837,
that Colonel Gooch, with John by his side, left home and
other engagements, to put the lad at school. The novelty
of the enterprise and the interest which it excited, made
it very agreeable to the one to be most deeply affected.
With his little new dinner bucket, so clean and bright, full
of nice things for his lunch, in one hand, and his books in
the other, he moved off, in his neat, trim dress of round-
about and pants of Kentucky blue jeans, with stylish, fash-
ionable cap and shoes, in cheerful spirits, to the experience
awaiting him, which might make, or destroy all his hopes.
For school experiences often handicap and ruin even prom-
ising children, boys and girls.
The distance from home to the schoolhouse seemed short,
and Colonel Gooch with his charge soon stood confronting
the stern but learned principal, with whom he made quick
arrangements for John's entry of the school. This school
was composed of two departments ; one for the larger and
more advanced scholars, and the other for the pupils who
were generally small and of the juvenile classes. To one
of the more advanced classes of the latter department the
boy was assigned and given in charge of a very attentive,
kind-hearted, affectionate teacher, Miss Annie Colburn.
44 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Her pupils occupied the gallery of the Methodist Church,
in which in the absence of a school building, school was
kept. The seats used were made of slabs, supported upon
long round shaven legs at either end and in the center,
without rest of any sort for the back. Nor were desks of
any kind furnished. For six hours daily, however, with a
brief intermission at noon, the pupils of this department
were supposed to be engaged in school duty. Here was a
new and trying experience to John, reared tenderly and in
comfortable conditions as he had been.
As he sat upon his seat, his little legs so short that his
feet did not touch the floor, with no support for his back
or any part of his person, his whole body became so rilled
with pains, acute and annoying, that no twisting or turning
or stretching could or did give relief. In such sad condi-
tion, John, young as he was and inexperienced in any ways
of deception, occupied his time mainly, at first, in concoct-
ing a plan, and made a story accordingly by which he suc-
ceeded, for a few days, in getting out of the school at the
noon intermission to go home. To accomplish this object,
he told his teacher that he was needed at two o'clock every
day to aid in getting up the cows. His statement was
taken as true, and for a week at least, Johnnie Gooch, as he
was then called, might have been seen making his way
down the towpath of the canal to his home.
Finally Colonel Gooch inquired of him, how he got home
so early. He replied briefly, " The teacher lets me come."
He persisted for one or two days more, in coming directly
home at the same early hour, when Colonel Gooch said to
him on the last day, " To-morrow morning, I will go with
you to school to see what this means." Accordingly, the
next morning Colonel Gooch for the second time accom-
panied his ward to the school. Miss Colburn was called,
and upon her explanation of the matter, Colonel Gooch
without even the least admonition to the boy, stated to the
teacher, " that he was not needed at home at all ; that his
whole business was to attend school ; and that he expected
him to do so promptly, according to rule." He had
COLONEL GOOCH AND FAMILY. 45
hardly quitted the school, when Miss Colburn coming to
John and caressing him in her own tender, sweet manner,
asked, " if he was not sorry that he had told such stories."
Feeling even then, as he sat upon a bench too lofty and un-
guarded in every way for his size and comfort, the approach
of the old pains, which he dreaded, he replied honestly.
" No, madam ! " However, such was her kind treatment of
him thereafter, due pains being taken to improve his condi-
tion, that he became earnest in his school work, and although
it was environed by every imaginable inconvenience in the
old church, it was made pleasant and profitable through the
efforts of his patient and faithful teacher.
About this time, people in the State of Ohio, around
Chillicothc. began to have their attention called to the im-
portance and advantage of other movements further west-
ward. Hardly a single gathering of any sort — social, politi-
cal, or business — was had where the saying, " Westward the
star of Empire takes its flight," was not reiterated, as the
expression of the growing popular sentiment of the neigh-
borhood. Many had their attention turned especially to
the then new State of Missouri. Agents handling real
estate were not only numerous, but urgent and emphatic,
in their descriptions and offers for sale of what they
termed the fertile, productive lands of that State ; which,
purchasable at that time at merely nominal figures, must
prove to be at a near future salable at advanced and
greatly improved prices. Many farmers of the Scioto
Valley sold their great landed possessions, sometimes at
even what was deemed low figures, and made haste to in-
vest in lands recommended by such agents.
The Gooch family, beautifully situated as it was, and,
apparently, settled without any desire ever to change its
excellent and desirable home, even though another invest-
ment might greatly increase its wealth, did not escape the
feeling here indicated. Debate ran high and became warm
between Colonel Gooch and his sons-in-law, Fisher and
Eggleston, on the one part, and the ladies of the family on
the other, with respect to the sale of their possessions and
46 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
their removal to and settlement in the State of Missouri.
The reasons, pro and con, were presented in many conver-
sations at the table and in the parlors of their home, with
warmth, tact, and often eloquence, by both the ladies and
gentlemen. At last, however, Colonel Gooch having
brought his wife to his own way of thinking, gave his cast-
ing vote, as he said, in the interest of his own family, and
those of his sons-in-law. He sold without much effort and
at great profit, his Ohio lands, including especially the rich
and beautiful farm upon which he resided. According to
the terms of sale, possession was to be given within a very
limited time ; and so Colonel Gooch found it necessary to
make hurried arrangements for his removal. He deter-
mined to leave the State, when he left the farm ; and,
hence, his duties were, for that reason, various and com-
plex. First of all, he must, according to his desire, arrange
for the purchase of such lands in the State of Missouri, as
upon his personal inspection, on his arrival there, he should
find in situation, quantity and character, suited to his pur-
poses; for now his sons-in-law and their families, going
with him, proposed to settle upon portions of the lands
which he might buy. Arrangements were very soon made,
and to his satisfaction, in such respect, when he gave his
attention with energy to the sale of his personal property,
and to providing for the conveyance of his own family and
those of Messrs. Fisher and Eggleston, with such imple-
ments, teams, wagons, and other property as they might
find proper to take with them.
At this time there was, in fact, but a single method of
public conveyance practicable from Chillicothe to St.
Louis, Missouri, the city to which Colonel Gooch would
make his way. This was by canal-boat from his farm to
Portsmouth, Ohio ; and from the latter place by steamboat,
on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, to the chief city of
Missouri. He determined, therefore, to charter for his
purposes a canal-boat to Portsmouth, and to employ a
steamboat from there to St. Louis. Thence, he would use
his wagons and teams for conveying the members of the
COLONEL GOOCH AND FAMILY. 47
different families and their effects to the lands, which,
though he had not seen, upon reliable descriptions which he
had accepted, he had bought and decided to occupy.
All this was accomplished, and the family was ready to
vacate the premises at the appointed time, with full and
ample arrangements made for the use of the needed canal
and steamboat accommodations for all concerned. In the
pressure and hurry incident to the settlement of the affairs
described, the boy John seemed to have been forgotten,
though never neglected. At last, his case came up for
formal and decisive consideration between Colonel and Mrs.
Gooch, when they decided to let him say whether he
would go with them or remain in Ohio. He was called
and, when he had entered and seated himself in the special
apartments of these excellent persons, his best friends, as he
felt and believed, Colonel Gooch explained carefully to
him, as to how he had sold his property, and that he was
going to move out of the State ; he also told him when
and where he would settle, hoping thereby to advance the
interests and promote the welfare of his entire household.
He then asked the boy the question, " Will you go with us,
or do you prefer to remain here ? " His answer was
promptly given, and affirmatively, he saying, " I will go
with you."
John had learned to love these estimable people as his
father and mother, and with them, under their care and
protection, he felt as if he moved in absolute safety.
Indeed, he had come to feel that Mrs. Gooch would not
only do everything for him, indulging him as her own child,
but that she was able to, and would protect him against all
harm. These venerable persons loved him in return, as
every act of theirs from the time he came to them, when they
received him as described, abundantly showed. The words
came, in answer to his statement, without the least hesita-
tion, from the lips of Colonel Gooch, " You shall go."
From that time, everything was made ready for his journey,
as for that of any other member of the family. His outfit
of clothing, his dogs, hunting and fishing tackle, to say
48 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
nothing of a thousand other things, provided for his com-
fort and pleasure, were secured against the day of their
departure.
That day came quickly ! The canal-boat which had
been chartered to carry the families and their effects forty-
five miles away to Portsmouth, brought immediately in
front of the pathway leading, not over twenty-five yards,
from the house to the canal, was made fast there, so as to
be easily and readily loaded. Within three days the load-
ing was entirely completed ; and, at nine o'clock at night,
after all the members of the families, including the boy
John, had gone aboard, and two teams of valuable horses
and three famous dogs of high blood had been carried
and secured upon the boat, it was ordered by the captain
that everything be made ready without the least delay for
departure. Within one hour the boat was moving off. So
soon as its motion was felt, the eight persons who com-
posed the Gooch party — four ladies, three gentlemen, and
the boy John — took their places upon the deck to get their
last look at the beautiful home which they were leaving,
with its charming grounds, orchards, garden, and fields,
across the full length of whose extended acres the canal ran.
At last, within a very short time, the boat passed the south-
east limit of the farm ; when all, fatigued from late anxie-
ties and labors connected with the necessary preparations
for moving, betook themselves, respectively, to their places
of retirement.
John had taken leave of his school and teacher only one
week before he started upon this journey.
To the surprise of all concerned, on rising the next morn-
ing after their departure, it was found that they had only
gone fifteen miles, and were still inside of Ross County.
They were confronted, also, by the sad intelligence that
there was a break in the canal below them, and that in con-
sequence the boat was aground. It was apparent that noth-
ing could be done, in the way of moving on, till repairs were
made, and that this might cause a detention of several
hours.
COLONEL GOOCH AND FAMILY. 49
In due season, breakfast was taken, and each one betook
himself to such occupation or amusement as seemed to be
practicable and agreeable. John was permitted to go upon
the shore and amuse himself, as best he might, in finding
and throwing pebbles into the river. He had not been
engaged in this pastime long, when turning his attention to
the distant view, stretching on for miles up the towpath, he
discovered certain objects which seemed to be in motion and
coming towards him.
It was soon discovered that these objects, now in near ap-
proach, were two men on horseback, riding at full speed, as
they pressed their animals forward. They commanded the
attention of everyone, as stopping, they dismounted and
inquired for Colonel Gooch. One of these persons was a
white man, the sheriff of the county ; the other William
Langston, half-brother of John. They had come, as the
sequel proved, to serve process upon Colonel Gooch, and to
require his return, with his ward John, to the city of Chilli-
cothe, to appear before the court, which would inquire as to
whether he could lawfully carry his ward beyond its jurisdic-
tion.
Colonel Gooch made his appearance promptly, and the
sheriff served upon him the process which he bore. Going
upon the boat, he hurriedly informed his wife that the offi-
cer had come after him, and that he would be obliged to
take John and return with him. He ordered one of his
horses bridled and saddled, while he made his personal prep-
arations to obey the order of the court. In the meantime,
Mrs. Gooch, Virginia, and the other members of the family,
busied themselves in attentions to the boy, who seemed to
be utterly overcome by dread and alarm. All were moved to
tears; but none wept and sobbed, as utterly heart-broken, as
Mrs. Gooch and John.
Painful as it was, the separation was not delayed ; and at
once, led by the officer and the man who accompanied
him, Colonel Gooch upon his horse, with the boy riding be-
hind him and clinging tightly to him, was on his way back to
Chillicothe.to answer the proceeding instituted against him.
50
FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
It is true, as already stated, that Captain Ralph Quarles
had requested Colonel Gooch to act as the guardian of John ;
but, in order that the authority which he would exercise, as
to his person and property, might be in all respects legal
and binding, he had been appointed by the Common Pleas
Court of Ross County to that position. Such being the
case, he was held amenable to the court appointing him, and
as claimed by the friends of the boy, he could not take him
justly beyond its jurisdiction. Having attempted such
thing, he became vulnerable to the action instituted against
him ; and was, accordingly, served with the process within
the limits of Ross County, and compelled to answer upon
such charge.
It was past midday when Colonel Gooch reached the
court house where the case was to be heard, and it was
quite three o'clock before it was called. The excitement
caused by Colonel Gooch's conduct was very great, and
such was the popular feeling against him on the part of
many, that he was charged with attempting to kidnap the
boy. The colored people, mistaken as to Colonel Gooch's
real feelings and purposes and aroused and exasperated by
such a charge as the one just mentioned, gathered in im-
mense numbers in and about the court house and the city,
expressing in words and acts the deepest interest in the
decision of the court. Colonel Gooch was vulnerable to
no charge of wrong to his ward ; and this must ever stand
as firm and positive assurance in his behalf. Influenced by
a fatherly indulgence, to which he was largely moved by
the words and actions of his wife, as well as his solemn
promises to Captain Quarles, Colonel Gooch attempted to
continue his care and protection of John, even carrying him,
with all its risks, from a free to a slaveholding State.
The County Court was holding a regular session, at this
time, with Judge Keith, a personal friend of Colonel Gooch,
and a lawyer of acknowledged ability and name, seated
upon the bench. The Chillicothe Bar was the first of the
State; and the attorneys in practice before it, were in
most cases learned, able, and eloquent. Several of them
COLONEL GOOCH AND FAMILY. 51
became subsequently the most accomplished and distin-
guished members of the American Bar. Thomas Ewing,
Henry B. Stansberry and Allen G. Thurman, were then
youthful but promising lawyers, who have since by mas-
terly displays of their various sound legal learning and pro-
fessional skill and integrity, made their names famous and
their reputations enduring.
The last named of these three lawyers appeared in this
case, as he had been retained and employed by William
Langston. Colonel Gooch was represented in the trial by
another of the foremost lawyers of that Bar, the Hon. John
L. Taylor, who, at that time, was a member of the United
States Congress. The action was one founded upon the
writ of habeas corpus, having for its object inquiry as to the
detention of the boy John by Colonel Gooch, in his
attempt to carry him beyond the jurisdiction and power of
the court by which he had been made his guardian, and to
which he was legally held to be amenable. In his attempt
to move the boy, and any property, cash or other, which he
controlled, without the authority given by the court and
sustained by law, he was justly held liable to this action ;
and the release of the boy from his management and con-
trol was manifestly just and proper.
Such was the high esteem in which Colonel Gooch was
held, and the desire of all concerned to accommodate him
under the circumstances, that the cause which was in hear-
ing when he came into court was by general consent sus-
pended for the time, and the action against him was at
once called. The lawyers on both sides appearing promptly,
declared themselves ready for the hearing. Statements upon
the merits of the case involving the law and the facts were
made upon either side ; when at last the formal arguments
were presented by the attorneys, Mr. Thurman opening
and closing while Mr. Taylor offered his full statement in a
single address. It is due the former attorney to state that
in his comments upon the law as he cited it, and his manage-
ment of the facts as he adduced them, that he not only dis-
covered remarkable learning and skill but forensic eloquence
52 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
of a very high order. Immediately upon the close of the
arguments the court decided that Colonel Gooch could not
carry the boy, his ward, beyond its jurisdiction, outside of
the county of Ross and State of Ohio. Besides, it ordered
the boy into its own custody, and directed the sheriff to take
possession of and care for him until otherwise ordered by it.
While these proceedings were taking place the boy sat
in the court room, weeping as if his heart was breaking in
the deep bereavement which he experienced. As the judge
closed his decision, and the excited assembly expressed its
approving relief, not in outburst of applause but changed
and pleasing countenances, Colonel Gooch bade John good-
bye, tarrying only to leave with him his fatherly caress and
benediction.
The Goochs were gone ! But the memory of the separa-
tion from them has been, all these years, a living thing in
the mind and heart of the one who seemed most deeply
affected for weal or woe by the proceedings here detailed.
How like a succession of pleasing delightsome dreams the
life and experiences of John in the Gooch family, so fortu-
nate and happy, have always appeared to him ! His prayer
shall ever be in view of them, one of earnest gratitude, with
a holy sincere invocation of God's blessing upon any mem-
ber of that family, who served him in the early day, the one
of his greatest need !
Though William Langston manifested special interest
and determination in keeping his brother in Ohio, even in-
stituting, as advised by friends and his lawyer, proceedings
in the court to accomplish that end, he never lacked confi-
dence in Colonel Gooch and his family, as earnest and hon-
est in their attachments to John, and as honorable and
sincere in their purposes to protect and care for him. He
did fear, however, that should he be carried to Missouri his
education would be neglected ; and should Colonel Gooch
or Mrs. Gooch die, or serious change be made in the circum-
stances of the family, his freedom might be endangered in
a slave-holding State. Such feelings were natural, and he
was wise in acting upon them.
COLONEL GOOCH AND FAMILY. 53
Thirty years and more had passed ! The young lawyer
who had managed the case, had won distinction as well in
politics as in his profession, and had become a noted and
distinguished United States senator. His client himself
had become an educated man, passing through the several
courses and departments of the schools and the college, and
had been numbered among men of prominence in the coun-
try. The two met and had their first conversation in regard
to the suit and its consequences after such lapse of time,
in the city of Washington, and at the senator's own home.
This meeting was brought about after the following manner.
A person from Ohio, the State represented in part in the
senate by Judge Thurman, having in charge a very impor-
tant school interest located in that State, needing the ser-
vices of a senator of special fitness and ability to present
and advocate such interests in Congress, asked his former
client to introduce and commend him and his cause to Sen-
ator Thurman. This was done with ease and effect. And
after conversation with respect thereto had been finished,
allusion was made to the former relations of the lawyer and
his boy-client, as they appeared years before in the Chilli-
cothe court. The young client, now hard by forty years of
age, told the senator frankly how for a long time he really
hated him ; because he felt that he had heartlessly taken
him from his best and truest friends — from those whom he
loved and honored as his father and mother ! So soon as
the senator recognized in the grown man standing before
him, his weeping, heartbroken boy-client, as he saw and
plead for him in the court, he advanced, gave him his hand,
and in chiding, yet tender manner, asked why he had not
long ago called upon him and made himself known. He
said with deep feeling and great emphasis, " Langston, I
saved, I made you ; and so far from hating, you should love
me."
But how could a fatherless and motherless boy, without
explanation, and the knowledge which it would impart,
love one who had seemed to take from him his best friends,
when he needed them most ?
CHAPTER IV.
THE GREAT CHANGE!
IT was a great change indeed which came to the lad not
quite ten years of age, when he passed from the guardian-
ship and home of Colonel Gooch, to the temporary residence
and new habits of self-care and labor in the household of
Mr. Richard Long. When he was asked whether he would
like to continue upon the beautiful farm which Colonel
Gooch and his family had just left, it seemed so much like
coming near to them again, that he said yes, he would.
The present owner and proprietor was the gentleman whose
name has just been given, who consented to take John and
care reasonably for him.
Mr. Long was originally from New England. He had
inherited and gathered from experience all the severer ele-
ments of Puritan purpose and life. Quite severe enough in
his management of boys, his idea of the highest style of boy-
hood was realized, when it could be said of one that he
was a good worker. Of his own son, who was, like his
mother, remarkably talented, kind-hearted, and refined by
nature, as well as fair culture for his age, he had a very low
opinion, because, as he claimed, he was no worker. He
could not milk ; he could not manage horses ; he knew
neither how to drive nor to groom them ; he could not chop,
saw, nor split wood ; he did not know how to do ordinary
general farm work ; and besides, seemed to have no inclina-
tion to do such things, as those which his father deemed to
54
THE GREAT CHANGE! 55
be of the greatest importance ; and, to be able to do which,
demonstrated the possession of the best possible youthful
character and promise.
The first question Mr. Long put to John was, " What, sif,
can you do ? " To which the boy made prompt, honest re-
ply, according to his past experience and the truth, in the
answer, " I can't do anything." His second question was a
terrible one, when, seemingly, astonished at the answer
which the young boy had made, he asked with deepest earn-
estness, " How do you expect to live?" Such questions
and the manner of Mr. Long very quickly convinced the
young Virginian, who had been living at leisure in the
Gooch family, that a change was coming on ; and that life,
at last, might prove to be, even in his case, a solemn and
earnest thing.
When the matter of John's location was debated among
his friends, and it was suggested that it might be well,
since he seemed desirous of returning to the old farm, and
the owner and proprietor of it, Mr. Long, would take him,
it was concluded that such arrangement might prove to
be specially favorable, as this gentleman was an Abolitionist.
This word was new to the boy, and he ventured to ask its
meaning, when some one present replied, saying it means
that he loves colored people, and would have them all
treated very kindly. John's observation of affairs did not
justify the belief that Mr. Long would make any distinc-
tions in his dealings with mankind, favoring anyone in the
least on account of his color. He found him severe enough
in dealing with any and all classes, always counting the bal-
ance in his own favor.
Quite timid, and yet determined to make the most of a
bargain, which seemed even in his untutored imagination,
by contrast, hard enough, John commenced with Mr. Long,
thinking every day of the Goochs, and wondering whether
Mrs. Gooch had forgotten him.
The first work given him to do was that of driving the
horse and cart, hauling brick from the kiln at a distant part
of the farm to the yard, where a new building was to be
56 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
erected. The lad discovered great love of horses, and
considerable skill in the managemeut of the one which he
drove. His third day's work with the horse and cart had
just been finished, when Mr Long coming up and observing
his movements with no little interest, complimented him
by saying, " You are doing well, sir, and if you continue,
you will make a good driver." What he predicted here
was not long thereafter realized ; and by the time John had
reached his eleventh year, he drove skillfully, and to the
satisfaction of even Mr Long, his pair of beautiful sorrel
horses, as employed during the week in the wagon, and in
the family carriage on Sunday.
After the first six months, John, under the supervision and
direction of a nephew of the Long family, a young man of
excellent character and kindly disposition, gave attention to
general farm work, and according to the measure of his
strength, for a boy, became a good and useful worker. The
soil in every part of the farm, extremely rich and produc-
tive, was easily worked with hoe or plow. So far as the
light plow was concerned, he handled that, finally, with
skill and ease ; and in the use of the hoe and other small
implements, he was serviceable. In fact, he made himself
useful, generally, and was often complimented by the
superintendent for his diligence and efficiency.
Mr. Long was a person of stern and rigid Presbyterian
principles. He was a member and deacon of the Presby-
terian church of Chillicothe, at that time called "Old
School " ; and his zeal in behalf of church work was
manifest, and apparently sincere. Sustaining such relations
to the church, and, of course, obligated to such duty of life
and conduct as would naturally tend to advance its
general interests and maintain its influence, he daily
gathered his family about him to hear the Word, as he him-
self read and expounded it in family worship. All con-
nected with the family, even the colored cook and hired
man, were required to lay aside, for the time being, any
duty which might claim attention, and attend upon such
religious services. Of course, the members of the family
THE GREAT CHANGE! 57
proper — the sons and daughters with others, relatives and
friends resident therein — were expected, and did give,
special attentive regard to all such matters of spiritual
devotion. As the other children were required to have
opened before them, on such occasions, the Old or New
Testament, according to the morning or evening selection
of the reader, John was, from his attendance upon the first
of such exercises, given a Bible, and directed to observe the
same habit. Not always, but according to the convenience
of the family, frequently everyone with the Bible in hand
took part by reading a single verse of the lesson in regular
course. The exercises consisted of singing and praying as
well as reading, and were often really interesting and
edifying. Often it was the case, by reason of the relations
of the family to the church, that distinguished ministers of
the Presbyterian persuasion, spending a little time in visits
to the city, made the home of the Longs their place of
sojourn ; and so their special conduct of the religious ex-
ercises lent additional interest and zest to them. It is not
difficult to understand what the influence of a Christian family,
conducted as indicated, must have exerted upon a young
boy like John, of inquisitive, impressible understanding.
Following such family influence, came the attendance
upon church, regularly, and the Sabbath-school. For it is
due Mr. Long to state that, while he was a man always dili-
gent in business and exacting of those about him and in his
service, he would not tolerate the neglect of the moral and
religious culture of the humblest of his dependents. It was
true that John had his chores, which required his attention
on Sunday, as well as upon any ordinary day of the week ;
and that he was, especially, charged with the care of the
family carriage, as he drove the team every Sunday to the
Sunday-school and church ; and yet he was required to
exercise such diligence and promptness, with respect to such
duties, as not to lose a single privilege or advantage offered
in his Sabbath-school class and the church. He was re-
quired to attend, regularly, too, to the study, weekly, of his
Sabbath-school lesson, precisely as the other children of the
58 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
family : and with them, he belonged to the regular Sabbath-
school class, and attended church, seated always with the
family.
This family consisted of the parents, five children — three
boys and two girls, the latter being quite young ladies— and
a nephew of Mr. Long, named in his honor, and made by
him the special manager of his farm. John found himself
quite at home, finally, with them all ; for besides receiving
from all the younger members of the family kind-hearted
and considerate treatment, Mrs. Long proved to be an ami-
able person, discovering, always, a reasonable amount of
interest in him.
The associations of the family were quite extended in the
community ; and its home was often made the place of
social gathering and enjoyment. Those who shared its hos-
pitality, were persons generally of the very first grades of
society, representing its highest culture and refinement.
Mrs. Long sustained the name and character of one of the
very first ladies of the community.
On the whole, by reason of the excellent associations
which he enjoyed with the children of the family and their
companions ; the moral and religious culture which he
gained ; and the instruction and training given him, in the
ways of industry and self-reliance, John lost really nothing
by the change which was made in his case from a loving and
indulgent family, to one in which the strict and severe dis-
cipline of life prevailed. Tender of age as he was, and frail
in physical constitution and health, his treatment in the latter
family was calculated to improve his condition, while fitting
him, mentally and morally, for those trying and taxing
duties which must soon come upon him.
How strange the ways of Providence, in its dealings with
those who may be called through the hard ways of human
existence, to duties for which they can only be prepared
through their own experiences ! To such, experience is not,
in the language of Coleridge, " like the stern lights of a ship."
It is rather the full-orbed day, surrounding them with the
light, which shall be their wisdom and salvation.
THE GREAT CHANGE! 59
But philosophize as one may, crediting a kind Providence
with the good results which certainly came from the expe-
riences of the boy, of whose condition and advancement
record is here made, it is due him, as well as those who had
treated him so lovingly and tenderly, to state that the days
and weeks multiplied themselves in their grave, solemn
tread, till they made months in duration and verged on
years, before he could even think of what seemed to be his
dire loss, in the great change which had come to him, with
the least degree of resignation or satisfaction.
After leaving Mr. Richard Long improved in physical
strength, with a better conception of the earnest side of life,
John, by arrangement of his friends, and especially through
the influence of his brother Gideon, was sent to Cincinnati,
where it was supposed he could gain favorable school ad-
vantages.
At this time, in the State of Ohio, there were no public
school opportunities furnished colored youth. The educa-
tional advantages offered them could only be found in
private schools, and these were very limited in number, and
often difficult to reach and attend.
The best and most accessible school of this character in
the State for all such youth as lived in its southern section,
was the one located in the city named, kept by Messrs.
Goodwin and Denham, two scholarly white men, well'dis-
posed to the colored race, and willing to labor for its educa-
tion. To this school, occupying the basement story of the
Baker Street Baptist Church of Cincinnati, John was sent,
his brother who resided at that time in that city, engaging
to look after and care for him.
He spent about two years in this city ; and both at school
and in general association, in the observation and experi-
ence and the knowledge which he acquired, he gained an
amount and quality of practicable wisdom which proved to
be of large profit to him.
His teachers were men of high scholarly attainments, apt
at the management and control of their pupils, winning con-
stantly the confidence, as they enjoyed the respect of any
60 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
scholars attending their school. The attendance was large,
being composed of boys and girls more or less advanced and
easily classified, so that the discipline of the school was by
no means difficult, and its management made conducive
with the least trouble to the greatest good of the whole
number. It is not saying too much to assert that the
morality of this school was of high order, and as thoroughly
guarded in all respects as its general standard of scholar-
ship was exalted and maintained. The temper of the
teachers, too, was always even and well sustained ; while all
classes advanced by steady progressive movement, and made
reasonable proficiency and accomplishment in study.
Such was the improvement which John had already
made in his studies, and such were his application and dili-
gence, that he was not long in this school before he had se-
cured such promotion as to place him in its advanced classes.
It is due him to state, that by his good conduct he soon
won the respect, confidence and favor of his teachers. And
so much did he become a general favorite in the school with
his fellow-pupils, that he was never left out when any special
play or exercise calculated to increase and sustain the in-
fluence of the school was contemplated. And when thus
honored and engaged, he acted the part assigned him with
enthusiasm and propriety. He very soon discovered special
love for, and interest in, any exercise, either confined to
ordinary school observances or public exhibitions, which
required rhetorical effort or display. He succeeded so well
in this school that, during his last year, he was one of two
boys who composed its very first, most advanced class. In
such studies as ancient history, advanced arithmetic and
grammar, with such other subjects of science, in elementary
form, as comported with his stage of advancement, he main-
tained, with his associate and classmate, a record of which
he needed not to be ashamed.
His associations while in Cincinnati were had with the
best colored families, their children and intimates, located at
the time in that city. For the first six months of his so-
journ there, he boarded in the family of Mr. John Woodson ;
THE GREAT CHANGE ! 61
who was a colored man of prominence and influence, occu-
pying with his family high social position with his class.
He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, doing considerable
business in that line. Fairly educated, he made an efficient
superintendent of the Sabbath-school of the colored Metho-
dist church, of which he was a member of acknowledged
name and standing. While in his family, John attended
the Sunday-school and church with him ; and was made
welcome to the families which composed, mainly, their
membership and congregation.
His boarding-place was subsequently changed, and he
was given quarters in the family of Mr. William W. Watson,
the leading colored barber, at that time, in Cincinnati. Be-
sides being a man of vigorous mental parts, with limited
education, Mr. Watson was a prominent and influential
member and trustee of the Baker Street Baptist Church.
He was also the superintendent of the Sabbath-school of
that church, and taught himself its leading Bible class, of
which John became a member on going into his family. If
his was not the first family in colored society in Cincinnati
at that time, it was certainly equal to any other, and its
place in such society and in the Baptist Church was, surely,
conspicuous and influential. His house was one to whose
well-furnished and pleasant rooms and parlors, the very best
and most highly educated and cultured young colored per-
sons were wont to come ; and where, by reason of the gen-
erous hospitality and kindness of the whole household, they
were always at ease. Possessed of considerable means, and
conducting a profitable and prosperous business, Mr. Wat-
son did not fail to provide a home for his family which was
pleasant and attractive in every way itself, and in its ap-
pointments and surroundings wholly agreeable.
If there has ever existed in any colored community of the
United States, anything like an aristocratic class of such
persons, it was found in Cincinnati at the time to which
reference is here made. Besides finding there then a large
class of such persons, composed in greater part of good-
looking, well-dressed and well-behaved young people of con-
5
62 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
siderable accomplishment, one could count many families
possessing a reasonable amount of means, who bore them-
selves seemingly in consciousness of their personal dignity
and social worth.
Perhaps no colored church in any city of the country was
more largely composed in its congregation than the old
Baker Street Baptist Church of such better class. Its pas-
tor was at first the Rev. Charles Satchell. He was suc-
ceeded by the Rev. William P. Newman. Both these
gentlemen were possessed of large ability, piety and elo-
quence. In its efficiency and influence, the Sabbath-school
of this church was deservedly noted. Other churches, the
Methodist and Presbyterian notably, belonging to the same
class, had large and flourishing congregations, with well-
attended and ably-conducted Sabbath-schools. In fact the
entire negro community of the city gave striking evi-
dences, in every way at this time, of its intelligence, indus-
try, thrift and progress ; and in matters of education and
moral and religious culture, furnished an example worthy
of the imitation of their whole people.
It is not to be denied, nor may it be overlooked here,
that at this time in the Cincinnati community, generally,
there existed a deep-seated and growing sentiment against
the colored people. White persons who were friendly to
them, and who dared to avow their sentiments, were in
many cases proscribed and made objects of the severest
hatred. The influence of slavery, established just across
the Ohio river, made itself felt in the then Queen City of
the West, in more ways than one, and sometimes to the
most terrible effect. Often fugitive slaves crossing the
river and coming into the city found succor and refuge ;
sometimes with white persons, at others with colored ones.
When pursued and their hiding-places were discovered it
mattered little what the color of the protector was, popular
feeling was quickly aroused and in not a few cases mani-
fested itself in violence against those concerned in such
transaction. It was not difficult, nor did it require great
effort or much time under the circumstances, to generate
THE GREAT CHANGE! 63
and sustain such mob-spirit as ultimately showed itself in
murderous, destructive methods.
The last outbreak of this character, which John was per-
mitted to witness and which made a lasting impression
upon his youthful mind, was that in' which the press of
Dr. Gamaliel Bailey, the editor and publisher of the
" Philanthropist," was 'seized and by the infuriated rabble
thrown into the Ohio river. For several weeks feeling
against the Abolitionists, so-caHed, friends of' the colored
people, and against the colored people themselves, had been
showing itself in high and open threats, conveyed in vulgar,
base expressions, which indicated the possibility and prob-
ability of an early attack upon both the classes mentioned.
It was early upon a certain Friday evening, in the late
fall of 1840, that excited groups of men, some white and
others colored, were seen about the streets of the city
and showing by their words and gesticulations, that their
minds were dwelling upon, and that they were stirred by
some deeply serious and fearful matter. By reason of the
fact that many found among the white classes were stran-
gers, and evidently persons from the State of Kentucky ;
and the further fact that the colored people seemed to be
specially moved by the apprehensions of assault, which they
feared might be coming upon them and their friends, one
could very easily understand that the mob, which had been
expected, was about to show itself. Such fear proved to
be well grounded ; for about nine o'clock, a large ruffianly
company, coming over from the adjacent towns of Ken-
tucky, called together a large number of the baser sort of
the people of Cincinnati, and opened, without the least de-
lay, an outrageous, barbarous and deadly attack upon the
entire class of the colored people. They were assaulted
wherever found upon the streets, and with such weapons
and violence as to cause death in many cases, no respect
being had to the character, position, or innocence of those
attacked. The only circumstance that seemed necessary to
provoke assault, resulting even in death, was the color of
the person thus treated.
64 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
After the first sudden surprising attack, the colored
people, measurably prepared for such occurrence by reason
of the condition of public feeling manifested latterly, as
already described, certainly in their expectations of it,
aroused themselves, seized any means of defence within
their reach, and with manliness and courage met their as-
sailants. One of their number, Major Wilkerson, was
made their leader ; and never did man exhibit on the field
of danger greater coolness, skill and bravery, than this
champion of his people's cause. A negro himself, he
fought in self-defence, and to maintain his own rights as
well as those of the people whom he led. They had full
confidence in his ability, sincerity, courage and devotion,
and were ready to follow him even to death. The record
of the number of deaths which occurred during that event-
ful night, among both the white and the colored people,
can never be made. It is well known, however, that the
desperate fighting qualities of the latter class were fully
demonstrated in the great number of fatal casualties which
were noted. All night the fight continued. Many of the
white attacking party were carried directly from the fight
to the grave ; and not a few of the colored men fell in
gallant manner, in the struggle which they made in their
own defence.
Saturday morning as it dawned upon the stricken city,
witnessed a lull in the struggle ; and many felt and hoped
that the riot with its frightful incidents had ceased. But
the day had not grown old before by regulation of the city
authorities, swarms of improvised police-officers appeared in
every quarter, armed with power and commission to arrest
every colored man who could be found. It was claimed
that these arrests were made for the purpose of protecting
such persons against the further attacks of the mob. Such,
however, was by no means the case. The arrests were
made, and the colored men were imprisoned, because it had
been thoroughly shown by their conduct that they had be-
come so determined to protect themselves against whatever
odds, that great and serious damage might be expected
THE GREAT CHANGE! 65
were they again assaulted. Hundreds of them concealed
themselves at home, and in other hiding-places, and thus
escaped arrest.
Early in the day, the family of Mr. John Woodson, living
across the canal in Broadway, in that part of the city known
as " Germany," and where John boarded at the time, was
visited by a colored neighbor, who called to tell Mr. Wood-
son what was occurring as to the arrest of the colored men ,
and to advise him both to conceal himself, and to have his
foreman, Mr. John Tinsley, do the same thing. The boy
waited to see Mr. Woodson hide himself in one chimney of
his house, and Mr. Tinsley in another, when he told them
both good-bye ; and leaving the house through the back
yard and garden, jumped over the fence into the alley, and
made his way as rapidly as possible, by Main Street, to the
canal bridge. He had reached the middle of the bridge
crossing the canal, when he heard behind him the voice of
officers ordering him to stop. Fleet of foot, with his speed
quickened by such orders, he ran with all his might, with-
out the least abatement of his speed, over a mile, to the
corner of Main and Fourth Streets, where he entered a
drugstore, through which he was compelled to pass to
reach his brother Gideon. His brother was concealed at
the time, with five other colored men, employed by him in
a barber-shop, which he owned and conducted, located near
this point. Overcome by excitement and fatigue, no
longer in control of his powers, the boy fell to the floor of
the drugstore, as if dead, alarming those in charge there,
who, seeing his condition, came at once to his relief. He
was carried thence into the rooms of his brother, just at
hand, where he was cared for, with restoratives promptly
administered, and soon recovered himself.
His brother's shop was closed and fortified to the extent
of his ability, as to doors and windows, when it ought to
have been opened and all the men at work. All found
there were agitated, disturbed and anxious about their
safety. The arrival of the boy, with such experience as he
had to describe after his recoverv. did little, indeed, toward
66 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
reassuring these frightened persons. They feared that the
boy would be pursued and they be found and arrested.
Subsequent events showed, however, that the good men
who kept the drugstore mentioned, were watchful of their
interests and ready to protect them against harm. As the
night came on, and the darkness rendered it practicable to
do so, the owners of the store took John out with them to
a confectionery, not far distant, where they purchased a
full supply of needed edibles, which, under their care and
protection, he carried to his brother and his men, then
hungiy enough from fasting for more than fifteen hours.
The diabolism of this mob reached its highest pitch,
when thousands of infuriated, ungovernable ruffians, made
mad by their hatred of the negro and his friends, came
down Main Street with howls, and yells, and screams, and
oaths, and vulgarities, dragging the press of Dr. Bailey, the
great Abolition editor, which they threw, in malignant,
Satanic triumph, into the river.
The days and nights made memorable by the deeds here
detailed, must ever stand as the blackest and most detest-
able in the history of the great city of Cincinnati ! And
how all the black features which distinguish and intensify
their horrid character, forever stand impressed upon the
memory of the lad who witnessed, as he was terrified by
them!
Such cowardly and unjustifiable abuse of their white
friends and attack on the colored men, did not tend in the
slightest degree to destroy the growing anti-slavery senti-
ment of Cincinnati and Ohio. Lewis, Chase, Hayes, Smith
and other great leaders of the Abolition movement were made
thereby the bolder, braver, more outspoken and eloquent
in their utterances in such behalf. Nor did such treatment
close the lips and hush the voices of the eloquent colored
men themselves, who through such experiences, were learn-
ing what their rights were, and how to advocate and defend
them. It was about this time that the black orator, John
I Gaines, made his debut upon the platform, pleading the
cause of his people; that Joseph Henry Perkins, another
THE GREAT CHANGE! 67
colored speaker of fine talent and great eloquence, appeared
in his early efforts of the same character; that Andrew J,
Gordon, of the same class, not only discovered signal ability
with his pen, but unusual power with his tongue, as the
negro's defender ; and that Gideon Q. Langston, also
manifested large ability and learning with commanding and
surprising qualities of oratory, in advocating the cause of
his race. Other names of this class might be mentioned
here, as fearless and able defenders of the rights of their
people, all of whom, it was the privilege and advantage of
the boy John to hear and know, their eloquent efforts serv-
ing him in large measure as inspiration and purpose.
The Sabbath following these occurrences was one of the
greatest beauty and loveliness. The quiet of the city was
truly impressive ; and but for the hundreds of horsemen,
the mounted constabulary forces found necessary to parade
the streets and maintain the good order of the city, while
protecting the lives of its people, it would have been a day
fit for the calm and peaceful worship of our Heavenly
Father in a civilized and Christian community. As it was,
however, the horrid sight of the vast company of such
policemen, the solemn, awful tread and tramp of their
march, with the recollection of the sad, dire events of the
preceding nights and days, drove every feeling of love and
veneration out of the hearts of those who had thus been
outraged and terrified.
Those were dark days ! And they who still survive them,
may never forget the circumstances of their occurrence, and
the public sentiment, which, no longer prevalent, made them
possible at that time !
CHAPTER V.
THE PROMISE WHICH HE DID NOT KEEP.
JOHN was in attendance upon school, in the city of Cin-
cinnati, where he had been about one year, when to his sur-
prise Colonel Gooch made him a visit, calling at his school
rooms. At this time the colonel was on his return from
ChilHcothe, where he had been to make final settlement of
all business connected with the sale and transfer of his farm.
He had hoped to meet his former ward at that place. When
he failed to find him where he had expected, he inquired
after him and his whereabouts ;— determined to see him, at
all events, and wherever he might be. Whatever might
have been his own feelings in the matter, he could not do
otherwise and comply with the wishes of his wife and daugh-
ter. As he alleged, he acted in obedience to the earnest
desire and request of Mrs. Gooch and Virginia, that John
should be found and his condition truthfully reported to
them. They were still anxious as to his welfare, and de-
sired to learn what he was doing, and with what prospects
of advantage.
The boy was not seated far from the door at which Col-
onel Gooch knocked, and at which he was met by Mr.
Goodwin, one of the teachers. The inquiry was at once
made of the teacher, " Have you a young boy in your school
by the name of John M. Langston ? " The boy caught the
tones of the voice using such words, and was moved by
their seeming familiarity. Indeed, they sent a thrill through
68
THE PROMISE WHICH HE DID NOT KEEP. 69
his whole being. Why, at the moment, he did not under-
take to debate. Addressing him then, Mr. Goodwin said,
" John, a gentleman at the door wishes to see you." He
stepped forward promptly, when to his surprise and pleasure,
he found himself confronted by his old guardian, whose
demonstrations of affection and joy were ardent and abun-
dant.
Taking the boy by the hand, while he threw the other
arm about his neck and shoulders, they walked together to
the steps leading down from the street into the school-yard,
where seating themselves, with the boy's head drawn against
his friend's person, they remained in close, confidential, lov-
ing conversation for quite two hours. First of all, their talk
was of Mrs. Gooch and Virginia, the two persons above all
others about whom, as was well understood, the boy desired
to hear. As Colonel Gooch told of them ; how often they
called John's name, wondering where he was, how he was,
what he was doing, and whether he was happy, the boy's
heart was moved with the deepest gratitude, while his love
for those thoughtful, kind and affectionate friends, who had
not forgotten him, was deepened and intensified. As he
described their beautiful home in Missouri, telling how
large his farm was, how valuable it must soon become, since
the country was being settled rapidly with good people
from the South and East, and declaring that the State itself,
in the near future, would be one of the first of the Union,
he stirred the hopes and expectations, not less than the
desires and love of the youthful listener.
He proceeded thereafter to assure the boy that Mrs.
Gooch and the daughter lacked only one thing to make
them more happy, in their new home, than they had been in
Ohio. They loved the country and the people well, and
were greatly pleased with their surroundings, generally.
However, he continued, " They made me promise them that
I would find you, and, in their name, gain from you the
earnest and sure promise, that when you reach your ma-
jority, you will come to us, and make yourself again at
home with your best friends — those who are ready to share
70 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
all they have, their very best and most valuable things,
with you." — " Mrs. Gooch," he urged, " told me not to come
back without such promise"; "and," he added, "you
know Virginia wants to see you , and we would all make
you welcome. Our home you will find a lovely one ; and
we can furnish you everything needed to make you perfectly
happy. You must come ! " These last words were used
with peculiar tenderness and warmth.
To this urgent, affectionate appeal, the boy, moved by
the love he bore for Mrs. Gooch and the family, made
prompt, sincere promise, that he would come, on reaching
his majority, to the home of those who had been to him
in earlier days all that he could desire in loving devoted
parents.
Colonel Gooch and John, then, rising, walked leisurely back
to the door of the school ; and there took affectionate leave
of each other. Returning to his studies, pressed with school
duties, although deeply affected by the unexpected visit
which had been made him, and the promise which he
would not forget nor neglect, he could, at most, give to
such things, however important and impressive, but a boy's
thoughts. He meant, nevertheless, at the time, all he had
said and promised as to going to Mrs. Gooch. For he loved
her; and hoped to see her again ; and, if possible, make her
happy in seeing the boy to whom she seemed more his
mother than any other woman.
Time moved on apace ; changes followed each other in
quick succession ; and long before his twenty-first year had
been reached, the boy had learned things of Missouri which
made him feel even satisfied enough that he had not been
permitted, at first, to go with his friends to that State. He
had learned that slavery existed there ! He had come to
understand that where that institution was allowed and
fostered, he could have, really, no rights; and that his
friends might not be able to protect him against approaching
danger should it come. He could not consent to live in a
State where his personal liberty would be in constant,
imminent peril. But more than all this, when he had
THE PROMISE WHICH HE DID NOT KEEP. 71
reached his majority, so defiant and strong had the Slave
Power of the country become in every part of the land,
and so audacious in its demands, that he was afraid to go,
even for temporary purpose, anywhere within its reach and
control.
He did not, because he could not safely, keep his promise
as given. And, when much later, slavery had been abolished
in the State of Missouri and throughout the whole country,
the Gooch family could not be found, not even a single
member. The boy, who was then a man, far beyond his ma-
jority in age, and still entertaining a deep regard and reverence
for his whilom friends, made earnest, special effort to find if
not the family in its original entirety, some member of it.
For, he would manifest, in suitable form and manner, were
it possible, to anyone bearing the blood and lineage of a
family so faithful, loyal and true to him, his deep and abid-
ing appreciation of its feelings and conduct.
During his stay of two years and a little more in Cincinnati,
John was by no means an idle boy. Faithful and diligent
in all school duties for five days in the week, after he had
made his home in the family of Mr. William W. Watson,
he worked every Saturday about his barber-shop and bath-
house. He was allowed all he could collect, voluntarily
given by those whom he served ; and he discovered such
aptness for the service, with such spirit of accommodation,
politeness and industry, that the amount paid him often
aggregated, as the results of a single day's labor, quite a
considerable sum.
Peter Watson, a brother of the proprietor of the estab-
lishment, and Daniel Marshall, his chief assistant, were
John's good friends, and did much, in the general manage-
ment of business, to call attention to him and thus improve
his opportunities and advantages. At the close of the
week's work on many Saturday nights, these persons would
not only discover special interest in him by inquiries as to
what his success had been, rejoicing with him when it was
considerable, but they encouraged him often to renewed
effort, in view of the growing results of his energy and
72 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
labors. It was frequently the case that they praised him
for his thoughtful and intelligent behavior, assuring him
that he might expect, should he cultivate properly such
elements of business reflection and effort as marked his
conduct, to be a successful and thrifty man.
In this shop and bath-house, all business was closed
promptly at twelve o'clock Saturday night ; and was not
resumed, for any reason whatever, or any service however
urgent, till Monday morning, at five o'clock. The proprie-
tor and everybody connected with the service therein, were
scrupulous in their observance of the Sabbath, and not one
of them absented himself, as a rule, from the church on that
day. It will not be difficult to comprehend the fact, that
the service of which such men had control, was conducted
upon the highest moral principles ; and, in such way as
that while perfect order and decorum were maintained,
every customer and visitor was entirely pleased and won.
The work, too, was done in the most skillful and satisfactory
manner. The influence of all persons employed, and with
whom the boy was brought in contact, was of good effect.
Naturally penurious rather than extravagant, both in their
general liberal outlays and their wise economical habits,
they taught him valuable lessons with respect to the ex-
penditure and preservation of any money which he
received. He was, therefore, not only possessed of a
reasonable amount of funds, the fruit of his own efforts,
but he constantly added thereto, and took delight in the
labors which brought him such gains. It is easy to per-
ceive that the boy, now fond of the position described, and
pleased with all those connected with it, must have given it
up finally with no little regret.
It is due John to state, that the record of good behavior
and study, which he made under Messrs. Goodwin and
Denham, being well known, endeared him to the teachers
and the pupils of the school. When he was about to leave
them, many attentions were paid to him, and the warmest
kindly expressions reached his ears. The families with
whom he had lived, had formed for him an affectionate
THE PROMISE WHICH HE DID NOT KEEP. 73
friendly regard ; and expressed, as he bade them farewell,
respectively, deep feeling and anxiety for his future pros-
perity and happiness. Both Mr. Woodson and Mr. Watson
urged him to feel that their doors were open always to
him ; and that should he ever visit the city, they would
be pleased to have him accept and enjoy their hospitality.
Business matters of importance to him, which could no
longer be postponed, connected with the settlement of his
father's estate, made it necessary for John to return, with-
out delay, to Chillicothe. This he did. And as soon there-
after as the Court of Common Pleas could convene, he was
required to name a guardian for himself and property. He
named to such position, and the court confirmed, his half-
brother, Mr. William Langston.
From the time he had met this brother, in the mountains
of Old Virginia, when on his way to Ohio, John had loved
him very greatly. William, since that time, in every practi-
cable way had given special and constant attention to his
little half-brother ; and upon his visits to him, which were
quite frequent, always brought him some beautiful, or inter-
esting, or pleasant thing. Thus endeared to him, it was al-
together natural, under the circumstances, for John to
choose him for his guardian. His brother Gideon resided,
at the time, in Cincinnati ; while his brother Charles was
away attending school at Oberlin.
His half-brother had not married as yet, and having no
family of his own, put his ward in that of a friend for board
and care. This family consisted of an aged venerable man,
an equally aged kindhearted wife, and a single female do-
mestic. The first two exerted themselves in every way to
answer every want and interest of the youth ; and the do-
mestic declared that, " she knew nothing but to take care of
their little Virginia gentleman." This family was made up
of Virginians, and entertained the highest conceivable ideas
of Virginia character. They really felt that Virginia alone
supplied the best looking, the best behaved, the most ex-
cellent men and women, boys and girls. With them Vir-
ginia blood was the very best, and to be proud of. Mr. and
74 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Mrs. Harvey Hawes, the persons here spoken of, have fallen
asleep long, long, ago. Peace to their ashes ! But the do-
mestic of whom mention is made, now quite a hundred
years old, still lives, and is never so happy, apparently, as
when she is occupied in telling curious anecdotes of the
boy whom she was wont to serve years ago. When this
aged friend, Aunt Patsy Tucker, shall die, a thousand good
people who have known of her virtuous, Christian, useful
life, will join with the man of whom she was so fond as a
boy, in celebrating her deserved praises.
While thus situated John was once more started to
school. He had for his teacher at first Mr. George B.
Vashon, who was, at the time, a student of Oberlin College,
and a member of its Junior college class. This school \vas
kept for three months only in the winter term. His next
teacher, for the following winter, was Mr. William Cuthbert
Whitehorn, also a student of Oberlin College, and one year
the junior of the former person, in his course of study.
Both these young men were colored persons, and were fa-
vorably known as scholars, teachers and orators. They
were the first colored persons who graduated, regularly,
from the Oberlin College ; the one taking his first degree,
Bachelor-of-Arts, in August, 1844 ; and the other taking his
first degree of the same character in the following August,
1845. The influence exerted by these teachers upon their
pupils and the community at large, was widespread and
salutary. To the more thoughtful and aspiring scholars of
the school and members of the community, their examples
of application, diligence, and success in the cultivation of
scholarly attainment, and the wise and efficient discharge of
the high duties connected therewith, were inspiring and en-
couraging. They were the first persons of their race, who
having engaged thus in exalted, various and profound ar-
tistic and scientific study, had so far accomplished their
aims and purposes as to reach the high classes in a college
course, of which they were members. Forerunners, as they
were, for a whole race, in the ways of the highest scholar-
ship, with their peculiarly handsome endowments of man-
THE PROMISE WHICH HE DID NOT KEEP. 75
ner and address, winning while they attracted popular atten-
tion and applause, they were well calculated to exert a
large and commanding influence upon such youths as were
brought within their reach.
It was under these teachers that John discovered his
highest and best elements of scholarly power, making such
impression that his friends began to discuss seriously the
propriety and wisdom of having him take a regular thor-
ough course of college training. In this discussion large
account was made in favor of such a course, of the facts
concerning the success attending the efforts of the two col-
ored scholars — the young persons who had made such fav-
orable impression as teachers, scholars and gentlemen upon
the community. It may be asserted without much doubt,
that had not Messrs. Vashon and Whitehorn appeared in
Chillicothe and pursued the course as teachers and scholars
indicated, young Langston would not in all probability,
have ever left that town to pursue a protracted collegiate
and professional course of study elsewhere. His brother
Charles, however, who had spent two years in study at Ober-
lin College, favored this opinion and was outspoken and
positive in maintaining it. He had at this time, just re-
turned to his home in Chillicothe, all full of college enthusi-
asm and hope ; and his argument in favor of such course for
his young brother was earnest and eloquent. He even went
so far in the earnestness of his expression as to declare
" that his brother was smart and promising, and should be
as thoroughly educated as might be." Besides, Mr. Vashon,
who was then his teacher, a member of the senior class of
Obcrlin College, a person of rare scholarly character, attain-
ment and name, standing at the head of his class in every
study, and a teacher of unusual ability, supported Charles in
his views. Finally Gideon, hearing of this debate and hav-
ing himself known of his brother's success and record as a
pupil in the school in Cincinnati, wrote favoring also such
opinion. He had full knowledge of his father's desires and
purpose as to the education of John, and the excellent op-
portunities which Oberlin College offered to such end, as he
76 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
himself had spent a year there in taking certain special stud-
ies. His second letter came very soon, addressed to John's
guardian, advising that he should be sent to the college to
take its preparatory and college courses. The guardian at
last consented to send him for one year ; believing as he
claimed, that his education was already sufficient, he having
a reasonable knowledge for his age of reading, writing,
grammar, arithmetic, geography, history, ancient and mod-
ern ; and that the best thing to be done for him was to put
him to a good trade. Accordingly provisions were made
for his going to Oberlin College, and his stay there for one
year.
While these matters were commanding the attention of
his friends, the boy was advancing in handsome manner
under the tuition of his able and skillful teacher, whose sec-
ond and last winter session of the Chillicothe colored school
was rapidly nearing its close. These occurrences took place
in the winter of 1843-44, when John had reached his four-
teenth year. He was small and light for his age, but
nervous and enduring. He had put all his powers to the
test in this last session of his school. For his schoolmates,
boys and girls, especially those of his own classes, besides
being young persons of the finest possible bodily and men-
tal endowment, had taken hold of and pursued their studies
with zeal and purpose. To maintain his name and stand-
ing it was necessary, therefore, for him to work with his
entire devotion and strength.
At the close of the school, the record which he had
made was shown to be high ; and he was specially honored
in the public exercises which were given. In these he
appeared to good advantage ; and won the public commen-
dation of his teacher and the Board of Managers of the
school. More than this, his guardian commended him in
unstinted praise ; while his brother Charles, after listening
to his declamation and witnessing its pleasing effects, said
to him, "You have in you, John, all the elements of an
orator."
CHAPTER VI.
HE GOES TO OBERLIN COLLEGE.
LEAVING Chillicothe Thursday morning, March i, 1844,
it was not until one o'clock in the morning of the following
Sunday, that Mr. George B. Vashon and his former pupil
reached the hotel, the only one then in the incorporated
village of Oberlin. It was only after considerable knocking
and calling that they succeeded in gaining admission and
securing entertainment. The last forty-eight miles of their
journey, from Mansfield to Oberlin, were difficult and
severe, by reason of the depth of mud and the well-nigh
impassable condition of the roads. It took them from five
o'clock in the morning, the hour at which they left Mans-
field, to the hour named, to make the distance indicated.
They were compelled to employ a team and wagon, at
extravagant cost, to do even this. Railroads were not then
known in Ohio, furnishing to the ordinary traveller speed
and comfort, at reasonable rates.
The Sabbath morning of their arrival, though the streets
and sidewalks of the town were wet and muddy, and to a
stranger wholly forbidding, afforded opportunity to see the
community in one of its peculiar and most active condi-
tions. By nine o'clock everybody seemed to be upon the
streets, pressing on, with earnest purpose depicted in his
face, looking neither to the right nor left, in the effort
which he was making to get either to the early prayer-
meeting or the Sabbath-school. At that time in Oberlin,
6 77
78 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the whole community was moved by its deep religious sen-
timent, and spared no effort, as it spared no sacrifice, to
maintain every Christian, spiritual instrumentality calcu-
lated to impress and save those coming to live in its midst.
Mr. Vashon was familiar, of course, with the sight pre-
sented, and made haste to advise his boy friend, that he
must soon adjust himself to this new order of things, would
he make the most of his Oberlin life, in intellectual, moral
and spiritual progress. However, the most remarkable and
the most impressive sight had not yet been witnessed. If
the whole community seemed to be in motion at the early
hour mentioned, it is a fact that it was in actual movement
when the time came for going to church.
At half-past ten o'clock, the chapel bell was tolled.
The crowd which had hitherto appeared on the streets,
and impressed the stranger as being large, seemed small now,
as compared with the vast swelling company of students
and people pressing to the great church, the only one in the
place. Here the greatest pulpit orator at that time was to
deliver one of his thrilling, matchless discourses. To this
church, Mr. Vashon conducted his protege", telling him on
the way how he would see and hear what it had never been
his good fortune to have come within his personal knowl-
edge. What he said in such regard was soon made the
inexpressible, pleasing experience of the youth.
How the singing of the great choir of the church, in
which more than a hundred voices were blended, sustained
by instruments of vast compass and power, and yet with
tone sweet and soul-moving, impressed and charmed his
youthful mind ! How the touching, effective, eloquent
rendition of the Scripture lesson made by the faultless,
incomparable elocutionist, Prof. John Morgan, led him to
see new beauties and gain new ideas from the ever-memor-
able passage of the Sermon on the Mount, made doubly
dear to him, as he recollected how Virginia Gooch had
taught him to read and value it ! The deepest effect how-
ever was produced upon his mind, when the reader had
reached and pronounced these matchless words:
GOES TO OBERLIN COLLEGE. 79
" And why take ye thought for raiment ? Consider the lilies of the field, how
" they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin : And yet I say unto you, that
" even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
The tender sensibility of the reader, expressed in the
accents of his voice, moved the souls of his hearers, in such
manner and to such effect, as to fill their eyes and moisten
their cheeks with tears.
When the orator of the occasion stepped forward, the
attention of the audience while every eye was turned
towards him, became, as shown in the faces of the people,
intensified.- The announcement of his text and its rendi-
tion, were a sermon. However, in his exposition and
illustration of the Truth, as contained in the passage of
Scripture which he read, he occupied quite an hour and a
half, during which time the vast assembly gave profound-
est attention to every word he uttered, hearing him appar-
ently as if for life itself. An intermission of three-quarters
of an hour followed his discourse.
Every man, woman and child then came again to the
church, to hear the last words of the moving eloquent
utterance of the Rev. Charles G. Finney. He continued
the discourse commenced by him in the morning, displaying
in its further treatment and application, in the afternoon,
a power marvelous and indescribable. The wild torrents
which sweep the sea ; the mighty storms that lay in utter
waste mountains and plains, may be as easily described as the
fetterless and bounding power which moved this irresistible,
vanquishing son of eloquence.
John had never heard such preaching. He had never
had his soul moved by such utterance. Like all others
who had been listening, at the close of the meeting he left
the house so impressed that he moved away in silence, seem-
ingly afraid to speak. Thus he commenced his life in
Oberlin ; and the impressions made upon his mind by the
observations and experiences of his first Sabbath there,
were so indelibly written in his thoughts and memory, that
no lapse of time, or worldly care, has been able to efface
them.
8o FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
On the following day, as conducted to the office of the
secretary and treasurer of Oberlin College, and introduced
to Mr. Hamilton Hill, who held that office, by Mr. Vashon,
young Langston settled his tuition and incidental expenses,
according to rule, and arranged for his studies and classes.
When asked what studies he would pursue, whether English
branches, or Greek and Latin, as he hesitated a little, his
old teacher answered for him, saying, " He will study Greek
and Latin, taking up the grammars of those languages at
once." Arrangements were made for his location in classes,
accordingly, and he did enter upon such studies.
Then followed a visit to the house of Prof. George Whip-
pie. In introducing the new student to this learned pro-
fessor of mathematics, Mr. Vashon expressed the hope that
in taking him into his house and family, consenting to act
as his guardian and protector while at school, he would find
him obedient, docile and agreeable. The professor received
his prospective ward and the future inmate of his family
with every manifestation of kindly feeling, assuring him,
that so far as his treatment was concerned, while under his
watchful care and under his roof, everything should be done
to make his sojourn pleasant and advantageous.
At this point, as Mr. Vashon was leaving, Mrs. Whipple,
the wife of the professor, came in and was introduced to
the student who was to take his place from that day at her
table and make his home in her house. A woman of supe-
rior appearance and personal attractions, handsomely en-
dowed in every sense by nature, highly educated and
cultured, of pleasing manner and address, the near relative
of the great Daniel Webster, she made the happiest possible
impression at once upon the youth. She had but com-
menced conversation with him, inquiring as to his studies
and classes, when the daughter of the family appeared, and
John was introduced to her. It was found to his delight
upon explanations which he had made to the mother, that
he would be in the same classes with her daughter.
While such occurrences were transpiring in the study of
Prof. Whipple, a person, as directed bv Mr. Vashon, came
GOES TO OBERLIN COLLEGE. 81
to the door bringing the young man's trunk, which was
carried directly to the room in the second story of the
building, where he was to find his quarters. There was
only time given for the most hurried survey of the room,
its furniture and conveniences, all of which made pleasant
impression upon the prospective occupant, when dinner
was announced. Promptly the members of the family, and
students, boarders and inmates, gathered in the dining-room,
and each took the seat at the table appropriated to him or
her. There was a single vacancy, and this was allotted to the
new-comer. He took it as directed and found himself near
the lady of the house, just to her left, with a noted female
teacher and scholar, Miss Mary True, seated immediately
beyond him to his left. Seated thus and a stranger in
whom no little interest centered, he was so thoroughly
questioned, especially by these ladies, that even if he had
not been greatly embarrassed, he could not have found
time for eating his meal and relieving fully his boyish appe-
tite, for all meals were closed promptly.
However, as the days passed and he made the acquaint-
ance and the friendship of the entire family, he became
wholly at home and at ease in his most agreeable surround-
ings. Besides himself, there was in this family but a single
other colored person — a young lady very cordially treated
by all, because of her excellent behavior and her natural,
appropriate bearing. Situated thus, brought in contact
constantly with pleasant persons, associating daily with con-
genial classmates, with every influence exerted upon him
calculated to develop and sustain his scholarly qualities and
character, young Langston passed his first year at Oberlin
College, pursuing with assiduity and vigor the study of the
Greek and Latin languages, advanced arithmetic and
algebra, with such lessons in the Bible and instructions in
elementary exercises of rhetoric as were given at that time
in the preparatory department, to students fitting them-
selves for examination and entry of the regular college
course.
By this time his taste for study, with more matured pur-
82 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
pose as to his general and thorough culture, had grown and
developed itself, and he had been moved by an earnest de-
sire and serious determination to secure for himself at all
hazards a complete academic, collegiate and professional
education. At the end of the fall term of the college, he
bade his teachers, fellow-students and friends good-bye, in
the assurance, in his own mind, that he would meet them
again at the opening of the spring term of 1845.
Returning to Chillicothe from Oberlin, in obedience to
the orders of his guardian, John spent two weeks with his
brother Charles, at his quarters and as his visitor. While
there a committee of colored men coming from Hicks'
Settlement, eight miles away in the country, called upon
Mr. Charles H. Langston to advise with him as to the em-
ployment of a school-teacher for the Settlement during the
winter. They desired to have the school open on the first
Monday of November, and continue through to the first
day of the following February, three full months. They
were able to pay the teacher for his services ten dollars per
month in cash, and furnish him board, as he consented to
pass a week in each family patronizing the school, repeating
his visits to the various families as necessity might require.
Finally they asked their adviser, upon his approval of their
plan of opening and conducting their school, to name some
suitable person whom they might employ as teacher. He
was not able to name for them such person as he believed
by reason of his age, experience and attainments was quali-
fied to serve them in such way as might be desirable. One
of them finally inquired whether his young brother could
not be employed. He replying, told them frankly that he
thought whatever might be his brother's accomplishments,
he was too young and too small to undertake to teach and
manage their school. He was told that the school would
be easily managed ; that it would be composed chiefly of
young men and young girls, who would be diligent in study
and well-behaved ; and that the work of the teacher would
consist, mainly, in hearing recitations and making necessary
explanations in the elementary English branches of spelling,
GOES TO OBERLIN COLLEGE. 83
reading, arithmetic, geography and writing. To this Mr.
Langston replied that his brother was near at hand, and
could be seen and consulted.
John was called ; and on being introduced to the persons
composing the committee, after full explanation by them,
with reply by him, with his brother Charles to counsel all
concerned, the young man was employed upon the terms
already stated, and agreed to open the school promptly
on the morning of the first Monday of the following
November.
As agreed, young Langston one month before he had
reached his sixteenth year, or thereabout, commenced his
labors as a country school-teacher. He was the smallest
person in the school save a single boy, Samuel Cox. His
attention was in no important sense required for matters of
discipline, and after the ringing of his bell for opening in
the morning, or at noon, not the least possible disorder of
any sort could be noted to disturb or annoy the teacher or
any pupil. Thus for the full three months of the term,
everything in the school moved on to the entire satisfaction
of all interested.
Only one week had passed, when a gentleman residing in
the Settlement five miles from the schoolhouse, the father
of a young son to whom he would have special instruction
given because he was too young and small to attend school
in the winter season, and who desired also to secure for
himself lessons in reading and explanation of the Bible,
proposed to the teacher to give him his board in his own
family, and keep and care for his horse, provided he would
teach as indicated himself and his son. This proposition of
Mr. John Jackson, a man of prominence among his class,
whose home was in all respects pleasant, and whose influ-
ence was worth a great deal to any teacher in the Settle-
ment, was accepted. Thereafter, in addition to his daily
duties in the schoolroom, the young teacher gave attention
every morning and evening to these scholars at their home.
His success in this regard rewarded his labors in manifold,
pleasant manner.
84 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Every month as it closed, was marked by a visit from
one or the other of the three persons composing the com-
mittee, by whose authority in the name of the community
the teacher had been employed. The object of such visit
was not only to learn the condition of the school, but to
bring to the teacher as collected from its patrons the
amount due him monthly for his services. The ten dollars
paid him consisted in the main of five- and ten-cent pieces,
with a few coppers, sometimes a twenty-five cent piece, but
at no time a larger one, the money being always the very
identical coins collected by voluntary payment of the sup-
porters of the school. It is to be remembered that at this
time there were no public-schools provided in Ohio for
colored persons, and no public money given for the support
of any schools which they might establish among them-
selves for the education of their children. So far as such
education was concerned, it depended wholly upon their
own efforts and their own special outlays. It will be
understood then, that the organization of the committee
named, and the establishment of this school with the
employment of the teacher, depended entirely upon the
enterprise and purpose of the colored people, composing,
mainly, the population of the Settlement.
Having no demands of any kind upon him, whether for
board, washing or other necessity, and having in fact no
opportunity for spending his money had he been moved
by desire to do so, young Langston closed the three
months term of his first school with every cent of his
thirty dollars kept in the very money which had been paid
him.
The closing exercises of the school consisted of examina-
tions upon studies which had been pursued, with simple
rhetorical performances such as compositions, declamations
and discussion. Such exercises were largely attended, and
the scholars and patrons manifested special interest in
them. They took place on the afternoon of the last day of
the term ; and since the school had been kept in a building
provided and used for church purposes, the accommoda-
GOES TO OBERLIN COLLEGE. 8$
tions for a large gathering were very convenient and satis-
factory.
The expressions, formal and other, made in brief addresses
heard from several leading patrons of the school, with re-
spect to its management by the committee and the conduct
of the teacher, were in every way agreeable, especially as
they were received by the most cordial endorsement of the
great assembly. After taking leave of his scholars and
thanking both them and the patrons of the school for their
kind, considerate treatment, the teacher closed his services
in the midst of great popular applause.
Going directly to Mr. Jackson's house on the way toward
town, he tarried there for a short time only. Here he had
made his home, and by the family had been treated in the
most kindly, hospitable manner. He went at once to his
room, where he counted and arranged the money which had
been paid him, in the most convenient condition for carry-
ing it with him on horseback to Chillicothe. Carefully
wrapping it in a newspaper, he made it even more secure
by tying it up tightly in the best white pocket handkerchief
which he owned. His horse stood ready for him at the
door. As he descended the stairway he met in the hall and
sitting-room the good school committee with a few friends,
who, on their way home stopped to express their cordial
regards for him, and to offer their thanks for the earnestness
and diligence with which he had served as their teacher.
Having paid his respects to each one, expressing in the
warmest terms his feeling of gratitude to the committeemen
and Mr. Jackson and his family, he left the house with his
package of money in his hand. Inconvenient as he found it
in mounting the horse, he handed it to Mr. Jackson who
stood near by, with the request that he hold it. As he took
it he smiled, seemingly amused at the care with which the
owner handled it ; expressing his deep regret as he returned
it to him, now seated upon his horse, that it was so small in
amount though large in bulk. The feeling which moved
the teacher himself was his thankfulness that, even if it was
large in bulk and small in amount, it was his, and the fruits-
of his own labors.
86 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
He had borrowed for his school service a fine animal of
his brother Charles, and as he rode into town on this crea-
ture, with his first school-teaching experience impressed fav-
orably upon his mind, his money held tightly in his hand,
and his prospect of an early pleasing report to be made to
his brother and to his guardian, he did in fact exhibit in
word and conduct feelings of pride with a little sense of
self-sufficiency. His brother Charles and his guardian gave
diligent attention, each, to the account which he gave of his
experience and success as a teacher, and rejoiced with
him in the good results which had rewarded his first efforts.
Not many days after his return he was visiting his brother
Charles at his home in Chillicothe, when the teacher of the
city colored school, Mr. Samuel Deveaux, successor in that
service to Mr. George B. Vashon, called to see whether he
could secure the services of Mr. Langston to take charge of
his school for two or three weeks. Important, pressing
business required his attention and presence in another part
of the State, and to secure release he must supply his sub-
stitute in the school. In reply to Mr. Deveaux's request
Mr. Langston stated that he could not serve him ; but
jocosely remarked to him, " John is the teacher of our fam-
ily ; he has just accomplished what he considers a feat in
teaching the school in Hicks' Settlement, and his success
there has made him quite bold enough and self-reliant to
attempt almost anything in the line of school-teaching."
The young man was present and heard these comments of
his good brother, when he felt not a little rebuked, and
would have been glad had he been permitted to make an-
swer and explanation in his own defence. Mr. Deveaux
turning to him without the least hesitation, asked him to
take his school, promising to pay him for two weeks' work
two-thirds of what he had received for three months. At
first he refused, as he knew that the school was largely made
up of boys and girls who had been his playmates and school-
fellows. He knew, too, that several of the scholars were
generally unruly and difficult of management. But Mr.
Deveaux pressed him, assuring him that he would leave the
GOES TO OBERLIN COLLEGE. 87
school in such condition that he would have no trouble.
He had confidence enough in his ability to do the teaching.
He feared only that the boys and girls might form a com-
bination of such strength and purpose as to overcome and
set at naught any effort which he might make to maintain
good order and discipline.
Finally, as greatly persuaded by Mr. Deveaux and
assured by him that he would have no trouble, with an en-
couraging word from his brother Charles, he consented to
take the school for two weeks from the following Monday
morning, or until the teacher should return, not exceeding
three weeks. As he entered the schoolhouse at the ap-
pointed time, the pupils, especially those of the more ad-
vanced classes, who had known him, manifested a goodly
degree of kind feeling towards him. In fact, all things
were commenced smoothly and moved off in excellent
order. The two weeks soon passed, and with the excep-
tion of a severe punishment administered to one of the
smartest and one of the most mischievous small boys of the
school, nothing occurred to render his experience in his sec-
ond attempt at managing a school unpleasant or regretful.
On his return, Mr. Deveaux complimented the young
teacher, and after thanking, paid him according to promise.
The sum which he had thus gained, added to the thirty
dollars which he had already earned and collected, aggre-
gated fifty dollars, as his first winter's earnings at school-
teaching. With this amount in his possession, moved by the
consciousness of his success, he became greatly inspirited
and encouraged, and was more than ever inclined to be
proud of his achievement and ambitious to do even greater
things.
It was the rule at Oberlin College at this time, to have
the long vacation of the school during the winter months, so
that any students desiring to engage in teaching for such
term, either in public or private schools, could do so.
This regulation proved to be of the greatest possible bene-
fit to all interested ; for it not only gave opportunity to
those teaching to increase their means, but, where success
88 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
attended their efforts, to promote their desire and determin-
ation to make the most of themselves as scholars and use-
ful members of society.
The time had arrived when decision must be made with
regard to John's future course of life. According to the
law and public sentiment, for the time being at least, under
age as he was, this decision must be determined by his
guardian, who had control both of his person and his prop-
erty. The year before that person had consented to his
going to Oberlin College for nine months or a single
academical year, and had determined then that he must
thereafter go to a trade.
William Langston was a thoughtful man. It was a rare
thing to find him talkative. He must be deeply interested
in any subject, with his feelings greatly moved in view of
it, to draw from him many words. When he had reached
conclusions upon any matter, he held his judgment with
tenacity, and refused to surrender or modify it till he had
exhausted every resource in its defence. He was not a
man of large logical ability, nor nice and extended sagacity.
It was not always the case that he predicated his opinion
upon sufficient knowledge, while regardful of the ultimate
moral effect which might follow its adoption. Besides, he
was not possessed of such fulness of even English educa-
tion, nor had he such observation of men and things, nor
had he gathered such general information from ordinary-
reading or advantageous association, as to give him liber-
ality and accuracy in regard to any subject of large,
special importance, concerning which differences might
exist in ingenuous minds. His judgment therefore, even
where he might otherwise be generous and just, concern-
ing the life and education of a young man prompted by
exalted aspiration in keeping with his natural ambition,
must be taken with due vigilance and care. Hence, it was
not unnatural for him at the time when it was necessary to
make decision with regard to the education of his ward,
especially in the light of the influences then operative upon
his mind, to be at fault on such subject. And it was very
GOES TO OBERLIN COLLEGE. 89
fortunate for the one who was most concerned in such
transaction, to find near him a bold, fearless advocate, who
would sustain, in his desires and purposes, the youth who
by education and culture would fit himself for exalted
place of usefulness and influence.
Two things conspired to save young Langston from a
course of life which might have doomed him to such con-
ditions of ordinary mechanical labor as would have thwarted
every aim of his ambition and choice of his taste and judg-
ment. In the first place, his brother Charles, a man though
comparatively young, of sound English attainment, large
reading, and general information gathered from contact as
well as study, knew the value of education and how much
depended in life upon sustaining and directing rather
than opposing and crossing the natural inclination, the
moral trend of a young person. Besides, he knew and ap-
preciated the fact that his brother had been sent by direc-
tion of his father even in his childhood to Ohio, that he
might secure a liberal education — the best furnished at that
time by any school to one of his class. Such views as a
person of his character and knowledge would entertain on
the subject his brother urged in favor of John's return to
Oberlin College, emphasizing the fact that he had so far
discovered application and diligence as a student, with
great docility and obedience, and had made such progress in
study generally, as to indicate what he might accomplish
even in the higher walks of social and professional life were
he given the opportunity to which his talents and circum-
stances entitled him.
The second circumstance that operated greatly in favor
of John's return to Oberlin, was found in the letter which
Prof. George Whipple had sent by him to his guardian on
his return to Chillicothe. The professor stated in the letter
that his conduct and his progress in study while at Oberlin,
justified the opinion that he should be sent back and given
a full and thorough course of collegiate training. To this
letter, and the opinion of a person so well qualified for its
expression, his brother finally referred with special and
90 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
decisive effects, so moving the guardian that he said, with
entire earnestness and good feeling, " John shall decide for
himself."
Permitted thus to speak for himself, the young man said,
" I will return to Oberlin, and fit myself as thoroughly as
may be at once to enter college and take the college
course." The guardian who had at best small confidence
in such education, with larger faith in a trade for a boy, put
to his ward the question, " Then, what will you do ? "
Without waiting for an answer, he spoke of Mr. George
B. Vashon, who had graduated the past August from Ober-
lin College, asking, " What will he do ? " Then he men-
tioned Mr. William Cuthbert Whitehorn, who would gradu-
ate from the same college at the next August Commence-
ment, asserting " that the only thing which he would be
able to do really, was to return to the West India Islands,
from which he had come to the United States, and perhaps
he might find something there to do." To all this his
brother Charles made quick and earnest reply, saying,
" Time will take care of the boy's interests ! Let us do our
duty ! "
This conference and discussion held by the kinsmen of
the boy, the guardian who was his half-brother and Charles
his whole, resulted at last in the best possible understand-
ing between them and in the greatest good to the young
man, who was directed to prepare for his return to Oberlin.
Leaving Chillicothe within the next four or five days,
upon a stage-coach running from that city to Columbus and
northward, the Neil House, the chief hotel in the capital
city, was reached late in the evening of the same day, after
a ride of forty-five miles. Here the coach would stop for
the night, and every passenger left it to get supper and take
lodging accordingly. The coach had been crowded all day,
the number of passengers being large and everyone seem-
ing to be going over the entire route. All trunks and
baggage were taken from the coach and placed upon the
pavement for removal into the hotel. John's trunk was
included among the others, to be treated as one would
GOES TO OBERLIN COLLEGE. 91
naturally suppose under the circumstances, precisely as the
other baggage. Following the other passengers who made
their way to the office of the hotel, he was just in the act of
entering, when a person seemingly in authority stopping
him, asked, "Where are you going?" He replied naively,
" Into the hotel." This person replied in gruff, coarse,
vulgar manner, " No, you are not ! We do not entertain
niggers ! You must find some nigger boarding-house." It
was a dark, rainy, disagreeable evening on the first day of
March, 1845. Every trunk was carried into the hotel
except the boy's, and he denied admittance stood by his
as an outcast, heartbroken, not knowing what to do nor
where to go. A black man in passing seeing his condition,
addressed him, asking, "What is the matter?" In the
midst of his surprise and sore indignation, he told the
stranger of his situation; when in a most kindly manner,
taking his small trunk in his hand, he said to the unfortu-
nate lad, " Follow me ! I will take you to a stopping-place,
where you shall be well cared for." And so in fact it
turned out.
Through this experience, which was absolutely more deadly
in fact to John's feelings than the quickest poison
could have been to his body, he gained the acquaintance of
a man and his family, colored persons, whom he learned
subsequently to respect and honor. He passed the night
with them, and at eight o'clock the next morning the
stage-coach in which he had travelled from Chillicothe
appeared at their door to take the young man on his journey
northward, according to agreement made when he paid his
passage to Oberlin. The same person who had met him
the night before at the hotel and treated him so illegally
and cruelly, appeared with the coach, acting, apparently, as
the agent of the company owning it. As the young man
came out and advanced to take his seat as a passenger,
after his trunk had been put upon the coach, this person
ordered him to take his place on the outside and ride with
the driver. It was still raining and quite chilly, in the very
first days of Spring. Young Langston very properly ob-
92 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
jected to such an order, asserting that he would do no such
thing.
Seated in the coach already, on his way to Cleveland,
was a gentleman who had come over the day before from
Chillicothe, and who had paid considerable attention to this
young man ; and when the order of the agent was given, as
stated, he objected, saying, " No ! He will not take a seat
upon the outside of this coach." As he uttered these
words, with great earnestness shown in his face and deep
agitation discovered in the tones of his voice, he got out of
the coach himself, and insisted that every other man do
likewise, and that the passengers should take their seats as
their names appeared on the way-bill as read by the agent.
This was quickly agreed to, and the first name appearing
upon the way-bill was that of John M. Langston. He took
his seat inside the stage-coach, making such choice of seats,
since there was no lady present, as suited him. His friend's
name stood next on the way-bill, and when called he
entered the coach and took his seat by the one whom he
had befriended. Thereafter, on that journey, neither at the
hotels nor upon the coach, did John's color figure in the
matter of his treatment. The treatment which was accorded
him at the Neil House made indelible impression upon his
mind, and although he has been a thousand times since
entertained, being well and considerately accommodated, he
has never forgotten his first experience there.
Otherwise, the trip from Chillicothe to Oberlin was with-
out special incident worthy of note. John reached the
college in good season, and arranged his course of study
with reference to examination and admission to the college
department in the following August. This required on his
part vigorous and persistent prosecution of his studies,
which necessitated early rising, with late retirement, and
devotion of all his powers and time to study and recitations,
allowing no time for needed exercise and rest. His record
as a student was good, and his examinations for admission
to the college were of such character as to give him easy
and satisfactory entry thereto.
GOES TO OBERLIN COLLEGE. 93
His four years in the college course were marked by dili-
gence, good behavior and success. He maintained in every
department of study an excellent name, graduating in Au-
gust, 1849, with high honors. In his college course he
manifested, ultimately, in connection with his class, society
and public rhetorical exercises, special aptness in debate and
address, with large and commendable powers of composition.
He sustained an enviable position among the best writers
and speakers of the institution.
A single incident of his experience in early college life
deserves special mention, for it had much to do with his
standing at college and his success in subsequent life. He
had but entered college when different persons, members of
the two literary societies of the institution — the Young
Men's Lyceum and the Union Society — called upon and in-
vited him, as they did other members of his class, then
Freshmen, to join the one or the other association. Having
several special friends in the Union Society who pressed
him to join it, and understanding that this society sustained
a very high name, he did join it, and was welcomed as a
member by marked and pleasing consideration. He was
immediately called to duty by being given position in a
debate which was to take place one week from the date of
his membership. The question to be discussed, and one
which created no small interest at the time in the society
and throughout the college, was, " Do the teachings of
phrenology interfere with man's free moral agency?"
The expectations had in the society and among the stu-
dents generally with respect to this exercise were high, as
at least three of the ablest student-orators of the college
were to take part in the debate, and the subject was one
which then excited large interest even in the community.
The ablest speaker of the students was made the leader of
the discussion in the affirmative of the question, and young
Langston was made his colleague. Mr. Edmund B. Wood,
by far the brightest scholar of the college department, and
second to no one of his associates as a debater, had spoken,
and a young gentleman of skill and ability as a disputant,
7
94 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
had answered him, when the president of the society an-
nounced Mr. Langston as the next speaker. He came
forward, taking his position upon the platform and address-
ing the presiding officer as "Mr. President." He was
unable to proceed further. Every thought, every feeling,
every sentiment, every mental experience and condition,
with every word he had ever known, took wings and flew
away, leaving his mind a complete blank. How long he
occupied his standing position he never knew. When,
however, he recovered himself, he was seated in his place,
and immediately a flood of strange feeling and saddening
experience'poured itself through his being, filling his heart
and understanding in such manner that he could only find
relief in the bitterest and the most copious tears. His con-
dition seemed deplorable, and as the exercises were closed
shortly thereafter, every young gentleman proffered his
sympathy to the unfortunate member. He could not, then,
accept sympathy. Its expression tended to increase and
intensify his grief and humiliation. His feelings were too
deeply moved; as he thought of his failure, he felt himself
wholly unworthy of the slightest attention. With his hand-
kerchief wet with his tears, his cap and his coat sleeves as
deeply immersed, in the deepest dejection and mortification
he hurried himself away from his kind friends to his own
room in Tappan Hall. There all alone he could give him-
self up to that anguish of soul which he felt, and to its ex-
pression in tears, as they came in floods. As he entered his
room he locked the door, and throwing himself upon his
bed, he continued to give unrestained, though silent vent to
his sorrow. His pillow, bed and clothing were saturated
with his tears. The morning bell of the institution rang at
five o'clock, calling the students to their daily duties, before
he seemed able to master and control himself. Then, as if
moved by some power above and outside of himself, he
arose, and with swollen face and inflamed eyes confronting
himself as he stood before the little looking-glass hanging
upon the wall of his room, he made the solemn vow of his
life. It was that, God helping him, he would never fail
GOES TO OBERLIN COLLEGE. 95
again in any effort at making a speech ; and that he would
never allow, while mental and bodily vigor lasted, any op-
portunity to make one pass unimproved. Thereupon he
made his toilet, and proceeded as usual with the review of
his lessons preparatory to his recitations. At the sound of
the bell, summoning him and all other students to breakfast,
he found himself ready to move. As he descended the
stairway of the hall on his way to breakfast, he was over-
taken by Mr. Wood, his colleague in the debate, who was
still inclined to offer him his sympathy. He was not in
tears now, and said to his friend, " I thank you ! But,
never mind ! "
It is true, however, that he was not long at the breakfast
table, and did not do much talking that morning. On
being excused from the usual family prayers, which the
students were required ordinarily to attend, he left his
boarding-place, and coming upon the street, met a youn^
man, a member of the same society as himself, who said
to him, " Langston, I have just been called home for the
week, and I want you to take my place in the society de-
bate next Thursday evening. Do not say no ! Do it for
me!" The proposition was promptly accepted in the
words"! will do so!" — and at the appointed time, when
this young man's name was called and the president of
the society had explained why he was absent, Mr. Lang-
ston was named as his substitute, and introduced according-
ingly. He came forward without the least delay, and
proceeded to the delivery of his speech, occupying the ten
minutes allotted to him ; and when it was found that he
had not completed his argument, on motion of his colleague
in the former discussion, he was given, upon unanimous
vote, an extension which exactly doubled the usual time.
Upon the completion of his address, which had been de-
livered with ease and spirit, the applause which he received
was reassuring in the largest possible measure. Now his
joy and satisfaction were quite equal to the deep mortifica-
cation and dejection that had overtaken him in his failure
one week before. Saved thus, he has not failed to redeem
96 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
in vigorous observance the vow which he made as just re-
corded.
Young Langston always felt that he and his classmates
met a great misfortune, when on Commencement day in
August, 1849, *ne public health in the neighborhood of
Oberlin was such, with cholera prevailing at Sandusky City,
that no public Commencement exercises could be held.
Decision in this matter had not been made before he and
his classmates had selected subjects and prepared their
Commencement addresses. He had chosen the theme,
" The Sacrifices and Recompenses of Literary Life," and
very much desired to deliver his address. He felt when
denied that privilege, that a special and valuable opportu-
nity had been lost. However, his class, with a reasonable
audience in attendance, was addressed by Prof. John Mor-
gan, and the diplomas, as awarded, were conferred by Rev.
Asa Mahan, the president of the college.
CHAPTER VII.
OBERLIN, ITS COMMUNITY AND ITS COLLEGE.
THE famous and historical town of Oberlin was founded
by two of the most remarkable men ever known in this or
any other country. These men were controlled in their
purposes by the religious idea. They would build a city, a
community and a college, upon their Christian faith, as
embodied in the saying, " They knew Christ only and Him
crucified."
It has always seemed to be the case, that, in searching for
a site on which to build their ideal city, community and
college, they sought the most unpropitious and unpromis-
ing that could be found. On lands secured of Messrs. Street
and Hughs of Connecticut, located in Lorain County, Ohio,
ten miles south of Lake Erie, Messrs. Philo P. Stewart and
John J. Shipherd, the founders of the town, selected its site.
The first house was erected in 1833. Sixty years have
wrought such change in the conditions of a situation so
inauspicious, that the incorporated village of Oberlin, with
its four thousand inhabitants, its well-regulated streets, its
public grounds, its college buildings and private residences,
designed and erected upon approved models of architecture,
constitutes a town of rare New England character and
beauty.
These men were no more peculiar in the seeming search
they made for a site upon which they must build their en-
terprise in faith, rather than wisdom, than they were in the
97
98 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
great overshadowing purpose which they had in founding it
at all. They sought to build in city, community and
college, a source whence should issue influences exalted
and Christian, which should be elevating as they were
missionary, to save the people of the great Mississippi
Valley through the teachings and illustrations of Christian
maxims and faith. In order to such end, it was necessary
to find men and women, whole families, who sympathized
heartily with such founders and builders. As they found a
site for their city, however forbidding in its natural features
and condition, so quickly redeemed and made seemly and
pleasant, they found the men and women, in not a few
cases whole families, ready to constitute and maintain their
community.
In order to the full realization of the Christian, missionary
conception of these men, it was understood by them that a
school should be established at which men and women
might receive, on equal terms, the advantages of thorough
liberal instruction, with full accurate knowledge of such
spiritual doctrines as might fit them for the earnest labors
to which they were called. The school contemplated was
established, and its growth and development have been even
more marvelous than those of the city and the community.
In 1835, when Lane Theological Seminary, located near
Cincinnati, interdicted the discussion of slavery, and thus
drove two-thirds of its best students away from it, with sev-
eral of its ablest instructors, alienating many of its most
valuable patrons, the Oberlin school, in numbers and talent,
was made gainer thereby in the very best and highest sense.
At this time, and because they were earnest in their oppo-
sition to slavery, and would speak against it themselves and
insist that others should have the right to do likewise, even
students, Messrs. Asa Mahan and John Morgan quit their
connection, the former as a trustee and the latter as a pro-
fessor, with Lane Seminary, and both went to Oberlin. Mr.
Mahan was made the first president of the Oberlin school,
now become a college, and Mr. Morgan one of its leading,
most scholarly professors. Thus reinforced as to instruct-
OBERLIN. 99
ors as well as students, with a president of acknowledged
ability and various accomplishments, well adapted to his
work, efficient as teacher, and learned, eloquent and effect-
ive as a pulpit orator, Oberlin College, starting upon im-
proved conditions of life and power, gave promise of
enlarged permanent success.
The " Oberlin Movement," headed by the men already
named, and the "Abolition Movement," led by William
Lloyd Garrison and his associates, had their origin in the same
year. In the former, equality was conceded so far as edu-
cational advantages were concerned, without distinction of
sex ; and through the influence of the latter, whose aim was
the unconditional abolition of slavery and the elevation of
the negro, the founders and supporters of Oberlin College
were forced early in its history, as early as 1835, to consider
and determine the question of the coeducation of white and
colored students within its halls. Fortunately for the
colored race, the Rev. John Keep had been made a trustee
of the college, and been elected president of the Board of
Trustees. When the question upon this subject came up,
the debate was protracted, earnest and exciting. The
gravest doubt prevailed as to the final decision to be
reached, and when a vote was taken, the board stood
equally divided, one half for and the other half against the
proposition. It was for the president of the Board of Trus-
tees to give the casting vote, and settle the question in
favor of the admission or the rejection of colored students.
All honor to his memory and heroic conduct, John Keep
gave his casting vote for justice, equality and freedom,
when he voted for the admission of the colored student to
Oberlin College.
The preamble and resolution submitted to the Board of
Trustees on this subject read as follows :
" Whereas, there does exist in our country an excitement in respect to
" our colored population ; and fears are entertained that on the one hand they
" will be left unprovided for as to the means of a proper education, and on the
"other that they will in unsuitable numbers be introduced into our schools and
"thus in effect forced into the society of the whites; and the state of public
ioo FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
" sentiment is such as to require from the board some definite expression on
" the subject ;
" Therefore, resolved, that the education of the people of color is a matter
"of great interest, and should be encouraged and sustained in this institution."
It was at a meeting of the board of trustees held Feb-
ruary 9, 1835, that this action was taken ; and ever since
that time colored students have enjoyed like opportunities
and advantages in the school as white persons.
In such manner the purposes of the founders of the Ober-
lin community and college have been realized in the wisest
and most comprehensive sense, so far as the management
of the latter is concerned, as endorsed and sustained by the
former. In accepting all persons of every nationality,
native and foreign born, white and black, male and female,
as students to be fitted in head and heart for the arduous
manly and womanly duties of life, the highest ideal of its
Christian founders must have been completely, grandly
realized. Therefore to Oberlin belongs the honor of being
the first institution of learning in the world to give woman
equal educational opportunities and advantages with man.
To it, too, belongs the honor of being the first college of
the United States to accept the negro student and give him
equal educational opportunities and advantages with the
white. And to the Oberlin community belongs the dis-
tinguishing honor of being the first one on the face of the
earth to realize in its teachings, its practices and its man-
ners towards every human being, the high central Christian
sentiment, " that whatsoever ye would that men should do to
you, do ye even so to them." While the town of Oberlin
has grown steadily in all the years of its life in every way of
improvement and excellence, and the community in every
redeeming and desirable quality of popular progress and ad-
vancement, the college, multiplying its numbers, improving
its methods and appliances for its educational work, has
constantly elevated and broadened its standards of scholar-
ship.
From the beginning in Oberlin, extreme radical views
were held and maintained on all matters of reform, religion,
OBERLIN. 101
education and anti-slavery. Correct habits of diet and
dress, as approved by the founders of the community, con-
ducive to one's health and in keeping with his circum-
stances, were advised and urged. The principles of religious
faith and life, as inculcated in the severest teachings and
philosophy of Jesus Christ and the Apostles, were accepted
and pressed as indispensable to individual and popular
obligation. Education, which meant the development of
the whole human being in intellectual, moral and spiritual
powers, with due consecration of all learning, genius, talent
and influence to God and humanity, without distinction of
sex or color, was recognized as the duty and privilege of
every child of man. And upon all subjects of freedom —
the unconstitutionality of slavery, its utter violation of the
maxims of the Bible, and its outrage of all the fundamental
doctrines of genuine democracy — its position was clear, com-
prehensive and decisive.
To such a community, maintaining such principles and
insisting upon their application to and enforcement in favor
of all person ;, whatever might be the sacrifices or the dan-
gers to be incurred, it was natural to find the fugitive slave,
in search of a place of refuge and protection, gathering in
large numbers. So it was; and as early as 1844, when
young Langston arrived, he found among other remarkable
things true of the people, that they had provided a school-
house, situated in a conspicuous part of the town, employed
solely for the education and improvement of any fugitive
slaves who had come to and settled in the place and who
were moved by the desire and purpose of elevating them-
selves educationally and morally. This schoolhouse was
known, as it was called, the Liberty School. Here was his
Faneuil Hall, in which the negro made his most eloquent and
effective speeches against his enslavement. And no fugitive
slave resident of Oberlin, attending such school or hearing
such utteranccs/ever feared any successful assault upon his
freedom, even though the attacking party came armed with
the muniments of the law in such behalf, state or national.
The major part of the colored persons residing in Oberlin
102 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
at this time were fugitive slaves, who remained there in the
consciousness that they were safe against the capture of any
slave-holder or his agent, any officer of the government or
other.
But the real spirit and metal of Oberlin were not tested,
so far as its purpose with regard to the fugitive slave and
his succor were concerned, till 1858, and in connection with
what stands now in history as the " Oberlin Wellington
Rescue Case." This was a case in which the whole people,
men and women, leaving the town absolutely deserted,
went forth under the frenzy of their conviction in favor of
freedom, to rescue the black boy, John Price, from a United
States deputy marshal who had arrested and attempted to
spirit him away to that bondage from which he had by
flight emancipated himself.
The treatment accorded colored people in Oberlin
socially at this time was most remarkable ; in keeping, how-
ever, with the professions religiously, politically and educa-
tionally made by the founders of the community. Every
Sunday colored persons could be seen seated in conspicu-
ous eligible places in the only church in the town, worship-
ping after the manner of those in whose midst they lived,
and no one molested or disturbed them. Such persons were
made welcome as equals in the best families, as they were
in every part of the institution, and thus were given the
best social, as they were the highest educational advan-
tages. Such was the recognition and the consideration
accorded the colored American, whether student or resident,
in Oberlin, in the earlier days of its history.
Of the leading men of the community and the college, if
they may be classified in such way, it would be well-nigh
impossible for one duly advised to speak in too high praise.
In addition to Messrs. Stewart and Shipherd, already
named, Messrs. Asa Mahan, Charles G. Finney, John
Morgan and John Keep must be numbered among those
who are to be honored as the founders and the promoters
of Oberlin, its community and its college, distinguished as
it has always been for the high tone of its Christian senti-
OBERLIN. 103
ment, its lofty standard of equal popular education, and its
intelligent, sincere devotion to impartial liberty and human
rights.
In such a community, at such an institution of learning,
under such influences, young Langston was located early in
life, and received his education and training.
CHAPTER VIII.
HE SEEKS ADMISSION TO CERTAIN LAW SCHOOLS, BUT
IS DENIED.
YOUNG Langston had completed his academic and col-
legiate studies. He had completed his twentieth year and
was nearing his majority. He had taken a course of study
calculated to fit him for such further prosecution of some
professional course as might properly pursued make him a
useful man, and his guardian and friends expected him to
go forward in reasonable hope and courage to the end.
He had the health — although his natural physical condition
had been somewhat disturbed by indiscretion in over-study,
want of proper diet and necessary exercise — the means and
the ability to justify and determine such course. Here the
question came to him, as to all young men similarly situ-
ated, " What shall I do ? " He would study and practice
law. There was not however a negro lawyer in any part of
the country, and there never had been one from the foun-
dation of the Government. Besides, there was no public
sentiment in any part of the country favoring such course
on the part of any young colored man however endowed,
educated, qualified and well situated for such profession.
The public feeling of the country seemed to be entirely
against it, and no promise of success in such behalf could
be discovered in any quarter. The colored people them-
selves were not prepared to sustain a person cultivating the
legal profession even where they had business of such char-
104
DENIED ADMISSION TO LAW SCHOOLS. 105
acter as to require professional attention. For the courts
were all composed of white men and so were all the juries,
and on the part of the former and the latter alike prejudice,
strong and inveterate, existed against the colored litigant.
Moreover the very language of the law was so positively
against the colored man in many cases, and construed often
so as to affect his interests so vitally and seriously, that he
very justly felt that he must do his utmost, even in the
employment of his lawyer, to gain so far as practicable,
favor with the court and jury. He felt that he must not
certainly do the least thing tending to engender or arouse
any feeling or sentiment against himself as a suitor for
justice. Thus the young colored man was invited to this
calling by no prospect of success, by no example of a
daring and courageous forerunner.
But where could a young colored man find a place to
study law ? Who would take him, among all the lawyers of
the country, into his office as a student, and give him from
day to day such attention, with instruction, as he might
require? To what law school could he be admitted?
Was there one in the whole land which would give him
admission and welcome ? Our young colored student, well
furnished in every way with every natural endowment of
mind, education, moral character and fortune, a graduate
of Oberlin College, and a citizen of the United States and
of the State of Ohio, was confronted by such questions, and
stood in doubt and wonder as to whether he could find a
place, office or school, where he might pursue professional
study. Where could he pursue the study of the law and
qualify himself for the duties of an attorney and counsellor?
While in this condition of anxiety and perplexity, an aged
colored man who had large observation and experience, with
no little thought upon the situation and prospects of his
class, and who was esteemed and treated, generally, as a
sort of wise man, par excellence, advised the young colored
graduate not to think of doing such an absurd tiling as
studying law, declaring in a most oracular manner that the
practice of the law was something in which only the very
io6 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
smartest white men could succeed. About the same time
the young man received a letter from a lawyer of great
prominence in his profession, an anti-slavery man and special
friend of the negro race, in answer to one which young
Langston had written him asking for a place as a student
in his office. After saying in this letter that he could not
take him as a student, he kindly advised him to leave the
United States and seek a home in the British West India
Islands, where, perhaps, as he stated, he could study law,
and maybe succeed in its practice. The denial made to
the young man, and the counsel vouchsafed to him, were
natural enough under the circumstances, and came as
prompted by generous consideration in his interest.
Thereupon, the would-be colored law-student manifested
greater decision with respect to his desires in such regard
than ever; for he at once wrote Mr. J. W. Fowler, who
owned and conducted a law school at Ballston Spa, New
York, inquiring whether he could be admitted as a student
into his school. He wrote frankly and truthfully about
himself, telling who he was, all about his race, complexion,
qualifications and character, assuring Mr. Fowler that he
could not only furnish all needed recommendations and en-
dorsements of standing, but was able to meet every charge
for tuition, board, or other demand, in advance. Answer
was soon received from this gentleman to the effect that he
had submitted his case to his Board of Trustees and Board
of Faculty, and that the decision was on the part of both
unanimous against his admission, because of his color. Mr.
Fowler advised him, however, to come to Ballston Spa and
let himself be seen, stating that it might be that he would
be received. Anxious as he was to enter this school, feel-
ing and believing that his presence and appearance might
be of service to him, and having a young friend attending
there who urged him to come on, with the assurance, as
he felt, that he would be given admission, he did visit the
school. He arrived in time to attend the ordinary Com-
mencement exercises of 1850. He had the pleasure and
advantage of seeing and hearing David Paul Brown, the
DENIED ADMISSION TO LAW SCHOOLS. 107
great and famous lawyer and orator, on this occasion, who
addressed the graduating class in his usually masterly
manner upon " The Aristocracy of Eloquence ! " The fig-
ure of his address, the striking, marvelous illustration of its
truth, was witnessed in his own majestic power, displayed
in elocution, manner, gesture, sentiment and effect. And so
the picture of the occasion remains in the memory and im-
agination of the young man, who hearing this orator by the
merest chance, had his determination to press on stimu-
lated and confirmed.
Afterward young Langston called upon Mr. Fowler, and
renewed verbally, with suitable explanations, his applica-
tion for admission to the school. The principal promised
him that his case should be fairly and impartially con-
sidered and decided. He said, however, it would have to
be submitted to his Board of Trustees and his Board of
Faculty. Accordingly, within the next twenty-four hours,
Mr. Fowler called upon Mr. Langston at his hotel, and
after paying his respects to him, proceeded to give in full
the adverse conclusion, with the reasons therefor, which
had been reached in his case.
Among other things he said John C. Calhoun, of South
Carolina, had visited the school the year before at Com-
mencement and addressed the graduating class, and upon
leaving had promised him that he would see to it that the
number of his students should be largely increased by a good
and numerous accession of young persons from his State.
Continuing he said, " We feel that should we take a colored
person into the school as a student, and it should become
known, we would offend thereby these friends of ours and
the school become loser to that extent, at least, and doubt-
less to even a greater." Young Langston expressed his deep
regret and his profound chagrin in terms and manner which
seemed in some sense to move Mr. Fowler's feelings. "You
have my sympathy, "he said, "and I would be pleased to
do something to help you on in your studies. I will tell
you what I will do. I will let you edge your way into my
school. Or, if you will consent to pass as a Frenchman or
io8 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
a Spaniard hailing from the West India Islands, Central or
South America, I will take you into the school." When he
had finished his statement, Mr. Langston asked, " What,
Mr. Fowler, do you mean by your words ' Edge your way into
the school'?" He answered, " Come into the recitation-
room ; take your seat off and apart from the class ; ask no
questions; behave yourself quietly ; and if after a time no
one says anything against, but all seem well inclined toward
you, you may move up nearer the class ; and so continue to
do till you are taken and considered in due time as in full
and regular membership."
With the close of these words, Mr. Langston, moved by a
deep sense of the humiliation of his manhood under the
circumstances, rising from his seat and yet in most respectful
but feeling terms, expressed himself after this manner : " I
thank you, Mr. Fowler ! But, however much I may desire
to enter your school, I will do so upon no terms or condi-
tions of humiliation ! I will not edge my way into your
institution ! Nor will I yield my American birthright, as a
citizen of the United States, even in the pretense that I am
a Frenchman or a Spaniard, to gain that object ! I was
born in Virginia and upon a plantation. Neither of these
facts will I deny. I expect to live as I hope to die, in my
own country in the service of my own fellow-citizens ! Mr.
Fowler, before I would consent to the humiliation and
degradation implied in either of your propositions, I would
open my veins and die of my own act ! I am a colored
American ; and I shall not prove false to myself, nor neg-
lect the obligation I owe to the negro race ! You will par-
don the vehemence and positiveness of my utterance."
Mr. Fowler heard Mr. Langston in kind considerate man-
ner. No feeling was exhibited on his part other than that
of approbation of his decision and its earnest, manly ex-
pression. However, he finally said as he addressed Mr.
Langston, "You have my sympathy, but I cannot take
you as a student." To this the young man made prompt
reply, " I do not need sympathy ! I need the privileges
and advantages of your law school." Here the interview was
DENIED ADMISSION TO LAW SCHOOLS. 109
ended, Mr. Fowler bidding the would-be colored law-student
a cordial and kindly farewell. However, he tarried to say to
Mr. Langston, " You lecture sometimes, do you not ? " The
answer was, " I do." He then asked, " Would you not
like to speak to us, and in our great lecture-room ? " The
answer was, " I would." Then Mr. Fowler inquired,
11 What shall be your subject ? " Quickly Mr. Langston re-
plied, " Your treatment of a young educated colored man,
the first of his class to ask admission as a student to any
American law school." With the subject announced, Mr.
Fowler declined to have the lecture delivered, leaving the
young man with his hurried words, " Good-bye ! Good-
bye ! "
Mr. Fowler had learned of Mr. Langston's lecturing
sometimes on Anti-Slavery and kindred popular themes
from Mr. Thomas Higgins, a young white man, who had
formerly attended school at Oberlin, and who was a special
friend of the colored student. At this time Mr. Higgins was
a member of the Ballston Spa law school, and had taken
great interest in Mr. Langston's entering the same institu-
tion. Among other high and distinguished evidences of his
friendly regard and appreciation of his colored friend
worthy of note is the fact that through his influence Dr.
St. John, a prominent and active member of the Mite society
of this beautiful little town of New York, invited Mr. Lang-
ston to his home, to a very imposing and agreeable dinner
party. There were present among others at this dinner,
Mr. Fowler, with three or four of the leading professors of
his school, and Mr. Higgins and several of the students.
The dinner was given the following day after the interview
just narrated as occurring between Mr. Fowler and Mr.
Langston.
The honor thus conferred upon Mr. Langston was a very
signal one, and rendered especially emphatic when, as the
company had seated themselves about the table, Dr. St.
John, an avowed and positive friend of the colored Ameri-
can, addressing him at his own table in the midst of his
very excellent and refined guests, said, " I am glad you
no FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
have come to live among us, for two or three years at least,
and to study in our law school. We shall treat you well.
Mr. Higgins has told us all about you." " No," said Mr.
Langston, " I shall have to leave you to-morrow morning
for Ohio." " Why ? " quickly asked Dr. St. John. " Mr.
Fowler will answer," replied Mr. Langston.
Mr. Fowler at first was inclined to avoid a frank, truthful
answer. But Dr. St. John was earnest and positive in the
matter, and would tolerate nothing like indirection or eva-
sion, and pressed his inquiries on the subject in such way
that Mr. Fowler was compelled to make proper answer in
the case. Dr. St. John thereupon opened his mind freely,
offering such utter condemnation of Mr. Fowler's action, in
the presence of his friends and to their delight, as really
seemed to make the president of the school heartily
ashamed of his conduct. That the true sentiment of those
who heard Dr. St. John in his criticism of Mr. Fowler's
conduct in this case may be fully appreciated, it is proper
to present here a circumstance of great interest and satis-
faction to Mr. Langston. The next morning after the din-
ner, one of the gentlemen present, a lawyer of learning and
distinction, and a lecturer of the school, residing at Saratoga
and doing a flourishing business in that city, called upon
Mr. Langston at his hotel, and kindly offered, should he
conclude to remain in New York and study law in that
State, to take him into his office as his student, and give
him a home in his own family. This kind and generous of-
fer, however, was declined ; and Mr. Langston returning to
Ohio, sought to gain admission to the law school located
at Cincinnati, conducted and taught by Judge Timothy
Walker. He was denied admission, also, to this school,
Judge Walker writing him that he could not receive him,
" because his students would not feel at home with him,
and he would not feel at home with them."
CHAPTER IX.
HE STUDIES THEOLOGY AND LAW AND IS ADMITTED TO
THE BAR.
PROFESSOR JOHN MORGAN was, at once, the friend of the
colored student and the negro race. The principles which
he accepted as the basis of his character, actuating and
guiding his whole life, were those which moved as they
stimulated the activities of Daniel O'Connell in behalf of
both the British and the American slave. Morgan, an
Irishman by birth and lineage, had lost nothing in the in-
heritance and cultivation of the principles indicated, espe-
cially as they had been in his case sanctified through his
Christian faith, as discovered always in his noble Christian
ardor in behalf of every meritorious and worthy cause. He
was, under all circumstances, the valued friend of any
student who had been fortunate enough to secure his in-
struction and his paternal attention and interest ; so that
any student graduating from Oberlin College, left his Alma
Mater assured of his deep abiding interest in his general wel-
fare. It was not, then, unnatural that young Langston,
situated as he was, should have appealed to this worthy,
kind-hearted scholar, for counsel and direction, so indispen-
sable to wise and proper decision as to the course of study
which he should pursue. He well understood that any ad-
vice and direction given him by that person, would be
offered in the deepest sincerity and in the intelligent hope
of the best possible results. Knowing the character of the
in
ii2 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
man whom he addressed, that he was sagacious, earnest
and solicitous for his highest good, Mr. Langston did not
hesitate to take the judgment of his old teacher as the de-
cision in the most important and solemn matter of his life.
As advised, without further debate he determined to
return to Oberlin, and to pursue the regular course of theo-
logy in that college, as preparatory to his study and prac-
tice of the law.
Mr. Langston had studied the Hebrew to some extent
and with unusual success, before he left his college course.
He had given special attention to the Greek as well as the
Latin language, so that so far as the original languages of
the Old and New Testaments were concerned he was in
good preparation to enter upon theological study.
Besides, he had been taken over such branches as mental
and moral science in his college course with the greatest
care and thoroughness by President Mahan, perhaps one of
the most skillful and successful teachers in such studies
known in this country. More than this, his student had
been unusually fond of such subjects, and under the direc-
tion of his teacher had made large proficiency. In the
elements of criticism, literature, English and classic, logic
and rhetoric, theoretic and practical, he had been instructed
with diligence and painstaking by Prof. James A. Thorne, a
master indeed in his calling. In addition to such qualifica-
tions this student possessed large natural taste and talent
for the sacred, divine science whose study he would pursue.
He accepted without the least hesitation or question every
duty enjoined in the course, and persevered with vigor to
the end. Entering with suitable preparation, with proper
spirit and purpose, he pursued the new course of study
with zeal and enthusiasm, succeeding beyond the expecta-
tions of those who felt that he would be industrious and
faithful.
The course covered three years, and the studies were
most interesting, developing the highest order of scientific,
metaphysical, logical, linguistic and literary taste and
power. As furnishing a preparatory course for the ultimate
ADMITTED TO THE BAR. 113
study and practice of the law, nothing could be superior to
the theological curriculum of studies and lectures pursued
under and conducted by the able and distinguished pro-
fessors, Charles G. Finney, John Morgan, Henry Cowles,
Henry E. Peck and their assistants, then in charge of the
theological department of Oberlin College. The training
secured in the department of sacred rhetoric and sermoniz-
ing and the general exercises connected therewith, as the
same tended to fit one for ordinary public speaking,
whether from manuscript or orally, proved to be of the
greatest advantage to one having in view forensic labors,
especially arguments to courts and juries. The whole
field of didactic theology, embracing in its foundation a
system of metaphysics which must attempt the explanation
of every phenomenon of the human understanding and
every condition of the human heart concerning virtue or
vice, contradicting seemingly sometimes, or ever and con-
sistently sustaining the teachings of the Scriptures, New
and Old, afforded a subject which commanded the loftiest
thought of the most vigorous and accurate intellect. The
intricate and profound system of hermeneutics and exe-
gesis as taught and applied to our sacred writings — to the
matchless utterances of Isaiah, the master prophet of the
Old Dispensation, and the teachings of Paul, the tran-
scendent philosopher of the New — required, while they
developed in their utmost strength, all the powers of the
stoutest understanding. Such subjects exciting the pro-
foundest interest of the student, educated and sustained his
highest conceptions of truth, with his best logical powers, in
such manner and to such extent as to prepare him for the
hardest and most difficult tasks connected with the exacting
and trying intellectual problems of any science, even the
law itself. Such was the natural and inevitable effect of
this course of study upon Mr. Langston, who though tak-
ing the same for mental discipline and culture alone as
supposed, could not fail to be reached by its moral and
religious results. Herein he was greatly benefited, as he
was morally fortified for conscientious service at the Bar.
ii4 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Mr. Langston was the first colored student who entered a
theological school in the United States, and his success in
that character was awaited with considerable interest by
those who knew of his course in this respect. It was held by
many persons then that theological and metaphysical study
treated as matter of science was too profound and intricate
for the negro brain and intellect, and that therein the un-
tried colored student must prove to be a failure. It was
conceded that the colored man had sensibility enough and
that religious truth could be taught him to such degree and
in such measure as to excite and arouse his feelings, moving
him even to eloquent utterance after his own peculiar man-
ner in its advocacy and appeal. To measure its depths
intellectually, and to comprehend and master its fundamental
principles in thought and in the light of reason as affirma-
tive in its unerring divine approval of its essence and verity,
was considered a thing in no sense practicable or possible.
Hence, by such persons, those holding this opinion of the
inability and incapacity of the colored student, this new
experiment of negro education was regarded as little less
than a wonder.
Often persons of this character, those without faith or
confidence in negro talent or genius, attending the recitations
of the classes of which Mr. Langston was a member, when
he was called to recite would, especially in look always, and
very frequently in words even to him, express their surprise
that he handled the subjects under consideration with such
ease, facility and skill. Sometimes they would go so far as
to inquire of the professors how their colored student was
getting on ; whether he maintained his standing with his
fellow-students ; and when answered that he was doing well
they would often press their inquiry by asking, " Does he really
seem to understand and comprehend the truths, the profound
principles of theology ? " It is not to be understood that any
one of his professors or fellow-students ever entertained any
such absurd notions. By them the colored student was
simply treated impartially and put upon his own metal, and
thus made to make his own way over the course of study in
ADMITTED TO THE BAR. 115
competition and rivalry with his classmates for fair and
equal standing as to excellence of achievement and record
in general scholarship. How well he did is evidenced in the
fact that by reason of his high standing with his instructors
and the members of the several classes of the department,
he was elected as one of the orators therefrom to appear on
its behalf at the Commencement of August, 1852.
His address was received with manifestations of the liveli-
est interest by the vast audience to which it was made, and
its delivery was greeted by demonstrations of the heartiest
applause. His professors gave Mr. Langston many words
of commendation, while his classmates and fellow-students
offered him their cordial praises. He was at once invited
to preach specially, at several different important places.
Besides, he was offered more than a dozen permanent desir-
able positions as a settled pastor. To all such propositions
however he promptly replied that he was only fitting him-
self for the Bar, and was taking this course of study because
he had not been able to gain admission to a law school.
Many seemed surprised at such a decision and course, and
not a few advised that since Mr. Langston gave such
marked evidences of aptness and power for labor peculiar
to the pulpit, he had better turn his attention in that direc-
tion. Indeed his old and excellent friend and instructor,
Rev. Charles G. Finney, prayed, on closing the exercises of
Commencement day, after he had heard the address of
his student, imploring the Lord to open the eyes and heart
of the young man and teach him his duty as to the choice
of his calling for life. Subsequently, as he gave him his
parting word of benediction and farewell, the venerable
professor said to his student, " My son, you ought to conse-
crate yourself to the Master's work and preach." But the
high compliment paid to Mr. Langston on the Commence-
ment day referred to, is found in the words employed by
President Finney in his address to him on the presentation
of the Master's Degree of the Arts, when on reaching him, as
he stood in the central position of fifty other candidates, past
graduates of the institution, awaiting like honor, he asked,
ii6 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
"What now shall I say to you? In view of your whole
conduct in the college and theological courses of the insti-
tution, and especially in view of your conduct this day, had
I the power, could the trustees of the institution give me
the authority to do so, I would confer upon you two
degrees, for you deserve them." This announcement was
received by the audience with the wildest applause, and
when the young man left the platform upon which the
students were ranged, bearing his diploma, he did so the
apparent favorite of one of the finest audiences that ever
welcomed and greeted an orator on a Commencement occa-
sion at Oberlin.
Mr. Langston did not, however, complete his course in
theology till August, 1853, one year after he had received
the Master's Degree as mentioned. During his last year of
this course, he gave special earnest attention with certain
of his classmates and others, members of the department, to
the cultivation of the highest possible standard of extem-
poraneous speaking, adopting the extraordinary and novel
method, in connection therewith, of naming the theme —
theological, historical, scientific, linguistic, or what not — after
those interested had met. The person who had been
directed to name the subject, upon the order of a previous
meeting, alone had the least knowledge of it till after its
announcement. No one was permitted to write a single
word upon it, while all were required to deliver addresses
as finished as might be in thought, diction, arrangement of
matter and illustration, so as to gain the habit of logical,
clear, apt, attractive, impressive and perfect extemporane-
ous address. To the good effects of this exercise Mr.
Langston has been wont to attribute much of any success
which he may have achieved in addressing public audiences,
courts or juries, as well as a large share of any success
which may have attended his efforts in training students in
law or otherwise, in general or forensic oratory. This
training was, above all others, that which the lawyer
needed ; for he must think and speak often, and sometimes
under the heaviest weight of responsibility, in face of
ADMITTED TO THE BAR. 117
solemn emergency, on the spur of the occasion and when
he must be correct in his statement of law, and accomplished
and effective in his style, manner of utterance and general
delivery.
Philemon Bliss was a man of extraordinary character and
unusual ability. He had achieved the name and standing
of a scholar, lawyer, judge, politician, congressman, anti-
slavery agitator, and friend of the colored people of the
United States, before he was asked to take a young colored
man as a law-student into his office and under his tuition.
The family of Judge Bliss was fortunate in the possession
and care of a wife and mother, whose culture and refine-
ment as well as her vigorous sense and sound judgment,
were proverbial in the community of its residence. She
was kind and considerate of the welfare of any and all per-
sons brought within the limits of her influence and control,
and never timid or fearful as to the opinions, even the criti-
cism of others, with respect to her treatment of any one
drawn to her by domestic relationships or temporary social
intercourse. A family thus constituted, with the persons
giving it name and place of the character indicated, must
have held exalted and conspicuous position and influence in
the society of the community in which it was located. If not
the very first family by reason of its circumstances, social,
religious, professional and political, in the town of Elyrta,
the county-seat of Lorain County, Ohio, it would tax any-
one acquainted with the society of that place to name one
superior to it.
It was to such a man, learned in the law, with such a fam-
ily, conspicuous and prominent in every way and sense, to
whom Mr. Langston made application for a position as a
student of law in his office, immediately after his graduation
from the theological department of Oberlin College. For-
tunately for the young colored man who made this appli-
cation, both Judge Bliss and his wife had learned of his
reputation and promise as a student and lawyer from his
best friends, those who knew him well — the instructors of
the institution from which he had graduated. He was
n8 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
therefore the more readily accepted by Judge Bliss as his
student, and by Mrs. Bliss as a member of their family.
This situation proved beneficial as well socially as educa-
tionally to the new law-student, and he and his race shall
ever stand debtors to the brave man and noble woman who,
under the circumstances and in spite of a bitter adverse senti-
ment then so potent, accorded him such unusual, consider-
ate, humane, just treatment.
Mr. Langston had not been in the office and family of
Judge Bliss many days; he certainly had not read over fifty
pages of the first law book put into his hands, before an in-
cident transpired worthy of note, calculated to test the feel-
ing and purpose of his preceptor as well as of the community
towards him. A clergyman, the agent of the American
Colonization Society, had visited Elyria to present to the
people in the most popular church of the place the claims
of that society upon general favor and patronage. He and
his friends had selected Sunday evening as the time, and
the great Methodist Church as the place where his address
should be delivered. The audience which assembled to
hear the address and to give support apparently to the en-
terprise, was large in numbers and commanding in charac-
ter. The agent proved to be an orator of unusual ability
and eloquence, discovering in his address not only large and
varied understanding of his subject, but the very best Chris-
tian temper and purpose. He had evidently won the sym-
pathy of his auditors in his treatment of his topic, and had
the hope of a large general contribution in behalf of his society
upon the close of his remarks. In the spirit and prospect
inspired, and sustained by such condition of things, the good
man deferred immediate collection from his audience, serv-
ing notice upon the poople that he would remain in the
town during the coming week visiting from house to house,
and thus giving everyone an opportunity of contributing ac-
cording to his pleasure to the philanthropic, patriotic, Chris-
tian cause which he represented. Thereupon the usual
concluding hymn of the church was announced and sung,
when the excellent man who had addressed the people, as
ADMITTED TO THE BAR. 119
by special invitation, advanced to pronounce the benedic-
tion. Mr. Langston, who had heard his address, listening
with unflagging attention from the first word uttered to the
close, opposing in his own mind everything that had been
said, and which he regarded as against the real interests of
the colored people, free and slave, with much misgiving and
yet under the pressure of the deepest sense of duty, arose
and requested the minister to allow him to make a single
announcement. Permission was given, and he advertised
the people that on the next Tuesday evening at the court
house, he would attempt to answer the address to which
they had listened, and begged them to make no contribu-
tions of the character asked till after they had heard him.
Except the surprise produced upon the minds of the peo-
ple and the anxiety manifested by the orator of the occa-
sion, no feeling was shown as the result of such notice.
However, as the audience retired, Mr. Langston with the
rest, he began to grow somewhat anxious not only in view
of the task which he had taken upon his shoulders, but as
to whether Judge Bliss himself would justify or sustain his
course, or Mrs. Bliss and the family tolerate it. He had
evidently, as he felt, put himself where he must confront
and meet in manly proper spirit and manner the prevailing
sentiment of the community. All alone in his room, on
that memorable Sunday night, in the very court house in
which he had promised to speak on the following Tuesday,
he wondered and wondered, whether his friends would not
condemn him, and he be disgraced by what they might
deem ill-advised and foolish conduct.
He had not slept soundly, and was not inclined to tarry
long in his quarters the following morning even for his
usual early study. A more urgent, weighty and disturbing
matter rested upon his mind. He was promptly at the
breakfast table, awaiting with no little anxiety any allu-
sion which Judge Bliss himself, or any other person present
might make to the occurrence of the preceding evening at
the church. He did not have to wait long, and his sus-
pense and anxiety were turned into joy inexpressible when
120 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the judge applauded his conduct ; declaring that he would
preside at the meeting and introduce him with appropriate
approving remarks, and Mrs. Bliss herself asserted that she
would be present and would have the speaker's stand
graced by her own large and beautiful chandelier. Such in-
fluences as indicated made the meeting a great success as
to numbers and character, and the support and encourage-
ment given Mr. Langston fitted him in feeling and general
knowledge for the effort which the community under the
circumstances expected of him. The effect of the meeting,
as regarded the cause, was signal and telling against the
Colonization Society ; while so far as Mr. Langston was
concerned, it produced in his favor the happiest results.
He succeeded in his speech in not only winning general
substantial approval in Elyria, but throughout the county
of Lorain, as was fully shown by the several invitations
which he received to deliver the speech in different commu-
nities, and as his efforts were noticed and commended by the
various newspapers published therein. Thus his labors in
the interest, as he felt, and in favor of the colored people of
the country, were abundantly and satisfactorily rewarded.
If he had gained no more than the increased popular favor
shown him, his reward would have been all that he could
have expected. So far as the Bliss family was concerned,
its treatment of him, cordial and kind always, was indeed
rendered even more warm and genial.
Inured as Mr. Langston had become to the severe and
exacting habits of an earnest student from quite ten years
of constant study in the preparatory, collegiate and theo-
logical departments of Oberlin College, he was prepared to
enter upon the matters of the law, even in an office, with
large hope of general unusual success. The lawyer with
whom he was to study was a man of such talent, various
and special qualifications, with such experience in years of
heavy professional labors, with such conspicuous position at
the Bar, and such a name as an honest and upright judge,
with positive personal interest in his new student, that no
one could see anything but inspiring hope and success for
him under such favorable circumstances.
ADMITTED TO THE BAR. 121
This first colored law-student appreciated his position,
however, and was not forgetful of the many vexatious con-
ditions underlying and surrounding it. Nor was his excel-
lent preceptor long in emphasizing these conditions to him
and advising him as to how they could be overcome and
made incentives to give him not only admission to the Bar,
but urge him forward in meeting his duty so as to win a
proud and honorable standing in his profession. Such con-
ditions will be appreciated when it is understood that this
young colored man was a pioneer in legal professional
effort ; that he was undertaking at a time and in a State to
pursue professional study, when the statute books of Ohio
were loaded down with Black Laws so-called, which were
intended to be, as they were, oppressive of the colored citi-
zen, denying him every opportunity and incentive to self-
elevation in the walks of ordinary social, civil, political and
professional life ; that the public feeling of the State without
regard to sect, church or party, fostered and sustained such
conditions of sentiment and law. The word " white " was
used then, in the Constitution of Ohio, in the clause desig-
nating those persons who constituted its voters, in the
phrase of such document, " all white male persons."
The young student had advanced but a short distance in
study before his preceptor found him anxious and inquisi-
tive as to^his admission to the bar. In view of the very
language of the Constitution and the Black Laws of the
State, he was exercised as to whether upon the completion
of his studies and an approved examination, he could be
admitted to practise law. When Judge Bliss found that
this question seemed to vex and harass him, he bade him to
give himself no trouble about it, as he would be prepared to
meet any question of color, in his case, when attempt was
made to urge it against him so as to prevent or hinder his
professional career. He said further and frankly to him,
" All that is necessary is for you to so prepare yourself as to
pass a first-class examination and thus compel a favorable
report as to your general and special qualifications, and to
this end I shall be very thorough with you, for we must
have no failure."
122 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Thus warned and assured, the first young colored law-
student of the United States, studying in a State whose
statute books were black with prescriptive acts of inhuman
legislation, redoubled his resolution, and pushed forward
against the odds indicated upon a sea of professional
endeavor unexplored, up to that time, by a single member
of his race. Not wanting in hope and purpose, relying upon
his individual powers, of which he felt that he possessed
reasonable knowledge, and putting due estimate upon the
learning and the information which he had already gained
at such cost of time, effort and outlay, he treated them all
as no other thing than an important and valuable reserved
element of strength, to be used as necessity required. Thus
favorably situated and encouraged, the colored student
applied himself to the subjects of study, made plain and in-
teresting through the efforts of his painstaking, conscien-
tious instructor. Great importance was attached at all
times, and as to every subject of the law, to the accuracy,
the fulness, and the application, in theory and practice, of
all definitions by Judge Bliss ; — and that there might be
no mistake made here, no inattention and forgetfulness,
he cultivated constant reviews, with varied and changing
explanations of the law principles, the doctrines and rules
occurring in the general and regular lessons of the various
text-books pursued. His illustrations were always full,
lucid and instructive, being so presented as to command
the attention and fix his instructions in the memory.
Exercises in writing on law topics, and discussions on such
subjects, with all those invaluable advantages connected
with the well-organized and skillfully conducted moot court,
were wanting. The training which they would have
supplied had been furnished in large measure in the
present case by the course taken already in the theolog-
ical school. Besides, Judge Bliss required his student to
attend the courts regularly, and often catechized him with
regard to the law and the management of suits tried, civil
and criminal, involving intricate special principles of law,
necessitating wise and skillful manipulation. He was wont
ADMITTED TO THE BAR. 123
also to dwell to his student on the various apt and effective
methods and styles of address proper to be made to the
court or the jury, illustrating what he might have to say by
reference to the noted lawyers who visited and conducted
the more celebrated cases in his judicial district.
Judge Bliss was himself an admirable lawyer, scholarly in
his accomplishments, always candid and earnest in his state-
ments of law and fact to judge or jury, bearing himself at
all times as master of his cause, cultivating a high and im-
pressive style of forensic utterance which was distinguished
for its logical method and its clear, pure English diction.
His student never failed to hear him on important occasions,
and he was at liberty, even urged to ask any question in
regard to the general management of a case, or to inquire
why special turn was taken at any point in its conduct. It
is not difficult to perceive that a vigilant and intelligent
student thus situated and treated would make rapid and
advantageous progress in love and knowledge of the subject
of his constant thought. Under these circumstances time
moved only too rapidly, and the day arrived seemingly too
soon when the colored candidate for admission to the Ohio
Bar must quit these pleasant places and surroundings for
the stern, real and trying things of laborious professional
endeavor. So it was !
Two years had passed, and credited with one year's study
of the law which he had gained in the last two years of his
theological course, Judge Bliss gave Mr. Langston the usual
certificate required as to his character and attainments in
the law, and moved the court to appoint a special committee
to examine him for admission to practice as an attorney and
counsellor at law and solicitor in chancery. This action
was taken at a term of the District Court of the State of
Ohio held at Elyria, Lorain County, September 13, 1854.
The committee appointed consisted of three of the best
lawyers practicing at that Bar. No one of them was
friendly to the new proposition of admitting a colored man
to practice law in the courts of Ohio. Two of them were
men of age, with fixed principles and feelings, and in politics
124 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Democrats. The third was a younger man, of improving
liberal sentiments and a Whig in his politics. The latter
finally, as changes were made in national and local political
relationships, became an ardent Republican. The committee
shortly after its appointment notified Mr. Langston that its
meeting would be held at the office of the gentleman last
referred to and that his examination would commence with-
out delay. Accordingly he appeared promptly at the place
designated, and after the members of the committee had
arranged the order of their work the examination began
with the question, " What is law ? " The examiner who
propounded this question occupied himself in full and de-
tailed canvass of all those matters concerning real and per-
sonal property as treated in such elementary works as those
of Blackstone and Kent, with such special works upon these
subjects as he deemed proper. He did not find the candi-
date making a single hesitation in view of any question put
to him, and when he had finished he remarked to him, " I am
satisfied," and to his associates, " He has done well." The
next examiner according to arrangement took up the sub-
jects of contracts and evidence, and when he had asked all
the questions he desired he dismissed the subjects with the
remark to the student, " You have read on these topics with
great care and thoroughness." The young Whig lawyer
then commenced his part of the work, and besides showing
an excellent temper he gave evidence of large and critical
knowledge of the law to which he confined his examination.
He addressed himself to the matter of practice and plead-
ing, and did so with great skill and tact. But here the can-
didate showed thorough preparation, and the examiner
closed with assurance to him that he would be admitted,
and that he would see that in the report of the committee
his case was duly and fairly treated.
The committee made its report, and so far as the exami-
nation and its results were concerned reported truthfully
and in favor of the colored candidate. He was found to be
a young man of good moral character, twenty-one years of
age, qualified to discharge the duties of an attorney and
counsellor at law and a solicitor in chancery, and a citizen
ADMITTED TO THE BAR. 125
of the State of Ohio and of the United States. So far so
good ! But as they submitted this report the Democratic
members of the committee suggested verbally nevertheless
that the candidate was a colored man.
Five gentlemen, judges, composed the court. The one
who acted as chief justice was a member and assistant justice
of the Supreme Court of the State, a resident of the south-
ern part of Ohio, where the feeling against the colored citi-
zen was intense and positive. The chief justice in this
case was inclined to throw the responsibility of disposing of
it upon his associates who resided in the upper part of the
State, who would be more apt to meet the colored lawyer
in their courts and feel the consequences of his admission.
He therefore at once said to them, that they might do as
they pleased as to admitting the colored applicant ; that he
though admitted, would probably never appear before him,
and that he was not specially interested in the matter.
It was not until Judge Bliss, and Mr. Gerry Boynton, the
Whig examiner already referred to, had invited the atten-
tion of the court quietly to the language of the report of
the committee, and had suggested that under the law of
Ohio Mr. Langston was a " white man," that the court,
especially its acting chief justice, seemed determined to
give the case serious, just consideration. At this juncture
the chief justice inquired of the sheriff, with manifest
warmth of feeling, "Where is Mr. Langston ?" The officer
answered, " He sits within the Bar." Whereupon the
judge addressing Mr. Langston, asked him to stand up.
As he arose the judge directed him to come forward and
be sworn. This he did, and subsequently when in conver-
sation with the same judge he inquired why he was asked
to stand, he was told that it was material to know by act-
ual sight what his color was. For in order to his admission
to the Bar under the law of Ohio as then expounded, he
must be construed into a white man, as he was at once
upon sight.
The certificate of Mr. Langston's admission to the Bar
bears date Sept. 13, 1854.
9
CHAPTER X.
IMPORTANT OCCURRENCES WHICH AFFECT AND DETER-
MINE HIS CAREER.
SUCH was the untoward condition of Mr. Langston's
health when he had completed his law studies and been
admitted to the Bar, that his friends advised and urged him
to consult some distinguished and reliable physician as to
what he had better do to regain, fortify and sustain it. He
did consult an old medical friend, and upon his advice and
direction purchased and moved upon a farm located near
Lake Erie, in Brownhelm Township, Lorain County, Ohio,
nine miles from Oberlin, the most active town in the
county and fourteen miles from Elyria, the county-seat.
He was to remain upon the farm at least two years, and
take regular daily exercise in the open air by working upon
it. To all of which he consented and made his arrange-
ments in accordance with such understanding.
The farm which he purchased and was to occupy con-
sisted of fifty acres of the most beautiful fertile soil, with
every improvement of buildings, gardens, orchards, orna-
mental trees and shrubbery, with such woodlands as were
necessary to supply fuel and timber for preservation of
fences and buildings upon the place. The productions of
the farm were various and abundant. The meadows beau-
tiful in their solid timothy, yielded crops of great value and
richness ; while the fine pasture-lands, well-regulated and
thoroughly watered, afforded rich and ample feed for any
126
IMPORTANT EVENTS AFFECTING HIS CAREER. 127
cattle and sheep brought and supported upon the premises.
The orchards were large, consisting of the finest varieties of
every kind of fruits, such as apples, cherries and quinces, as
well as pears, peaches and plums, and were a source of very
considerable revenue. The woods abounded in excellent
chestnut and hickory-nut trees, which afforded ample sup-
plies of their fruits every year, and when carefully gathered
such nuts not only answered the wants of those residing upon
the farm, but many of them were sold to good advantage.
The lands used for annual crops were easily cultivated and
were unusually productive of corn and Irish potatoes, with'
such other farm products as were generally grown. Mark-
ing the place and seen from great distance all around it,
stood a great towering pine-tree, growing near the west
corner of the two-storied frame house which constituted the
mansion of the farm. The gentleman of whom the place
was bought was a farmer of excellent knowledge, wedded to
his calling, and who had exhausted his skill and industry in
making of his land, located by him and secured of the
Government itself, all that his purpose, ingenuity and long
years of unremitting diligence could make of it, as a first-
class farm and delightful home. He only sold it that he
might invest in more capacious landed property of the same
sort and because his farm thus improved commanded a
very large price.
Mr. Langston was not long after his purchase in locating
himself upon this farm. He arranged with an English
friend of his, Mr. Thomas Slater, to bring his family, con-
sisting of his wife and son, upon the place and make for its
owner such a home as would be mutually agreeable and
pleasant. Besides, under the arrangement made with his
friend, Mr. Slater was, for his labors and those of his family
having to do with the cultivation and care of the property,
including all domestic necessary duties, to have an interest
in all the products of the place, including those of all lands
and orchards as well as the increase of all animals. Mr.
Langston was not more fortunate in the place which he
bought than he was in the family which he selected and
128 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
secured to come upon and manage it for him. Mr. Slater
and Mrs. Slater proved to be just the persons exactly whom
he needed and would have, and their son John, an excellent
young man, was in every respect a worthy and congenial
companion for him. In such a family, with the pleasant
atmosphere which pervaded the household through its influ-
ence and direction, Mr. Langston found himself entirely at
home, with every want often anticipated and constantly,
cheerfully and promptly met. The contract made with Mr.
Slater covered the full two years which Mr. Langston had
expected to devote to his farming enterprise.
In his purchase of Mr. Ebenezer Jones, Mr. Langston
had included all the personal property such as tools, farm-
ing implements, wagons and harness, corn and hay, with all
maturing crops of every sort. Hence it was necessary, since
he was to have immediate possession, that he and his help
go at once to work caring for his interests. When Mr.
Jones made the sale he advised the purchaser that there was
but one single person residing in the neighborhood whose
conduct would be likely in any way to render his residence
there in any sense disagreeable. The lands of the person
referred to adjoined the Jones farm upon the west, and to
accommodate Mr. Jones, whose farm lay back from either
county road, passing to the eastward and westward thereof,
a township road had been opened from the limits of either
side of the farm to both county roads mentioned, and the
one part of such township road running to the westward
crossed the lands of the person named by him. So far as
the Jones farm was concerned, though the township road
was established for its convenience and benefit, it was not
made to constitute any part of such road, nor in anywise
disturbed or injured thereby. Nevertheless by common
consent anyone desiring to do so was permitted, passing by
the draw-bars on one side and the gate on the other, to use
the lane running through the Jones farm. And it was well
understood when Mr. Langston took possession of it, that
no one passed over the lane afoot or by conveyance more
frequently than his neighbor, to whom Mr. Jones made
IMPORTANT EVENTS AFFECTING PUS CAREER. 129
allusion. The brother of this man had also ventured to say
to Mr. Langston upon an early visit which he had made to
him after he had taken possession of his new home, that he
feared his brother, the very person referred to, would prove
to be a disagreeable and unsatisfactory neighbor. Thus
warned, Mr. Langston had determined to do whatever he
might to win and conciliate this neighbor. Hence, as he
passed down the lane one morning on his way to the post-
office, as was his habit, Mr. Langston and Mr. Slater being
at work in their potato-field near the lane, the former
advised the latter that upon his return he was determined
to pay his respects to his neighbor. > This neighbor by
reason of certain services which he had rendered his coun-
try, and certain position which he had won in the days of
the " Cornstalk Militia," was known as and called Col. Frank
Peck, and was distinguished for the inveteracy of his
Hunker Democracy and his unconquerable hatred of aboli-
tionism and the negro. On his return Colonel Peck had
reached a point in the lane just opposite Mr. Langston,
when the latter addressed him, employing in most respect-
ful manner the words, " Good-morning, Colonel Peck ! " No
attention whatever was paid to this salutation, until it had
been very emphatically repeated. Then reply was made by
the colonel in gruff, savage manner, "Who are you?"
Whereupon he also came to a halt, and Mr. Langston pro-
ceeded in becoming spirit and respectful phrase to intro-
duce himself to this person, who seemed very much
chagrined that he should be thus accosted, particularly
since such a thing had been done by a colored person, and
one who had been educated at the abolition, negro-loving
school of Oberlin. He even went so far as to say that he
wanted nothing to do with any such person, educated at
such an institution. Notwithstanding, Mr. Langston was
not easily frightened, and did not fail to hear attentively
all that was said and to defend valiantly and soundly the
institution from which he had received his education. He
even went so far as to advise Colonel Peck that he and his
family would find themselves greatly benefited by sending
130 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
his sons and daughters to Oberlin to be educated, and to be
advanced morally and enlightened politically. While this
interview had upon the highway did not seem to be wholly
satisfactory to Colonel Peck, it was counted a victory by Mr.
Langston, and did result finally in such good understanding
between them that they became, though differing in politics,
agreeable neighbors and real friends.
Mr Langston had not been long upon his farm, not more
perhaps than ten days or two weeks, when an attorney
living in the neighborhood, doing business in some two or
three adjoining counties, especially before the justices of
the peace, called to see him. He came to secure his
services as his assistant in an important and interesting case,
to be tried before the most active and influential justice of
Brownhelm Township, who held his court at the center of
that town. The case was one which as regarded the parties
and the matter in litigation, was well calculated to bring
together a large number of persons, and by reason of
the fact that it would be tried by a jury of good and true
men of the vicinage, offer to an unknown and untried
lawyer of tact and talent a fine opportunity to display his
ability and skill and thus bring him name and business.
No writer shall ever be able to describe the feelings
produced in Mr. Langston's mind by this visit, nor shall
any philosopher be able to explain how he was able to
contain himself while such feelings held masterhood of his
being ! He had been told that no one would, in all proba-
bility, offer him legal business of any sort, and he had feared
that no opportunity would ever come to him, situated as
he was, in connection with which he might be able to make
any demonstration of talent, learning, skill, or power as a
lawyer. A thousand times he had been warned that the
fate of the negro was sealed, and in the decree which fixed
the destiny of the blackhued son of the race his own posi-
tion was determined and settled ! But now he saw a new
light, and his soul was aroused and fired by even a new and
better hope !
Mr. Hamilton Perry called upon Mr. Langston, seeking
IMPORTANT EVENTS AFFECTING HIS CAREER. 131
to interest him in the case mentioned to the extent, at
least, of securing his assistance, and if not so much,
certainly his counsel, with interchange of opinions. Mr
Perry was frank and made full statement to Mr. Langston,
explaining how he ought not to let this chance pass unim-
proved, and insisting that if he should take hold in earnest,
and do as well as might be expected of a person of his
learning, it would give him prestige and influence, resulting
it might be in very large professional advantage. After a
full consultation, a careful canvass of the facts of the case
and the law respecting it to be urged and enforced in order
to success at the trial, Mr. Langston engaged to join Mr
Perry, and the two resolved to do their best and utmost to
win the suit.
One week from the day of this call and conference, the
case in question was to be tried. So it was — and so large
was the attendance and so great the interest excited by it,
that the justice of the peace had to move out of his large
office in his house to a more capacious barn-room, where the
trial was conducted. The plaintiff in the case was repre-
sented by one of the ablest and most noted young lawyers
of the county-seat, Mr. Stevenson Burke. To wm a suit
against him was considered in those days a great achieve-
ment, especially when he had brought it, as in this instance.
The defendant was represented by Messrs. Hamilton Perry
and John M. Langston. When the case was called and the
parties had duly answered, a jury was demanded, as of
right by the defendant. The jurors selected from the by-
standers soon took their seats, and after being sworn to
the proper discharge of their duty, heard the statement of
the attorney for the plaintiff and that of Mr. Perry for the
defendant. The case, as developed in such statements, was
one as known in the law of forcible entry and detainer, and
the question to be settled was whether the plaintiff, the
owner of certain premises involved, was entitled to their
immediate possession, as against the defendant who held
and occupied them. Witnesses were called, sworn and ex-
amined in the interest of the plaintiff. Their cross-exami-
132 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
nation was at first attempted by Mr. Perry ; but very soon
this work was given Mr. Langston, and he succeeded so
well at it that by consent, even the urgent request of his
associate, he conducted it to the end. Besides, he exam-
ined in chief all the witnesses testifying in behalf of the de-
fendant. The suit commenced at one o'clock in the after-
noon, was not submitted for argument to the jury before
nine in the evening. The interest in it did not flag, and
when it was agreed and announced that two addresses only
would be made, one by Mr. Langston and the other by Mr.
Burke, the bystanders crowded the barn-room in earnest
and deep attention. By arrangement the former person
addressed the jury first, commanding the undivided inter-
est of the court, the jury and his auditors, from the begin-
ning to the end of his remarks. Mr. Burke followed in one
of his most entertaining, lucid and interesting addresses,
everyone present giving him respectful and attentive hear-
ing. Upon the conclusion of his address, the court
charged the jury, and without leaving their seats they gave
a unanimous verdict in favor of the defendant.
This was a grand closing for Mr. Langston. Never did
American lawyer leave a court house with more grateful
feelings in his triumph than he did the barn of 'Justice
Samuel Curtiss on that ever famous Saturday night of Oc-
tober, 1854, when he had won by verdict of an honest
American jury, the first cause which he was permitted to
aid in trying. Mr. Perry was happy enough, for he had
staked his reputation largely upon the results of this trial.
But Mr. Langston felt that his all was staked upon it, and
he labored and spoke in it with the earnestness and power
of one who would win victory against any and every oppo-
sition. On his return to his house, reaching it at midnight,
accompanied as he was by Mr. Slater, who had kept near
him during all the hours of the trial, ready to rejoice with
him should success reward his efforts, they found Mrs. Sla-
ter anxious about them both, overjoyed upon their arrival
and report as to the great victory which had been won.
The good woman had made her best cup of tea, provided
IMPORTANT EVENTS AFFECTING HIS CAREER. 133
her most inviting country supper, and offering all in the
very best condition, bade Mr. Langston and her husband to
partake with her to their fullest satisfaction. This was a
home full now of unalloyed, positive and earnest rejoicing.
The following Sabbath morning, bright and beautiful as
it was, bathed in light and happiness a home which, though
it contained neither the father, nor mother, nor brother,
nor sister, nor other relative of Mr. Langston to rejoice with
him, was full of the kindly esteem and regard of those
who, though only employed by him and of another and for-
eign nationality, gave him their sympathy, as they did their
care and services. As already intimated, four persons, an
aged English gentleman, an aged English woman, their
only child and Mr. Langston, were the persons who com-
posed this household. As they sat together about the
breakfast table, on the memorable Sabbath morning men-
tioned, many were the warm earnest words uttered by his
friends in commendation of his efforts and success the
night before, all speaking as if their glory belonged cer-
tainly to the whole family. The old gentleman had just
finished telling how one of the neighbors had spoken of the
colored lawyer while addressing the jury, and how the
crowd generally seemed to be moved by his speech, pre-
dicting that great success would follow it, when a knock
was made at the door. He stepping forward, opened it to
find a person there inquiring for the lawyer. The caller
was invited in, and at once on meeting the attorney made
known his errand.
The stranger had come to retain Mr. Langston to defend
him upon a charge of selling liquor to be drunk, contrary to
law, where sold. Full conversation was had with respect to
the case, the retainer paid, and the engagement settled for
Mr. Langston's services. This person had but just left the
door, when another appeared upon a similar mission ; and
then followed a third ; and so it continued the whole day,
until the lawyer declared that he had been engaged for
days in advance, and his pockets were full of retainers.
Such was in fact the case. The temperance people living
134 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
in Lorain and adjoining counties had just commenced pro-
ceedings against liquor venders, vulnerable to actions under
the anti-whiskey law of Ohio, and the prosecutions were nu-
merous and vigorous, giving special anxiety to those who
had been exposed and were being called to judicial account.
As Mr. Langston found his services even in such cases in
general positive demand, in behalf of a clientage willing to
retain and pay him well, he counted himself fortunate in-
deed in the opportunity which he had enjoyed in connec-
tion with the suit tried with Mr. Perry. Often in conversa-
tions had with his old colleague, the latter has claimed that
he gave the first colored lawyer of Ohio his start in profes-
sional life. Whether the statement in such form be true
or not, Mr. Langston has ever felt and believed that Mr.
Perry did him a great special service when he gave him the
privilege of appearing and taking such conspicuous part in
the management of the suit in which they were associated.
Mr. Langston's business from this time grew rapidly.
Such was the demand for his services in a professional way
that he abandoned any further idea of working on his farm.
With his improving health following his labors and the ex-
citement connected with them, his determination to make a
success of his law business increased and intensified itself.
Each case tried by him seemed to multiply his clients and
enlarge the circle of his acquaintances and opportunities.
He succeeded in a most remarkable manner, his clients in-
cluding Irishmen, Englishmen and Americans living in the
different adjoining counties to that of his residence. In all
criminal proceedings he discovered an aptness, skill and suc-
cess which were certainly unusual. He cleared quite every
one charged with crime whose defence he attempted, so that
persons in trouble came from distant places to secure his
services and paid him therefor large amounts. All his
clients were willing as they were able to pay him well and
liberally. Within less than one year after his admission to
the Bar, and within less than a year after his first suit, his
practice had become exacting and lucrative. His clients
were all white persons at this time and chiefly those who
IMPORTANT EVENTS AFFECTING HIS CAREER. 135
acted politically with the Democratic party. Such persons
did not seem however to fear Mr. Langston's color, nor on
account of it to question his ability and skill. They sought
him and his services as if they had the largest respect for
him personally and full confidence in his learning, ingenuity
and fidelity.
The home which Mr. Langston had provided in Brown-
helm was an elegant and desirable one for the neighbor-
hood, and as found in his possession and occupation proved
to be attractive and inviting to his friends, many of whom
spent days and sometimes weeks with him. The buildings
upon the place, though of old style, were numerous and con-
venient for the preservation of all products and the protec-
tion and care of all stock, wagons and implements. The
dwelling-house was of fair size, with several large rooms
above and below, and with a great capacious cellar. Sit-
uated as he was it was pleasant for even the most refined
who paid visits to Mr. Langston to desire and consent to
remain as long as might be in this agreeable rural retreat.
Persons of noted character, especially leading reformers,
white and colored, frequently came to this home, and were
gladly and hospitably entertained.
The town of Brownhelm was a most delightful and agree-
able one in all its natural and more prominent artificial
features. Five miles square, according to the New England
method of limitation and survey, it covered two most beau-
tiful ridges in its site, inclining northward to the lake upon
which it was located ; eastward and westward to small
streams making their way to the larger body of water and
southward to the great prairie lands extending off to the
lower parts of Lorain County. There was not a farm in
this township which was not cultivated in most approved
manner and to the full extent of its area. The population
settled there was of New England blood and origin, Puritan
in thought, purpose, education and character. Reforma-
tory sentiments, religious, political and anti-slavery, found
quick and general growth among its people. Some fami-
lies located in this community were made famous and con-
136 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
spicuous in the earliest days of the anti-slavery movement
for their brave, extreme, radical utterances and professions
with respect to the enslaved and freed classes of the negro
race. It was in this town and chief among its people, that
a noted family coming from Massachusetts settled in a con-
spicuous place, and at once gave character and name to the
whole community. Prominent in the church and controll-
ing in social circles, this family had more to do than any
other in directing and sustaining any new sentiment or
view, brought into the place by any advocate there, anxious
to impress and promote it upon and among the people. It
was this family which gave Oberlin College in its early days
two of its best and ablest students among the young men,
and three of its most efficient and admired students among
the young women. The father of this family was Grandi-
son Fairchild, and his two sons to whom reference is made,
were Rev. Edward M. Fairchild, late president of Berea
College, Kentucky, now dead ; and Rev. James H. Fair-
child, so long a professor and for twenty odd years the presi-
dent of Oberlin College, still living at the advanced age of
seventy-three years. A third son of this family, an older
man than either of his brothers named, but who was not so
well known to the public, generally, since he led a less con-
spicuous and more humble life, was a person of excellent
character, brave and outspoken in every conviction and duty*
His name was Charles Fairchild. He lived and labored in
Brownhelm, where he was carried as a small boy, upon a
farm, and yet always conducting himself in such way as to
win the respect and confidence of all who knew him.
Against no human being on account of his color, his
nationality or his former condition of enslavement, did this
family in any one of its* members ever discover any other
than a just, humane and generous sentiment. Earnest and
positive in their opposition to slavery, they held themselves
ready, under all circumstances, to do all in their power to
elevate, educate and save the poor, ignorant and degraded
son or daughter of any class of mankind, however brought
to their lowly condition, by action of the tyrant or the
IMPORTANT EVENTS AFFECTING HIS CAREER. 137
slave-holder. Such was the material of which this repre-
sentative family of the Brownhelm community was com-
posed ; — and such, fortunately, was the character of the
community itself, mainly, whose best and most valuable
elements were of the highest social dignity.
This community was, like the family described, really and
truthfully exceptional even in the northern part of Ohio and
upon the Western Reserve. At this time the prevailing
sentiment upon the Reserve was anti-negro and of positive
destestable pro-slavery character in its hatred of such a com-
munity and college as those of Oberlin. The following
circumstance illustrates and sustains this statement : Dis-
cussion of political popular character was just being at-
tempted upon the subject of slavery, as especially to its
aggressions upon Northern rights and interests. Feeling
against its spread northward was exhibiting itself in more
positive political action, and in some localities attempts to
elect positively anti-slavery men to Congress were being
made. This was true in the Lorain County Congressional
District, and Dr. Norton S. Townsend had been nominated
and was conducting a spirited and earnest canvass for his
election. It was deemed advisable by the congressional
executive committee that meetings be held in which Liberty
sentiments might be boldly enunciated and defended in
every more important place in the district. Among other
places a meeting was announced for French Creek, in Avon
Township, Lorain County. The gentlemen who were to
speak at this meeting were three white persons. Liberty men,
and Mr. John M. Langston, a colored man. The last-named
gentleman was to make the closing address. Two of the
other gentlemen had spoken and the third was making his
remarks when a person in the audience propounded to him
this question, " Are you in favor of nigger social equality?"
The young white man addressed showed the greatest em-
barrassment at once and the greatest possible hesitation, so
that the audience, seeing his condition, in claps of the hands,
stamping of the feet and other demonstrations of their feel-
ings against him and his sentiments, utterly overpowered
138 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
him. He was unable to proceed. In this confusion the
young orator brought his remarks to a close by announcing
that Mr. Langston would follow him and address the people.
It was very manifest from all that was said and done at this
time that the feeling of the community ran high against the
negro and his freedom. It was apparent that the person
who had propounded the question presented had sounded
the key-note of popular feeling. However, Mr. Langston
was at once introduced and attempted in careful though
earnest and manly manner to meet such feeling and if pos-
sible turn it somewhat if not wholly in favor of his race.
He stated first of all the question which had been put to his
friend and which had created the confusion, presenting it as
strongly against himself and all others similarly interested
as possible. Then he proceeded to show what the move-
ment which he advocated had to do with freedom as the
birthright of all, and how social equality was a matter depen-
dent upon individual choice, favor or otherwise, and that it
was only the enemy of human rights who would undertake
to obtrude that subject against reasonable demand in favor
equal freedom. At this time Oberlin College because of its
fair humane treatment of colored people was the object of
intense general hatred, and when appeal was made against
one urging the claims of the negro and the opponent would
thoroughly and completely vanquish such person, he had
the means in his power ordinarily could he charge that he
had been educated at Oberlin College. Mr. Langston had
closed his comments upon the question asked and had
evidently made a very serious and favorable impression upon
his hearers, when the gentleman who had offered it in seem-
ing rage and in his last appeal to popular prejudice against
him cried out at the top of his voice, even screaming, address-
ing Mr. Langston, said, " You learned that at Oberlin ! "
When it was discovered upon Mr. Langston's admission
that this statement was true and no great harm had been done,
and that he still held the audience, the same individual cried
out again, screaming as before, " You learned another thing
at Oberlin ! You learned to walk with white women there ! "
IMPORTANT EVENTS AFFECTING HIS CAREER. 139
Nothing daunted by the accusation implied in these words,
employed even under such trying circumstances, Mr. Lang-
ston quickly admitted their truth, and advancing to the very
verge of the platform, retorted upon the officious negro-
hater who had used them, " If you have in your family any
good-looking, intelligent, refined sisters, you would do your
family a special service by introducing me to them at once."
In the midst of the sudden surprising outburst of popular
applause following this remark and in approval of it, an old
gray-headed Democrat addressed his vanquished friend, say-
ing, " Joe Ladd, you d — n fool, sit down ! That darkey is too
smart for you ! Sit down!" These last words convulsed
the audience, and Mr. Langston retired from the stand in
triumph, and Avon Township on election day was carried
by a large majority for Dr. Townsend.
It will be perceived that such public feeling as prevailed
in Brownhelm Township, giving the colored class recogni-
tion and kindly treatment, was fortunate indeed for one sit-
uated as Mr. Langston, and it was from the beginning to
the end profoundly appreciated and valued by him.
Among the friends who made him visits, and learned of
his situation in a country neighborhood so admirably
adapted for pleasant business and domestic relationships, he
was often asked why he did not marry, and advised to do
so as a matter of proper economy and real happiness. Not
a few proffered him their good offices in this matter, and
some even went so far as to assure him that his early
marriage was indispensable to his success and prosperity. He
accepted all such wise and kind suggestions, and heard,
respectfully, every word of cordial proffer in such regard.
About this time, however, Mr Slater and his wife found,
that often after what was called a hard day's work, Mr
Langston would order his horse and buggy to drive to
Oberlin, and often he would not return till early the next
morning, giving as apology for his sojourn in that village,
that he could not pull himself away from his friends.
Finally, one of his most intimate and best friends, a young
man whom he always entertained with great pleasure, of
140 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
whom he had the highest opinion, and in whose judgment
he placed the greatest confidence, came to spend three or
four days with him. In addition to his business, he had
occupied considerable time during the days and the even-
ings which this friend spent with him, in talking over the
most serious change which he contemplated in his domestic
relations. He was frank and conscientious in his revelations
and expressions of purpose on this subject with his friend.
He even went so far as to tell him the name of the young
lady to whom he felt that he might present his petition for
marriage, to all of which his young friend not only gave
his approving judgment, but offered also to bear the
letter to the person to whom Mr. Langston would make
communication with such petition. The sun was just set-
ting as Mr. Slater, having invited this young gentleman to
take a seat in the carriage by his side, was moving off be-
hind two of the finest horses in the neighborhood, when Mr
Langston addressing his friend, said to him, " Now, deliver
the letter in good style," when the reply was returned, " Ah,,
indeed ! " Mr Slater had not been long in going up to
Oberlin and returning, for his horses were fine movers and
knew every inch of the ground and how to make the dis-
tance quickly and with ease. The first question asked him
as he reached the stable and began to unhitch the team, was
" Was the letter delivered ? " to which he answered, " Yes,
sir." Not many days thereafter, the answer to his letter
was received, and Mr Langston, indicated to his good friends
of the house that it would not be long before he would
have to share his home and happiness with one whose stay
would be permanent. Preparations for his marriage were
at once undertaken, and the, young, handsome North
Carolina lady, reared in Harveysburg, Ohio, and educated
at Oberlin College, to the surprise of many, but to the
delight of all their friends, became the wife of Mr. Langston
and the mistress of his home.
This marriage was not a hasty one. The parties had
known each other well, and were acquainted with their re-
spective circumstances. Mr. Langston had met Miss Caro-
IMPORTANT EVENTS AFFECTING HIS CAREER. 141
line M. Wall in 1851, and by an interesting confluence of
events he met her again in 1852. The first meeting was at
Oberlin, and the second at her own home in Harveysburg.
Mr. Langston's visit to Harveysburg at the time referred
to, was made in connection with a public mission upon
which he had been sent with reference to the education of
the colored youth of Ohio. A number of persons, white
and colored, students of Oberlin College, had organized in
the early fall of 1852, an association whose aim was to cre-
ate and foster an educational feeling in favor of the class
mentioned, and to stimulate and direct any purpose found
existing among negro parents to provide such school oppor-
tunities for their children as might be practicable, the asso-
ciation holding itself responsible for the supply of teachers
of all schools thus established. The association was with-
out funds, and neither able to employ an agent nor to sup-
ply needed means of transportation. Mr. Langston being a
member of the association, and feeling deeply interested in
the object which it had in view, offered his services with
conveyance, as indicated, free of all charge to either the as-
sociation or the public. His offer was gladly accepted,
when he entered upon the work, travelling from the lake to
the Ohio river, and in various directions across the State,
arousing, directing and utilizing public feeling among the
colored people for their educational welfare. At this time
no public schools were provided in Ohio for its colored citi-
zens, and no public appropriations were made in such be-
half. The enterprise which Mr. Langston represented was
one of real necessity, and was so regarded and treated by
every community to which he presented it in public ad-
dress or private effort.
Among other places visited by him, and in which he pre-
sented the claims and object of this association, was Harveys-
burg,- already named, a Quaker village, where colored per-
sons were treated with great favor, and the members of a
single family among them, were given superior advantages
of education and social contact. Here Mr. Langston met
Miss Wall for the second time, finding her family, consist-
142 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
ing of three brothers and one sister besides herself, very
handsomely located, very kindly treated by the whole com-
munity, with all the members of it accorded every educa-
tional and social opportunity possible. Indeed, if distinc-
tion were made at all with respect to them it was in their
favor. The father of this family, Col. Stephen Wall, a very
wealthy and influential citizen of Richmond County, North
Carolina, had brought his children to this liberal Quaker
village, and having thus made them all free, settled them
in easy, in fact affluent circumstances, under wise and suit-
able guardianship, for their education and culture. So great
was his constant interest in them, and so ample the provi-
sion which he made in their behalf, and so influential were
those to whom he committed their business and education,
that they were treated everywhere, in church, school and
the community, as if they were children of its very best and
most prominent family.
Besides finding Miss Wall a talented, refined and pleas-
ant person in appearance and conduct, as he saw her at her
own home, in mastery and control of it, with her brothers
and younger sister respecting and honoring her authority,
while she bore herself with dignity, self-possession and pro-
priety, he discovered in her those elements of genuine
womanly character which make the constitution of the true,
loving and useful wife. He discovered too, in her conver-
sation and behavior, that she was fully informed as to the
condition of the colored people, with whom she was identi-
fied in blood in her maternal relationships, and deeply and
intelligently interested in their education and elevation.
His subsequent association with her only deepened and
confirmed this opinion, and when the hour of his proposed
marriage came, he had little to do in the way of convincing
himself as to the certainty of his future happiness, could he
secure her affections and hand. His hopes and expecta-
tions are still in progress of happy fruition.
Their wedding occurred October 25, 1854, in Oberlin, at
the home of Deacon Samuel Beecher, where Miss Wall was
boarding at the time, while she attended the ladies' depart-
IMPORTANT EVENTS AFFECTING HIS CAREER. 143
ment of Oberlin College, of whose senior class she was then
a member. Professor John Morgan, their friend and
former teacher, by their special desire and choice con-
ducted the ceremony of their marriage. In closing the
service, he left with the parties his most earnest, heartfelt
benediction, which has ever lingered in their memories,
inspiring and blessing their souls. Their wedding-tour
consisted of a trip via Cleveland to Cincinnati, where they
remained for a few days, as welcomed and entertained by
the family of Mr. William W. Watson. During their stay
in the city, the respect and consideration shown them in
general society were cordjal and agreeable. Many enter-
tainments were given them, and their social recognition was
pleasant and flattering. Then they visited Harveysburg,
where spending several days in the family of Mrs. Dr.
Scroggs, a special friend of Mrs. Langston, they were
accorded a warm-hearted reception and hospitable treat-
ment. Thence they went to their own country home, to be
received with every expression of kindly regard by those
who proved to be in every sense their devoted and con-
stant friends.
As showing the sterling moral qualities of the Fairchild
family, of which mention has been fully made, their deep
sense of justice and their fearlessness in the presence of
duty, it is proper to relate here a circumstance in which the
son Charles figured as the principal and responsible actor.
It was toward the closing days of March, 1855, when the
time had come for considering the matter of making nomi-
nations for township officers, to name candidates for the
trusteeships and the clerkship for the ensuing year, that the
Liberty party men of the town had called their caucus and
public meeting for such purpose. Mr. Langston had
already gained his voting residence, and acting as he did
with that party, he proposed to attend its meetings, espe-
cially the caucus where the nominations would be made.
He was on his way there when he and Mr. Fairchild, going
to the same place, met each other and entered into a free
and neighborly conversation. As they nearcd the school-
144 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
house where the meeting and caucus were held, Mr. Fair-
child addressing his companion, said, "Langston, I am
intending to nominate you to-night for our township
clerk." To this Mr. Langston expressed objection,
grounded upon fear that such action would defeat their
ticket. He said to Mr. Fairchild, frankly, " My name, I
fear, would kill our ticket. We would be beaten by more
than a hundred majority. We cannot afford to take such
risk. We must nominate men whom we can elect. It is
very material that we win our election this spring in our
township." "Very well," said Mr. Fairchild; "but you
are the best qualified man we have in our town for such a
position," he continued, "and no one can deny this. I
believe we can elect you, and I am going to insist upon
your nomination." The question in Mr. Langston's mind
was not one having to do with his qualifications. In regard
to that matter he was well satisfied. But no colored man,
up to that time, had been named for a public office in any
part of this country, and he feared the risk connected then
with the experiment, even in Brownhelm Township. He
could not dissuade his friend, however, and when after the
meeting had been organized and persons had been named
as candidates for trusteeships, Mr. Fairchild arose and said
many good things about Mr. Langston, dwelling specially
upon .his fitness for the clerkship, making no allusion to the
fact that he was a colored person, and moved his nomina-
tion as the candidate for such office, his motion was
adopted without the least opposition. As the candidate
for the position the name of Mr. Langston appeared upon
the Liberty party ticket on election day in the early part
of the following April. He received not only the full party
vote, but ran sixty votes ahead of his ticket, and he was
on the evening of election day declared, upon the count of
all the votes cast, duly elected to the office to which he
had been nominated. Thus through the influence of the
Fairchild family, and especially through the wise, sagacious
and fearless action of the son named, the first colored man
ever nominated in the United States to an office, and who
IMPORTANT EVENTS AFFECTING HIS CAREER. 145
was elected on a popular vote, had his name brought for-
ward and his nomination and election generously and suc-
cessfully supported.
This election was of great service to Mr. Langston. Be-
sides giving him, in connection with his office, considerable
local prominence and some pay for his services, it aided
him in no small degree in his law business. In the first
place he was ex-officio the attorney of the township, and
the public endorsement in this regard did, in the second
place, enlarge and strengthen his influence in that capacity
among the people.
It was at this juncture and on such endorsement by the
vote of his white fellow-citizens, not a colored man residing
in the town other than himself, that Mr. Langston's official
and professional career really took its upward positive
shape and character. As he was the first one of his people
thus honored with responsible place, he was given at once
thereby name and fame all over the country, especially
among the Abolitionists, who were making every effort pos-
sible to turn the current of popular feeling in favor of the
overthrow of slavery and the elevation of the enslaved and
nominally free classes of the country. So that no sooner
had it become known through the public journals that he
had been given place by his election as stated, than he was
invited by the American Anti-Slavery Society,' at whose
head stood such men as William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell
Phillips and John G. Whittier, to attend and address their
forthcoming May meeting, to be held at Metropolitan
Theatre, in New York city. His expenses were all to be
paid, and for the first time in his life and experience he
was offered pay for his services as an orator. He was asked
to speak only thirty minutes, and for that service he was
to receive fifty dollars in cash. The invitation was immedi-
ately accepted, and perhaps no great meeting of any
character was ever attended in this country by any one,
which paid so largely in its far-reaching results as this one
did the young colored man, the recipient of such honorable
treatment.
146 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
It will not be doubted by any reflecting person that his
marriage, his election to the first office accorded to any
representative of his race in the United States, and his in-
vitation under the circumstances to address a great audi-
ence in a conspicuous place in New York city in favor of
human freedom, with all the prospective pleasing results
attending such occurrences, must have exerted a potent di-
recting influence upon one commencing his professional
and political career. All these circumstances must have
been considered by him as facts connected with his life and
prospects, signal, rare and significant in the honors and
promise which they brought.
CHAPTER XL
ANNIVERSARY MEETING, AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCI-
ETY, MAY, 1855.
MR. LANGSTON constituted no exception to that large
class of American youth who had been taught at school and
at the hearthstone, that Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and
John C. Calhoun were the great representative orators of
the United States. He had read their speeches, and many
times had been lost in wonder and admiration of the grace,
eloquence and power of their best utterances. Especially
had this been true of the Massachusetts senator, who in his
earlier and more palmy days, cultivated in matchless dic-
tion the broadest and most liberal sentiments with respect
to free principles and equal rights. He had learned of
Lord Chatham, Lord Brougham and Burke, and had often
been inspired and delighted by their lofty, finished, mas-
terly periods. He had never hoped to hear the equals of
these great American and British orators. They were to
him as to the youth generally of his age, ideal characters.
But as he confronted in real presence, heard, felt, and was
moved by the words of the earnest, brave, inspired men and
women who were pleading the cause of humanity and free-
dom— the cause even of the poor, outraged and degraded
slave — in truth, pathos and power, his conception of oratory
as modelled after the standards named seemed low and
unworthy. These latter made the speeches which realized
at last the highest, truest and noblest image of eloquence
147
148 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
dedicated to a holy, sacred purpose, when speech alone
demonstrates the height and depth, the power and effect
of which in its best estate it is capable. When man pleads
the cause of justice, liberty, humanity, with his heart ear-
nestly, sincerely, deeply imbued with the conviction of his
duty, his soul pure in its consecration thereto, and his
understanding illuminated by the light which is divine, he
is eloquent. So it was at this great meeting where thou-
sands spell-bound were touched and aroused by the " words
which burned and the thoughts which breathed," as they
came poured from the devoted hearts and lips of the men
and women called to demand as matter of justice to the slave,
the immediate and unconditional abolition of his thraldom.
Here it was learned in real life and practice that elo-
quence, the mysterious influence which convicts, persuades
and captivates the human understanding and sensibility,
consists in the sentiment, the truth of one's utterance, and
not in mere diction, gesticulation, movement, smile or
frown, even where accompanied by finished and effective
rhetoric. Here the living orators,. those upon whom the
God of Freedom had breathed his divine afflatus, as upon
John or Paul, spoke even for the slave, and the world was
compelled to feel and acknowledge their power ! Their elo-
quence came not of words or manner. It was the power
made mighty through the truth, which coming from their
pure, sincere hearts, carried in conviction and charm the
judgment and consciences of their hearers.
The great orators of anti-slavery fame and influence who
honored this anniversary occasion by their presence and
addresses were William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips,
Theodore Parker, Antoinette Brown, Henry Wilson and
Charles Sumner, all of 'whom took part in the exercises
connected with its celebration. To say that the speeches
of such orators were master productions worthy of the
cause which their authors plead and of the occasion is to
use language wholly inadequate to their proper description.
The addresses of Senators Wilson and Sumner, one deliv-
ered on the preceding and the other on the evening of the
AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY. 149
anniversary, were marvelous in their conception, power and
effect. They spoke indeed as moved by the holy spirit of
liberty itself. Perhaps Senator Sumner never reached such
moral sublimity and displayed such surprising, matchless
power as on this occasion. And even Wendell Phillips,
with all the sweetness and charm of his oratory, was too
wise, when called by the great audience to follow him in a
brief impromptu address, to undertake the task, but said
to those who called him, " I know this vast audience is
composed of my friends. And since that is so, I feel that
you will not attempt to persuade me to. open my mouth in
this presence after the matchless utterance of our distin-
guished friend, the senator ! '' Senator Sumner had selected
as the subject of his address, " The importance, the neces-
sity and the dignity of the American anti-slavery move-
ment." He was the complete master of this theme in
thought and reading, and observation made at home and
abroad. He had been engaged for several weeks in deliv-
ering this speech in different parts of New England, and
came to New York city in perfect condition of body and
mind to make the crowning effort of his life. The occasion
was all he could ask, his audience could not have been sur-
passed in numbers, sympathy and enthusiasm, and thus
moved, as well by his surroundings as the deep love of the
cause in whose name and behalf he spoke, he displayed the
grandest, the most wonderful power. No one who saw and
heard him shall ever forget his presence and bearing, his
look and manner, his action, the intonation of his voice,
his gesticulation, the warmth and splendor of his utterance
and power, and last and grandest of all, the closing pro-
phetic declaration in which, his whole soul with all its faith
and power displayed, and every nerve and muscle of his
body instinct with the life and spirit that moved him, he
stirred and thrilled to its very depths the audience in his
words, "that the Slave Oligarchy shall die!" In this sen-
timent of good promise he carried every hearer in his vast
audience in wild irresistible admiration and applause of his
eloquence.
150 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
It is perhaps true that up to this time no such anti-
slavery meeting had been held in the United States, one
which had brought together so many distinguished persons,
on such an important and conspicuous occasion, and one at
which such utterances, so impressive and commanding, had
been made in the interest of the American slave. The
whole city of New York was now moved, and through the
press of that city the whole country was reached and af-
fected by the addresses made there in a manner entirely
satisfactory to the promoters and friends of abolition. Now
the anti-slavery cause appeared to gain new life and hope,
while the rank and file of the abolition party found in its
leaders a more positive and bold assertion of its purposes
and principles.
Mr. Langston spoke on " anniversary day " proper, with
Messrs. Garrison, Parker, Phillips and Miss Brown. His
speech was novel its general features, and was received with
flattering favor by the audience and the public. It was de-
livered under such favorable circumstances, upon a plat-
form so burdened and distinguished by the presence of the
first thinkers, scholars, divines, statesmen, orators and anti-
slavery worthies, as Henry Ward Beecher, Dr. E. H. Chapin,
Dr. C. H. Cheever, James Mott, Lucretia Mott, Lucy Stone,
Gerrit Smith, Henry H. Garnet, William W. Brown, Stephen
Foster, Abby Kelly Foster, Henry B. Stanton, Charles L.
Remond, Robert Purvis, Dr. James McCune Smith, before
an audience of such size and character, that it produced ef-
fects which were highly advantageous, personally, to Mr.
Langston, and as its friends claimed, of great service to the
anti-slavery cause in the United States. As delivered it ap-
peared in the New York dailies in full on the following
morning thereafter, and was reproduced in the anti-slavery
journals and periodicals of the day. Slavery has been
abolished, but as showing the line of thought and predic-
tion adopted by the speaker, young and inexperienced as
he was, it is here presented, as found in the annual report
of the society for 1855.
AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY. 151
The twenty-second anniversary of the American Anti-Slavery Society wa*
celebrated May 9, 1855, at Metropolitan Theater, New York city. William
Lloyd Garrison, the president of the society, presided. He introduced Mr.
John Mercer Langston as a graduate of Oberlin College, a colored lawyer who
had recently been elected town clerk of Brownhelm Township, Ohio, who
would address the meeting.
MR. LANGSTON'S SPEECH.
MR. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
Some great man has remarked that a nation may lose its liberty in a
day, and be a century in finding it out. Does our own nation afford illustration
of this statement ? There is not, within the length and breadth of this entire
country, from Maine to Georgia, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans, a soli-
tary man or woman who is in the possession of his or her full share of civil,
religious and political liberty. This is a startling announcement perhaps,
made in the heart and center of a country loud in its boasts of its free institu-
tions, its democratic organizations, its equality, its justice and its liberality.
We have been in the habit of boasting of our Declaration of Independence, of
our Federal Constitution, of the Ordinance of 1787, and various enactments in
favor of popular liberty for so long, that we verily believe that we are a free
people ; and yet I am forced to declare, looking the truth directly in the face
and seeing the power of American slavery, that there is not within the bosom
of this entire country, a solitary man or woman who can say " I have my full
share of liberty." Let the president of this society clothe himself with the pan-
oply of the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence
and the Word of God, and stand up in the presence of the people of South
Carolina and say, " I believe in the sentiments contained in the Constitution of
my country, in the Declaration of Independence and in the Word of God, re-
specting the rights of man," and where will be his legal protection ? Massachu-
setts will sit quietly by and see him outraged ; the president of the United
States will not dare to interfere for his protection ; he will be at the mercy of
the tyrant slaveholders. Why? Because slavery is the great lord of this
country, and there is no power in this nation to-day strong enough to withstand
it.
It would afford me great pleasure, Mr. President, to dwell upon the achieve-
ments already gained by the anti-slavery movement. I know that they have
been great and glorious ; I know that this movement has taught the American
people who the slave is, and what his rights are — that he is a man and entitled
to all the rights of a man ; I know that the attention of the public has been
called to the consideration of the colored people, and the attention of the col-
ored people themselves has been awakened to their own condition, so that with
longing expectations they begin to say in the language of the poet : —
" O tell me not that I am blessed,
Nor bid me glory in my lot,
That plebeian freemen are oppressed
With wants and woes that you are not.
Go let a cage, with grates of gold,
And pearly roof, the eagle hold ;
152 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Let dainty viands be his fare,
And give the captive tend'rest care ;
But say, in luxury's limits pent,
Find you the king of birds content ?
No; oft he'll sound the startling shriek,
And dash those grates with angry beak.
Precarious freedom's far more dear
Than all the prison's pampering cheer ;
He longs to seek his eyrie seat —
Some cliff on Ocean's lonely shore,
Whose old bare top the tempests beat,
And round whose base the billows roar ;
When, dashed by gales, they yawn like graves.
He longs for joy to skim those waves,
Or rise through tempest-shrouded air
All thick and dark with wild winds swelling,
To brave the lightning's lurid glare,
And talk with thunders in their dwelling."
As the mountain eagle hates the cage ; loathes confinement and longs to be
free ; so the colored man hates chains, loathes his enslavement and longs to
shoulder the responsibilities of dignified life. He longs to stand in the Church,
in the State, a man ; he longs to stand up a man upon the great theater of exist-
ence, everywhere a man ; for verily he is a man, and may well adopt the sen-
timent of the Roman Terrence when he said, "Homo sum, atque nihil fiumani a
me alienum puto " — I am a man, and there is nothing of humanity as I think, es-
tranged to me ! Yes, the anti-slavery movement has done this — and it has done
more. It has revolutionized to a great degree, the theology and religion of
this country. It has taught the American people that the Bible is not on the
side of American slavery. No, it cannot be. It was written in characters of
light across the gateway of the old Mosaic system, " He that stealeth a man
and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death."
That is the only place in the Scriptures where the matter of chattel slavery is
mentioned, and the declaration of the Almighty through Moses is : " He that
stealeth a man and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely
be put to death."
Theodore D. Weld was right when he said — " The spirit of slavery never
takes refuge in the Bible of its own accord. The horns of the altar are its last
resort. It seizes them if at all, only in desperation, rushing from the terror of
the avenger's arm. Like other unclean spirits it hateth the light, neither com-
eth to the light lest its deeds should be reproved. Goaded to madness in its con-
flicts with common sense and natural justice, denied all quarter and hunted from
every covert, it breaks at last into the sacred enclosure and courses up and
down the Bible, seeking rest and finding none. The Law of Love streaming
from every page, flashes around it an omnipresent anguish and despair. It
shrinks from the hated light, and howls under the consuming touch, as the de-
moniacs recoiled from the Son of God and shrieked, "Torment us not." At
last it slinks away among the shadows of the Mosaic system, and thinks to bur-
row out of sight among its types and symbols. Vain is its hope! Its asylum
AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY. 153
]'•; its sepulcher, its city of refuge, the city of destruction. It rushes from light
into the sun ; from heat into devouring flame ; and from the voice of God into
the thickest ot His thunders."
Yes, the anti-slavery movement has taught the American people this, and
more than this. It has taught them that no political party established on the
basis of ignoring the question of slavery, can live and breathe in the North.
Where is the Whig party ?
" Gone glimmering through the dream of things that were,
A school-boy's tale, the wonder of an hour ! "
The anti-slavery movement has dug its grave deep; it has buried it and is
writing for its epitaph, " It was, but is no more." With Daniel Webster the
Whig party breathed its last breath.
And where is the Democratic party ? It is in power, but all over it is writ-
ten— Mene, mene, tekel upharsin. Weighed in the balances and found wanting !
I would like to dwell on these results of the anti-slavery movement, but I
want to make good before this audience my proposition, that there is not within
the length and breadth of this land, a solitary freeman. The American peo-
ple may be divided into four classes; the slaves, the slaveholders and the non-
slaveholding whites, and the free people of color.
I need not undertake to show to this audience that the American slave is de-
prived of his rights. He has none. He has a body, but it is not his own ; he
has an intellect, but he cannot think for himself ; he has sensibility, but he
must feel for another. He can own nothing, all belongs to his master.
Then as to the slaveholder himself, we have all come to think that he has
all rights ; that he is wholly independent, in no wise the subject of regulation
made even in the interest of slavery itself . Not so; for a slaveholder cannot sit
on the bench or stand at the bar, in the forum or in the pulpit, and utter a sol-
itary sentiment that could be construed as tending to create insubordination
among the free people of color and insurrection among the slaves. Look at
the press in the Southern States ; it is muzzled and dare not speak out a senti-
ment in favor of freedom. Let but a sentiment tending toward abolition es-
cape and what is the consequence ? Behold the Parkville Luminary, broken
to atoms, and the people of that portion of Missouri avowing that that paper
never uttered their sentiments or represented their views, and giving thanks to
God Almighty that they have had the mob spirit strong enough to destroy that
press. Is not this evidence sufficient to show that even slaveholders them-
selves, are not in posession of their full share of civil, religious and political
liberty? If not, consult the statute books of Louisiana and other southern and
slaveholding States, burdened with acts forbidding the expression of any senti-
ment or opinion, tending to the disturbance of their slaves and slaveholding
interests.
As to the great mass of the white people at the North, have they their rights ?
I recollect, when the anti-slavery people held a convention at Cleveland, in
1850, the question came up whether they should hold their next national con-
vention in the city of Waehington. The strong political anti-slavery men of
the country were there. Inhere were present, Chase and Lewis of Ohio ; Cas-
sius M. Clay of Kentucky; Lewis Tappan of New York, and a great many
154 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
other strong men of the party, and yet when this question came up, how was it
decided? Slavery existed in the District of Columbia! And the convention
voted that they would not hold the next national meeting at Washington. And
what was the reason given ? Because the people of that city might use vio-
lence ! Had the people their full share of liberty, would they have been afraid
to go to the capital of the country, and there utter their sentiments on the
subject of slavery or any other topic ?
But to make the fact more apparent, some two years afterwards, the great
National Woman's Rights Convention was held in the same city; and there the
very same question came up, whether they should hold their next meeting at
Washington or Pittsburg. How was it decided ? As the question was about
being put, Lucy Stone came forward and said, " I am opposed to going to the
city of Washington. They buy and sell women there, and they might outrage
us." So the convention voted to hold the next meeting at Pittsburg. Were
they in the possession of their full share of liberty ? Think of it ; our mothers,
our wives and our sisters of the North, dare not go to the capital of the coun-
try, to hold a meeting to discuss the question of the rights of their own sex.
And yet the Constitution declares that the "citizens of each State shall be
entitled to all the rights and immunities of citizens in the several States."
I now wish to speak of another class, and more at length — of that class
which I have the honor to represent — the free people of color. What is our
condition in respect to civil, religious and political liberty? In the State in
which I live, (Ohio), they do not enjoy the elective franchise, and why ? It is
owing to the indirect influence of American slavery. Slavery in Kentucky, the
adjoining State, says to the people of Ohio, you must not allow colored people
to vote and be elected to office, because our slaves will hear of it and become
restless, and directly we shall have an insurrection and our throats will be cut.
And so the people of Ohio say to the colored people, that they cannot allow
them the privilege of voting, notwithstanding the colored people pay taxes
like others, and in the face of the acknowledged principle that taxation and
representation should always go together. And I understand that in the State
of New York, the colored man is only allowed the elective franchise through a
property qualification, which amounts to nothing short of an insult; for it is
not the colored man that votes, but the two hundred and fifty dollars that he
may possess. It is not his manhood but his money that is represented. But
that is the Yankee idea — the dollar and the cent ! In the State of Ohio, the
colored man has not the privilege of sending his child to the ordinary common
schools, certainly not to those provided for white scholars. Nor is he placed,
even in the penitentiary on a fair equal footing. If a colored man knocks a
white man down, perhaps in defence of his rights, he is sent to the penitenti-
ary ; and when he gets there, there is no discrimination made between him and
the worst white criminal ; but when he marches out to take his meal, he is
made to march behind the white criminal, and you may see the prisoners
marching, horse thieves in front, colored people behind.
All the prejudice against color that you see in the United States is the fruit
of slavery, and is a most effectual barrier to the exercise and enjoyment of the
rights of the colored man. In the State of Illinois, they have a law something
like this: that if any colored man comes there with the intent to make it his
AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY. 155
residence, he shall be taken up and fined ten dollars for the first offence ; and if
he is unable to pay for it, he is put up and sold, and the proceeds of the sale
are to go, first towards paying the costs that may accrue in the case, and the
residue towards the support and maintenance of a charity fund for the benefit
of the poor whites of that State. That is a part of the legislation of the State
that Stephen A. Douglas has the honor to represent. The public sentiment
that is growing up in this country, however, will soon, I hope, be the death of
Douglas, and of that sort of legislation.
In the light, therefore, of all the facts, can there be any question that there is
no full enjoyment of freedom to anyone in this country ? Could John Quincy
Adams come forth from his mausoleum, shrouded in his grave clothes, and in
the name of the sovereignty of Massachusetts stand up in Charleston and
protest against the imprisonment of the citizens of Massachusetts as a viola-
tion of their constitutional rights, do you think the people of South Carolina
would submit to it? Do you think the reverence due to his name and charac-
ter, or even the habiliments of the grave about him, would protect him from
insult and outrage ? So far are the people of this country lost to all sense of
shame, that many would laugh at such an outrage.
American slavery has corrupted the whole mass of American society. Its
influence has pervaded every crevice and cranny of it. But, Mr. President, I am
glad to know that a great change is coming on, and that the American ^people
are beginning to feel that the question of slavery is not one which affects the
colored people alone. I am glad to know that they are beginning to feel that
it is a National question, in which every man and woman is more or less
interested. And when the people of the North shall rise and put on their
strength, powerful though slavery is and well-nigh omnipotent, it shall die !
It is only for the people to will it, and it is done. But while the Church and
the political parties continue to sustain it ; while the people bow down at its
bloody feet to worship it, it will live and breathe, active and invincible. Now
the question comes home to us, and it is a practical question, in the language of
Mr. Phillips, " Shall liberty die in this country ? Has God Almighty
scooped out the Mississippi Valley for its grave ? Has He lifted up the Rocky
Mountains for its monument ? Has He set Niagara to hymn its requiem ? "
Sir, I hope not. I hope that the Mississippi Valley is to be its cradle ; that
the Rocky Mountains are to be the stony tablets upon which shall be written
its glorious triumphs ; and that Niagara has been set not to hymn the death
dirge but the triumphal song of our freedom ! But, my friends, the question is
with us, shall the Declaration of American Independence stand ? Shall the
Constitution of the United States, if it is anti-slavery, stand ? Shall our free
institutions triumph, and our country become the asylum of the oppressed
of all climes? Shall our government become, in the language of Ex-Senator
Allen, " a democracy which asks nothing but what it concedes, and concedes
nothing but what it demands, destructive of despotism, it is the sole conserva-
tor of Liberty, Labor and Property ? " May God help the right I
CHAPTER XII.
HIS PRACTICE AND SUCCESS AS THE COLORED LAWYER OF
OHIO.
MR. AND MRS. LANGSTON spent the first two years after
their marriage upon their farm in Brownhelm, Ohio. Their
first child, a son, was born on the 3rd day of August, 1855.
It was was the first child of its nationality and complexion,
as already intimated, born in that place. During all this
time Mr. Langston gave his constant undivided attention to
his law practice, doing business in his own and adjoining
counties.
During her confinement Mrs. Langston found in Mrs.
Colonel Frank Peck an earnest and constant companion and
friend. This good woman could not have given greater at-
tention and care to her own daughter. The new-born babe,
through the enthusiastic accounts given of it by this kind
neighbor and motherly person and other members of her
family, excited no small interest in the community and at-
tracted a large measure of general attention.
He was not many days old when the happy parents and their
friends discussed the matter of naming him. His mother,
though proud enough of him — large, well-developed, inter-
esting and promising as he was — was quite willing to let his
father name him according to his own judgment and pleasure.
Not feeling quite equal to the task, grave and important as it
seemed to him, the father accepted the assistance of his
brother Charles, who happened to be with him at the time
156
SUCCESSFUL LAW PRACTICE IN OHIO. 157
and who discovered not a little interest in the child as he
bore special affection for both the parents, and would have
him bear such name as might promise, in happy augury, good
to him. In order that there might be no risk or mishap
just here a name was finally agreed upon which represented
the two extremes in human character. And hence the boy
was at last given two names. The first, as suggested by the
father, was one in honor of perhaps the most indifferent and
on the whole worthless negro man that he had ever known,
and yet one whom he greatly liked and with whom he had
passed many pleasant idle moments. While this man was
worthless in every exalted important sense, he had not a
single bad habit except the one of doing nothing, which
seemed to result not so much from faulty disposition as a
constitutional want of energy. The boy was named by the
father in this respect on the principle that the more worth-
less the person whose name is taken, the more certain the
one to whom it is given might by another turn of dispositipn
and life make it typical of high resolve and important if not
splendid achievement. The uncle took the opposite view,
and in offering his suggestions as to the second name for the
child, brought forward that of the grandest man as he
claimed who had ever been known among negroes on this
continent. As he pronounced his choice his prayer was that
his nephew might become half so great and noted as the one
after whom he would have him called. All agreed that the
babe should be named Arthur in honor of the indifferent
Virginia negro, once his grandfather's slave, and Dessalines,
in honor of the great Haytian hero. Accordingly the first-
born boy of the young parents bears the name of Arthur
Dessalines Langston.
Pressed by professional engagements and duties, Mr.
Langston deemed it advantageous to leave his farm and
settle where he might enjoy larger opportunity for the culti-
vation of the practice of the law. Having disposed of his
Brownhelm property, real and personal, he decided to locate
with his family in Oberlin. In the spring of 1856 he left
Browhelm and took up his residence in the neigboring town
158 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
named. Though the roads at the time were in the worst
condition possible, the morning of the departure from the
farm was sunny and cheerful. The beautiful pair of chest-
nut sorrel horses which had been brought by him upon the
Brownhelm farm and used especially for his own driving,
had not been disposed of, and were now to be hitched to a
two-horse wagon for bearing Mr. and Mrs. Langston to their
new home, which had been purchased in the most desirable
part of the village of Oberlin. The team had traversed the
nine miles' ride a thousand times, but never apparently with
so much ease and proudly as driven by their owner now,
with the wagon bearing not only wife and child but house-
hold goods and products, apples, potatoes, turnips and
meats necessary for a new commencement in a new house
and upon new premises. Two hours only were required
after leaving Brownhelm to bring him with his family team
and load to the house and premises which were to be occu-
pied as indicated for the next fifteen years. The horses
were just turning their heads in seeming intelligence and
apparent joy from a cross street through which they had
been driven into East College, near the Langston home,
when a resident of this neighborhood, a white man of ex-
tremely doubtful Republican feelings and principles, always
officious and meddlesome, addressing Mr. Langston, pro-
pounded the following interesting but vexatious questions,
"Are you coming to live among us aristocrats? Do you
think you can maintain yourself among us?" Liberally
and fairly interpreted these inquiries were intended to ad-
monish these colored new-comers, the first of their class who
had undertaken to purchase and locate a home in that partic-
ular section of the most noted Abolition town in America,
that it would be necessary for them, according to this man's
conception of their condition as to general society, to under-
stand that they would find the usual social barriers erected
against their advancement even there.
Mr. Langston was too buoyant and happy, to say nothing
about his good breeding, to be in his replies to such un-
provoked and unsolicited interference or gratuitous inter-
SUCCESSFUL LAW PRACTICE IN OHIO. 159
meddling, ungenteel, vulgar or blasphemous. He simply
heard ; made no reply other than, " We shall see," and
drove on. The happiness and the hopes of this young
family were greatly stimulated and confirmed by the re-
markable attentions and hospitable proffers made them by
their nearest neighbors immediately on their arrival. The
house was without occupant and since its completion had
not been tenanted or heated. It had simply been cleaned
and aired, with such arrangements made for warming it and
occupation in part, as to make it convenient and comfort-
able with the least amount of effort for the small family
now taking possession. On their arrival the neighbors re-
ferred to, witnessing the condition of Mrs. Langston and
her babe, came quickly to her relief, insisting that she
should consent without the least hesitation to their enter-
tainment of her until her husband could make the hurried
necessary arrangements for her comfort at home. Re-
ceived thus by the excellent leading people of the neighbor-
hood, this family spent the time of their residence there in
happy and constant accord, good understanding and cordial
neighborly treatment.
This new home was composed of ample grounds, elevated
and beautiful ; the house was of modern construction, com-
modious and convenient, with every recent improvement of
cellar, kitchen, dining and sitting room's, halls, parlor and bed-
rooms, with stairway of easy, graceful ascent. The general
finish of the house, inside and out, was all that could be de-
sired to make it attractive and inviting. Besides, its ex-
tended veranda, with high windows opening thereupon from
the sitting-room and parlor, constituted one of the most
comfortable and pleasant features of the structure. It
faced in full view East College Street, upon which the
premises were located. Of this street it may be said that it
was the most popular and desirable for residences of any in
Oberlin. Lands upon it for this reason were very valuable
and commanded the highest prices. In such a home, with
such pleasant environments and in the midst of such agree-
able friends and neighbors, Mr. Langston and his family
160 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
commenced that professional and social life in Oberlin
which they can only recollect with feelings of deepest pleas-
ure and gratitnde.
One year before Mr. Langston left Brownhelm, Mr. and
Mrs. Slater moved with their son John to the far West,
where they located in comfortable circumstances upon an
unimproved farm, to which they devoted their whole atten-
tion and care, making for themselves a fair living, while
they enjoyed in their new conditions such opportunities for
social, moral and religious improvement as that section of
the country then afforded.
The many friends whom Mr. Langston had gained while
living in Brownhelm, through his social, professional, polit-
ical and business relations, did not lose sight of him, nor
fail to "make frequent calls upon him as they needed his
services, nor to bring themselves in social contact with him
and his family, after he had located in Oberlin. Colonel
Peck and his family, including every member, proved to be
constant friends of the Langstons, and often did them the
honor to share their hospitality, as they visited Oberlin on
business or social errands. Mr. Langston always claimed
that he did his excellent friend, Colonel Peck, a special service
by directing his attention to the community in Oberlin,
which, while it was intelligently considerate of the negro
and his welfare, was not in any sense hostile to any white
man, whether he held Democratic pro-slavery sentiments
or not. And so the good colonel finally admitted.
As intimated, Mr. Langston while upon his farm found
his law business steadily increasing in quantity and charac-
ter. So much was this the case, that he not only abandoned
all thought of any other business and devoted himself en-
tirely to the law, but felt confident that his success in such
behalf was really assured. He had feared at first that he
might not be able to make headway against such opposition
in his profession as he felt and expected that he must meet.
He knew it was difficult, ordinarily, for a young white person
to succeed without great and special encourgement in the
practice of law. He had seen several who had failed, be-
SUCCESSFUL LAW PRACTICE IN OHIO. 161
cause as they claimed, they had no encouragement or sym-
pathy, and had not been able to secure anything like re-
munerative and self-sustaining business. Among these he
had seen one or two very talented persons of the latter class
who had given up in utter despair. One of these was a
classmate of his own, who seemed to have every promise
in his favor, so far as ability, learning and application were
concerned, and yet he failed in a profession to whose
cultivation he had given time and means, to which he
appeared to be devoted, and of whose attractive character,
as seen in theory and in the experience of others, he was
wont to speak with enthusiasm, often with eloquence. How
then was it to be expected that he, without friends in the
profession specially interested in him, and but a modicum
of encouragement found in the favorable circumstances of
his commencement in professional life, thanks to Mr. Perry,
could have felt otherwise, constantly, in the beginning,
certainly, than that he must fail !
But he was not long in discovering that when one goes
upon the market with an article for sale at reasonable rates
which is in demand, it matters very little as a rule whether
the vendor be Jew or Gentile, white or black. Have you
what is in demand and is it of first quality? Is it a trifle
better than any other of the sort offered ? Here is the se-
cret of success ! If one succeed well in defending the liq-
uor-seller or the thief, displaying learning, skill, ability and
courage, while he maintains his professional integrity, he
need not fear that very soon even the more respectable
classes of the community having business requiring such
qualifications in the lawyer, will find and employ him. The
question after all, as an able and prudent man will always
find in life of whatsoever profession he may be, is, can he
put upon the market to answer popular demand something
superior and individual. A lawyer may even have learning,
tact and discretion, and there may be added to these accom-
plishments personal and professional honor. While, as a
rule, these would seem to constitute guarantees of success,
failing in the courage which must always come of one's con-
1 62 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
fidence in his own powers and the legal sufficiency of the
ground-work of his cause, he would probably never succeed
as a great and influential attorney. Indeed it is often the
case that such courage even more certainly than the other
qualifications mentioned wins success and name for the ad-
vocate. Sometimes, too, physical courage is needed, and
when this is the case there must be no display of anything
like cowardice.
It was not many days after Mr. Langston had located his
family in Oberlin, before North Main Street in that village
was graced with a new law office, to which the public was
directed by a new sign connected therewith, reading —
"John M. Langston, Attorney and Counsellor at Law,
Solicitor in Chancery and Notary Public." His many
friends and patrons in whose behalf he had already served,
were not long in finding his new whereabouts, and others in
need of his services did not neglect him. The only
class in the general population which did not supply him
patronage for the first six years of his practice after his lo-
cation in Oberlin were the colored people. It was not be-
cause, probably, of their want of confidence in his ability,
skill, courage or success, but because of the constitution of
all courts and juries under Ohio law, composed as they
were solely of white persons, who as a rule were full of
prejudice against the negro, and so easily influenced by any
fact or circumstance calculated to stir their feelings against
him. It is a fact that every day's labor added to Mr.
Langston's reputation, influence and business, and this the
class referred to could see and understand. However, they
noticed the other significant fact to them, that his clients
were all of the white class. They could not understand
what the result would be, should a black client appear be-
fore the court and jury represented by a colored lawyer.
At this time, no black or mulatto witness could testify,
under Ohio law, against a white man who objected thereto,
and no one of those classes was called to act as juror in any
case whatever ; nor would it have been regarded as any
other than foolhardy, for one of those classes to imagine or
SUCCESSFUL LAW PRACTICE IN OHIO. 163
attempt to conceive of himself as ever capable of becoming
a justice of the peace or judge. The colored people did
not employ the colored lawyer because they feared the
effects of that course upon their interests, as they were
brought under the circumstances to judicial consideration
and decision.
Mr. Langston never entertained the least doubt that this
explanation was entirely true, nor did he ever entertain the
least hard feeling because his own people thus hesitated to
give him their patronage. It was just seven years after his
admission to the Bar, after his experience as called to prac-
tice in Brownhelm and neighboring places, and not less than
five years after he had opened his office, that the first colored
man called upon him to consult and retain him as his attor-
ney. With this person Mr. Langston was entirely frank
and earnest, saying to him that he feared that he was mis-
taken in his call, that he was the colored lawyer, and that the
colored people had not employed him, but appeared in
court where they had business by white lawyers. When
this man insisted that he knew what he wanted, and told the
lawyer that he needed and was willing to pay for his ser-
vices, having confidence in his ability, his tact, energy and
honor, and that he had no fears even before a white judge
and a white jury as to the result, Mr. Langston agreed to
act as his attorney, and did so to his entire satisfaction in the
victory which he achieved in his case, and against a firm of
two able and well-known white lawyers. Thereafter Mr.
Langston shared fully with his white colleagues of the Bar,
even the business of his colored fellow-citizens, winning as
many suits for them in proportion to the number tried as for
any other class. It is true however that the heavier and
more important part of his practice came from the Demo-
cratic element of society, and in not a single case to his
knowledge was one of such clients disappointed or displeased
with the conduct of his business.
As to physical as well as moral and professional courage,
Mr. Langston was taught lessons in his experience which it
is hoped no other young lawyer, even of the colored class,
1 64 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
will ever have to apply in the least sense or manner to pro-
tect and sustain themselves in any part of the country,
among any class of the people. The facts of each case
detailed here will prove to be it is hoped of interest, as
serving to show what the public feeling was which the col-
ored lawyer had to encounter and overcome in the early
days of his professional career. On several different occa-
sions, in connection with, his experience in the less advanced
and untried ways of his profession, he was called to meet
such displays of ill feeling and bad temper towards him, as
to provoke and justify even demonstrations of force within
the sacred precincts of the law.
In the first case, he had been engaged and retained to
appear in the court of a justice of the peace at Florence
Corners, Huron County, Ohio. He was to represent a
party, defendant, against whom an action in replevin had
been instituted to recover certain creatures — fatted steers.
There was more or less popular feeling stirred up against
the defendant, a drover living in the adjoining county.
It went so far that he was finally notified that neither he
nor his lawyer had better make their appearance, especially
the latter, in the court on the day of trial, and that if the
colored lawyer did appear, he might be compelled to con-
front even violence. No attention was paid to such threats
or the warning, and at the hour precisely for the case to be
called, the client and lawyer appeared, and the latter
answered promptly for the former. Threatening looks
were shown, and menacing words in undertones were whis-
pered against the lawyer, and one brazen-faced person
whose words discovered his lack of intelligence and the
meanness of his soul, even went so far as to declare as the
colored lawyer passed him on the street, that " The com-
munity has reached a pitiable condition when a nigger
lawyer goes in pompous manner about this town." But it
was not until the court took a brief recess, awaiting the
arrival of six jurors who were being summoned to try the
case, that the attorney on the opposite side, a local lawyer,
undertook by certain offensive, vulgar language, in accord-
SUCCESSFUL LAW PRACTICE IN OHIO. 165
ance with the apparent desire of the rabble, to provoke
reply from, and justify assault upon Mr. Langston. He
met promptly the insult in such manner and spirit, that at
once he turned the popular feeling against his assailant,
winning himself the sympathy and applause of the by-
standers, and finally the case which he was there to try. If
blows were used it was because they were necessary.
In the next case, he had been retained to conduct a cause
involving several hundred dollars, consequent ' upon the
breach of a contract made between certain persons residents
of Oberlin. The parties had been called and had answered
by their attorneys as ready for trial, when Mr. Langston
suggested to the court that the opposing lawyers had failed
to file an important pleading in the case. This suggestion
was received in good part by the court and the attorneys at
fault, who upon permission proceeded to draw and file the
paper. While such service was occupying the attention of
his lawyers, their client, a nervous, excitable man, paced the
floor of the court room, moving to and fro, talking appar-
ently to himself. At the time, Mr. Langston stood near by
conversing with his client. As the excited gentleman dre\v
near to him, addressing himself, as was supposed, to Mr. Lang-
ston, the latter not catching with distinctness the remark,
inquired politely of the gentleman, "What did you say?"
when in angry voice, with insult in his words and manner,
he replied, " I was talking to a white man." At the utter-
ance of these words, assuming threatening attitude he came
toward and very near Mr. Langston, who, insulted and
angered by the insinuations and conduct of this person,
immediately struck him with his fist, felling him to the floor.
Great excitement of course was produced by this occurrence.
The judge sat in his seat, the jurors in their places, the
lawyers about the bar, while the by-standers awaited the
proceedings of the cause. All were greatly stirred by this
exhibition of anger and violence. After the first moment of
the surprise thus created had passed, Mr. Langston step-
ping forward confessed himself as in contempt of the court
and ready to accept any punishment, fine or even imprison-
1 66 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
ment, according to its pleasure ; protesting, however, that no
man should ever refer to his color, even in a court room and
in the presence of the judge and jury engaged in their
judicial labors, to insult and degrade him, without prompt
and immediate attempt on his part to resent it, with any
and every means and method at his command. But the
judge would not treat him as in contempt. On the other
hand, he held that anyone referring to him, he being a
member of the Bar of the State in good and regular stand-
ing, in contemptuous, insulting terms and manner, must if
even knocked down, take the consequences of his own con-
duct. And so the grand jury of the county held, when this
case had been presented to them upon every circumstance
of law and fact, and without a single word of reply or ex-
planation from the colored lawyer. In fact, the foreman
of the grand jury told him that its action in his behalf was
unanimous and vindicatory of his conduct.
Another matter of interest, in connection with which Mr.
Langston felt called upon to defend his professional honor,
was that of a very grave charge made against him to one of
his clients. He had been employed by the first colored
man who had come to his office to secure his legal services.
The subject involved was the recovery of a little daughter,
who had been taken from the home and custody of her
father. The parents having had a misunderstanding had
reached mutual agreement and amicable separation. It
was understood and agreed that the father should retain
control and possession of the daughter. She was, however,
wrongfully and stealthily spirited away. To aid him in
her recovery the colored father employed his lawyer, as
stated. Thereafter, as the client was passing in the street,
a white attorney who had enjoyed for a long time the
patronage of any colored person having legal business
which required professional attention, asked whether he
had, really, employed the " nigger lawyer " to attend to his
case, saying at the same time, " If you have, he will
sell you out " ; meaning thereby that the colored lawyer
would prove treacherous. The colored client in this case
SUCCESSFUL LAW PRACTICE IN OHIO. 167
was at best a very timid person ; however, he was wise
enough to come directly to his lawyer and tell him what
had been said, and by whom. As between them, the law-
yer and client, large mutual esteem and confidence existed,
the latter was not disposed to question for a moment
the integrity of the former. When Mr. Langston declared
that he would see the attorney who had made the state-
ment, at once and with his client, the latter said, " No, do
not think of such a thing! You know I have entire confi-
ence in you." His attorney replying said, with great vehe-
mence, " This man must take this whole statement back ! "
Within a very few minutes, Mr. Langston and his client
left his office in company for the court room, where the
case was to be heard and determined. On the way they
passed the door of the person who had employed the state-
ment as given, so derogatory and unjust to his fellow-mem-
ber of the Bar. He stood in his own doorway, when Mr.
Langston advancing, with his client present, asked him if
he had made the statement indicated. He pretended to
deny it ; but, when his look and manner sustained the
colored man's declaration, even beyond the possibility of
question, Mr. Langston, deeply moved by indignation and
anger, administered to him not only a sound slapping of
the face, but a round thorough kicking as he ran crying
for help. Preceding Mr. Langston and his client in arrival
before the judge, as they entered the court room this attor-
ney with a bloody nose, smarting under the deserved
castigation which he had received, was making a very seri-
ous and solemn complaint of vexatious and outrageous
assault and battery against him by this nigger lawyer!
But a very brief statement of the facts, without even the
most concise explanation, sufficed to satisfy the court that
he against whom complaint was made had acted in defence
of his honor and should be sustained. This person who
had thus outraged a lawyer of standing to his first colored
client asked, as he claimed, justice of the court as stated
in the first instance and subsequently of the grand jury,
against his assailant, as he termed Mr. Langston, but in
both cases without effect.
i68 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
No unseemly or ruffianly conduct is to be tolerated or
justified in a lawyer, and yet he must be ready always to
defend and protect his professional honor, dignity and
standing. If need be, let it be done even with blows !
His residence in Oberlin was not without additional and
important advantages to Mr. Langston. Besides giving
him improved opportunities for the cultivation of all those
weightier matters of his profession, he was placed where he
could accomplish more desirable political and official objects.
He was at once nominated and elected clerk of Russia
Township, and given, ex-officio, not only the law business of
that town to attend to, but was made secretary of the Board
of Education and school visitor. These were important
positions in the township, and were of special advantage to
a lawyer needing popular endorsement and advertisement
in establishing himself in his profession. After Mr. Lang-
ston had demonstrated his interest in every enterprise cal-
culated to conserve and promote the common good, the
electors of the incorporated village of Oberlin elected him
as early as 1857, and repeatedly thereafter, to the City
Council, and in 1860 to the Board of Education. He served
in this board — an organization provided for the conduct and
management of the city union schools — for over ten consec-
utive years, discovering special fitness and efficiency for the
services connected therewith. When, finally, he was com-
pelled by other engagements to resign his position in the
board, he had, according to his last election, three years to
serve before his term of office expired.
The following letter will show how his fellow-members of
the Board of Education, all of them being white persons,
regarded and esteemed him. It finds insertion here with
profound special pleasure, as coming from those who de-
serve of him only honorable, grateful mention.
" OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC SCHOOLS,
" Oberlin, Ohio, Oct. 6, 1871
" PROF. JOHN M. LANGSTON,
" Dear sir :
" At a meeting of the Board of Education held on the 26th of Sep-
tember tilt, your resignation as a member thereof, offered on the i6th of the
same month, was accepted.
SUCCESSFUL LAW PRACTICE IN OHIO. 169
" The undersigned was directed to extend to you an expression of the regard
which the board has entertained for you as a member and the regret they feel
at the necessity of this separation. Since the organization of the board in
March, 1860, you have been continuously a member. You have contributed
largely to the commendable progress which the schools have made. Your
voice has always been earnest for a greater advancement in the course of study
pursued, and in elevating the standard of attainment. In securing this very
desirable end, obstacles more or less formidable have been presented from
time to time, only to be overcome by a steady and persistent course, impera-
tively demanded by the best interests of the schools. In the prosecution of
this noble work you have enjoyed a long and honorable career, and in retiring
from this field, you have the satisfaction of witnessing a grade of schools
second to none in throughness and efficiency, in management and good results.
" May you continue to reap in your new field of labor and usefulness the rich
harvest which always comes from a determined purpose to do good to your
fellows in all the relations of life.
" In behalf of the Board of Education,
(Signed) " HOMER JOHNSON, Clerk."
Such expressions of consideration and confidence, as
stated, made as they were in public positive manner by the
vote of the people, gave Mr. Langston assured professional
standing in the community, and greatly enhanced and ex-
tended his influence and business. And he must ever recol-
lect them with pleasing feelings and lasting gratitude.
As to his ability and standing as a lawyer, the following
testimony, borne by the late Mr. William Wells Brown, is
both interesting and complimentary. It is recorded in his
work entitled " The Black Man." He says :
" Being at Oberlin a few years since and learning that a suit was to be tried
in which Langston was counsel for the defence, I attended. Two white
lawyers, one from Elyria, the other residing at Oberlin, were for the plaintiff.
One day was consumed in the examination and cross-questioning of witnesses,
in which the colored lawyer showed himself more than a match for his antag-
onists. The plaintiff's counsel moved an adjournment to the next day. The
following morning the court room was full before the arrival of the presiding
justice and much interest was manifested on both sides. Langston's oratory
was a model for the students at the collage and all who could leave their
studies or recitations were present. When the trial commenced, it was
observed that the plaintiff had introduced a third lawyer on their side. This
was an exhibition of weakness on his part, and proved the power of the ' black
lawyer,' who stood single-handed and alone. The pleading commenced, and
consumed the forenoon ; the plaintiff only being heard. An adjournment for
an hour occurred, and then began one of the most powerful addresses that I
had heard for a long time. In vigor of thought, in imagery of style, in logical
i/o FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
connection, in vehemence, in depth, in point and in beauty of language, Lang-
ston surpassed his opponents, won the admiration of the jury and the audience,
and what is still better for his credit, he gained the suit. Mr. Langston's
practice extends to Columbus, the capital of the State, and in the county towns
within fifty miles of his home, he is considered the most successful man at the
bar.
" An accomplished scholar and a good student, he displays in his speeches an
amount of literary acquirements not often found in the mere business lawyer.
When pleading he speaks like a man under oath, though without any starched
formality of expression. The test of his success is the permanent impression
which his speeches leave on the memory. They do not pass away with the
excitement of the moment, but remain in the mind, with the lively colors and
true proportions of the scenes which they represent. Mr. Langston is of
medium size and good figure, high and well-formed forehead, eyes full, but not
prominent, mild and amiable countenance, modest deportment, strong, musical
voice, and wears the air of a gentleman. He is highly respected by men of the
legal profession throughout the State. He is a vigorous writer, and in the
political campaigns, contributes both with speech and pen to the liberal cause.
Few men in the Southwest have held the black man's standard higher than
John Mercer Langston."
CHAPTER XIII.
A RARE AND INTERESTING CASE WHICH TESTED HIS
POWERS.
MR. LANGSTON'S practice embraced legal subjects of
every character, civil and criminal, which constantly taxed
his learning, skill and power. Many noted cases in connec-
tion with which he was called to act and made displays of
signal ability and tact might be mentioned, but a single one,
as presenting an illustration of the laborious and faithful
manner in which he did his business, shall answer. The
peculiar character of this case, the situation and relations of
the parties to it, the remarkable incidents connected with
it, the gravity of the charge preferred against the accused,
and her past and present position as well as the success and
effects of the attorney's efforts, make it one famous and
memorable. The names of the parties for prudential rea-
sons may not be given, but the case with all the unique
circumstances attending its institution, trial and conclusion,
stands here as reported in the judicial records of Lorain
County, Ohio. Hundreds who attended the trial and wit-
nessed its conduct are still living, and could were it neces-
sary, bear testimony to the correctness of this statement.
The real parties to this case though it was a criminal one,
were two young white ladies on the one part, and a young
colored lady on the other. They were friends, sustaining
to each other the most intimate and cordial relations.
They resided in the same house, though they occupied so
171
172 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
far as the colored lady was concerned, different apartments.
They met each other daily, exchanged visits regularly and
frequently several times each day, and held conversations
in free and frank manner upon every conceivable subject of
interest to them, confiding to each other even their most
important, special and sacred personal affairs. They were
students of Oberlin College, and their quarters were located
at the home of one of the first families of the town, where
like many others of the same class they boarded themselves.
The lady of the family, a person of excellent sterling qual-
ities of character, judicious and motherly, took general
charge of them. The house was situated in North Main
Street, Oberlin, and was several stories in height, capacious
in its rooms and halls, and admirably adapted to the pur-
poses for which it was used. Its grounds in front used for
garden and yard were ample, with pleasant walks and
promenades, and a large field of one or two acres lying in
its rear. The fact that these persons were accepted as
inmates of the family referred to, would indicate to anyone
well advised in the premises, that they were of good social
position and possessed of means which enabled them to
maintain and support much more than ordinary standing in
life. Their presence in such family was to the initiated
proof positive that they were ladies against whom no
tongue of slander could be used. The white young ladies
were representatives of families of wealth and name.
And the young colored lady, while without family name or
property, was esteemed of the best character, and was sup-
ported by a devoted, industrious, thrifty brother, doing
business in California, who supplied, even anticipating every
want of hers, after the style and manner of a person of
ample income.
Thus handsomely and pleasantly located, these young
lady students, full of youthful spirit and brightest hope, had
advanced far into the winter term of Oberlin College for
1859-60, when the events occurred out of which grew the
remarkable suit of which mention shall be made. The
three had passed, with several other young lady friends, in
AN INTERESTING CASE. 173
happy, confidential, cordial association, each communica-
ting to the other whatever might be true with respect to
her actual health or feelings, the Sunday-evening previous
to the Monday morning upon which the crime subse-
quently charged was said to have been committed. It is to
be noted that the young ladies made their personal health,
among other special matters, the subject of earnest and
protracted conversation. The young white ladies admitted
that they were not quite well, and that though they had
hoped otherwise, they did not find themselves improving.
Notwithstanding, they told their associates that they had
been invited by two of their young gentlemen friends to
take a sleigh-ride the next day, going as far as nine miles
away to the home of one of the ladies in a neighboring
town and county, and that they intended to go and take
dinner with their escorts and friends at the home at which
they would make their visit. These young ladies were not
sisters, not even relatives, but friends and room-mates as
well as fellow-students.
At ten o'clock, or thereabout on Monday morning, the
young colored lady leaving her own room in the second
story of the house directly over that of her two friends,
made them a call in their own room. After hurried but
warm usual salutations, the colored friend inquired of her
neighbors as to whether she could serve them in any way.
At first the answer was negative. But when on being
asked whether they had taken anything warm to drink dur-
ing the morning to protect them against the cold on their
drive, they replied that they had not, their visitor immedi-
ately invited and urged them to come to her room, that she
might prepare and give them something agreeable and
warm. The morning was indeed wintry enough. The
snow was deep, solid, and firm, with no prospect of increas-
ing warmth in the frosty condition of the weather. The
invitation was accepted and at once the young ladies re-
paired hurriedly to the room of their friend. The three
going together entered her room at the same instant. She
asked her friends the question, what they would have, when
174 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the answer came, " that which is most convenient and you
think best." The little clean tin pan was put upon the
stove, wine, with allspice and sugar, was poured into it, and
very soon its contents, duly heated apparently, were emptied
into three different glasses to be used by each of the three
young ladies. The two young white ladies drank theirs at
once. But the other declined hers with a mere touch of
the lips, declaring that it was not warm enough and was
insipid. The two empty glasses were set upon the stand
near at hand, and as the young gentlemen with the sleighs
were announced at this point, the three young ladies left the
room in great haste and together — two to go upon the
ride and the other to join the large company of friends
who came from their rooms to the yard and street to bid
their happy companions good-bye, and to wish them and
their escorts a delightful time.
One hour and a quarter had elapsed, as stood the evi-
dence, when the two young ladies upon the ride found
themselves deadly sick, both exactly alike, and were both
obliged not only to make known their condition to the
young men, but to ask of them help. They had travelled
over two-thirds of the distance to be gone, and nothing
could be done but to drive on, pressing the horses to the
utmost of their speed, so as to secure medical aid as soon as
possible. Within one hour and a half from the time of
starting, the home, where the visit was to be made was
reached, and when the young lady who resided there was
taken from the sleigh in the arms of her parents, she de-
clared to them that she had been poisoned, naming the per-
son who had done it, and saying that she herself must die.
As the other lady was borne from her sleigh, she was found
to be sick precisely as her friend. Both were at once put
to bed and doctors were immediately called. Upon ex-
amination and diagnosis, they pronounced their patients
sick of poisoning and in most critical condition, liable to
die at any moment. Without the least hesitation, at the
home and at the house in Oberlin, as the news of the con-
dition of the young ladies was brought back, with signal
AN INTERESTING CASE. 175
\
unanimity the one who had given the wine, allspice and
sugar, was charged with the grave crime of poisoning her
associates and friends. The circumstances seemed to justify
such feeling and charge.
How two weeks of anxious watching and waiting, with
prayers for the recovery of the sick, tarried like some fright-
ful spirit in the household, saddening the hearts of the
parents and friends of the two young ladies, now apparently
so near unto death ! And with the young colored lady and
her few staunch friends, as public sentiment grew apace
against her and intensified itself, they and she meantime
declaring and maintaining her innocence, how slowly and
wearily time passed, as they hoped and prayed for favorable
results to those who lingered so long as it seemed without
change in their condition !
One-half of the two weeks had passed, when the attorney
of the accused with his learned assistant, a surgeon deeply
read in all those intricacies of medical jurisprudence and
poisons, with the legal tests necessary to discover and prove
their presence, with their effects, sure and unmistakable,
upon the human system, made a visit to the town where the
sick were located, to see and converse with their physicians
upon their cases, and if possible secure for the surgeon the
privilege of a visit to them. The object was entirely accom-
plished, and as the attorney met the surgeon on his way
from the home of the sick, and they talked with each other
of the success attending their errand and discussed the im-
possibility of proof as to the presence of poison in this
case, since neither any portion of the contents of the
stomach or the bowels had been preserved and analyzed,
they were insensible of the imminent danger through which
the attorney was passing. They had just reached the hotel
at which they were entertained, when a friend, greatly
excited, called to advise Mr. Langston that there was a
deal of feeling in the community existing against him, in
view of the fact that he had been retained to defend the
person charged with the poisoning. This person insisted
that his protracted stay in the town would doubtless provoke
176 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
attack upon him, and counselled his immediate departure.
He thereupon declared that already the father of the young-
lady at whose home both of the sick were being cared for,
had, as he and the surgeon passed his grocery-store on their
way to the hotel, levelled his rifle upon Mr. Langston and
taking deadly aim, announcing his purpose to shoot him,
fired, being prevented from executing his purpose only by
the interference of a by-stander, who, appreciating the situa-
tion, touched the gun as fired, throwing the barrel upward,
and thus lodged the load in the upper facing of the front
door of the store. Thus advised, and wise enough to feel
the importance of useless exposure in an excited and irate
community, the attorney and surgeon having accomplished
their errand, and rejoicing that Mr. Langston had not been
shot, in some little hurry left Birmingham with their
sprightly team for Oberlin.
And now, at the end of three weeks, the people of Ober-
lin already profoundly stirred by the reports connected with
this case of supposed poisoning, and those connected with
the condition of its subjects, were moved to the depths of
their feelings by a circumstance which was regarded by all
as most remarkable. The party charged with the poison-
ing had not been arrested. Indeed, no proceedings of a
legal character had been instituted against her. Her arrest,
however, was expected daily, and she and her friends had
taken what they deemed to be in view of such probability,
all proper steps with regard to her counsel and defence.
One evening, just after'dark, as she was passing out of the
back door of the house in which she still roomed, she was
seized by unknown persons, carried out into the field lying
to the rear, and after being severely beaten, with her clothes
and jewelry torn from her person and scattered here and
there, she was left in a dark, obscure place to die. The
moment her absence was discovered, the household and the
town were thrown into the deepest excitement and conster-
nation. The bells were tolled ! The cry was heard all
through the town that — — had been kidnapped ! This
was enough to bring the whole community in its wildest
AN INTERESTING CASE. 177
feeling about the house where this young woman lived, and
the face of everyone was aglow with anxiety, while the
questions were multiplied as they concerned her wherea-
bouts and condition. Finally someone proposed that
search with lanterns be made in the open field to the rear,
a part of the premises. After long, careful, but at first
fruitless quest, she was found in the condition already de-
scribed. But the whole story of her condition is not told,
till it be said that her bodily injuries were very serious, so
crippling her that she was confined to her room for several
days and then was not able to move about except as she
did so on crutches. Her arrest took place within a few
days after this occurrence, when Mr. Langston, her attorney,
appearing for her, represented her condition, and upon his
pledge and guarantee that she should appear according to
the demands of the law so soon as able, delay in the trial
was granted. And when the case was called, she was car-
ried into court in the arms of her friends.
No case ever tried in Oberlin or originating in that com-
munity, had produced such popular feeling as this. The
community, deeply stirred as it was, was about equally
divided upon the question of innocence or guilt. Many
were prejudiced against the accused on account of her
color. The major part of the colored people themselves,
largely because of her easy and rather unusual social rela-
tions to the whites, were ready and did pronounce her
guilty in advance. Some of the colored class even went so
far as to ask Mr. Langston whether he would defend her,
while an aged lady among them expressing their feeling in
a general way, told him that he had better not attempt
such thing. This counsel however was given to a lawyer
who understood too well his duty to a human being who
needed defence against a grave charge, even where the
community was stirred and excited, to let any such influ-
ence disturb or control his professional action. To him the
rule stood good — let the world be shaken, but the lawyer
shall never neglect nor forsake the performance of that
duty which he owes to a client ! The attorney of her
1 78 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
choice betook himself therefore to the labor of her defence
earnestly and faithfully, and on the day when the case was
called for hearing, with four of the ablest lawyers of the
district appearing to prosecute, with full complement of
witnesses to sustain the accusation, popular feeling running
high in its favor, before a large, excited concourse of people
assembled in the most capacious business-room of the town,
the court doubly reinforced, with all things now ready for a
judicial contest of matchless character and gravest import
to all concerned, Mr. Langston appeared, assisted only by
his clerk and accompanied by his surgeon, single-handed
and alone so far as professional support was concerned,
ready for what was to be the effort of his life. His appear-
ance and bearing showed beyond doubt his willingness,
even anxiety to enter the judicial arena and contest without
the least fear, in defiance of every danger. The case was
called, and his answer for the defence was round, full and
commanding. The State had adduced its first witness ; she
had been examined with all the skill and care which the
prosecuting attorney of the county up to his last question
could command, when addressing the sole attorney on the
part of the defence, he triumphantly said, " Take the wit.
ness" He had made a fatal mistake. His last question
made it possible for the opposing counsel to enter with the
largest liberty a field of defence, in such manner and with
such effect as to give him the mastery from the very begin-
ning. He did not fail to seize this advantage and maintain
it, not only in the cross-examination of the first witness, but
to the very end of the trial, magnifying and emphasizing its
effects as bearing upon the question of guilt or innocence,
in the light of any rule of law which might.be accepted by
the court in its decision. Four days had been occupied in
the examination and cross-examination of the witnesses
testifying for the State, and the learned lawyers represent-
ing the Commonwealth had rested. The court suggested to
the attorney for the defendant that he might proceed with
the examination of his witnesses. But to the surprise of
all seemingly in attendance, the attorney instead of intro-
AN INTERESTING CASE. 179
ducing testimony, moved the court that the proceedings, so
far as his client was concerned, be dismissed, since no such
evidence as was required by law had been adduced, justify-
ing the holding of the defendant to answer further in that
court or before the grand jury. He claimed that the corpus
delicti had not been proved, and that no such proof of
probable guilt had been shown as to justify the detention
of the defendant for further investigation or trial. To the
question here involved two days were given to earnest and
eloquent arguments, pro and con, such as it had not been
the good fortune of the court or the people to hear before.
The learned attorneys who representated the State dis-
played all the ability, tact and eloquence of which they
were masters, and to say that they were ingenious, able and
powerful is only to put the representation of their conduct
under the circumstances in too faint colors. Finally, when
the State had made its last argument, the prosecuting
attorney closing his lengthy, admirable address amid the
plaudits of his associates and a large proportion of the
people, after an adjournment of thirty minutes Mr. Lang-
ston was permitted to make his closing argument in support
of his motion. His argument, whose delivery occupied all
of six full hours, as his friends and the journals claimed at
the time, was replete with learning upon the subjects
involved, addressed with the greatest care and skill to the
court, clear, forcible and effective, from first to last com-
manding the closest attention, and at times moving all who
heard it to tears, with manifestations, even to outbursts, of
the deepest feeling. The end came, and the orphan,
friendless young colored woman as many called her, who
had been accused, perhaps without reason, and thus out-
raged without cause, was carried in the arms of her excited
associates and fellow-students from the court room, to
which she had been brought a criminal in popular esteem,
to her home, fully vindicated in her character and name.
Now matured in all those qualities of extraordinary genius
and power, the young colored woman who was thus repre-
sented by the then young colored lawyer of Ohio, has
i8o FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
reached such exalted place in American and European con-
sideration, that she has been very justly termed the first
artist of the negro race of the Western continent. Her
works of art as displayed in marble, tell now how wisely
and well her attorney labored in her case to vindicate jus-
tice and innocence !
The expressions of admiration, compliment and praise,
bestowed verbally and by letter, as well as in the journals
of the day, upon Mr. Langston, in view of his conduct of
this case and the results following it, were numerous, cordial
and flattering. As expressing the change which came over
the colored people through the results of the case, it is due
that it be stated that the excellent aged colored woman
who warned Mr. Langston that he had better not attempt the
defence of , honored him, in view of his fidelity and
success, with a dinner in her own home, distinguished as
well for the number and character of her guests as the rich-
ness and abundance of the repast. Another noteworthy
incident, showing the change wrought by the address of Mr.
Langston and the acquittal of his client, which may not be
omitted here, concerns the conduct of Prof. John Clark, a
white gentleman coming from the South, at the time resid-
ing with his family in Oberlin. He had given constant and
unflagging attention to every movement made and every
word uttered during the trial. For the entire time of Mr.
Langston's address, he fixed his eyes upon him, being so
carried at times by his expositions of the law as to nod his
assent thereto ; and, at other times, borne on by his flights
of eloquence and moved by his appeals, he wept, as if
affected to the very center of his being. With the tears
suffusing his cheeks as Mr Langston closed his address,
deeply excited, he approached him, saying only, " My orator!
My orator ! " And so thereafter this good man whenever
he met the attorney, discovered in his address and conduct
his exalted appreciation of him.
CHAPTER XIV.
THOSE SIGNAL OCCURRENCES WHICH WROUGHT FOR
FREEDOM.
LOCATED as already described, the family of Mr. Lang-
ston increased from one child to five, three sons and two
daughters. The boys were Arthur, Ralph and Frank, and
the girls Chinque and Nettie. But the family had no
sooner settled in Oberlin, than three sons, the children of a
Louisiana planter of great wealth, a white father who
would educate his colored offspring, were brought to school
and placed in Mr. Langston's care and taken into his home.
Quickly thereafter, there came a young boy from Africa,
who was similarly situated. These children remained thus
located, until they had reached young manhood, and com-
pleted their respective courses of study. Meantime, his
own had reached school age, except sweet little Chinque,
who died early when only two and a half years old, and
Frank, the youngest of all, too young to be sent to school.
The family was also increased in its numbers by the acces-
sion of several young ladies, students of Oberlin College,
whom Mrs. Langston had consented, to take and care for
as her own friends and relatives — in fact her own sister was
one of the number. Thus constituted, the family took its
place in the society of the town, and as opportunity per-
mitted contributed its full share to its general prosperity,
happiness and good name. To say that by reason of its
situation and the character of the father and mother it was
181
1 82 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
prominent and influential in the community as respects all
classes of the people and all its social interests, is simply to
assert the truth. And in the college, in the schools, in the
church, everywhere, as regarded every enterprise for the gen-
eral good, its efforts and means were always given liberally
and promptly, according to the full measure of its ability.
During this time Mr. Langston gave diligent care to his
business, which constantly increased, becoming more and
more important and lucrative. The demands, however,
upon his time and services in other directions and for
other purposes, multiplied and became more imperative
and exacting. The time seemed now to have arrived
when the great and wonderful things of the age were to
take place, and every man was to be called to his post of
responsibility and duty. The time for excuses appeared to
have passed, and every real and faithful defender of truth,
freedom and the general welfare, was called to bring his
best and most sacred offering to the government, whose
life must be saved, even though it be done in the death of
all else, however valued ! Destruction was threatened and
the danger was at hand ! The frowning, angry face of
slavery, its terror-inspiring mien, its words of frightful, hor-
rid wrong and direful woes awaiting all, sent thrills of dis-
may through every loyal heart, serving under an allwise
Providence to nerve every true devoted son for the last
desperate contest which must witness the salvation of
Amercian liberty, or its utter overthrow, in blood ! The
struggle came on apace, but only as the public mind was
prepared for it through those premonitory, informing and
prophetic events, which presaged and preceded its terrible
approaching shock. Among such events, with their con-
spicuous originators and promoters, must be numbered and
given chief place, the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue, the Har-
per's Ferry Movement, and the Declaration of Free Princi-
ples, with the organization and institution of a national
party to give them practical significance.
Apprehensions and fears had been excited all over the
North, especially in Oberlin and upon the Western Reserve,
OCCURRENCES WHICH WROUGHT FOR FREEDOM. 183
where thousands of fugitive slaves had settled, in view of the
enactment of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, with its utter
demolition of every safeguard of personal liberty, including
the habeas corpus and the trial by jury. It was not, how-
ever, until the spring of 1858, that rumors were heard in
Oberlin, the very citadel of human freedom, and alarm was
created by the presence of negro-catchers from Kentucky
and other neighboring Southern States, who were prowling
in stealth and disguise about this holy place in search of
their fleeing property. The quick-scented fugitive himself,
awake to his danger, was the first to learn and report this
condition of things ; wisely making himself at the same
time attentive to the observance of all the precautions
required for his safety, under the circumstances. At once
he manifested due care as to his movements in the night-
time, and as to any distant trips to be made by him into
neighboring country places for work or pleasure. He
showed his anxiety, too, in his conversations with his
friends, as he sought knowledge of his legal condition ; and
in his prayers, as he asked God to grant him His protection,
with earnestness and faith which were indeed marvelous.
He prayed as well for his friends, upon whom he must
depend, craving for them such wisdom, courage and cun-
ning as would render them equal to the task of his protec-
tion and salvation, without harm to themselves or injury to
their households. How earnest, heart-touching and mov-
ing were his prayers as they implored the Mighty Jehovah,
who had emancipated the Israelites as they believed
through Moses, their own son, to save them against all
treachery and infidelity of their own numbers. The words
of John Ramsey, one of the leading representatives of this
class, as he prayed in a public meeting, asking God that
there might be found among them no Judas, faithless and
false, still ring in the ears and stir the feelings of everyone
who heard him.
But the spring and summer had passed in Oberlin, with
even the first month of the autumn quite half spent, before
the expected attack, so greatly feared, was attempted upon
1 84 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
any one of the poor, anxious, trembling slaves, who had
sought their freedom in flight, and tarried in that goodly
town. And, then, this attempt was made, not in bold
appropriate execution of the law, but through the treachery
of a young white man, who was base enough to betray a
fellow-being for pay, into the hands of those who would
capture and re-slave him. This base person would do more.
He would humiliate and disgrace, if possible, a whole com-
munity of good and true people, whose devotion to God,
humanity and freedom was proverbial in the highest and best
sense. This he would do to the community of his birth,
the home of his parents and kin, and in whose midst he
might and ought to have sought just title to respect, ability
and influence. The thirteenth day of September had
come ! No day in the calendar shall remain forever, so far
as the history of Oberlin is concerned, more memorable.
On the one part, in view of the deep darkness of shame
which covers it in the betrayal of John Price, it can never be
forgotten. On the other hand, in view of the glory which
immortalizes it, in the rescue and emancipation of the same
man by the noble and brave community which had given
him and all his class succor and protection, and now
redeemed its principles and professions in a single great
deed, whose name and description deserve to be written in
the boldest, the brightest characters, it shall live in eternal
sunshine !
On this day, among five hundred others, who acting under
the impulse of their higher and better nature went out from
Oberlin to rescue a human being from negro-catchers, was
Mr. Charles H. Langston, who was at the time making a
brief visit to the family of his brother. This brother had
been called on that very day by a professioual engagement
to a neighboring county. At sunset he returned home to
find neither life nor stir in or about the village. The whole
town seemed to have gone abroad. Upon inquiry he
learned that a man had been kidnapped and hurried away to
Wellington, where the train could be taken for Columbus,
Cincinnati and Kentucky. He further learned that the
OCCURRENCES WHICH WROUGHT FOR FREEDOM. 185
people, in the purpose and resolution as it were of a single
fearless giant, had gone forth to his delivery. He accord-
ingly hurried on to the scene of action, hoping that he
might arrive in time to play some humble part in this drama
of genuine manhood and courage. He had not gone, how-
ever, more than four and a half miles, before he met one of
the brave sons of Oberlin returning with the rescued fugi-
tive, John Price, ordinarily so black, but now, as seen under
the intensest excitement, in a buggy drawn by the fleetest
and most spirited animal of the county, moving at the top
of her speed, he was light as ashes. Simeon Bushnell,
proud of his triumph, bade Mr. Langston to come back,
saying, " John is safe ; here he is ; I have him. Come back ! "
At first Mr. Langston was inclined to obey the order and
return, but overcome of a desire to meet the multitude,
now victorious, and return with them, he pressed on. But,
within a moment or two, he met both his brother and his
brother-in-law Mr. O. S. B. Wall, who in blended voices bade
him return. Now the roads were crowded with the return-
ing hosts, shouting, singing, rejoicing in the glad results of
their brave, defiant, successful enterprise. In the midst of
such a company, enthusiastic, happy in a victory won by
them in the name of Freedom, it seemed to occupy but a
moment to pass five miles, through Pittsfield and Russia
Townships, to Oberlin, where a vast concourse of true and
patriotic men and women awaited the arrival of their neigh-
bors and fellow-townsmen, to join them in such a meeting in
favor of freedom and against slavery, as had never assem-
bled within the limits of that consecrated town. Speeches
in denunciation of slavery, the Fugitive Slave Law, slave-
holders, and all those who sympathized with and would aid
them, were made at this great and wonderful gathering.
The pledge of the community was there given, in gravest,
most solemn manner, that no fugitive slave should ever be
taken from Oberlin and returned to his enslavement.
Among other orators heard on this memorable occasion, was
Mr. John M. Langston. What he had failed to accomplish
in deeds on that eventful day, he attempted to reach and
1 86 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
redeem in words, both truthful and wise, while fiery and
denunciatory of slavery, its dark and frightful methods and
supporters.
The days passed rapidly thereafter, and very soon the
grand jury of the United States Court for the Northern
District of Ohio had found bills of indictment against thirty-
seven prominent and influential citizens, white and colored,
of Lorain County, charged with aiding and abetting in the
rescue of John Price. A curious fact connected with the
personnel of this grand jury is found in the circumstance
that the father of the white boy who betrayed the fugitive
was a member of it. The son betrays, and the father
indicts! Shakespear Boynton, the former, and Lewis D.
Boynton, the latter, may enjoy, forever, the bad eminence of
such conduct. Judas Iscariot betrayed his master, and, in
his deep consciousness of guilt and shame, went out and
hanged himself ! These others betrayed this poor, ignorant,
helpless slave, but they found in themselves no sense of
guilt or shame, driving them to a deed of self-destruction,
in the perpetration of which they might have very properly
imitated their great prototype in treachery ! Prominent
among these rescuers was Mr. Charles H. Langston. No
thanks to the authorities that his brother was not, also, in-
dicted and held for trial. The most desperate efforts were
made to compass that end, and proved fruitless only in that he
was out of the county, engaged in public law business, and
not even in Oberlin, certainly not in Wellington, when the
rescue was made. At first the thirty-seven accused persons
were permitted to make their pleas, and then give their own
personal recognizances for their appearance for trial. Subse-
quently, however, they all by some misunderstanding with
the court, to maintain their personal dignity and conscious-
ness of self-respect, and to show the utter tyranical, oppress-
ive operation of the law, refused their recognizances and
were confined in the Cleveland jail. Two only were put
upon trial. Both, of course, were convicted ; for the trial
jury was organized and constituted to convict, and it did its
work according to appointment. Simeon Bushnell was tried
OCCURRENCES WHICH WROUGHT FOR FREEDOM. 187
first, and then Charles H. Langston. These cases will ever
stand among the celebrated noted ones of American judicial
history. The arguments made by the learned attorneys
representing the defendants, distinguished by the highest
moral tone, the spirit of the deepest and broadest sentiments
of right, the clearest and the most comprehensive teachings
of liberty and law, full of glowing and touching diction,
appeal and eloquence, delivered in captivating, attractive
style and manner, would alone give name and influence
throughout the country to the judicial proceedings of
which they constituted so important part, certainly in cases
of so much local and national significance. In the trial,
however, of Mr. Langston, the remarkable fact stands out
in bold relief, that after his conviction, and upon the inquiry
of the court whether he or his attorney had anything to
say why the sentence of the law should not be pronounced
upon him, he offered a reply, a powerful and matchless
address, wonderful in the breadth of his views, masterly and
unanswerable in his logic and law, and commanding and
irresistible in its delivery and effects. This speech carried
this case to the ends of the earth, and immortalized not only
the name of its author, but impressed his sentiments of
liberty, justice, humanity, and sound religious duty, as illus-
trated in the teachings of Christ, upon every hearer and
reader of his words. The lawyers who volunteered their
services without remuneration in behalf of the defendants,
making masterly efforts in addresses to the jury trying the
two cases mentioned, were Messrs. A. G. Riddle, R. P.
Spaulding, F. T. Backus and S. O. Griswold. In the cases
of the parties as heard in the Supreme Court of the State,
upon a writ of habeas corpus, the attorney-general, Wolcott,
acting in the name of the State, presented an elaborate
argument in behalf of the defendants. His brother would
have taken public part as one of his attorneys in the trial
of Mr. Charles H. Langston, had it not been understood
between them that he would make the speech for himself,
and in the interest of the Abolition cause, at the time and
under the circumstances already described, since he was,
i88 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
without doubt, the best qualified man of his race for such
service.
The incarceration and confinement of these thirty-seven
citizens on this charge in the prison of the chief city of the
Western Reserve, produced great excitement and general
comment and adverse criticism throughout the country.
After Bushnell's trial and conviction, with Langston simi-
larly situated, except that he had anticipated his sentence
by a speech which thrilled the whole country, the great
gathering of a hundred thousand stalwart, loyal men of
Northern Ohio, brought together through the influence of
Joshua R. Giddings and his associates, the worthies of the
Anti-Slavery Movement, was a natural, inevitable sequence
of the agitation indicated. This great meeting was held to
discuss and determine whether the jail which held the
noble, brave citizens, rescuers of a human being doomed to
slavery, should be torn down and those friends of freedom
be themselves set at liberty. The speeches made at this
gathering by the celebrated and famous anti-slavery
orators moved the nation in such way as to presage to any
sagacious person, unmistakably, the early overthrow of
American slavery itself. It had in its bloody purposes in-
vaded the sanctity of the rights of white men, and they had
determined now that the enemy of their freedom must die.
In its death it was easy to discover the approaching- life of
negro freedom. Among the orators of this occasion Mr.
John M. Langston was heard. Of his speech mention was
made by a leading journal of Cleveland in the following
words :
".On being introduced to the vast audience he said that he hated the Fugitive
Slave Law as he did the Democratic party, with a deep, unalterable hatred.
He then went on with a clear, noble and bold utterance of sentiments which
were clothed in as eloquent language as is ever heard upon the floor of the
halls of Congress. The listeners forgot that he was a black man — he spoke a
white language, such as few white men can speak. He trampled the Fugitive
Slave Law under his feet, for it incarcerated his own brother and his friends
and neighbors for disobeying its bloody commands. ' If you hate slavery be-
cause it oppresses the black man in the Southern States, for God's sake hate
it for its enslavement of white men. Don't say it is confined to the South-
here it is on our neighbors and citizens, and shall we say that slavery does not
OCCURRENCES WHICH WROUGHT FOR FREEDOM. 189
affect us ? As we love our friends, as we love our God-given rigkts, as we love
our homes, as we love ourselves, as we love our God, let us this afternoon
swear eternal enmity to this law. Exhaust the law first for these men, but
if this fail, for God's sake let us fall back upon our own natural rights and say
to the prison walls " come down," and set these men at liberty.' " [Cheers.]
No violence was attempted at this meeting; for while the
people were deeply moved, they were dominated by just
and patriotic convictions and purposes. The governor of
the State, Hon. Salmon P. Chase, appeared among them
and gave his assurance that by judicial and legal methods
the release of the prisoners should be secured within a rea-
sonable time. All placed confidence in that assurance, for
they knew the man who made it and felt and believed that
his word was worthy of entire confidence. After full, earn-
est and positive announcement of their feelings, judgment
and purposes against the law and all proceedings under it
which aimed its deadly blows at American liberty itself,
they in orderly, quiet manner returned to their various
homes. The moral effects of the meeting remained, work-
ing those inevitable results which must be established in
the interest of general freedom. The governor kept his
promise to the people, and very shortly thereafter the
habeas corpus proceedings already referred to were instituted
and the State Government was heard in such behalf by
the learned attorney-general, whose exhaustless argument
abounded in the fundamental law doctrines and principles
justly invoked in aid of the personal liberty of the citizens
against the tyranny and oppression which sought the over-
throw of their rights. The Supreme Court of the State failing
to sustain these proceedings, it was left for the Common
Pleas Court of Lorain County to come to the rescue of its
citizens in a charge to the grand jury which, resulting in the
indictment of all those concerned in the capture of John Price
for kidnapping him, soon brought an end to further pro-
ceedings against any one of the citizens still held for trial
under the National Act and the release of them all.
Thus by a counter proceeding which would open the doors
of the state penitentiary to the perpetrators of such kid-
13
190 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
napping the proceedings of the United States District
Court for Northern Ohio, so far as the Oberlin-Wellington
Rescuers were concerned, were brought to a close. All
thanks to Judge Carpenter for his sound law and fearless,
opportune charge ! The counter indictments found in his
court upon which arrests would be made and trials insti-
tuted against the Kentucky kidnappers, ended the most stu-
pendous, unjustifiable and outrageous proceeding ever
presented and prosecuted against any American citizens.
At last the Higher Law was triumphant ! On the 6th day
of July, 1859, tne great Oberlin Jubilee meeting was held.
The Rescuers were all at home again and their friends and
neighbors would join them in grateful celebration of their
release finally, through the just vindication of the law.
The speeches made on this occasion in the main by those
who had been confined, were of a most interesting and in-
spiring character, full of the warmest sentiments of freedom,
with the declared willingness to suffer even greater things
to maintain the right. They moved and melted while they
nerved with manly purpose every heart of the vast audience
which had brought its offerings of praise and thanks to the
good men who had thus been deemed worthy of suffering
and made victors. Owing to the absence of his brother, Mr.
John M. Langston spoke at this time in response to re-
peated urgent calls. Of his speech a leading journal of
that date makes the following comments :
" In his characteristic bold eloquence he spoke fearless and startling words
in opposition to the Fugitive Slave Law. He paid a high and proud tribute to
the speech of his brother in the United States Court, which was received with
loud applause. He thanked his noble friends who had gone up to Cuyahoga
County jail — thanked them in his character as a negro — as a white man — as
one in whom the blood of both races joined — as a man — and as an American
citizen. We wished that the wide world could have seen him standing there,
pouring forth in clarion notes his noble, manlike and godlike thoughts. No
more eloquent speech was made yesterday than his."
It was on the i6th day of October, 1859, that Jolin Brown
with a handful of faithful and loyal followers surprised
Harper's Ferry by his attack and capture of the Arsenal and
Armory. Three days only, prior to this occurrence, Mr.
OCCURRENCES WHICH WROUGHT FOR FREEDOM. 191
Langston was visited, at his office and home, in Oberlin, by
a person who gave his name as John Thomas. At the
time, Air. Langston was engaged actively in the practice of
his profession. This visit did not work, in any wise, special
interest or surprise, as strangers were constantly calling for
business or other purposes, and as in this case, were
always willing to adjust themselves and their demands to
his situation. At the moment of this call, the attorney was
engaged in a pressing important consultation. Mr. Thomas
retired, promising to call again at twelve o'clock, noon, of
the same day, saying at the same time that he might ac-
company Mr. Langston to his house, as he went to dinner.
At twelve o'clock, precisely, he returned. He said, " I know
this is your dinner hour, according to the rules of this com-
munity. If you please, I will walk with you homeward,
and we can talk as we go." Setting out, their conversation
ran on general matters, until they had gone considerable
distance eastward in College Street, when the gentleman,
putting his hand gently upon Mr. Langston's shoulder,
while he looked him squarely in the face and eyes, inquired,
"Am I really addressing John M. Langston?" The reply
came at once, and positively, " You are ! " " Then," said he,
" I will give you my real name. So far, I have not done so.
My name is not Thomas. It is John Brown, Jr., and I have
called to see you upon matters strictly secret and confiden-
tial, and which must not be committed to anyone in whom
we may not place the fullest confidence. My father is John
Brown of Ossawatomie, who proposes to strike at an early
day, a blow which shall shake and destroy American slavery
itself. For this purpose we need, and I seek to secure,
men of nerve and courage. On this whole subject I desire
to talk freely with you, and secure your services at least to
the extent of aiding us with your knowledge and advice in
securing one or more men." By this time Mr. Brown was
entering the gate, having just been invited by Mr. Langston
to go into his house, where full and thorough conference
might be had after dinner upon the subject named. Ulti-
mately, Mr. Brown retired with his host to his parlor, where
192 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
full statement of the purposes of his father with regard to
the Harper's Ferry Movement and his own mission to Ober-
lin, was made. He wished to see Mr. Langston, and, if
possible, through him find and influence any men willing
and ready to join in the enterprise, and, if need be, die in
connection therewith, in an attempt to free the American
slave. He had visited Mr. Langston, as he said, because it
was well understood that he was utterly opposed to slavery ;
that no fugitive slave had ever come, in search of his free-
dom, within his reach, who had not received promptly and
fully his aid and succor ; that his influence among white
and colored persons who were earnest in their purposes to
promote the Abolition Movement, even in the sacrifice of
property and life, was large and positive ; that he sympathized
with his brother Charles and the thirty-six noble white and
colored men who had been imprisoned long weary months
in the Cleveland jail, for their disinterested, manly conduct,
in the rescue of John Price, his relations to that case hav-
ing been decided and aggressive ; and that he so far enjoyed
the respect and confidence of all persons, white or colored,
living anywhere in the State of Ohio, that he would be likely
to know of anyone of such classes who could be induced
by proper representations to leave even home and family,
to strike and die for the American bondman. It was at
Cleveland, and during the trials of Simeon Bushnell and
Charles H. Langston, that Messrs. J. H. Kagi and J. M.
Green made the acquaintance and won the friendship of
John M. Langston. They had heard and approved his sen-
timent, as he expressed himself in public and private, in
denunciation of slavery and the Fugitive Slave Law. These
leading men of John Brown's immortal Spartan band, on
their way to Harper's Ferry, had tarried in Cleveland long
enough to visit and proffer their services to the thirty-seven
good and true citizens there imprisoned. Kagi had even
gone so far as to proffer his services to release them all at
once. From these men, young John Brown had learned
who the person was to whom he made his visit in Oberlin.
Under the circumstances, with the knowledge he had gained
OCCURRENCES WHICH WROUGHT FOR FREEDOM. 193
of Mr. Langston from the sources indicated, Mr. Brown's
visit was altogether natural, and to one from whom he
might expect sympathy, and to some extent, at least, assist-
ance. The conference, somewhat protracted, was interest-
ing enough, and even now, as contemplated after the re-
sults of the Harper's Ferry Movement have passed into
actual history, has not lost its interest.
In this connection, the names of Sheridan Leary and John
Copeland, both natives of Nortk Carolina, but finally resi-
dents and citizens, by choice, of the free and famous town of
Oberlin, come quickly and unbidden to the memory, and
their heroic and manly decision to die, if need be, with
John Brown as their leader, challenges the admiration of
those who witnessed their conduct and heard their words,
as they announced that decision in the parlor and at the
conference here referred to, to which they had been in
due season invited. The words of Leary shall ring forever
in the ears of those who were moved by them when he
said, " I am ready to die ! I only ask that when I have
given my life to free others, my own wife and dear little
daughter shall never know want."
How nobly he died, falling in the charge by the side of
Kagi, who fell with him in front of the Arsenal at Harper's
Ferry, history records. How well John Copeland demeaned
himself, as he followed the hero of Ossawatomie to the
gallows, after the struggle, and died by his side, history
equally records. And the monument which the good
people of Oberlin have erected to their memories, shall
testify forever how their courage, and their deeds, and
their death, are appreciated by those in whose midst they
made their homes. The results of the visit and the confer-
ence, as here indicated, signify plainly enough how wise
and advantageous John Brown, Jr.'s coming to Oberlin
proved to be, and that he secured thereby two of the brav-
est negroes that this country has produced.
It is perhaps, true, that no man of greater physical cour-
age could be found than Leary. No one more fit to take
his place by the side of Brown's lieutenant, Kagi, and in
194 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
unflinching bravery demonstrate the strength and quality
of his manhood. Born at Fayetteville, North Carolina, of
respectable free colored parents, improved mentally and
morally much beyond most of their class, by their industry
and thrift placed certainly in comfortable circumstances, he
had learned those lessons of freedom by experience, obser-
vation and parental instruction which made him at once
intelligent with respect to the condition of the American
slave, and which inspired him with the manly resolution to
do whatever he might in the use of any means which he
could control and wield, to overthrow the institution which
so thoroughly wronged and ruined the class with which
he and his kin were identified. He had married an intelli-
gent and interesting young colored lady, the daughter of a
family from North Carolina, also of the same more ad-
vanced class of his people. There had been born, at this
time, as the fruit of the marriage, a baby-girl now six
months of age. For his wife and child he entertained the
deepest affection, and only hesitated as to going to Harper's
Ferry under John Brown, as he felt that his dear ones
might come to want. He said, finally, " Let me be assured
that they will be cared for, protected ; and if my child shall
live, be suitably educated and trained to usefulness; and my
life shall be accounted by me of the smallest value, as it is
given if need be, to free the slave." He did not have days,
he did not have hours, to make up his mind. His conclu-
sions were reached as by a leap, and his eyes moistened with
tears only as he thought of the farewell which he must
bid his wife and child. His decision, however, was firm
and manly ! How well he did his duty, the record which
is kept of the wonderful, daring, matchless struggle for free-
dom, made at Harper's Ferry, shall testify! And how
nobly he died in the very beginning of that struggle, on
the soil of a State cursed by slavery, is written in the in-
telligence of all those who read its history and admire
individual courage as shown in facing death to redeem and
save the oppressed.
Of John Copeland, whose father and mother leaving
OCCURRENCES WHICH WROUGHT FOR FREEDOM. 195
North Carolina had located in Oberlin, to educate and pro-
mote the general interests of their family, the highest and
best testimonial may be borne to his character and name,
as well as to his devotion to those principles of liberty and
equal rights of which he had learned at home, and which
had been impressed upon his mind in the teachings which
he had received in the school and the -church of Oberlin.
For many years prior to these occurrences there had been
established in Oberlin, what was known as already stated,
the Liberty School-house, used by day for school purposes
in the interest of the fugitive slaves congregated there, and
by night for public meetings, where the same class congre-
gating, told the story of their wrongs and described the
outrages which in many cases compelled their flight. At
such meetings, John Copeland could always be found, and
to the story told by any fugitive slave he always gave the
most sympathetic attention, signifying often by the deep
scowl of his countenance, the moist condition of his eyes
and the quivering of his lips, how deeply he was moved by
the recital of wrong and outrage, and how glad he would
be to see the institution under which such abuse was
tolerated, overthrown and destroyed. With such feelings
easily aroused in his soul, the appeal made to him to go out
to fight, and maybe to die for those who were enslaved,
against whom wrongs were perpetrated too black and bar-
barous to be described, was not made in vain. As he had
honored himself in the company of the thirty-six other true
and valiant men who had gone out to rescue John Price,
and suffered with them confinement in the Cleveland jail
under the Fugitive Slave Law, under the promptings of a
manly nature, so now he would honor himself in service to
the cause of humanity in a desperate attack upon slavery
itself, with John Brown at Harper's Ferry. His name like
those of his noble comrades, in both attempts to serve
freedom and free principles in his country, even unto
imprisonment and death, shall live forever ! For they were
all martyrs worthy of the faith, whose examples American
youth will not despise when emergency comes again to
American liberty.
196 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
While it is true that in every interview and conference
had with any and all persons advocating the Harper's Ferry
Movement, or any other such enterprise against any por-
tion of the South, with a view to the abolition of slavery,
Mr. Langston held, that the movement would discover such
audacity on the part of its promoters and supporters, as to
drive the very class — the enslaved— away rather than draw
them in needed numbers to it, and thus defeat the ostensi-
ble and real object had in view, he maintained always with
earnestness of decision and judgment, as a reliable and
trustworthy friend of the oppressed, that the movements
would at least tend to precipitate a condition of public
feeling in the country which would sooner or later create
disturbance and finally struggle, which would prove the
greatest blessing to the slave and the country. He even
predicted publicly that such would be the result. Accord-
ingly, he held that if the indirect but necessary effect of the
Harper's Ferry Movement, like the arrest and confinement
of thirty-seven intelligent, worthy and influential citizens,
white and colored, of Lorain County, Ohio, tended to pre-
cipitate the War of the Rebellion, the chief result of
which was the overthrow of slavery followed by the
enfranchisement of the emancipated classes, all that was
done and suffered in such behalf was wisely and well done,
and the sacrifices made must ever be considered large moral
investments, profitable as well to the people generally, as
to those who thus gained their freedom.
It was well, though necessitating to all worthy, sagacious
and patriotic citizens, additional labors and sacrifices, that
the Republican party was, at this time, thoroughly organ-
ized and established for national and state duty.* Through
it the salvation of the Union, the perpetuity of free institu-
tions, and the general welfare of the people were made
actual and permanent facts. To this party Mr. Langston,
obeying the call of intelligent patriotism, gave prompt sup-
port in every national and local contest and showed himself
its sincere and determined advocate and supporter. In this
regard, his rank was exalted and his position American, for
OCCURRENCES WHICH WROUGHT FOR FREEDOM. 197
he followed where Lincoln, Chase, Seward, Sumner, Gid-
dings, Stevens, and the other great leaders and champions
of this party of freedom, moved in solemn, manly tread
to the accomplishment of those high deeds which make the
nation their conscious, perpetual debtor.
CHAPTER XV.
HIS RECRUITMENT OF COLORED TROOPS FOR THE
NATIONAL SERVICE.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN had been elected president of the
United States! The circumscription, if not the overthrow
of slavery, seemed to be at hand. The temper and metal
of the South were now to be tested. Would secession, to
be followed inevitably by war, be adopted as the only and
last source of defence left to an oligarchy of slavery which
sought to dominate the country and government? The
feelings of the country, gathering strength and intensity
under the influence of an agitation rendered serious and
affecting by words as well as deeds, calculated to stir and
heat the blood, even of a people ordinarily cool and deliber-
ate, ran high as a mighty angry flood about to sweep every-
thing before it. The sagest statesmen were staggered in
the presence of the threatening events which threw their
black appalling shadows across the republic. They could
not speak with authority and reliable forecast as to what of
portent and calamity awaited the nation. All could
feel, however, the approach of a cruel, deadly storm. That
slavery, strong now and defiant in its purposes and designs
against the government, would make open war-like assaults
upon it, was generally feared. Although few persons in the
land seemed prepared to assert the certainty of such pro-
cedure, all felt that it must come. The president-elect, the
representative of all those republican principles and doctrines
198
RECRUITS COLORED TROOPS. 199
which the South loathed and detested, had hardly felt upon
his election that such murderous, popular feeling existed
in any part of the country as to render his journey from
Illinois to Washington city dangerous or difficult. His
friends, however, found it necessary to warn him on his
arrival at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, that it would be well
for him to move upon his guard in passing through the
city of Baltimore to the capital. Early after his inaugura-
tion, the South seizing his advent to power as cause for
their rebellious proceedings, announced their secession in
the thunder of great guns, as they echoed and re-echoed the
attack of the insolent, mad oligarchy of despotism upon
the nation. The attack at first was treated as an insurrec-
tion of small power which might be easily crushed. Soon
however the purpose and strength of the insurgent forces
were discovered, and instead of seventy-five thousand
soldiers called for a brief period of enlistment, the govern-
ment needed hundreds of thousands of its most valiant men,
to go out to make war in earnest and to the end to save the
Union, free institutions and the government, as the Fathers
of the Republic had bequeathed them to loyal worthy
sons. TJie War of the Rebellion was actually upon the
nation !
At its commencement, there was the strongest possible
feeling found in all parts of the country, against taking
colored men into the army of the nation as soldiers. And
it was not until after the famous meeting of loyal governors
held at Altoona, Pennsylvania, as late as the early part of
1863, that the purpose was expressed by the late John A.
Andrew, governor of Massachusetts, as permitted by his
colleagues, and as authorized by the general government, to
organize regiments of such persons. His colleagues, the
loyal governors present, gave him their consent to that
proposition, allowing enlistments from their several States
as credited to his own, and expressed the wish that he
undertake such work.
There was no man in the United States, all things con-
sidered, so well adapted to inaugurate the movement in
200 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
this behalf, as the man to whom Governor Andrew as-
signed it. Full of genuine devotion to that freedom and
impartiality which knows no color in a human being ;
wholly alive to the deadly effects of slavery upon every
interest of his country ; anxious to employ every honorable
means to stay its encroachments and to snatch from its
bloody clutches any instrument or power which it might
wield to the ruin of the government and the country ; with
full knowledge of the soldierly qualities of the negro
troops of the Revolutionary Army and of the War of
1812 ; Mr. George L. Stearns, an old tried friend of John
Brown, a loyal merchant of Boston, wealthy himself and
able to secure all the means necessary for the early stages
of such work, was the man of all others to be charged with
this duty. He was well known in connection with his
efforts to prevent slaveholding in Kansas, employing his
means largely and his entire influence to accomplish this
object. Nor, when questioned even by a committee of
Congress with regard to any part he had taken in such work,
or any support which he had given John Brown in his
raid on Harper's Ferry, did he hesitate to speak frankly and
fully on those subjects, telling what he did and what funds
he furnished to advance and support either enterprise.
New England could not produce a man of higher social
position, anti-slavery fame aud general influence than Mr.
Stearns. He was armed too for this special task by reason
of his great knowledge of the leading colored men and
their chief white friends of the United States, all of whom
he might employ as instruments of the largest impor-
tance in promoting the recruitment of the colored troops.
It was of the first importance under the circumstances that
his knowledge of the colored men of the United States be
such that he would understand well how to make selections
from among them, so as to secure the largest efficiency
with the most desirable results in this service. It was
material too that he should have knowledge of such white
men in every quarter as might further by counsel and in-
fluence any movement which mi^ht be made to reach the
RECRUITS COLORED TROOPS. 201
colored citizen and to secure his enlistment. Accordingly,
he had no sooner accepted the responsibility of recruiting
the first colored troops from the North to be admitted to
the national service, than he did select colored men, who by
their ability and influence were capable of doing the most
successful work among their own class ; while he organized
such committees of white men, in different sections of the
country, to aid and support the movement in such general
way as seemed to be necessary. To one well advised his
efforts in such respects must be deemed of the greatest im-
portance. At the time that he commenced his service, the
government supplied neither means nor men for his use.
He was compelled to find and furnish both.
As his chief recruiting agent for the western part of the
country, Mr. Stearns selected and employed Mr. John M.
Langston. The duties which he enjoined upon this agent,
in whom he reposed the greatest confidence, were much
beyond that of mere recruiting. For he invited him not
only to special consultations connected with the service,
but expected him to attend and address great popular
assemblies, as might seem to be necessary in the great
cities and important rural districts, explaining every feature
of the national and state laws concerning the recruitment
of all troops enlisted and sent to Massachusetts for organ-
ization in regiments and service as credited to that State.
The questions of monthly pay, allowances generally and
bounties were of special importance, and required careful
and proper explanation. Besides, the feeling against taking
any part as soldiers in the war so far as the colored people
were concerned, consequent upon their rejection heretofore,
whenever offering to do so, had to be overcome by cautious,
truthful statements, made with such candor and appeal as
to create after meeting their prejudices, favorable and
effective impressions. Mr. Langston's work was largely,
almost entirely in the beginning, of such character, and
even when Mr. Stearns was himself present at such public
meetings he insisted that his agent should do the speaking.
He invited Mr. Langston to n>eet him first at Buffalo, Ne\v
202 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
York, for consultation. Subsequently, he invited him to
meet a large company of friends interested in the work at
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After this last conference,
Mr. Langston entered vigorously, by request of Mr. Stearns
and by arrangement made with him, upon the recruitment
of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. His success in this
work, especially in the States of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois,
was entirely satisfactory, and although a very large number
of men — perhaps three thousand or more — was sent to
Massachusetts from which to select choice ones for the reg-
iment, its recruitment was soon accomplished. The last
seventy-five men taken into Company K, were sent from
Xenia, Ohio, where recruited, to Camp Meigs, Massachu-
setts. Quite immediately upon their enlistment, the regi-
ment was moved to South Carolina, and within a very short
time, under its illustrious commanding officer, Colonel
Shaw, made its famous charge upon Fort Wagner. Every
one of these seventy-five men, young, vigorous, manly,
and brave, fell in this charge. They fell with Shaw, and
sleep in graves as honorable as his !
A single incident connected with the recruitment of these
men is worthy of special mention. The son of an aged
black woman living a mile or more out of Xenia upon the
public highway, was one of their number. He was her only
son, in fact her only child, and she relied upon him for
support and protection. This mother called upon Mr.
Langston, just after her son had bidden her farewell and
left his home. Her heart was evidently moved by the
deepest feeling as she thought of him, the dangers which
awaited him, and realized that she might not see him again.
As she entered the house, inquiring for the man who was
inducing and enlisting persons to go to the war, it was
feared that she had come, perhaps, to make complaint in
violent and untempered language. Her bearing and manner,
however, soon removed all such feeling. And, as she opened
her mouth, she discovered in the midst of her sadness a
temper of remarkable intelligence and good nature. She
had not come to make complaint. Instead, she came to say
RECRUITS COLORED TROOPS. 203
that while she regretted the loss of her son, she wanted him,
now that he had gone, to enter the service intelligently,
with manly purpose, and to discharge his duty as an
American soldier with courage and vigor. She asked that
he be, accordingly, fully instructed and disciplined, so that
such would be his course. In every word and act she
manifested the spirit and devotion of an earnest and worthy
American mother. When assured that the greatest care
would be taken not only to instruct and discipline, but to
protect her son, consistently with the faithful discharge of
his duties as a soldier, she expressed full confidence in the
statement and the hope that not only all might go well
with her child, but that the cause of the government and
the welfare of her people might be promoted, if need be,
even in his death. " For, " said she, " liberty is better than
life." As already stated, her son went out to die, making
her offering to the country and the cause of her people a
precious and costly one. The number of colored mothers
who thus gave their only sons, and who might detail in
sympathetic words their own similar experiences with those
of this one, shall never be known. Fortunately, however,
for the country, no one of them is found, even to this day,
who would offer any word of complaint. They are all too
proud that they were permitted to bear sons, who at last
should constitute their richest gifts to the republic.
The 54th Massachusetts Regiment was one composed of
selected men. Its personnel was of the highest character.
Many of the first colored families had representatives in it,
and many of the very best young colored men were num-
bered among its troops. The roster of its commissioned
officers showed the names of the very finest representative
young white men, chosen and appointed as well with refer-
ence to their social position and family connections, as to
their qualifications for their several duties. For it was the
purpose of the friends of the experiment which this regi-
ment should make in connection with the national service,
to wisely and thoroughly furnish it in officers, men and
every appointment for the work which it was called to per-
204 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
form. Besides, every care was exercised to put the regi-
ment, while in camp, in the best possible physical, moral
and mental condition and discipline for the field. No
regiment ever left its camp followed by more hearty anx-
ieties and earnest prayers for its welfare than this one.
And no State ever exhibited deeper interest in the success
of any portion of its soldiery, than Massachusetts for the
troops of its 54th Regiment. Governor Andrew and his
agent, Mr. Stearns, appreciated most fully the expectations
which were entertained with regard to this enterprise inau-
gurated by them and the experiences which must await
the men of their first regiment. The men were not them-
selves unconscious of the dignity, responsibility and danger
of their position, and yet they advanced to the full dis-
charge of their duties with intelligent American courage.
The proof of this is shown in the patriotic, shining record
which this regiment made for itself in contests requiring
the best soldierly elements and behavior.
Upon the completion of the 54th, Mr. Stearns, with his
full force, including of course Mr. Langston, undertook the
recruitment of the 55th Massachusetts Regiment. Care
was still taken as to the physical condition and make of the
men enlisted and forwarded to Camp Meigs, and it is to
be said with truth that this was also a regiment of selected
men. They were, however, mainly enlisted in and sent from
Ohio. At this time denied, especially in that State, the
opportunity and privilege of enlistment for the public ser-
vice on common equal terms, the colored men of Ohio had
very generally resolved to leave their own State, and going
to Massachusetts, enter the service as citizens of that Com-
monwealth. More than this, Ohio had provided no boun-
ties for such troops, while Massachusetts had, and the latter
had made arrangements through state appropriation for
equalizing the pay of colored troops from that State with that
of white troops, and all allowances were identical in value
and character. It is not difficult to understand how such
considerations would operate in determining the action of
the colored men. When it is added that they had already
RECRUITS COLORED TROOPS. 205
come to understand that Governor Andrew and Mr. Stearns
were special friends of their race, and would see to it beyond
doubt that they had fair treatment in all respects, in the camp
and in the field, their action in such regard would seem to
be under the circumstances, natural and inevitable. So far
cis the major portion of the regiment was concerned, it was
composed of Ohio men ; so much so that Mr. Langston,
who supervised and directed its recruitment, determined to
have made in his own state and at his own expense, a full
stand of regimental colors for it. Accordingly, colors were
purchased as ordered and made by Scheilotto & Co., Cincin-
nati, Ohio. To this arrangement Governor Andrew and
Mr. Stearns gave their ready assent and the colors, made of
the very finest materials used for such purposes, were on
the completion of its recruitment, forwarded by express to
Camp Meigs and formally and duly presented. They were
borne in pride by the regiment from the camp to the field,
in every battle in which it played a part, and returned at
last, bearing all the marks of patriotic, brave service, to the
capitol of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where they
can be seen this day, as sacredly kept among the precious
relics of the War of the Rebellion.
At first Mr. Langston had intended to deliver the colors
in person to the 55th Massachusetts Regiment, and was on
his way with them, when on reaching Columbus, Ohio, the
governor of the State, the Hon. David Todd, hearing that
he was in the city, invited him to call for a special inter-
view. He did so, when to his surprise the governor asked
him to engage in the recruitment of colored troops for his
state. Heretofore, about one year before this call, Mr.
Langston had suggested to Governor Todd that he would
be glad, were it agreeable to his feelings and judgment, to
recruit and locate a regiment of a thousand and one colored
men in Camp Delaware, without expense of a single dollar
to the state government, upon the sole condition that they
be received, duly organized, officered and employed as regular
soldiers in the national service ; to all of which the gover-
nor made reply of most remarkable character, but what un-
206 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
der the circumstances in his State and the country seemed
to be altogether natural. This meeting occurred prior of
course to the convention of loyal governors, and the answer
which he made was a reflection of the general feeling obtain-
ing in the country with respect to the status of the colored
American and his relations to the government. His reply
was in substance as follows : " Do you not know, Mr. Lang-
ston, that this is a white mans government ; that white men
are able to defend and protect it, and that to enlist a negro
soldier would be to drive every white man out of the service ?
When we want you colored men we will notify you." To
which Mr. Langston made respectful reply, " Governor,
when you need us, send for us." But now a great change
had come over the feelings and the judgment of Governor
Todd, and he had actually sent for the very man to whom
he had made the speech given, and who had made the prom-
ise implied in his response. • However, Mr. Langston oc-
cupied another position than that in which he stood when
he tendered his services in connection with the proposed
Ohio regiment of the year before. So he explained to the
governor and advised him that he could do now no recruiting
even in Ohio, without the authority and direction of Mr.
Stearns, as he might issue his orders to such effect by com-
mand of the secretary of war. He also informed the gover-
nor that he had just completed the recruitment of the 55th
Massachusetts Regiment, which was composed mainly of
Ohio men, and that he was then on his way to Camp Meigs
with a stand of regimental colors, purchased as they had been
ordered expressly for this regiment. The governor mani-
fested such interest in the matter that he insisted that Mr.
Langston allow him to send a porter to his hotel for the box
containing the colors, that he might see and examine them.
This was done without the least hesitation, and so soon as
brought and the governor had seen them, he pronounced
them so beautiful and the purpose for which they had been
secured so important and interesting, that he wanted them
exhibited from the eastern steps of the capitol to a popular
gathering, miscellaneous and general, which he offered to call
RECRUITS COLORED TROOPS. 207
together upon condition that Mr. Langston would make
what he called " a war speech." To this proposition the gov-
ernor was told that it was necessary for the colors to be deliv-
ered in Massachusetts at an early day, and that any
considerable delay in such respect might work serious em-
barrassment. However, upon reflection and a little calcula-
tion of dates, a hurried meeting was agreed upon and
subsequently held. Meantime, in a second visit to Governor
Todd, and after he had communicated by telegraph both
with Mr. Stearns and Secretary Stanton, it was settled that
Mr. Langston should send the colors forward by express and
proceed at once to the recruitment of a regiment of colored
troops which should be credited to Ohio. The governor
accordingly himself had the colors sent forward and he, his
private secretary Judge Hoffman, and Mr. Langston made
without the least delay all necessary arrangements for the
recruitment of the Ohio regiment.
The 5th United States colored troops was the regiment
referred to, and it was composed of young Ohio men, in the
main of excellent physique, character and courage. Per-
haps no braver men ever saw service among any class of
people at any period in the history of the world than those
who constituted its rank and file. The first three hundred
men recruited were deceived by statements with respect to
their monthly pay and allowances for clothing. This mistake
under the circumstances, was the result of the belief and opin-
ion that the men of Ohio would be treated precisely as those
enlisted for Massachusetts, and was wholly natural. In a
conference with Judge Hoffman, it was discovered that the
rule of law applying to the national service in accordance
with which the pay and allowances of the Ohio troops must
be regulated, differed from those applied to the Massachu-
setts troops, in that the national regulations failing in full
and equal provision for the colored troops of the last-
named State, that State made special provision in that
behalf. Ohio did no such thing, and hence the error and
mistake made as indicated. No sooner had this matter
been brought to the attention of the governor than he
208 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
held and ordered that the men already thus deceived and
in rendezvous at Camp Delaware, must have full explana-
tion made to them, and informed that they were all at lib-
erty to return to their homes should they so decide to do,
at the expense of the government ; that no deception how-
ever made could be allowed in their case. At once full
explanations were made to the men, the mistakes were
pointed out with the greatest care and minuteness, and
they advised that they were at liberty should they choose,
to leave the camp for their homes. These men had been
recruited in different parts of Ohio. About one-third of
them came from Washington County, the other two-thirds
from Athens and neighboring counties ; all of the latter,
however, in a single company, as they had been collected
through the influence of their leader, who had calculated
to enlist them finally for Massachusetts. Indeed, all these
men at first had expected to be sent to that State for entry of
the service. Their leaders were Messrs. Solomon Grimes of
the first one-third mentioned, and Milton M. Holland of
the other portion. These two persons, the latter but a
mere boy, held their respective companies completely under
their influence and control, and either, when the explana-
tions alluded to were given, might have directed his men
to leave the camp and they would have gone. However,
Mr. Holland and his men were decided and manly at once
in their course, thus greatly influencing Mr. Grimes and his
men to remain, and so not a single man of the three hun-
dred left the camp. All accepted the explanations as
made in good faith, as they concluded the mistakes had
been made without intent to do the least injury. Besides,
the leaders and every man asserted that he was ready to
accept the situation just as it was, and show his patriotism
and devotion to his country in efforts and struggles for its
defence which might cost him even his life. More beauti-
ful, manly conduct was not exhibited in any camping-
ground of the American soldier during the wars of the late
Rebellion, than this of these colored troops of Ohio at
Camp Delaware. Thereafter, the recruitment of the regi-
RECRUITS COLORED TROOPS. 209
ment was conducted with reasonable rapidity and success.
Such was the conduct of the men coming to camp, and
their reputation for considerate behavior, aptness and atten-
tion to drill and soldierly advancement, that all over the
State, young colored men were moved to the emulation of
their example, and towards the close of its recruitment in
many cases sought place in the regiment. On its comple-
tion it showed in its personnel, a fine body of excellent
men, of soldierly qualities and character. Ohio, so far as
the rank and file of its best regiments were concerned,
could boast of no better material in its representatives col-
lected in any camp, and called as its soldiers to the defence
of the government.
Great care was taken to make wise and judicious selec-
tions of commissioned officers for these troops. The col-
onel of the regiment was selected from among the scholars
of the State with special reference to his personal respect
and consideration of the class of people whose sons he
would lead and command in the face of danger. Professor
G. W. Shurtliff was a young man of extraordinarily high
personal and social character, of strictly Christian principles
and habits, with recognized reputation and influence as an
abolitionist and friend of the negro race. He was besides
a white person, in every sense manly, noble and brave.
Every man in the regiment upon making his acquaintance,
witnessing his behavior and bearing, became heartily and
thoroughly devoted to him as to a faithful, staunch friend,
always ready to do whatever he might for the good of his
command. The lieutenant-colonel and all the other com-
missioned officers were white men of great fitness for their
special duties and of like high personal and social name and
position. The recruitment of the regiment, with the selec-
tion and commission of every officer, was completed by the
early part of November, 1863. The white inhabitants re-
siding in the neighborhood of Camp Delaware, were at first
utterly opposed to having that camp occupied by colored
troops. They feared every sort of disorderly, unbecoming
conduct on their part, and dreaded them as a host of
210 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
petty thieves coming among them to commit manifold and
frightful depredations. White troops had been in rendez-
vous there, and it was their bad conduct largely which had
superinduced this dread of the presence of the colored ones.
However, it is not recorded in the doings of the camp, or
remembered by the community, that a single act of vandal-
ism or any conduct unbecoming an American soldier,
stands charged against any one of the men composing this
regiment, while in camp. It remained there^from the date
of the arrival of its first men to that of its departure, for a
little over four months. The leading white men of the
neighborhood were open and positive in expressions favor-
ing the good conduct of the men. Such record made in
camp and by the first regiment of colored men recruited in
Ohio, was regarded by all friends of the race as most im-
portant and favorable.
Mr. Langston was determined that no regiment going
into the service of the government should do so under
richer or more beautiful colors than this one. And he was
equally determined that they should not leave the camp
without suitable and impressive ceremonies in connection
with their presentation. He therefore made arrangements
with the firm of Scheilotto & Co., of Cincinnati, to make
for it a stand of first-class regimental colors. He provided
for presenting them at the camp on the day before the
regiment was to leave for the field. Governor Todd, ex-
Governor William Dennison, with several other leading
citizens, prominent in the State, had been invited and were
present and took part in the exercises. The principal
speech of the occasion was made to the full regiment, with
every officer present, by the governor himself. He appre-
ciated fully the real character of the circumstances, and
moved in accordance therewith, he made an address of re-
markable and peculiar power and effect. It was solemn,
earnest, pathetic, impressive and eloquent. He reached the
climax however, when in closing he said to the regiment,
" My boys, sons of the State, go forth now as you are called
to fight for our country and its government ! Let your
I'KKSKNTATJON OF COLORS TO 5TH U. S. COLORED TROOPS, CAMP DELAWARE, OHIO, l6oj.
RECRUITS COLORED TROOPS. 211
conduct be that of brave, intelligent devoted, American
citizens ! If such shall be your course, if spared and I can
reach you no otherwise, on your return I will come upon
my hands and knees to meet and greet you ! And my
words of commendation and praise shall be prompted by
my pride and satisfaction in view of your behavior ! But,
should your conduct be that of cowards, showing your for-
getfulness of the fearful responsibility which now rests upon
your shoulders and the supreme dignity of the mission to
which your government calls and this State sends you, as
you return, I will crawl if need be, away from you, that I
may never look again in your faces ! I have, however, full
confidence in you ; and my prayer to Almighty God is that
He will protect while He gives you victory in every battle
in which you may be called to take part." This address
was received in the spirit with which it was delivered, and
accepted by the men as the parting counsel of one deeply
and cordially interested in their welfare. Every circum-
stance and feature of this occasion was marked by the
happiest, though solemn indications of prospective success.
Accepting its colors from the hands of a distinguished ex-
governor of the State, who above all others present could
employ words befitting that service, tender, generous and
affecting, the regiment discovered in its deep emotion and
intelligent expression of its feelings, as shown in the re-
sponse of Colonel Shurtliff, its appreciation and value of
the honor done it in their presentation. The record which
the regiment made in the desperate and deadly struggles
in which it played important conspicuous part under those
colors about Richmond and Petersburg!!, shall tell whether
they bore them bravely in glory to the end !
No state bounty had been provided by the government
of Ohio for these troops. Massachusetts had done her duty
in such behalf for her colored troops in generous provision.
Mr. Langston, therefore, undertook to raise by voluntary
contribution, at least money enough to make a small purse,
to be presented to every man of the regiment on the day
that the colors were given. He succeeded in collecting
212 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
only enough to give each soldier two dollars and a half.
This sum, in view of the very kind treatment which the
commandant of the post, Colonel McCoy, had shown the
regiment, and in view of its very great respect and love of
him, was used to purchase presents for himself and his wife.
The gift to him was a fine gold watch, and that to his wife
a rich, costly and elegant ring. Mr. Langston presented
the gifts in the name of the regiment to the commandant.
This officer was so deeply moved and affected by this un-
expected proceeding, that he was compelled, in the midst
of his tears even, to ask ex-Governer Dennison to thank
the regiment for himself and Mrs. McCoy.
The regiment leaving Camp Delaware in the early part
of November, 1863, went directly to Portsmouth, Virginia,
taking its place in the Army of the James, in that Depart-
ment of that State. Very shortly it was ordered into active
service, and figured with unsurpassed courage and brilliancy
in at least ten battles about Richmond and Petersburgh,
winning special distinction in its charge upon New Market
Heights. Its courage, gallantry and endurance were put
to the test, indeed, in this charge which gave it such note.
The names of several young men connected with this
regiment, especially certain of its non-commissioned officers,
who, by reason of the sad havoc made among its commis-
sioned ones in killed and wounded, were permitted to and
did make honorable records in hot, deadly battle, might be
mentioned. Indeed, their names shall be written here,
because of the merits and deserts of those who bear them,
and because they represent a great class whose highest
aspiration is discovered in their desire and determination to
serve, even unto death, their country and its government.
Milton M. Holland, Powhatan Beatty, Robert A. Pinn,
James S. Tyler, James Bronson, not to mention others,
constitute a galaxy of heroes, who by exemplary, manly,
and daring conduct, as officers and men of the 5th United
States colored troops, are entitled to signal fame and
renown.
An incident connected with the recruitment of Milton M.
RECRUITS COLORED TROOPS. 213
Holland and the men whom he held under his command,
when Mr. Langston commenced his work in connection
with the enlistment of troops for this regiment, is worthy
of special note here. Mr. Stearns had sent to Ohio a young
white gentleman to assist in the recruitment of the regi-
ment, who while active and energetic, was a person of
unusual moderation and wisdom. He was especially suc-
cessful, as a rule, in all errands of business upon which he
might be sent to any given person or place. Of amiable
disposition and pleasing manners, he soon won favor with
men wherever found, who were inclined to enter the United
States service. Such was his kindly treatment of every
colored person, that he was not long, when he had opportu-
nity, in bringing such one to clear and decided sense of his
duty in the matter of his enlistment. Learning of Holland
and his men as situated in a temporary unofficial camp in
the Fair Grounds of Athens County, near the city of
Athens, Ohio, Mr. Langston, desirous to secure their enlist-
ment for the Ohio regiment, sent the gentleman spoken of,
his assistant, Captain Dunlop, to Athens to meet, confer
with, recruit and bring them at once to Camp Delaware.
The men werexfound in camp as stated ; but so determined
to go to Massachusetts, there enlist and be credited to that
State as the men of the 54th and 55th Regiments had been,
that they would not allow him, or any other person to
enter their camp grounds to talk with them of their enlist-
ment in Ohio. Captain Dunlop was compelled to tele-
graph these facts to Mr. Langston, and he was compelled
himself to go to Athens and seek approach to Mr. Holland
and his men through special white friends in whom they
had great confidence. No man could reach the men except
as he did it through their captain, as they called Mr. Hol-
land. He was a young colored Texan, sent North and lo-
cated as a student at that time in the Albany Colored
School, prominent in that part of Ohio. He was by nature
a soldier. He smelt battle from afar, and was ready at the
shortest warning to engage in deadly conflict. At the time
he was really a lad of about nineteen years of age, with all
214 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the fire of such youthful, daring nature as he possessed in
blood and by inheritance. He was a young person of re-
markable native intelligence, good name, bearing himself
constantly, even among his men, so as to win the largest re-
spect and confidence. The promise of manly life and en-
deavor were apparent in his case on the most casual
observation and contact.
Mr. Langston took the precaution on reaching Athens,
having learned somewhat of this young man and of those by
whom he was regarded and treated with special considera-
tion, to call upon the chief business man of the town, the
leading banker, Mr. Moore, a person well known and of the
greatest respectability, to ascertain what he might with respect
to him and the men generally under his control, and whether
the community favored the recruitment of the state regi-
ment of colored men. He found that Mr. Moore was
exactly the man to answer every question respecting such
matters with intelligence. He was so entirely acquainted
with Mr. Holland and the men controlled by him, and had
such influence and entertained such feelings, that he was
able and did bring Mr. Langston at once into such relations
to all concerned, that the work in view was accomplished
very speedily and with the least possible difficulty. He
even went so far as to put his fine saddle-horse at the dis-
posal of Mr. Langston, to ride to the camp grounds, a mile
away, and to give him a note of introduction which proved
wholly satisfactory in securing the attention and confidence
of those to be reached. It was about five o'clock in the
afternoon on a beautiful day in June, and in a section of the
country famous for its richness and delightsome conditions,
that Mr. Langston, armed as indicated, approached the gate
of the Fair Grounds where he would find the men whom he
sought. A sentinel was on guard, and it was very apparent
that he must be treated with becoming consideration and re-
spect by any one who would through him secure communi-
cation with the commanding officer. Such etiquette was
duly observed, and it was not long before the visitor was
confronted at the gate by the student-officer in command.
RECRUITS COLORED TROOPS. 215
The note of introduction was at once presented, when
formal salutations and compliments were passed, and the two
persons up to that time utter strangers, seemed to be wholly
at home with each other. The errand of the visitor was
made known with careful detail, and information given that
no colored troops would be sent from that date to Massa-
chusetts from Ohio, while a regiment would be at once re-
cruited of such men and duly credited to Ohio. Upon this
statement, with the request that he might bring the subject
of their enlistment for the regiment to the attention of his
men and take their decision in the premises, Mr. Holland
replied that he would at once consult with them, and if he
found them willing to do so he would make all the neces-
sary arrangements to that end without the least delay. He
retired, going to his headquarters, and within a very few
minutes the fife and drum were heard and the gathering of
the men near headquarters was immediately witnessed.
Not tarrying in his movements, the young man returned,
and inviting Mr. Langston in most polite manner to enter
the camp, directed his sentinel to let him pass. Dismount-
ing, as conducted by Mr. Holland, Mr. Langston went
directly to the headquarters, where the men all drawn up in
hollow-square awaited his arrival, and his statements and
explanations. The manner and behavior of the young
colored officer during this whole affair was that of a youth-
ful, brave American, hopeful of an early opportunity to dis-
play any courage which he might possess in a battle the
results of which would work the salvation of his country. It
is enough to say here that in less than an hour and a half
from the time he and Mr. Langston exchanged salutations,
through his good offices he and his one hundred and forty-
nine men had signed the recruitment rolls, and had promised
to leave the Athens County Fair Grounds for Camp Dela-
ware the next day at ten o'clock in the morning.
During the night the good banker, Mr. E. H. Moore, to
whose great kindness so much was 'due for any success
attending this transaction, sent in great haste to Cincinnati,
to purchase a beautiful silk company flag, to be presented
216 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
early on the following morning to the men as they left their
camp grounds, passing through the city on the way to the
depot to take the train, via Chillicothe, to Camp Delaware.
The flag arrived in due season, and was formally presented
with no little falat. The men had left the Fair Grounds in
good spirit and in fair general condition, and it is not saying
too much to state that they made a fine impression in their
parade and conduct, in the city and upon the community.
The presentation speech was made by a young gentleman,
the son of the donor of the flag, Colonel Moore. His
address was full of stirring sentiments, highly ornate and
affecting. The response on behalf of the men was made by
Mr. Langston himself, in such spirit and manner as to gain
not only the favor and applause of those in whose name he
spoke, but the sympathy and good will of the vast con-
course of loyal citizens who heard him. From Athens
through Chillicothe and Columbus to Camp Delaware, such
were the bearing and behavior of these men, that they con-
stantly won popular admiration and applause. Throughout
their camp experiences, labors and struggles, they main-
tained, however tried and tested, unsullied reputations.
In the charge at New Market Heights, the young Texan
student who figured as described in the Athens County
Fair Grounds, now become a veteran in service if not in years,
the color-sergeant of the regiment, when he had discovered
how his troops had lost in the early stages of the charge,
well-nigh all its commissioned officers, including especially
the colonel and lieutenant-colonel, under the pressure of
the deepest excitement and in the purpose to achieve vic-
tory or die, passing his colors to another soldier of the
regiment, took himself command of Company C, of which
he had been made at first the orderly-sergeant, and with it
led the charge, winning a victory which brought not only
large favorable results to the government, but additional
and signal glory to American arms. It was in this charge,
requiring the best elements of the genuine brave American
soldier, indifferent to danger and determined to snatch suc-
cess from desperate odds, that the young colored men
RECRUITS COLORED TROOPS. 217
whose names have been recorded, won as well their distinc-
tion as their medals of bronze and silver.
In a conversation had with Gen. B. F. Butler, just after the
war and his election to the House of Representatives, in
speaking of the 5th United States colored troops, its colonel
and its behavior during its service, especially its charge at
New Market Heights, he said in warm emphatic manner to
Mr. Langston, " I had only to command and Shurtliff with
his regiment would attempt and perform any feat of daring
and danger. He and his men constituted the very best
soldierly material — their morale was of the highest and best
character. The regiment was one of the very best of the
national service." Continuing, he said, "This regiment
made its celebrated charge under my observation, and
while every man performed his duty with courage and
devotion, those to whom I awarded medals demeaned them-
selves with such heroism as to merit at once the commen-
dation of their commanding officers and the praise and
gratitude of the country. So far as the conduct of the
color-sergeant, Holland, was concerned, in the charge at
New Market Heights, had it been within my powder I
would have conferred upon him in view of it, a brigadier-
generalship for gallantry on the field."
Recruited for three years, or until the close of the war,
this regiment having gained and occupied conspicuous rank
among the' best that had fought to maintain the Union,
preserve and sustain free institutions, with slavery every-
where abolished, returned, with victory perching on every
banner of the national government, the Rebellion fully
suppressed, without a blemish on name or character, distin-
guished for the glory which its patriotism and courage had
won. It went to Camp Chase, Ohio, where with seven
hundred of its original recruits, it was mustered out of the
service, October 5th, 1865.
CHAPTER XVI.
HIS FIRST OFFICIAL ERRAND TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN had been elected president of the
United States for the second time. Andrew Johnson had
been elected vice-president. Both had been inaugurated
and had entered upon the duties of their respective offices.
Grant, the great Captain of the century, the commanding
officer of the American army, still confronted the leader of
the Confederate forces, and not even the matchless secretary
of war, Stanton himself, could say that the close of the
bloody contest was at hand, and peace must soon be declared,
with victory gained by the national soldiery. To the
common observer it seemed as if war must still be waged.
Notwithstanding two years and more had passed, since on
the first day of January, 1863, the Emancipation Proclama-
tion had been issued, the forces of the Confederacy continued
their defiance of the government, and in numbers, purpose
and courage, seemed far from defeat and general surrender.
It was under such circumstances that Mr. Langston, after
he had completed his services in the recruitment of colored
troops for the regiments of Massachusetts and Ohio, made
his first official visit to Washington city. It is to be added,
that wherever opportunity had been given, all along the
lines of battle, the colored troops, in whatsoever service they
were engaged, had demonstrated their possession of all those
elements of obedience, endurance, fortitude, loyalty, enthu-
218
FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO WASHINGTON. 219
siasm and devotion, always deemed necessary in the highest"
and best type of the reliable and worthy soldier. Up to
this time, two colored men only, had been given commis-
sions as regular officers of the national army. Martin R.
Delaney and Orindatus S. B. Wall were the persons who
had thus been signally honored. The first bore the com-
mission of major, the second that of captain. Both had
been given duty in connection with the recruitment of
colored troops. They had not at this time been assigned
to service, either in a company or regiment, according to
their official designations. It is true, too, that the large
number of non-commissioned officers found in the various
regiments of colored troops, had not only demonstrated
excellent military capacity and aptness, but great general
warlike knowledge, coolness and decision in the midst of
emergency and danger, as well as readiness and alacrity in
the discharge of their duties, however manifold and trying.
The government had discovered, certainly, that they com-
posed a loyal military corps, worthy of every confidence, in
view of their intelligence, patriotism and devotion, and that
their instruction, drill and experience must have fitted them
for any official position or duty to which they might be
called. This, without doubt, was true of a very considerable
number, at least, of such officers.
Mr. Langston's errand was indeed official; but he had
not made a journey to the capital to ask for an ordinary
place under the new administration. Nor was he seeking
a position free from responsibility and danger. The civil
service may have been inviting to persons far more intelli-
gent, patriotic and worthy ; but his attention and desires
were not directed to anything connected therewith. He
had come at his own expense, moved by patriotic consider-
ations, to say to President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton
that the time had arrived, in view of the intelligence, ex-
perience, loyalty and service of the colored troops, for the
commission of a colored man to a colonelcy in the national
service, with authority to recruit his own regiment and to
officer it with colored men taken from regiments already in
220 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the service and who had given evidence of high soldierly
qualities on the field of battle. Upon his visit with this
mission in view, he being well acquainted with and the
friend of Gen. James A. Garfield, then a member of Con-
gress, having left the field to serve his constituents and the
people generally in that capacity, Mr. Langston went di-
rectly to him to seek his good offices in introducing him
properly to the secretary of war, and his counsel and ad-
vice with respect to and approval of his plan. He found
the young, magnificent representative of Ohio, and the bril-
liant general who had won such enviable note and name
through his masterly deeds upon the field, not only willing
to do what he asked, but patient to hear and counsel him
with respect to his novel but important proposition. He
was prompt, earnest and enthusiastic in his approval, and
without the least hesitation conducted his colored Ohio
friend, with whom he seemed specially pleased, for intro-
duction to the prince of military secretaries, whose frown or
approval had dismayed or delighted so many aspirants for
high maftial position and responsibility. Indeed, such
were the appearance, manner, address and bearing of this
great secretary to the ordinary visitor, that even the brav-
est of his fellow-citizens approached him with anxiety and
manifestations of timidity. Not so, however, with Garfield.
He was a brave and fearless man ; always bold, clear and
positive in the advocacy of any measure or individual in
whose promotion and interest he desired to exercise his
judgment and efforts.
General Garfield, in the introduction which he made of
his friend to Secretary Stanton, did not hesitate to speak of
him in most favorable terms, dwelling in warmest approval
upon his character, his ability, his loyalty, and his valuable
services rendered in the recruitment of troops for the 54th
and 55th Massachusetts regiments, the 5th United States
colored troops; his employment of a substitute for himself
for the service, when in no wise exposed to draft, or any
enforced military duty, and other evidences furnished'in his
conduct, showing his devotion to the government and its
FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO WASHINGTON. 221
support. He also dwelt in earnest, intelligent, patriotic
words upon the wisdom, dignity, propriety and advantage
which characterized and would be the natural results fol-
lowing the adoption of the proposition submitted for the
recruitment and organization of an entirely colored regi-
ment. He did not hesitate to affirm that the government
might expect on the part of such a regiment, conduct of the
highest soldierlike character, with the largest measure of
advantageous signal effects. Upon this representation, in
connection with such favorable introduction to the secre-
tary, who was himself a citizen of Ohio, it was under the
circumstances entirely natural that both the originator of
the proposition and the proposition itself should secure
favorable consideration. The secretary even went so far as
to express his own pleasure in view of what might be made,
under wise direction and management, important results of
the enterprise suggested, and was pleased to request Gen-
eral Garfield to go directly with Mr. Langston to Colonel
Foster, who was at the time in charge of the recruitment of
all colored troops, and explain to him upon introduction of
his friend the measure proposed. He assured General
Garfield that if upon thorough examination of the matter
by the proper officer of his department, it was found to be
feasible and probably advantageous, he should approve it.
The visit to Colonel Foster was in no sense less agreeable
than that to his chief officer, and his appreciation of the
proposition and its author, with whom he seemed to be well
acquainted by report, was not less hearty and cordial. So
soon as Colonel Foster had the matter suitably explained,
he promised that it should have his serious, prompt atten-
tion, and without delay he would present his conclusions
and decision in due form to the secretary, so that General
Garfield and Mr. Langston could hear from the department
upon the subject without any unnecessary delay. Pleased
with their visits and interviews with these distinguished
military officials, General Garfield and Mr. Langston sepa-
rated, with the belief firmly settled in their minds that this
new proposition for the military advancement of the col-
'5
222 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
ored troops, which must give them ample opportunity for
the display of any military genius and original prowess
which they possessed, led and commanded by officers of
their own nationality and complexion, would receive the
sanction and approval of the authorities.
Mr. Langston remained in the city of Washington while
this matter was held under consideration. He was in the
city when Gen. Robert E. Lee made his surrender on the
ninth of April, 1865, and the Rebellion was thus brought to
a hurried overthrow and its armies to utter defeat. Other
and additional troops were no longer needed. Those in the
service must be soon mustered out and return to their
homes. For this reason the department very properly con-
cluded not to adopt the measure suggested, and accordingly
communicated its decision to that effect, shortly after the
surrender, to those concerned.
Perhaps no proposition of any character whatever so
deeply and thoroughly interested Mr. Langston as this one.
He always felt that in it he saw the complete redemption
of the colored American from every proscription, legal and
social ; as he might make, upon his own original force of
character and courage, a record thereby on the field of
battle and in the shedding of his own blood in defence of
the government and the country, which would emancipate
him from every distinction felt and made against him. It
was an opportunity of rare good fortune for him to be
called, to the number of one hundred and eighty thousand,
to fight with his fellow-citizens the battles of the country,
though commanded by officers of another nationality and
color. It would have been, however, immensely more ad-
vantageous to him, redounding to his lasting good, in a more
just and considerate appreciation of his character and deeds,
could he have engaged in battle for the country, led and
commanded by those who bore his own lineage and image.
Another great fearful emergency of the government may
bring him such opportunity. If so his salvation, as indicated,
need not be despaired of, for it shall come, thus, certainly;
even though greatly delayed. The experiences of this, like
FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO WASHINGTON. 223
all other governments which have been established by man,
are signalized throughout their existence by urgent and
pressing occasions of trial and struggle, which require the
devotion and service of all good citizens, and in view of
duty well and thoroughly done under such circumstances,
the loyal and true who demonstrate ability and worth may
make sure of their reward, in equal impartial justice and
fair equitable treatment.
It was during Mr. Langston's sojourn in the capital at
this time, that the horror of horrors took place. Two nights
before, he had stood with the multitude looking into the
face and listening to the words of the president, who while
he spoke like a prophet, reminding one of the ancient
Samuel as he called the people to witness his integrity, lit-
tle dreamed that any man in the whole land could be
found base and cowardly enough to do him harm. His
words seem now in view of his assassination so soon to fol-
low, those of warning, admonition and counsel, grave and
thrilling to his countrymen. How, without the least sus-
picion of danger to her husband, sat his good wife near him,
apparently conscious in highest and profoundest sense of
the estimate and value put by the people upon his services.
For he was now a statesman without an equal ; a leader, as
grand in the immense proportions of his individuality as
Moses himself ; an emancipator of a race redeemed through
the wise and sagacious adjustment of those moral and legal
forces which constitute the glory of American Christian
civilization, and the savior of a country which shall be at
last the theater where shall be displayed the golden, pre-
cious drama of man's truest and noblest life and triumphs in
freedom as conserved, promoted and sustained by impartial
law. But the evil hour made haste, and the great city of
his presidential residence, as well as the whole country, was
startled and shocked with the announcement of the assassi-
nation of the immortal Abraham Lincoln.
Mr. Wade Hickman of Nashville, Tennessee, in Washing-
ton city at the time as the body-servant of Vice-president
Andrew Johnson, brought the sad tidings of the occur-
224 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
rence to Mr. Langston. Coming to his hotel he called
upon him, not only to bring that information, but to
declare his purpose to allow no human being inimical to,
or having designs upon, his life, to reach the vice-president,
except as he did so over his dead body. The night of the
terrible tragedy in Washington city was full of awful ter-
rors, well-calculated to inspire one of the natural courage
and devotion of Hickman to make this resolution and
express it in his emphatic, positive terms. Besides, there
was danger, as it seemed to him, that he might that night,
in his attempt to protect and defend the vice-president,
lose his own life. Hence he expressed the earnest request
to Mr. Langston that should he fall in this work, which was
to him serious and imperative, that he would make known
to his family and his friends in Tennessee that he had
fallen in meeting attack against a man who was then
regarded as the friend of every negro in his State. Mr.
Langston made faithful promise to his friend that he would
discharge the duty enjoined, should there come necessity for
so doing, with fidelity and truth. Fortunately however for
the country, the vice-president was spared, and the brave
negro who was at once his servant and his friend, though
faithful as devoted, was not called to die in defence of the
successor of the murdered president.
Mr. Langston, as early as November, 1864, had been in-
vited by the colored people of Nashville, Tennessee, to visit
and address them on the second day of January, 1865, when
tliey with their fellow-citizens would celebrate the anniver-
sary of the Proclamation of Emancipation, issued by Presi-
dent Lincoln, January 1st, 1863. Now, for the first time in
the history of the race so far as the South was concerned,
the colored people were to hold their meeting in the hall of
the House of Representatives of the state capitol. Such
high privilege had been accorded them through the influ-
ence of Hon. Andrew Johnson, who was then military
governor of the State. Just before this time, in addressing
this class of his fellow-citizens, he had declared could they
find no other he would be their Moses ; and accordingly he
FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO WASHINGTON. 225
treated them with such consideration and kindness, as to
win their respect and confidence. When, therefore, Mr.
Langston debated the question as to his safety should he
accept the invitation given and speak as requested, on mak-
ing known his fears in such regard to his friends in Nash-
ville, they secured and sent him a letter from Governor
Johnson, in which he was assured of complete and entire
protection, with the opportunity and privilege of the largest
freedom of expression. Accordingly the invitation was ac-
cepted, and on the last day of December, 1864, Mr. Lang-
ston arrived in Nashville, where he was met by a committee
of leading colored men, among whom was found Mr. Wade
Hickman, here mentioned. His reception was, though
formal, distinguished by every mark of high personal consid-
eration and was most cordial and agreeable. He was at
once presented to the governor, who welcomed him in kind
terms, and bade him to rest assured of entire protection
and freedom from the least molestation. At the same time
he bade him to exercise in his address the largest freedom of
sentiment and expression. More ; he added that he should
be at the meeting himself, and expected to hear a speech
which would justify the high hopes of those who were the
promoters of and specially interested in the meeting.
At this time Nashville, so soon after the memorable
battle had there between Generals Thomas and Hood, was
full of troops, with their officers, a gallant dashing set of
men, making even the community brilliant as well as lively
by their presence. In a great audience, filling a hall like
that of the House of Representatives, their attendance, as
they came attired in full military dress, gave a striking im-
pression and dazzling appearance to the assembly. The
meeting was large and imposing, and besides being honored
by a conspicuous array of military characters, was made
noteworthy by the presence of the governor himself. No
more interested and attentive auditor gave the orator of the
occasion his respectful consideration. The whole day had
been spent in public exercises, including a grand, enthusias-
tic parade, which so impressed the whole community as to
226 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
give great popular eclat to the immense gathering which
took place as described, in the evening at the capitol. Mr.
Langston was greatly flattered by the attentions paid him
by the governor, and was moved with special gratitude
towards him, when after he had thanked him for and con-
gratulated him upon his address, he invited him urgently
to call at his office the next morning, saying as he did so,
he had a service which he desired that he should per-
form. Before the one addressed could make reply, the
great committee composed of Henry Harding, James Sum-
ner, Buck Lewis, Abraham Smith, William C. Napier, Wade
Hickman and others, answered through their chairman,
" He shall call according to your request and we know he
will be glad to do your bidding." Accordingly, as con-
ducted by the committee, at eleven o'clock on the morning
of the third day of January, Mr. Langston visited the gov-
ernor to learn that he did really have a service of the most
interesting and remarkable character, which he asked him
to perform. Delicate and peculiar as the service was, Mr.
Langston suggested respectfully that there was so much
that seemed to him to be official connected with the matter,
that he felt that no one could take the place of the gov-
ernor in its performance. To which he answered, saying
that while he appreciated the suggestion, he was not so
far the master of his feelings as to trust himself in any
attempt to perform it, and hence begged Mr. Langston to
render him the help which he needed. This appeal secured
the expected assent.
Thereupon Governor Johnson proceeded to inform Mr.
Langston and the committee in substance how in the late
fight between Thomas and Hood, thirty thousand raw negro
recruits had been employed on the part of the government ;
that they were so located in the line of battle that it was
possible for the Confederate general to bring to bear upon
them his heaviest guns, and that he did so, feeling doubtless,
that they constituted the weak point in the line, which if
carried by him would certainly bring him victory and make
his march through Tennessee and Kentucky to Ohio, a
FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO WASHINGTON. 227
practicable result. He added that charge after charge was
made upon these men, who reformed and took their places
in firm position after each one, until in the last when vic-
tory was brought though indescribable slaughter to the
forces of the government. They fought in many cases stand-
ing upon their comrades, wounded, dying and dead, in
heaps. The exhibition of courage, fortitude, coolness and
determination on their part, he claimed had not been sur-
passed by Roman, French, English, or American troops,
under any circumstances, however well drilled and fitted for
service. Continuing, he said he had wept, as in anxious,
fearful mind, he witnessed their conduct, praying meantime,
that in the manly stand which they might maintain, they
would prove themselves the saviors of their country.
Leaving the field in victory ten thousand only survived this
terrible shock of arms. He said, " The ten thousand survi-
vors are in camp upon the outskirts of this city. I want you,
Mr. Langston, to go to their camp, and in the name of the
government and the country, as I request you, to thank
those men for their matchless services. Tell them that I
do not come myself, because I could not face them without
such feelings as woulcj render me wholly incapable of
addressing them. My feelings would entirely overcome
me."
Arrangements were duly made, under the direction of
Major Dewey, of one of the colored regiments referred to,
and Mr. Langston in obedience to the request indicated,
addressed the ten thousand colored troops with their
officers. No attempt shall be made to describe the sight
and impression afforded and made in the presence of these
black heroes, who had won such distinction in the service
of their country. It is enough to say that Mr. Langston
used from the United States wagon which constituted his
platform, as he stood before them gathered in hollow-square
after military fashion, such words and expressions as
seemed under the circumstances to be befitting. And yet
all that he said seemed tame and lifeless in the presence of
the manly deeds and achievements of the soldiers, who had
228 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
served in such signal manner the government and the
country. As he closed and was conducted and supported
upon the tongue of the wagon to the ground, among others,
officers and men, who saluted him in cordial complimentary
terms, was an aged black man, clothed in the garb of a
corporal. He was a person far advanced in years, with hair
as white as the snow which slightly covered the earth.
There was however no bend in his body and no dimness
in his eye. Erect, quick and easy in his bearing, he looked
the perfection of the soldier. His address to Mr. Langston
was of familiar fatherly sort. For he employed towards
him these words : " John, how are you ? " To which reply
was made : " You have the advantage of me." " Oh, yes,"
said he, " greatly the advantage. For when you did not
weigh ten pounds, I held you in the hollow of this hand.
I knew your mother when she first came upon Quarle's
plantation, in Louisa County, Virginia. I knew your half-
brother William and his two sisters, and your brothers,
Gideon and Charles. Yes, I have the advantage of you."
These words came to Mr. Langston as if from the "vasty
deep," and from one who had known him as he had never
known himself. To them all, astonished as he was to find
a man of such age in the service, he inquired, " What, sir,
are you doing here ? " He answered, " John, I have entered
the service to fight until there is no more slavery in this
land." To this the statement came, "You never were a
slave!" He quickly answered, "Always a slave, John,
always a slave ; but always a fugitive slave ! " His look
and manner showed this to be true. For his air and
address were those of full consciousness of the dignity of
his manhood. Mr. Langston bade him good-bye, and as he
turned away, Major Dewey said to his companion, " That
is the greatest man and the most influential of all the
troops and the officers gathered here. His words inspirited
and encouraged the men in the late great fight, making
them firm, cool and reliable." The fugitive slave of Louisa
County, once so feared, whose visit so terrified Uncle Billy,
had thus become a leader and hero of his race and his
country !
FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO WASHINGTON. 229
The report of this wonderful proceeding characterized by
flattering words of Major Dewey, with respect to Mr.
Langston's address made in the name of the President of
the United States and the Governor of Tennessee specially,
proved to be wholly satisfactory and agreeable to Governor
Johnson.
Plaving made the acquaintance, personally, of the distin-
guished military governor of Tennessee, under such unusual
and agreeable circumstances, and having found Mr. Hick-
man, as indicated, near to him, in the intimate and respon-
sible relations of his trusted servant and friend, it was
entirely natural that Mr. Langston, who had supported
Andrew Johnson upon the National Republican ticket for
the vice-presidency, should have been greatly pleased at
his meeting both such persons, as described, at the national
capital. The circumstances, as the same concerned the as-
sassination of the president, were grievous beyond expression,
and moved by sentiments of the most exalted consideration
and the deepest sorrow, he delayed his sojourn in the capital
to witness the funeral ceremonies of a citizen whose name,
though he be dead, is more synomymous and typical of the
great principles of American civilization, as illustrated in
great names and great moral, heroic deeds, than any other,
save perhaps that of Washington himself. With respect to
his funeral cortege, a single occurrence was witnessed which
bore the most profound and interesting signification. Entire
preparation had been made, even to the location of all
troops to take part on this occasion in the parade, which,
if ever surpassed in numbers, was never in dignity, conduct
and effect. At the last moment, however, a negro regiment
arrived, coming to the capital from tidewater Virginia. Its
arrival was barely in season to be given place at the head of
the procession, to do, in fact, the honor and sacred service
of bearing the coffin of the great emancipator from the
hearse to the catafalque, the temporary resting-place in the
rotunda of the capitol. Such services, so honorable and
sacred, were to have been performed by others. An Allwise
Providence, however, so adjusted the order of affairs, as to
230 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
give this high privilege to the representatives of the four
millions whom he had emancipated. If ever fitness, moral
propriety was seen under like circumstances, it was here fully
realized, and can but be duly appreciated. Mr. Langston's
heart was big with gratitude, his soul filled with thanksgiv-
ing, as standing near the southwest corner of the capitol, he
saw the proud negro regiment leading the line of march
down Pennsylvania Avenue, up Capitol Hill, to the east
door of the building, where, as the procession halted, its
representatives were permitted to bear, with tenderest care
and silent affection, the mighty dead to his resting-place in
state.
He prolonged his stay in Washington even a little longer
that he might witness the results of the change in the gov-
ernment connected with the induction of the vice-president
to the presidency of the United States. The orderly,
peaceful accomplishment of this result was regarded with
profound anxiety and interest by every intelligent citizen.
This is always the case even in ordinary times. But under
the circumstances, so unusual and stirring, popular and in-
dividual solicitude was excited profoundly and generally.
However, all was done without the least disturbance or jar
in the government machinery, complicated and delicate as
it is, and all moved on smoothly and harmoniously, ac-
complishing naturally the usual important interests of the
country. Before President Johnson had taken possession
of the White House, while he occupied for official purposes
quarters in the Treasury Building, Mr. Langston as chair-
man of a committee of colored men duly appointed and or-
ganized, waited upon the new president, and, in behalf of
the colored people of the nation, expressed their hope that
in him they would find a ruler, who like his predecessor,
would see to it that every law which concerned their wel-
fare was duly executed, and they protected and supported
in the full measure of all those rights and privileges which
pertain to American citizenship. In his answer to this ad-
dress the president was earnest and positive in the promise
that his colored fellow-citizens should find in him a friend
FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO WASHINGTON. 231
mindful always of their welfare, and vigilant and vigorous in
the execution of every law which had been enacted in their
behalf. Besides, he assured the committee that to the ex-
tent of his ability and influence as the chief executive of
the national government, he should exert himself to fix
and entrench the abolition of slavery with the general en-
franchisement of the colored citizen in suitable amendment
of the Constitution of the United States. The impres-
sions made by this meeting upon the minds of the commit-
tee were entirely favorable to President Johnson, and all
left him with expressions of sincere, hearty good wishes for
the success of his administration.
CHAPTER XVII.
HIS EARLY LABORS AND OBSERVATIONS AMONG THE FREED
PEOPLE.
THE colored American had hardly been made free, the
War of the Rebellion had not been closed, when Mr. Lang-
ston commenced his travels among the freed people. Thus,
he gained broad and minute observation at once of their act-
ual condition and probable future. On his visit to Nashville,
Tennessee, made in the last days of 1864, he had reached
Louisville, Kentucky, where his friends were outspoken and
positive in their belief and assertion that it would be im-
possible for him to go in safety by train from that city to
the former, to which he had been invited, and urged him
not to attempt the' trip. Up to the day on which he
proposed to make that journey, few trains of cars had
passed over the road going southward which had not been
interrupted by Bushwackers, and in many cases thrown
from the track, while the passengers were generally robbed
and not infrequently treated in violent, abusive manner.
He was not intimidated nor discouraged by these repre-
sentations and facts, although they did create in his mind
great anxiety and some fear. When it was found that he
was full)'1 decided to go, a friend of his, a colored man, well
acquainted with that section of the country, and, hence, a
person fully conscious of the danger about to be incurred,
determined to take the train with him, carrying his carpet-
232
EARLY LABORS AMONG THE FREED PEOPLE. 233
sack, with all his papers, into the smoking car, while Mr.
Langston should take his seat in the regular car provided
for ladies and gentlemen. Leaving Louisville accordingly,
the journey was made from city to city on the usual time,
with all necessary stops made on the way and without any
disturbance to the train. Numberless wrecks of great trains,
passenger and freight, were seen in passing, thrown from
the track. The train bearing Mr. Langston and his brave
Kentucky negro friend, as indicated, arrived for the first
time for months, as due at the depot in Nashville.
Both were roundly congratulated by their friends upon
this fortunate, though then uncommon result. The coura-
geous conduct of Mr. William Howard in this case, merits
special grateful mention, and shall never be forgotten nor
neglected by the one whose interest he sought to protect
and sustain at such danger and risk to himself. No exam-
ple is furnished in the history of the colored people of the
country, where one of their own number, moved by consid-
erations respecting the welfare of another, shows larger
manly, heroic behavior. Let the name of that person be
written in enduring golden characters.
It was at this time and in this manner that Mr. Langston
made his first general trip of observation of the colored
people of the South, just now coming out of slavery and
entering upon their new life of freedom in this country.
Perhaps no better arrangement could have been made to
secure from the very beginning for him, survey and contact
of great bodies of such people, now in early movement,
searching for a spot upon which to place their feet for life
and its achievements. Now the army was near these peo-
ple, and they felt its presence, as the emancipating and pro-
tecting power which the government had sent them.
Even colored regiments, great bodies of colored troops,
were seen, as they moved among them, by their presence
and influence inspiring and encouraging the newly emanci-
pated to earnest and manly effort in the hope of their
improvement and progress. The sight of a people large in
numbers, and peculiarly marked in nationality and experi-
234 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
ence, now just made free, was thrillingly interesting ; and
in spite of one's faith in God, as holding their destiny in
His hands, and confidence in them to meet any duty and
trial whereunto they were called, the question came spon-
taneously and irresistibly, What shall they do ? Their con-
dition was not promising; and yet, they moved at once
and promptly, in intelligent, earnest and considerate activ-
ity, as if impelled and directed by an Allwise Supreme
Power. Hungry, they seemed to know that they would be
fed. Thirsty, they seemed to feel that they would be given
springs of water. Naked, they seemed to be assured of
abundant raiment. Houseless and homeless, they seemed
to move in faith and confidence of certain provision. Such
feelings did not beget idleness nor inattention to duty.
Their reliance in an overruling Providence gave them ear-
nestness, sobriety and wisdom of life. Their thoughts were
easily directed and their purposes aroused to those duties
which respected their education, the accumulation of prop-
erty, the cultivation of all those virtues and habits which
are indispensable in a country and under a government
where they must build their homes and win their standing,
commingling in ordinary enterprises of business, trade and
labor, with the native and foreign elements which compose
the population of the country.
In Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as other Southern
States lying more nearly upon the border-line of freedom,
were located then many colored people who had been free
for a long time, born so or emancipated. Their presence
was of incalculable advantage to those who were just leav-
ing their slavery. They had, notwithstanding their hard
condition socially, made some progress in earnest life.
They had built for themselves churches; in some commu-
nities they had established schools for their children ; they
had in some cases accumulated considerable property and
made for themselves small but desirable homes. Such
families as the Alexanders, the Seals, the Goens, the
Adamses, the Trabues and the Taylors represented this class
in the first-named State, while the Napiers, the Hardings, the
EARLY LABORS AMONG THE FREED PEOPLE. 235
Sumners, the Lowerys, the Smiths and the Churches repre-
sented it in the latter. The goodly example exhibited in the
earnest and intelligent conduct and success of these persons,
born and reared in their own midst and among the very class
which once held them as slaves, did much toward influenc-
ing and directing those just made free, in the ways of im-
proving and advancing manhood. Indeed, those who had
started and made some little progress in those ways could,
in their words, bid the others to follow ; while their lives
and good fortune, humble and small, offered a stern com-
mand as well as a lively impulse and motive to press for-
ward with decision and courage. It is true that the gov-
ernment was represented even then among the freed people
by its great Bureau with its numberless agents, but mainly
to give a modicnm of protection with its too small pro-
vision for food of rough and coarsest sort, in limited meas-
ure for the extremely needy. It is time, too, that the
boundless and matchless charity of the North was repre-
sented by its great associations and devoted workers, dis-
covering zeal and high purpose with respect to the good of
these people. But no influence, however important, impos-
ing and sustained, was from the beginning so potent as
that of the free colored class, which, emancipated first and
suitably prepared by its experience therefor, wrought now
in example and effort to elevate and direct the thoughts
and purposes of the millions just passing the gateways of
liberty. While due recognition shall be made of all those
charitable, philanthropical and Christian endeavors of good
men and true women coming from all over the country,
even those services of the government performed through
Gen. O. O. Howard and the Freedman's Bureau, no failure
must be had in the proper estimate and appreciation of
God's providence, as shown in the gradual freedom of such
numbers of the colored class as He would use in promoting
the welfare of the great body of the people whom He
would so soon and in such miraculous manner speak into
freedom ! Nor shall there be failure in the right estimate
and appreciation of the happy and effective results of the
236 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
wise and judicious behavior of these forerunners of the
emancipated hosts.
What is here stated and claimed was illustrated and sus-
tained in admirable manner by the colored men who man-
aged and conducted the first great meeting which they held
at Nashville, in the second year of the general emancipation.
There was no white member of their executive committee.
There was no white person called to assist with counsel or
means. The colored men alone contributed the knowledge,
skill and funds needed to make that meeting in every de-
tail a wonderful success.
Of the women of the emancipated classes a fact must be
mentioned, which was discoverable at once, and which is
worthy of special and emphatic note. Allusion is made to
the business understanding and tact of the average colored
woman, who proved herself in every practical sense and way
to be the leader in all moral and material enterprises
adopted and undertaken for the advancement and promotion
of their people, newly emancipated or other. They were
foremost in designs and efforts for school, church and gen-
eral industrial work for the race ; always self-sacrificing and
laborious ; while they were not less apt and ready to accept
in their own individual case, any proffered aid or support
in such behalf, coming from the government, or any good
people of the North or other quarter, through church or
special association. In all such matters these women
seemed to be guided by a high and extraordinary moral or
spiritual instinct. Through all phases of his advancement,
from his emancipation to his present position of social,
political, educational, moral, religious and material status,
the colored American is greatly indebted to the women of
his race, who have wrought with wisdom and earnestness
in his interest. This fact with respect to them and the
inevitable results which must follow, was patent to the in-
telligent observer in the earliest days of emancipation. No
history can be written of those early days of American free-
dom, with justice accorded to all who have played from the
beginning a noteworthy part, without large place and truth-
EARLY LABORS AMONG THE FREED PEOPLE. 237
ful mention of the women of the freed classes. They have
in their conduct and labors, so far as their race is concerned,
emulated, largely, the " virtuous woman " of the Scriptures.
With his observation of the race commencing in such
States as those named, including another of the border
slave-holding States, Missouri, neighbor to the great north-
western Commonwealth made the theater by John Brown
for his matchless deeds in favor of freedom, it may be very
properly claimed for Mr. Langston, that his opportunities
for early survey of the condition and probable prospects of
the emancipated classes were of the most advantageous
character. Many incidents connected with his travels and
efforts among these people, under such circumstances, pos-
sess rare interest and significance.
It was on the fourth day of July, 1865, that Gen. John M.
Palmer, then in command of the government forces in the
State of Kentucky, and in general military control and man-
agement of public affairs, especially those which respected
the negro classes, which, under his regime, were being
rapidly emancipated, after due consultation with the presi-
dent of the United States, called and addressed a vast
assembly of such people in the suburbs of the city of Louis-
ville. The meeting was immense in its numbers and re-
markable in all its conditions. Three negro regiments, still
in the service, with a great unbroken negro artillery company,
were thrown about to guard and protect this gathering of a
hundred thousand men and women, brought together to
hear the welcome words of their freedom. They had never
seen before the sun so bright, the skies so lovely, the breezes
so balmy, and nature so charming, as now, on the memorable
anniversary day of American independence. Sweeter,
prouder and happier words were now to come to them than
any they had ever heard. They were to be spoken by one
whose words should not be like those of the Scribes and
Pharisees, without authority. The orator of this grandest of
all occasions to them, would speak in the name of American
law and by authority of the most potent commanding force
of the government. The people would hear proclamation,
16
238 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
made by the military commanding officer in the name of
the national government, of the utter overthrow of slavery
in the State, and the full and complete freedom of the slave,
so that he might not return at the command of anyone
claiming to be his owner and master, to any service which
was not the subject of his own choice, according to an hon-
est and fair contract made with him. This step was to be
taken in accordance with the judgment and approval of the
president of the United States, Hon. Andrew Johnson, and
would serve to answer and determine forever, all charges
made against General Palmer by Kentucky slaveholders,
who complained that he was engaged to their great annoy-
ance and injury in freeing contrary to law, by a curious
system of passes, all their slaves. It was apparent that the
thousands who gathered, composing a vast, immense, ex-
pectant assembly, felt and realized the importance of the
occasion. The arrival of General Palmer, in his carriage
drawn by four horses, preceded by his band of music and
followed by his imposing array of military and popular char-
acters, was signalized by such a storm and flood of applause
as has seldom greeted the ears and gladdened the heart of
the most triumphant honored hero. The general had just
returned from Washington, where he seemed to have gained
special inspiration for his matchless task, and, as he rode in
his carriage with two colored men seated therein near him,
Rev. Henry Adams and John M. Langston, through the
streets of the proud city of Louisville, he displayed no other
feelings than those of confidence and satisfaction. He was
now to perform his part in the work of general emancipa-
tion. He seemed conscious of the dignity and glory of the
task. Well he might ! All honor to him, he did it well !
His speech to the people, brief as it was, was full of the
deepest, the most far-reaching consequence, and theeloquence
of its meaning and its happy effects could only be measured
by the movement which it produced in the hearts and
minds, in the feelings and purposes of his vast audience,
whose response in applause came like the dashings of con-
tending floods, in hottest, wildest contest. He concluded
EARLY LABORS AMONG THE FREED PEOPLE. 239
his wonderful utterance with the statement that : " Now,
by tlie Declaration of Independence, by the Constitution of the
United States, by that law of our country which makes all of
its inhabitants free, since our government is a democracy ; as
commanding officer of this Commonwealth, by the power and
authority invested in me and upon the instruction and approval
of the president of the United States, I do declare slavery
forever abolished in this State.'" No speech heretofore made
by any orator in the United States of America, had ever had
such close and climax. No audience such as this had ever
been addressed within the vast limits of the Union. And
the fourth day of July, on which the American people are
wont to magnify the blessings of liberty, as guaranteed to
them in the free institutions established by the Fathers of
the Republic, had never been honored by such expressions of
high sentiments, fraught with the blessings of unconditional
liberty to the poorest classes of the community. How the
words of the general were received by those who with up-
turned faces and grateful hearts heard and rejoiced in them !
On this occasion, in the midst of such interesting, thrill-
ing, patriotic circumstances, Mr. Langston, as specially in-
vited, was introduced by General Palmer as he closed his ad-
dress, as a representative of the American negro who could
speak of the blessings and advantages which the people
might expect to enjoy in their freedom as regulated and
sustained by law. He must deliver a speech which would
in no wise tend to abate the enthusiasm, disturb the happi-
ness, lessen the gratitude or fail to inspire with the hope of
a glad future, all those, however conditioned, who were for
the first time then his auditors. How well he performed
his task was shown in the deafening applause which fol-
lowed its close, and in the graceful, apt and charming
words of the prayer made by the noted colored Baptist
minister, Mr. Adams, who, in thanking God for what was
then and there witnessed and felt by the people, compli-
mented Mr. Langston as he dwelt with emphasis in his
thank-offering upon what he pleased to term, " the match-
less, eloquent address of the young colored orator who had
24o FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
been permitted in such truth and power to instruct this vast
gathering of former slaves, just now made free."
This constituted the second peculiarly interesting and
unparalleled gathering of freed people, seen and addressed
by Mr. Langston upon the very soil and in the midst of
the very circumstances of their emancipation. And in
such observation as he was able to make in public, and of
the people in their private and domestic relations, he was
so entirely delighted with all he witnessed as to be thor-
oughly persuaded in his feelings and judgment of the good
future which, on the whole, must await the newly emanci-
pated classes.
Occupied upon various occasions during the intervening
and closing months of 1865, in addressing the freed people
located in several of the chief cities of the border Southern
States, early in 1866 Mr. Langston was invited to visit the
city of St. Louis and there address his third great meeting
of such people. They had arranged to celebrate their state
emancipation, and upon special effort to that end brought
together an immense, imposing meeting. The people came
from every part of the State to its chief city, in response
to private and public invitations, so that the vast audience
chamber of Veranda Hall of that city lacked capacity
for the accommodation of those who crowded it, occupying
only standing room, after all seats had been removed, and
even upon an admission fee of one dollar for each person
in attendance. Immense and various as this assembly
proved to be, it was representative, at least only of the up-
per and middling classes of the colored people, who were
able to pay the charge indicated. As such, it was a remark-
ably fine one, unsurpassed in its appearance, its attention
and general behavior. The address on this occasion was
one in which the orator attempted to impress those lessons
with respect to education, labor, thrift, forecast, economy,
temperance and morality, which are indispensable to
fair and permanent progress in freedom. It was received
with the deepest earnestness and the most profound appre-
ciation, being interrupted only from time to time by the
EARLY LABORS AMONG THE FREED PEOPLE. 241
approval of the people, as demonstrated in the outbursts of
their applause.
At this time the Constitutional Convention of the State
of Missouri was in session, and had reached that part of its
work which concerned the consideration and adoption of a
provision, which, while it secured the freedom, gave equal
civil rights to the freed people. This subject was pending
before the convention, but grave doubt was felt very gen-
erally by the class immediately interested, especially the
more intelligent among them and their friends, that the
full measure of civil rights might not be given them. Invi-
tation, therefore, was extended to Mr. Langston to address
the Constitutional Convention in favor of the colored peo-
ple of the State, urging in their behalf such just and legal
consideration as to lead to the gift of full, equal civil
rights at least, under the new Constitution. This invita-
tion, with the duty which it implied, was accepted, and on
the next night, after he had delivered the address already
mentioned, upon due and ample preparations, he did address
the Constitutional Convention. Every member of the con-
vention was present and heard him with solemn, serious
attention, in Veranda Hall, and in the midst of a vast con-
course of colored people who were directly and deeply
interested in the proceedings of the meeting. Though the
address was lengthy, it was heard from beginning to end
with great patience. At the great dinner given the mem-
bers of the Constitutional Convention and the distinguished
guests who were present, Mr. Langston was not only given
a seat of special honor, but his speech was made the subject
of many flattering expressions with respect to the law, the
logic, the morality, the learning, the justice and the human-
ity which it embodied. The late Hon. Charles D. Drake,
perhaps the foremost member of the Convention, subse-
quently a member of the United States Senate and more
latterly chief justice of the United States Court of Claims,
was peculiarly kind and pleasant in his expressions with re-
gard to it. And it is a very delightful matter of record,
that the Constitution was so framed and ratified as to pro-
242
FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
vide for the colored people of the State their full measure
and equality of civil rights.
In connection with these meetings other names deserve
special mention, some as exerting great influence in their
promotion and success, and others, younger, as inspired and
impelled to exalted resolve and effort. All these last, the
promoters of the meetings and those specially blessed
thereby, now referred to, were of the emancipated class.
Rev. M, M. Clarke, a leading minister of the A. M. E.
Church; Revs. J. W. White and W. P. Brooks, ministers of
the Baptist; and Messrs. P. G. Wells and Alfred White,
were all full of zeal and energy at this time in promoting
the common cause of the people. The last two had won,
even at that time, enviable names, as earnest and laborious
business men. Messrs. William Gray and J. Milton Turner,
both young men without name, inspired and impelled by
the influences then exerted upon their susceptible and
aspiring minds, have become since, by earnest and persist-
ent efforts, orators of rare ability, and have won high place
among the foremost of their race. Clarke, Wells and Gray
sleep among the dead ! The remembrance and influence of
their goodly lives still survive. Messrs. White, Brooks and
Turner are still active and earnest in labors for the good of
the people. Mr. Turner has within the past few years
added to his name and standing, by filling with distinction
and success a position of great dignity and responsibility,
as the minister resident -and consul-general of this govern-
ment near that of Liberia.
Upon the close of his labors connected with these meet-
ings, Mr. Langston was engaged by the same executive
committee through whose influence and patronage he had
visited St. Louis, to make a canvass of the States of Mis-
souri and Kansas, with special reference to visits and
addresses in the larger cities of those States to the colored
people. Their enlightenment and inspiration with respect
to their life in freedom, the obligations and duties which it
imposed and the future of blessing and reward which they
might hope for should they meet such duties and obliga-
EARLY LABORS AMONG THE FREED PEOPLE. 243
tions with intelligence and vigor, were to constitute the
themes to be explained and enforced. Besides general
meetings as indicated, Mr. Langston was to address the
Legislatures, respectively of Kansas and Missouri, at To-
peka and Jefferson City. It was deemed necessary and
proper to address thus the legislators of these States upon
the law concerning the status of the colored American, now
set free, in order that in any attempts which might be
made to legislate specially in his case they might be guided
in such efforts with wisdom and good understanding.
Arrangements having been completed, Mr. Langston
entered without delay upon his work, making speeches in
St. Louis, at Macon City, at Hannibal, at Chillicothe, and
at St. Joseph, in the State of Missouri ; and at Atchison,
Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Lawrence and Topeka, in Kan-
sas. The meetings at all these places were large and
enthusiastic. The white as well as the colored people
turned out at every point in large numbers, and the journals
of the various cities made free, full, and for the most part
favorable comments upon the addresses delivered. The
meeting at Topeka, where the Legislature as prearranged
was addressed, proved to be a very great success. The
Hall of Representatives was greatly wanting in capacity to
accommodate the large number of people anxious to hear
the speech. The attention and consideration given the
speaker both by the law-makers of the State and the peo-
ple, were entirely satisfactory and augured well for the
colored citizen of the State in its future legislation. At
this time the newly emancipated classes of Missouri and
Arkansas were found moving in large numbers to Kansas.
Many of them were so situated as to indicate plainly their
former condition of enslavement. In their present one of
freedom, in too many cases they were without even the
merest necessary indispensable articles which one must feel
would make life even with the largest liberty tolerable.
Returning from Topeka, on his way to St. Louis, Mr.
Langston visited for the second time the city of Lawrence,
addressing once more a great assembly there convened.
244 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Thence returning, he attended meetings at Kansas City,
Sedalia, Jefferson City and St. Louis. In all these cities
the meetings were large, orderly and successful. The one
at Jefferson City, held as that at Topeka, in the hall of the
House of Representatives, with all the members of the
Legislature present, and a vast general audience, was suc-
cessful, impressive and imposing beyond the most sanguine
hope of its promoters. Here Mr. Langston was treated in
princely style. Besides being received by a large respecta-
ble local committee of prominent well-known colored gen-
tlemen with peculiar Jclat, entertained at the first hotel in
the city, with every want anticipated and supplied, with
the state officers, including the governor, General Fletcher,
treating him with marked attention, the senators and mem-
bers of the Legislature making him cordial and considerate
visits, his sojourn in the city was made thoroughly agree-
able by the general popular favor shown him. In due
season he was conducted into the hall of the House of
Representatives, with the great band employed for the
occasion playing in most lively, stirring strains, " Hail to
the Chief." He was introduced to the brilliant, crowded
audience in most felicitous style, by a prominent member
of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Enos Clark of
St. Louis. The address on this occasion proved to be
thoroughly acceptable to the colored people and the
Republican and liberally-minded portion of the great audi-
ence. The members of the Legislature, who were specially
addressed, gave constant unflagging attention to the whole
utterance ; and those who did not accept its sentiments,
treated the speaker with great respect and cordial consider-
ation. The Democratic and conservative, illiberal classes
were not pleased with the great distinction that marked
Mr. Langston's reception, his entertainment, and his treat-
ment by the Legislature and the people. The consequence
was that the Democratic papers of the capital and State,
including the Democratic metropolitan journals, were filled
for weeks with badly-tempered, ill-advised and untruthful,
disparaging comments upon the whole affair. The Renub-
EARLY LABORS AMONG THE FREED PEOPLE. 245
lican journals, on the other hand, throughout the State,
were firm, earnest and manly in their notices, speaking
always in favorable, even flattering terms of the orator.
The manner in which Mr. Langston was received in this
mission of earnest effort in behalf of the freed people in all
parts of the States named, is abundantly illustrated in cer-
tain sample notices of himself and his work here given,
taken from newspapers, published in several of the different
places which he visited, and where he spoke. Of the object
which he had in view, one journal speaks as follows :
" Mr. Langston, we understand, will present to our citizens the cause of his
race — (.heir rights, duties and responsibilities, and the claims they make upon
the community and the State. We do not understand, however, that he will
do this arrogantly or in any unbecoming terms. Reason and truth will be his
instruments.
" We bespeak for this gentleman a candid hearing. The arguments he may
present will be no more nor less powerful because proceeding from the lips of a
colored man. • Let them be judged of from the standpoint of sound reason and
good sense, regardless of extrinsic influences."
The same paper, the "Daily Courier" of Hannibal,
Missouri, December 18, 1865, after Mr. Langston had
spoken, employed with respect to his address upon " Educa-
tion, Money and Character," the following words :
" We could not help wondering as we listened to the eloquent utterances
of John M. Langston, where was that terrific iron heel of pro-slavery despotism
that five years ago would have crushed in its incipiency as if it had been an
egg shell, such a demonstration. Gone down with the institution which it
supported and which supported it ; gone calling on the rocks and the moun-
tains to fall on it and hide it from the wrath to come; crumbled to pieces
beneath the very earthquake which itself invoked to topple down the glorious
fabric of our Union ! Thanks be to God, that Union is emblazoned with a new
glory and cemented a hundred-fold stronger by the best blood of its noble
patriots ! But where are the men who opened the gates of Janus and unloosed
the furies of war ? Consumed— perished ingloriously and ignominiously and
forever. And triumphing over their downfall, Freedom now holds its jubilee !
" Such was the triumph last Saturday night, when a former slave addressed
his former fellow-slaves, now citizens, on the great subjects connected with
their duties and responsibilities to their country and themselves and their
privileges as American citizens, while there were none to molest, but many to
cheer.
" We cannot attempt to follow the eloquent speaker in his train of remarks.
Those who did not hear him, could gain no adequate idea of the rare excellence
246 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
of the address from our poor and meager jottings. Suffice to say that his
words were full of appositeness to the audience and the occasion. To the
colored men he said, ' Above all other things, get education ! Get money !
Get character ! '
" When the Missouri State Convention on the nth of January last, abolished
slavery throughout this State, he was telegraphed to come to St. Louis to help
the colored people of that city thank God and the Convention for making
them free. He went and electrified St. Louis with his eloquent words.
" He now comes again to Missouri, this time to canvass the State for the
benefit of the freedmen— to assist them up and help them on with words of cheer
and with good advice. May God speed him and bless his noble efforts."
The meeting at St. Joseph, Missouri, was one that pro-
duced such effect upon the public mind, as to stir to its
very depths the pro-slavery sentiment. This was shown in
a letter which Mr. Langston received on the following day
after his speech. The journals of the city characterized the
author and the letter in becoming truthful phrase. In
speaking on this subject the leading paper used these words
in an editorial entitled "The Spirit of Slavery : "
" It is well known that Mr. John M. Langston, a colored man, has been in
this city for some days past, pleading in the most eloquent and able terms for
the rights of his own race, and as an orator and close thinker, will compare
favorably with any man who has addressed a St. Joseph audience for months.
Mr. Langston came among us well endorsed as a courteous man and Christian
gentleman, and while here was the guest of G. C. Barton, Esq., of this city,
who has long been acquainted with him, and knew Mr. Langston when he
was in college and will endorse all that we say of him in this article."
Speaking of the scurrillous anonymous letter which he
received, this journal says :
" Its contents show that the writer is a mean, cowardly rebel and sympathi-
zer with treason, and chooses to show his courage, not by going into an
assembly in a manly way and meeting argument with argument, but by an
assault from behind, just where he has been during the four years of the war,
and sending to Mr. Langston an anonymous letter. And well may he conceal
his name, he dare not make it known in this city. The spirit manifested in
this letter is the real spirit of slavery, that institution which is abhorred of God
and man, and which, thank God ! the Constitution of these United States
tolerates no more forever. But read the letter."
"' Saint Joe, Dec. 23, 1865.
" ' MR. J. M. LANGSTON :
" ' Sir :
" ' Feeling an interest in the philanthropic object you have in view,
EARLY LABORS AMONG THE FREED PEOPLE. 247
which you so ably represent and eloquently advocate, I cannot know danger
threatening you without giving timely warning.
" ' It has been ascertained that an organized band of horse thieves have visited
this city for the purpose of operating and it is believed that you are an accom-
plice, if not the president of the party. So firmly is this the conviction of
some, that threats of personal violence have been made, and actuated by a
purely humane motive I would earnestly advise your immediate departure.
" ' Respectfully,
'" A FRIEND.'"
This letter had no effect upon Mr. Langston's move-
ments, except as it may have aroused and quickened the
purposes of his friends to give him the largest possible
opportunity to plead with efficiency the cause of the negro.
The meeting held at Topeka, the capital of Kansas, was
concluded by the remarkable expression found in the fol-
lowing resolution, as offered by Gen, John Ritchey and
adopted without a dissenting voice :
" Resolved, that as the right of self-government is one of
the natural, essential, and inherent rights of man, we will
extend the right of suffrage to citizens of African descent."
The paper in which this resolution was published, in
speaking of the speech and the meeting, uses the following
terms :
" Long before the hour for speaking the hall of the House Representatives was
filled to overflowing with eager listeners, to hear that distinguished orator of
Ohio, Mr. John M. Langston. When the hour arrived the meeting was organ-
ized by calling Mr. Charles H. Langston, a brother of the speaker, to the chair,
who made a short and pertinent explanation of the objects of the meeting,
closing with the introduction of the orator to the vast multitude before him."
Of the speech, after presenting it, substantially, the paper
concludes by saying:
" Taking this speech altogether, it was an able, eloquent and logical effort,
made at the right time, and in the right place, and in the right direction."
The St. Louis "Missouri Democrat," on the eleventh day
of January, 1866, referred to the meeting held at Jefferson
City, with the head line, " Langston before the Legislature,"
followed by this special dispatch :
248 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
"This week is furnishing us with occurrences of unusual interest; the least
to be forgotten among them is that John M. Langston, the colored orator
from Ohio, who has recently been addressing mass meetings of colored people in
various parts of the State, addressed a large audience in the hall of the House
of Representatives a night or two since. It was a strange spectacle in the
capital of Missouri. The hall was filled to its utmost capacity. The mem-
bers of the General Assembly turned out in a body. The east half of the hall
was exclusively appropriated by the colored people, while the west half was
reserved for -white persons.
" Mr. Langston was introduced to the assembly by a talented and leading
young member of the House, Enos Clark, Esq., of St. Louis, in a few well-
chosen remarks. On opening the orator said : That the Representatives of
Missouri permitted the use of their hall for the occasion, he could with diffi-
culty realize, and that they did extend this courtesy, really, is a fact deserving
the prominent mention he gave it, as pointing to the principle of equal rights
carried to the ascendant through the red sea of revolution. He spoke elo-
quently and well. His plea in behalf of his race for the simple award of
justice and human rights addresses itself with irresistible force to the better
judgment of men. Even conservatives, many of whom were present and
listened with marked attention, admitted the vanquishing force of his logic,
and acknowledged frankly the fairness and justness of his argument."
This trip thoroughly completed, embracing four great
States, gave Mr. Langston such full, general observation
of the freed people with whom he was brought in associa-
tion, as greatly to broaden, improve and strengthen his
ideas of and faith in the ability, promise and final elevation
and standing which they would gain, as wisely directed, in
this country. He has not been mistaken in the" views
which he then formed, expressed and defended, with re-
spect to that result. He rejoices, as do all its friends, in
the progress and success with which the negro race has
been blessed in the cultivation of education, the accumula-
tion of property, and the development and growth of all
the cardinal virtues of human character, without which no
people can ever reach permanent good, greatness, or even
desirable name.
CHAPTER XVIII.
HIS FIRST PROFESSIONAL CALL TO WASHINGTON AND HIS
APPOINTMENT AS GENERAL INSPECTOR OF THE BUREAU
OF REFUGEES, FREEDMEN AND ABANDONED LANDS.
THE intensity of popular feeling in favor of the govern-
ment in the early days of the Rebellion, when calls were
made to all concerned for their noblest and truest sons,
was manifested in nothing so completely as in the readiness
with which often the last son and the only one, was given
to defend and maintain the Union. A family consisting of
three persons, an aged father, an afflicted daughter and a
son, residing in Pittsfield Township, Lorain County, Ohio,
owning a small farm which they cultivated for their sup-
port, was separated in one of the earliest calls of the gov-
ernment by the enlistment of the young man. He was the
pillar and prop of a household that seemed helpless, deso-
late and forlorn without his presence. He had enlisted
and served his first term with honor and distinction. He
had re-enlisted, and entered with vigor and earnestness upon
a second term of service. His absence from home seemed
quite enough for his father and sister to endure, loyal and
patriotic as they were, loving their country and government
in such sincerity and truth as to be willing to give him up
for its defence, who would otherwise at once protect and
support them. Indeed, so much they were glad to do in
making what was to them a serious and important sacrifice.
But a great affliction had overtaken them. For, in an evil
249
250 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
hour, influenced by untoward associates, the son, the young
soldier who bore the hope of their name and household,
had gone astray.
The father and sister, with hearts full of the deepest
anxiety and grief, in the last weeks of 1866, came to the
office of Mr. Langston to make known to him the story of
the arrest, trial, conviction and confinement of the son and
brother in a military prison. They had gone to their neigh-
bors and friends, seeking counsel and support in any efforts
which might be made to alleviate his condition or to
secure his release. As directed, they had now come with
their hope well-nigh gone, to ask the professional aid of the
lawyer, to whom they made known the facts reported. As
inquired of they were glad to bear testimony to the previous
good character of the soldier, and offered in proof of his good
conduct the honorable discharge which had been given him.
They told, too, how all the neighbors would substantiate
all their declarations in favor of him, as he was known by
them before he entered the service.
Their earnest, anxious solicitude was thoroughly expressed
in the questions, " Can anything be done for him ? Can
you secure his release?" Letters from him were then
produced, in which he directed his father and sister to
employ the attorney upon whom they had called and of
whom he had some knowledge, advising that if employed,
he might prove to be specially serviceable. In his letters,
he assured his friends also that he had not had a fair and
just trial ; that upon a due examination of the proceedings
of the court before which his case had been tried, errors
and irregularities would appear, and also insufficiencies of
evidence and law would be found, of such character and
such number as to justify prompt and energetic efforts in
his behalf. Besides expressing his confidence in Mr. Lang-
ston's ability and skill to find all such defects and faults in
the proceedings of the court, he urged his belief that his in-
fluence with the authorities was such as to secure for him
favorable action in view of them. Upon the urgent request
of all concerned, especially in view of the pathetic appeal of
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 251
the sister, Mr. Langston agreed to do what he might for the
relief and reinstatement of the son in the service. On in-
vestigation, he found that he was able to make for the
young man an excellent name. He was able, too, to show
that his record as a soldier was good ; that he had done
good service, and without a single exception, had always
demeaned himself so as to gain and retain the respect and
confidence of his officers and comrades. This was the first
offence ever charged against him. It was a grave one, to be
sure — robbery of certain property from a poor man who had
refused to comply with demands of a number of soldiers,
partially in liquor, in whose company this one at the time
was found. The regiment to which this soldier belonged
was in camp at the time of this occurrence at Nashville,
Tennessee, and it was after a visit to the city, on their way
back to the camp, that this crime was said to have been
committed.
Fortified in the plea of his prior uniform good conduct,
advised as to the haste and irregularity of his trial, with sev-
eral informalities marking the proceedings of the court, and
persuaded that his conviction was not sustained by evi-
dence duly adduced, Mr. Langston resolved to present the
case upon a carefully prepared statement of all such facts
and considerations to the president of the United States
and ask his action in behalf of the soldier. At first it was
decided to bring and conduct the case so far as such appli-
cation was concerned, by correspondence. Subsequently,
however, upon further reflection and consideration, it was
determined to have it done personally, even if the expenses
connected with the proceedings should be greatly increased.
This course necessitated a trip to Washington city and a
visit to the White House. The friends of the young man
were fully convinced of the wisdom of this course and were
positive and hearty in advising and urging it. Accordingly,
fully armed and confident of success, in the early part of
January, 1867, the attorney found himself in the national
capital upon his first professional call to that city.
No one can tell what patience and perseverance are, till
252 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
he makes his first tour from a distant State to Washington
to see the chief executive of the nation. Not to say one
word of an office-seeker, how hard it is for a worthy citizen,
moved by every sacred and holy consideration and motive,
often to see that high officer of the State ! How, day after
day till the days make weeks, that person may have to go
and wait, and leave and return again, repeating his visits
before he can gain sight of the executive and take a single
step in any business which he may have in hand ! So the
Ohio lawyer passed the first week after his arrival at the
capital in visiting and waiting without avail at the Execu-
tive Mansion. How many times in that week daily, he
heard the kind voice of the door-keeper as he announced to
the multitude of waiting American citizens, each anxious to
make known his wants, that the president would see no
one until the next day ! How often during that time he
went away anxious about his client, wondering whether he
would be able the following day to do anything for him !
So the days came and went, till late in the afternoon on
Saturday preceding the Sunday on which General Grant
called at the White House to read to the president his cele-
brated address to the retiring army. On the memorable
Saturday afternoon to which reference is made, Mr. Lang-
ston grown desperate in his solicitude for his client, when
the door-keeper had announced that the president would
see no one until the next Tuesday, advanced upon that
person, presuming to inquire whether he might not under
the circumstances crave and secure his good offices to gain
for him a brief interview with President Johnson. At first
the door-keeper shook his head and declared that the presi-
dent was so occupied that he could not think of disturbing
him with any such matter as that suggested. However,
upon recognition of the person addressing him as an old
friend whom he had known in Ohio and whom he knew to
be favorably regarded by the person whom he sought to
see, Mr. William Slade, then acting as the door-keeper of
the White House, agreed and promised to bring his case at
once to the attention of the president.
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 253
After conducting his friend into the library, where he left
him, saying that as soon as it became convenient he would
present his name to the president and make known the
result, he bade him to be patient and remain as situated
until his return. Two long hours had passed, when an
attach^ of the mansion came to the library, lighted the gas
and delivered a message from Mr. Slade, to the effect that
Mr. Langston must be patient, for all would be right. Not
long thereafter the excellent door-keeper, entering the room
and calling to his friend, said, " Come now, Langston, the
president will see you." The desired moment had arrived,
and as Mr. Langston entered his office the president on re-
ceiving gave him a cordial welcome and greeting. Quickly
and in few words he made known the object of his visit.
He was greatly surprised when the president, after hearing
him attentively, said that it would be impossible for
him to give personal and immediate consideration to the
case which he presented. "There are," he said, " a thou-
sand and more such cases awaiting consideration and de-
cision before this one. I cannot promise," he continued,
" to do more than to refer it to the officer charged with such
matters." He did, however, permit Mr. Langston to add a
few words to those already employed, in making a vigorous
appeal to him in behalf of the soldier ; dwelling upon the
anxiety and solicitude of the aged father and dutiful and
loving sister, in whose name he came as well as that of the
young man involved; when the president, seeming to be
specially moved, asked whether Mr. Langston's name
appeared upon the papers as the attorney in the case, he
adding that he would see what he could do and saying to
him that he might call again within two or three days.
On leaving President Johnson, meeting Mr. Slade at the
door, he tarried to thank him specially for his kind valuable
services. Now exhibiting no little cordial interest in Mr.
Langston, Mr. Slade asked him how he would spend his
Sabbath, the next day. When told that he had no special
engagement he invited him to attend, sitting with him and
his family, public worship at the 1 5th Street Presbyterian
17
254 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
church, and at its close dine with him, to all which ready
assent was given, with suitable acknowledgment of the
honor conferred. At the appointed time, on Sunday morn-
ing, Mr. Langston repaired to the church indicated, and
finding Mr. Slade's family pew very near the pulpit, he
took a seat back, which was more agreeable to him, since
from that seat he could see and hear the minister to
greater satisfaction and advantage.
On that day the pulpit was filled by the Rev. Jonathan
Gibbs, of Florida, who discoursed upon a clear conscience
from the Pauline standpoint. His sermon, full of learning
and eloquence, occupied only about half an hour, when at
the close Mr. Slade, with other officers of the church, circu-
lated baskets for the usual collection. He, on reaching the
pew in which Mr. Langston sat, immediately notified him
that the president desired to see him, and that he would do
well to go at once to the White House. Handing his basket
to a person near at hand and taking leave of his family in
hurried manner, he accompanied Mr. Langston. They had
just reached the door entering the library of the White
House, when General Grant came out, and the president,
calling Mr. Slade, asked if he had found Mr. Langston.
The latter answering for himself, paid his respects to the
president, who said to him, " I am on the mercy-seat to-day,
and I have concluded to take your case up and dispose of it
at once." Continuing, he said, " I suppose you have been to
church. If so, you are in good frame of mind for impartial
honest judgment. Now, sir, from what you know of this
case, were you president and I the attorney, is there enough
of justice and merit in it to justify your petition for the re-
lease of the young man and his restoration to position in his
regiment? " A positive affirmative answer was made, when
his military secretary was called and ordered to make entry
upon the papers of the case, according to the petition which
they contained, and directed to transmit them to the honor-
able secretary of war, who would make order for the release
and reinstatement of the soldier.
No report of any proceeding ending happily as this did
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 255
was ever made to an aged parent and affectionate sister,
which gave greater joy and occasioned greater happiness in
a humble household ! They had given their son and
brother to the government with patriotic satisfaction. They
had received him again to honor and the service of the
government, with thanksgiving and gratitude which no pen
may describe.
Other incidents connected with this visit to Washington
city are noted here with interest. The president had com-
pleted the service to which he had been asked to address
himself in the release and restoration of the young white
soldier, when he engaged in general conversation with Mr.
Langston as to politics and his profession, inquiring in con-
nection with the latter, whether he had been admitted to
the Supreme Court, and whether he was acquainted with
Chief Justice Chase, to whom he offered to give him a let-
ter of introduction. Of course, a letter from such exalted
source was accepted and used, notwithstanding the chief
justice had known the bearer of it for many years in Ohio.
It was presented the next morning, when the distinguished
recipient welcomed in most cordial manner his acknowl-
edged friend. He had not forgotten how in every political
contest in which he had appeared as the chief figure,
whether in effort for election to the Senate of the United
States or the governorship of Ohio, as an earnest and loyal
Republican this friend had always given him his sympathy,
influence and support. Nor did he put low estimate upon
the services which his visitor had rendered in such behalf.
He therefore received and treated him with marked con-
sideration. After quite protracted conversation upon polit-
ical matters, with special emphasis and stress put upon the
probable use, ultimately, of the ballot by the colored Ameri-
can, the chief justice suggested to Mr. Langston that he
would do well to visit and make the acquaintance of Gen.
O. O. Howard, Commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau,
offering at the same time to give him a line of introduction
to that person. His introduction, encouched in warm grace-
ful terms, was accepted. The visit to General Howard was
256 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
in every sense interesting and profitable. He had known of
the commissioner, of course, by reputation for many years, as
one of the leading officers of the army, a friend of the negro
race, and a man of sterling Christian character and worth.
His desire therefore to see and know him from actual obser-
vation and contact was natural. He found the general wholly
occupied in feeling and thought with the great philanthropic
work to which he had been appointed by President Lincoln,
and which he would carry forward, if possible, to the utmost
success, in the name of the principles and purposes of pa-
triotism and Christianity, which he professed and maintained.
He was not a little surprised, however, when the general,
after dwelling upon the educational work which he hoped to
accomplish among the freed people, suggested to him that
at an early day he might need his assistance in that special
department of his service. He took his post-office address,
saying that he should, according to his necessities, communi-
cate with him. To this, however, Mr. Langston replied that
he desired to adkere closely to his law business, more so
than he had been doing for some little time. On leaving
General Howard, with pleasant grateful feelings for the con-
sideration shown him, he agreed to answer promptly any
communication which he might see fit to make him. Then,
after a hurried introduction to General Ketchum and Rev.
John W. Alvord, both conspicuous officers of the Bureau,
the latter being in charge of its educational work, Mr.
Langston took his departure, in the belief that President
Lincoln had not only served the negro well in his emanci-
pation, but in the appointment of an able officer and noble
man to take care of his interests, as he left slavery for free-
dom.
Not least among the interesting incidents of this visit to
the capital, stands the double occurrence of Mr. Langston's
admission to the Supreme Court of the United States and
his mishap with Hon. Jeremiah S. Black, one of its most
prominent and noted members. Gen. James A. Garfield
had known Mr. Langston as an Ohio lawyer for many
years. He was also his friend. He had now the opportu-
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 257
nity of serving and honoring him, and he did not hesitate
for a single moment, but acted promptly and in obedience
to the impulses of his great, generous heart. He was a
member of the Supreme Court, conspicuous for his large
ability and professional success. Accompanying his friend
to the court, vouching for his learning, his experience and
character as a practicing attorney and counsellor at law and
solicitor in chancery of Ohio, he moved his admission to
that court ; — and Mr. Langston's certificate of admission
bears date January 17, 1867. He had passed from the
court room proper, having thanked General Garfield for the
kind service which he had rendered him, and but just
entered the clerk's office across the hall-way, to pay for
and secure his certificate of admission to the court, as the
Hon. Jeremiah S. Black entered hurriedly to ask the clerk,
Mr. D. W. Middleton, to give him small bills for a twenty-
dollar note. When he found that Mr. Middleton could not
accommodate him, turning to Mr. Langston, he inquired
whether he had small bills and would serve him. Taking
his money from his pocket, he was in the act of granting
his request, when he asked, " Have I the honor of address-
ing the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens?" to which Mr. Black
— extending one hand for the change and the other with
which he would pass the twenty-dollar bill, greatly agitated
and meantime backing, as if he would leave the office by
such movement, so that Mr. Langston was compelled to
advance towards him — with frowns and oaths answered,
" No, sir ! No, sir ! You have not ! "
As Mr. Langston turned to the clerk, he found him shak-
ing with laughter, as he declared, " That is the best joke of
the season. Black would not have had you call him
Stevens for the largest fee he has received for the past ten
years." These two great Pennsylvanians, lawyers of
acknowledged talent and power, politicians ranking as the
leaders of their respective parties, extremely ultra in senti-
ment and feeling, were opposed to each other for reasons
which may be easily imagined, and accordingly entertained
towards each other personal animosity of deep and unyield-
ing character.
258 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Not only in the professional success which attended this
call to Washington was Mr. Langston specially favored,
but by the occurrences detailed, which added not a little to
his subsequent advancement and interest.
Shortly after his return to his home and business in
Oberlin, Ohio, in April, 1867, Mr. Langston was made the
recipient of several telegrams in a single day, calling him
to duty under the national government. It seemed to him
that he had barely had time to report his professional
success to his venerable client and his daughter, who were so
solicitous for the soldier son and brother. He, certainly, had
not been able to do more than to tell his friends, imperfectly
however, with enthusiasm of the sights and scenes which he
had observed in Washington city, and of the great men
met there, whose words and influence he still retained and
felt, as they moved him.
He inclined to accept the call, yet he loved his profession
and its pleasant duties. He was devoted to his home, and
was always anxious to discharge every obligation to his
family. He was indisposed, in fact it was with the greatest
difficulty that he could think with the least degree of
allowance, of breaking, even for a season, those tender local
and neighborly ties which connected him with the com-
munity in which he lived. He had been educated in Ober-
lin, and he had been honored by frequent popular express-
ions in his favor, even elected to office upon the generous
vote of its friendly considerate citizens. Now he was called
to debate seriously, and at first he doubted whether it
would be wise for him to leave his actual position, so agree-
able and promising in every way, for one whose cares, re-
sponsibilities and dangers he did not and could not fully
understand and appreciate. And yet the call of duty
seemed to have reached him.
It was not easy for him to make decision in this matter.
Not until his wife suggested to him that it might be well to
return to the national capital and confer with those who
sought his services before he reached final conclusion in
the premises, could he bring himself to the serious enter-
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 259
tainment of the proposition to quit even temporarily his
profession for any service of the government. Finally, he
accepted this suggestion. He promised his friends and
several clients that he would certainly return to his busi-
ness again in a short time. He made all arrangements for
his return to the capital, having set in order everything at
his office and made engagements for the care and prosecu-
tion of all business in his hands requiring immediate atten-
tion. He turned sadly and mechanically, as a friend said,
from his office door, after locking it, and made his way
homeward. On entering the house, as the family had
gathered for its usual mid-day meal, the questions met him
from all sides, " Are you going? Have you concluded to
leave? When will you return?" To none of these ques-
tions, whether addressed by child or adult, under the affect-
ing circumstances, was he able to make ready positive
answer. He did reply, " I think I will go." The sub-
ject was a serious one and solemn enough ; and the response,
whatever its character, came from a heart full of doubt,
burdened with the deepest anxiety. And yet decision had
really been made and the purpose to leave for Washington
directed every step and arrangement to such end.
The real cause that produced hesitation and indecision
in this case after all, was found in the apprehension that
Mr. Langston might not return to those old ways of the
law along which he had been passing for so many years,
in pleasant, delightful occupation. It did really seem to
him that he stood at the mouth of the grave, in which he
was consigning to mother earth the remains of that which
he would not, and yet must leave ; whose presence gone, he
seemed to have met his greatest loss ! Then came the fear,
intensified through the kind offices of the imagination, that
the new task upon which he was about to enter might not
be agreeable ; might prove to be difficult and unpromising ;
and in his attempts to perform it according to any expec-
tations which he or others may have formed, he might fail,
and he be compensated, not in success and honor, but in
failure and disappointment.
260 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
At last, the spirit of his manhood asserted itself, and in
defiance of real obstacles, prospective, imaginary difficulties,
his purpose became fixed to meet any duty before him
with reasonable courage, and a few days only had elapsed
before he was for the second time in the presence of Gen.
O. O. Howard. After greetings had been exchanged, he
was told that his arrival was opportune, giving satisfaction.
The general said, in substance : " We need you, and shall pro-
ceed without delay to explain the work which we desire
you to undertake. It will be difficult enough, taxing all
the ability, all the learning, all the eloquence, with all the
wisdom, discretion and self-sacrifice which you may pos-
sess. You will be appointed and commissioned as General
Inspector of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Aban-
doned Lands. As such officer, you will address yourself in
all parts of the country to which you shall be sent, to
arousing, inspiring and encouraging the freed people, espe-
cially in earnest and intelligent effort to cultivate and sus-
tain among themselves, all those things which pertain to
dignified, useful American life ; to impress upon them the
importance of educating themselves and their children, of
laboring intelligently and diligently to accumulate and save
those means indispensable to their location in comfortable
necessary homes, and of so demeaning themselves in all
their new relations to the community, that while prejudices
and feelings of hatred against them are allayed and
removed, they may win the respect and gain the confidence
even of those who formerly held them in bondage. To
accomplish this object," the general continued, " in all your
efforts, and especially in your set addresses, while you are
plain and honest in your utterances to the freed people,
you must be so cautious^and discreet as not to provoke the
ill-will of those, who, chagrined at their defeat in the field,
were opposed not only to the emancipation of the slaves,
but to all efforts on the part of the general government
having in view their education and the amelioration of their
material, moral, religious and political condition. Your
field of labor," he said, " will be the whole South, including
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 261
the District of Columbia, Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee and
Missouri. You will be ordered here and there, as the exi-
gencies of the service may require, and wherever you go,
putting yourself in communication with the officers and
agents of the Bureau, you will discover and report any
short-comings or omissions of duty on their part, while you
may ask of them any service calculated to advance the
interests of the people through your own instrumentality
and labors. It is the purpose of this Bureau, and its man-
agement must tend constantly to that end, to accomplish
in the largest practicable manner, the objects of its creation."
Moved now by the enthusiasm of a genuine philanthropist,
the general stated that among those objects the general
improvement of the freed people, as they are found making
such headway as seems to be possible to them among the
classes constituting their former owners, must be regarded
and treated as of the first importance, and he emphasized
and impressed this consideration according to his judg-
ment and feeling of its necessity and dignity. Above all
things the importance and necessity of education, economy,
industry and virtue should be impressed upon them. Intem-
perance, the inordinate and expensive use of tobacco, with
all those extravagant habits of ordinary life among the
more ignorant classes of society, should as rapidly as possi-
ble be removed so far as they are concerned, and the bad
effects of such outlays and habits upon body, soul and
fortune, be carefully and wisely explained to them. They
must be made if possible, an intelligent, thrifty, valuable
class of the population. Rising from his seat at this point,
and raising his left hand with emphatic gesture of the
same, he said, " Mr. Langston, this is your work ; here is
your field ; do you accept this mission? You may not say
no, for your duty to your country and your race, not less
than that to your Heavenly Father, who has so signally
blessed you, commands it! From this moment, we shall
count you our officer and agent, and at an early day your
commission as the General Inspector of the Bureau, with
carefully prepared instructions, embodying, substantially,
262 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
my explanations, shall be draughted, duly signed and con-
veyed to you. Until then you may make such survey of
the school work under the Bureau, in this city and Alex-
andria, as may be convenient and agreeable to you, report-
ing from day to day at these headquarters. Your pay will
begin at once."
Thus Mr. Langston was given, in earnest, emphatic state-
ment, explanation of the great work to which he had been
called. Its dignity, importance and necessity were fully
appreciated ; so much so that he was led to question his
ability to meet the expectations which were entertained
with respect to the results of his labors. He felt that he
had been honored exceedingly, and did not fail to realize
that his appointment to such a duty was an exalted ex-
pression of confidence as to his fitness therefor. He com-
menced his work accordingly in the cities of Washington
and Alexandria.
He was not permitted to remain in Washington city long
without his commission, formal instructions and first order
to duty. He made his first tour through the State of Mary-
land, embracing visits specially to Baltimore and Frederick.
At the latter place he met and addressed an immense con-
course of freed people, with Gen. O. O. Howard, Gen.
Charles H. Howard and Judge Bond present. He delivered
the principal address, although the other persons named
followed in appropriate, pertinent remarks. They all gave
the newly appointed inspector special attention, and upon
the conclusion of his address, paid him many compliments.
On returning to the capital within a very few days there-
after, he received his second order to another field of duty.
He was directed to make a tour of the State of Virginia,
visiting Alexandria, Leesburg, Culpepper Court House,
Orange Court House, Charlottsville, Gordonsville, Louisa
Court House, Richmond, Petersburg, and thence return-
ing, Fredericksburg. At all these places the schools of the
freed people were duly and thoroughly examined, and the
scholars carefully instructed as to the necessity and advan-
tage of diligence and care in the performance of their duties,
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 263
and the obligation which rested upon them to so demean
themselves in general ordinary life as to win the respect
and the consideration of those in whose midst they lived.
Besides, great concourses of the people were addressed upon
all those subjects — educational, moral, political, industrial,
and social — which concerned their highest good and most
enduring welfare.
To say that this trip was interesting to the inspector who
thus visited the schools and addressed the scholars and the
people, is only to describe his feelings in the faintest man-
ner. Here time can only be given to hurried accounts of
the^neetings and any incidents connected therewith, ad-
dressed at Leesburg, Louisa Court House and Richmond ;
and those at such places are specially referred to with their
incidents, because of their importance, representative char-
acter and interest.
That Mr. Langston's position with respect to the Repub-
lican party and the advocacy of its principles, measures and
men at the great meetings which he addressed may be
properly understood, it should be stated that from the
time he entered upon his duties as general inspector of the
Bureau, he acted by special engagement as the representa-
tive and duly accredited advocate of that party. Nowhere,
therefore, as he traveled and spoke, did he fail to present and
defend in moderate, wise manner, its claims upon the support
of the newly emancipated classes and their friends.
Sometimes, and at special places, he met distinguished
advocates of Republicanism, particularly upon his tour
through Virginia, when such advocates made bold and
positive assertion and defence of the past action and pro-
spective measures of the party, urging their hearers to give
it their sympathy and support by influence and vote. On
such occasions, Mr. Langston was not behind the boldest in
earnest and decided utterance or action in favor of the dis-
tinctive doctrines of that party. The meeting at Leesburg
was one at which distinguished Republican orators made
their appearance and delivered speeches in its favor.
On the second day of June, 1867, accompanied by Mr.
264 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
William B. Downey, Generals Farnsworth and Pierce, and
Col. L. Edwin Dudley, Mr. Langston left Washington city
for Leesburg, where all the persons named were announced
to speak at a mass-meeting of Republicans to be held that
day at that place. And on the next day, as the Lees-
burg meeting would be, in fact, continued, they would
speak at the beautiful Quaker town, Hamilton, situated at
the foot of the mountains, twelve miles away. The com-
pany reached Leesburg a few minutes before midday, and
took quarters at the only Republican hotel in the place.
Dinner was served at one o'clock, and the meeting had been
called to be opened an hour later. When dinner w^l an-
nounced, Mr. Langston, as had been his custom always,
answered the bell by walking at once to the dining-room,
to take his meal with his friends at the first table. At the
dining-room door, he was met by the landlord himself, who
told him that he could not go in, that he could not eat at
the table. At this moment, General Farnsworth came up
and inquired, " What is the matter?" To this question the
landlord replied, " This man wants to go in the dining-
room and take his dinner at my first table with my white
boarders. He shall not do it." General Farnsworth replied,
saying, " He will do so, if he wishes, for he is with us, and
we propose to stand by him." Colonel Dudley appearing
and hearing this remark of the general, said, "Yes, we do ! "
Mr. Langston said, then, " Mr. Landlord, I shall eat my
dinner now, with my friends, if there is no good reason why
I should not." Whereupon the landlord answered, " If I
should let you go in and eat now, my hotel and all the prop-
erty I own would be burned up as soon as you left this
town, and I beg you, Mr. Langston, to let me arrange your
dinner in your room. You shall have waiters and everything
which the hotel can furnish, to your taste and desire."
" Mr. Landlord," Mr. Langston asked seriously, " will they
burn your hotel?" "Yes, "he said, " they will! That I
fear, and for that reason only, I object to your taking your
place with your friends at the table." " Then," said Mr.
Langston, "you may arrange my dinner in my room, and
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 265
Colonel Dudley and I will dine there together, so prepare for
two." This was done, and the landlord was relieved of
every apprehension.
The meeting was in all respects a great success. In
numbers, in good order, in the attention paid the speakers
and in the promise of good and lasting results it could not
have been surpassed. It made such impression even upon
the minds of the leading white men of the place, that the
mayor, who had been invited to act as its presiding officer
and who had declined that honor, after witnessing the char-
acter of the gathering and listening to the admirable ad-
dresses delivered, expressed the deepest regret that he had
foregone the distinction which had been proffered him.
Upon the close of this branch of the meeting at Lees-
burg, the gentlemen named, including Mr. Langston, took
carriages late in the evening and drove by a most pictur-
esque route to Hamilton. At this place they spent the
night in Quaker families of the neighborhood, where all was
genuine happiness and pleasure. Early the next morning,
by special invitation, the whole company went upon a most
exhilarating horseback ride across a branch of the Alle-
gheny mountains, when upon their return they partook
of a general breakfast of the most inviting and relishing
character, prepared and offered by the most wealthy and
prominent Quaker of the neighborhood. At ten o'clock an
immense meeting had convened, when the exercises for the
day were opened. This meeting was a great, impressive pic-
nic gathering held in the midst of a grove naturally beau-
tiful beyond possibility of just description. A sight
interesting and delightful was furnished at midday, when a
recess was taken and the vast assembly broke itself up into
groups of friends and neighbors to partake of their respect-
ive bountiful delicious lunches. Nothing could have ap-
peared more neighborly, more cordial and delightful. It
may not be inappropriate to state here, that it was during
this time that the beauty and gallantry of the occasion
manifested themselves in their most signal, striking man-
ner. Even the staid orators of the occasion were moved to
266 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
such displays of genteel behavior, as to win many a kindly
expression of the handsome, cultured Virginia ladies who
gave Mat to the meeting by their presence.
It was not until the day had passed far on toward sunset
that this meeting was brought to a close, and all con-
cluded that the one held at Leesburg and this one at
Hamilton, constituted, taken together, a grand, magnificent
display for Loudoun County, in favor of Republican princi-
ples. Leaving this beautiful Quaker neighborhood with
feelings of special gratitude and pleasure, the company,
composed as already described, came directly back to Lees-
burg to take the train for Washington city. However,
having an hour or more to wait for the train, the gentlemen
all went to the hotel at which they had stopped the day
before, to get supper. To their surprise they were refused
entertainment, " because they had with them the negro
orator, Langston," who had insisted the day before upon
eating in the dining-room and at the first table. Leaving
this hotel, with its Republican landlord, they went directly
across the street to a house kept by a Democrat and an
ex-rebel, who received them kindly, giving them every atten-
tion, not changing his conduct toward them even after he
had read, in looking over his register, upon which the
strangers had each written his name, in bold, firm hand —
JOHN MERCER LANGSTON,
Negro, Oberlin,
Lorain County,
Ohio.
Shortly after this occurrence, the hotel of the Republican
landlord was burned to the ground ; and that of his Demo-
cratic neighbor, who would not abuse a colored wayfarer,
who, tired, worn and hungry, knocked at the door of his
house, became the popular one of the town, its business
greatly improving and its revenues materially increasing,
through the patronage of those who turned from the for
mer because of his unhandsome conduct, and to the latter
because of his unexpected, generous and manly behavior.
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 267
This feeling and result had manifested themselves before
the hotel was burned, and thus the Republican landlord
lost more than he gained by his illegal and unseemly con-
duct. He sowed the wind ; he reaped the whirlwind !
At noon, on the fifteenth day of June, 1867, Mr. Langston
reached Louisa Court House, Virginia, this being his first
visit to that place since his departure therefrom, a mere
child, in 1834. He was accompanied by several friends,
officers of the Bureau and others, prominent citizens of
Louisa County. He had spoken at Gordonsville the day
before, and had been met there by parties who had accom-
panied him, as stated. He was welcomed at the depot and
conducted to his hotel by a club of colored men numbering
fifteen hundred. It divided itself into two sections of seven
hundred and fifty each, and Mr. Langston, leaning upon the
arm of its president, a white man, Captain McCracken,
walked between these sections to the Louisa Hotel, where
rooms had been taken for him and where with his friends he
was to be entertained. As he was about entering the
door of the hotel, tarrying for a moment to observe the
vast concourse of people, white and black, convening, he
caught sight of a large, fine looking, intelligent, influen-
tial man, apparently white, who seemed to be greatly
angered at what was taking place. He immediately asked
the gentleman who was conducting him to his rooms, who
this was and what was the matter with him, to which
reply was made that, "The person is General Gordon,
the meanest rebel in the country. He is mad because we
are having this meeting and you are to address us. He
would break it up if he could. But, thank God, he cannot
do it." These words of the president of the club stirred a
little bit the anxiety of Mr. Langston. However, he be-
came at once reassured when informed that the whole
county had come out, so far as the whites were concerned,
to see and hear " Quarles* boy " ; and so far as the colored
people were concerned, they had all come to see and hear
" Lucy's son," and that there would be no disturbance of
the meeting.
268 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Mr. Lan^ston had reached his rooms and his friends had
just left him, when a young white man, entering without the
least ceremony, put to him the following question : " Are
you one of us ? " Mr. Langston hesitating, said he did not
quite understand the question, when the young man repeat-
ing himself, inquired, " Are you one of us?" Still hesita-
ting, and begging his pardon for any obtusencss he might
show, he said to the young man, "Please explain your-
self," when he asked, " Are you a Virginian ? And were
you born in our county ? " To both these questions, Mr.
Langston answering, said, "Yes, I was born in this county,
three miles from this court house; and if the facts that
my father and mother are buried here ; that the record of
my birth, settlement and status are kept in the archives of
this county, and that I am interested in everything that
pertains to the welfare of this old Commonwealth, would
make me a Virginian, then I am one." Thereupon the
young man said, " Then you must speak from my porch, for
all distinguished Virginians who speak here always speak
from it." At this point Captain McCracken entered the
room to introduce Mr. Langston to the owner and proprietor
of the hotel, the gentleman in conversation with him. When
he disclosed what had been said, the captain asked the hotel-
keeper whether he was in earnest and was willing to have
his porch used by the meeting. He replied promptly,
"Yes, I want Mr. Langston to speak from it." Arrange-
ments had been made for speaking from the steps of the
court house, but a change was immediately made, and at
two o'clock the speaker was conducted to the porch of the
hotel, in front of which he found an immense concourse of
people, white and black. His reception was of the most
cordial sort, every person present seeming to be in good na-
ture and pleased, except General Gordon, who was seen
standing upon the extreme right of the audience, full of
spite and anger.
On being introduced by Captain McCracken, Mr. Lang-
ston found himself confronting an audience composed of
sons and daughters of Virginia, men and women, those
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 269
high in official place and those pursuing the humbler walks
of life, aggregating avast concourse of thousands of persons
with whose names he had been familiar from his childhood.
Although he had left them and their neighborhood many
years before, such was their spontaneous greeting that he
felt in their presence as if he had returned to the bosom of
those who were his friends. All were attentive, and as he
opened his remarks, demonstrated in appearance and be-
havior their deep interest in him. His speech was com-
menced with kindly affectionate allusions to his father and
mother ; his birthplace and old home ; the death and burial
of his parents ; their resting-place, side by side upon the
plantation a short distance away, where they had lived to-
gether so many years ; the executors, Nathaniel Mills,
Quarles Thomson, John R. Quarles and William D. Gooch,
influential, prominent Virginia gentlemen who had so
wisely and efficiently settled his father's estate to the satis-
faction of all concerned, securing to certain emancipated
persons named in the will of his father, their freedom and
their bequests. He told how after so many years had
passed and the great war had ground the shackles of the
enslaved to dust, and all were free, white and black, and
all were at peace, uniting in a common purpose to make the
country great, prosperous and happy, he rejoiced to stand
before such an audience in the county of his nativity,
in the Commonwealth of the Old Dominion, in whose wel-
fare he could not be otherwise than deeply interested as a
loyal and devoted son. These introductory remarks occu-
pied his attention for quite fifteen minutes, when turning to
his right to address the presiding officer, as he would enter
upon the formal address to be delivered, he found General
Gordon occupying a chair upon the porch — the platform of
the meeting, upon which were seated the gray-headed ven-
erable men prominent in society and influential in the com-
munity— placed very near the spot which he occupied. The
general adjusting himself in his seat, fastened his eyes and
attention upon the speaker, to whom he gave the strictest
audience for over two hours and a half. Upon the close of
18
270 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the speech, advancing, he offered the speaker his hand, which
was at once taken, while he exclaimed, " Langston, you are
one of us, and we are proud of you ! "
Then followed a scene which can never be forgotten.
The vast assembly, moving in thousands across .the porch,
greeted Mr. Langston, as he stood, with kind words and
expressions calculated to touch and move his feelings. The
venerable white men, besides expressing to him their kindly
sentiments, assured him that they had known his father
and were sincerely and profoundly considerate of his welfare.
The aged negroes, burdened with cares and many of them
broken by the tasks of their former lives, extending their
hands, said to him, " God bless you ! God bless you ! We
knew your mother ! We never expected to see this day !
Thank God ! Thank God ! We are glad to see and hear
you."
Exhausted by his effort and such kindly, yet taxing treat-
ment, Mr. Langston was compelled to ask his friends to let
him repair to his rooms, where perhaps, after a brief rest, he
might be somewhat restored to his wonted strength and
vigor. As he left the porch, he was surprised to find that
General Gordon, who had stood near him during every
second of the time occupied with the closing scenes of the
meeting, now assisted him, with Captain McCracken, to his
rooms. On reaching them, as he was about to lie down, the
general, adjusting the pillows upon the bed, said to him,
" Before you go to sleep, let me beg your pardon for the
many blasphemous, vulgar expressions which I have made
against you and against your coming here to address our
people. I trust you will forgive me. So much I desired to
say to you myself, and to bid you now the heartiest wel-
come to the community. We are all proud of you ! Your
wonderful speech will do us incalculable service." With
such expressions of changed kindly feeling, Qeneral Gordon
left the rooms, leaving Mr. Langston to wonder in amazement
and yet in delight, at the altered and improved sentiments
which he had just employed.
After resting perhaps an hour, on rising Mr. Langston
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 271
having made his toilet, with due reference thereto, went
with his friends to the house and home of Captain
McCracken, to dine with him and certain Republicans of
local note who had been invited. Dinner had just been
announced and company was moving toward the dining-
room, when a knock was heard at the front door, which was
answered by Captain McCracken himself. On opening it,
he found to the astonishment of all present, that General
Gordon with a friend had come to invite Mr. Langston,
in the name of the white ladies of Louisa Court House and
its neighborhood, to - address them that evening in the
Baptist church of the place. At first his friends objected,
fearing that some difficulty might result. On the assurance
of General Gordon that the invitation was sincere, that the
ladies desired to hear him, and that he should be not only
well treated but entirely protected, with full liberty to
speak in the freest manner, the invitation was accepted.
General Gordon declared himself ready to preside at the
meeting, to introduce the speaker, and to guarantee him the
fullest protection. Certainly, Louisa Court House has never
witnessed a more beautiful, orderly, enthusiastic female
assembly than that which greeted Mr. Langston on the even-
ing of the fourteenth of June, 1867, in the church mentioned.
The beautiful Virginia daughters of Louisa County gave
him a royal, memorable reception. He addressed them on
"The duty of the American woman in this hour of our re-
construction." Upon the close of his remarks, General
Gordon, who had been called to act as the presiding officer
of the meeting, delivered in endorsement of the address of
the afternoon and the speech of the evening, an utterance
which was no less characterized by its learning and eloquence
than its cordial courtesy and profound friendly sentiments.
He was really learned ; he was enthusiastic and eloquent,
in the most exalted and captivating sense ; his periods
were radiant with the jewels of the most elegant, luminous
rhetoric. His was the speech of a generous, noble Virginian,
containing the fervor and charm of the most soul-stirring
utterance. He showed himself an orator of large and com-
272 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
manding power. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr.
Langston was made the subject of the most cordial,
flattering congratulations. At the reception, so spontane-
ously and enthusiastically improvised in his honor, hundreds
of the ladies tendered him a hearty shake of the hand, with
generous expressions of ardent favor of his address.
Quitting the meeting in company of General Gordon and
his friends, Mr. Langston was making his way to his hotel,
when to his great surprise the general extended to him an
invitation to breakfast with him the next morning. So sur-
prised was he at this proceeding that he answered the gen-
eral by saying, " You do not mean what you say ! I never,
ate at a second table in my life, nor did I ever eat at a table
where discrimination was made against me on account of
my color. I could not breakfast with you otherwise than as
I did so as your friend and equal, and with you and your
family," to which General Gordon promptly and earnestly
replied, saying, " That is just exactly the invitation which I
give you ; only for the sake of convenience we will break-
fast at the hotel, where I can accommodate you and your
friends." Continuing, he asked, " What hour will meet your
pleasure?" Seven o'clock was agreed, and. at that very mo-
ment General Gordon himself called for and conducted Mr.
Langston to the dining-room and the table, giving him the
seat of honor next to and upon his right, facing his excel-
lent, interesting and agreeable wife. Such attention and
consideration had never up to that time been accorded a
person of negro extraction in that place, and it created great
comment while it received the approval of the community
generally.
The breakfast completed at half-past eight o'clock, Gen-
eral Gordon with a large number of Virginia friends and
relatives of Mr. Langston, some taking carriages and others
going on horseback, accompanied him to a plantation three
miles away belonging then to Mr. William Kent, where the
graves of his father and mother were located. About these
graves many pleasant things were said to the son, of his
father and his peculiar character; and of his mother, with
VISITING THE GRAVES OK HIS PARENTS.
GENERAL INSPECTOR, BUREAU OF REFUGEES. 273
her deep devotion to every one of her children, especially
of her interest in the young baby boy who could barely call
to mind her death-bed scene as he stood beside her grave
with his soul quickened by feelings of love, veneration and
respect for those parents whose sleep had already been so
long, secure and undisturbed.
Leaving this sacred spot, the place of his birth and the
home of his earliest childhood, at the suggestion of General
Gordon, Mr. Langston and his friends, on their return to
the court house, paid a hurried visit to Mrs. Nathaniel
Mills, who surviving her venerable husband by several
years, was now quite one hundred years old. Her faculties
were all intact ; her mind was clear, and she was deeply
affected by the honor as she styled it, which was paid her
in this call. She said many pleasant things to Mr. Lang-
ston ; told how deeply interested her husband had been in
his education and general welfare ; and declared, were he
living, that he would be glad to join the neighbors and
friends of Captain Ralph Quarles in welcoming his son, of
whom he could not be under the circumstances otherwise
than proud, back to the neighborhood, even if it be for
only a passing visit. Perhaps Virginia has not produced a
woman who more entirely realized in her life and influence,
it may be in a limited way, upon the community and its
interest, a higher ideal of womanhood than this good one
of whom these words are written.
Returning to the court house, where a hasty lunch was
taken, at twelve-thirty o'clock, Mr. Langston, after thank-
ing his friends for the kindness shown him and bidding
them farewell, took the train for Richmond, the capital of
the State, where he spoke at three o'clock in the afternoon.
He was received at the capital with every display of
marked popular respect, and there assembled at the hour
appointed for his meeting on the public grounds about the
statuary, which give grace and honor thereto, thousands of
people, white and black, to hear his speech. His platform
was historic and unique, calculated to inspire in him lofty
and commanding thoughts ; for the great and the good, as
274 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
immortalized in marble, looked down upon him, and in
their silent but expressive faces and mien, seemed to chal-
lenge while they prompted his best, most patriotic utter-
ance. Never before had such an audience convened on
those grounds, about those masterpieces of art, to hear such
an orator under such circumstances ! In that vast gather-
ing stood a man, near the speaker as he occupied position
upon the base of the statuary, of remarkable character and
name, a noted ex-governor of the Commonwealth. He
gave considerate, respectful attention to the address, and
when it was finished he was among the first to congratu-
late the speaker and thank him for the moderation, wisdom
and eloquence which distinguished his effort. This man
was the famous Henry A. Wise, the governor of Virginia
when that State dealt with John Brown and his compan-
ions, finally executing the hero of the' Harper's Ferry raid.
This meeting, promoted and sustained by such persons as
General Brown, chief agent of the Bureau at the capital
of the State, Messrs. Hunnycut, Manley, Taylor, Brooks
and others, white and colored, prominent citizens of the
place, was pronounced a great success. Of Mr. Langston
himself and his address, the leading daily paper held the
following words :
" At the square on the east side of the monument a very large meeting was
convened yesterday afternoon, to hear Mr. John M. Langston, the colored law-
yer from Ohio. His style was highly oratorical, his language choice, and
altogether the radical party have few speakers as good as he. His speech was
confined to an argumentative discussion of those subjects which pertain to the
freedom of the colored American and his natural right of citizenship. From
his standpoint, we have never heard the subject more intelligently handled."
After extended inspection of freedmen's affairs, with
meetings and addresses as stated, Mr. Langston return-
ing to Washington city, after preparing and presenting his
reports to his superior officer, was very soon thereafter
ordered to a more distant Southern field of labor.
CHAPTER XIX.
HIS LABORS IN THE SOUTH, THEIR INFLUENCE AND
EFFECT.
MR. LANGSTON, after an extended and successful trip
through Mississippi and Alabama, on his journey north-
ward learned through the newspapers that President John-
son had in contemplation a change in the commissioner-
ship of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned
Lands, and that his own name had been mentioned in con-
nection with the place. After his arrival at the national
capital, he visited the Executive Mansion, and there had a
full and free talk with the president on the subject. Presi-
dent Johnson was outspoken and positive in his opposition to
General Howard, and did not hesitate to declare his purpose
to relieve him of his position. His expressions with re-
gard to him and his management of the Bureau were
extremely severe, sometimes blasphemous. Throughout
his conversation he indulged in most harsh and offensive
criticism of him, insisting that he should be relieved. He
stated that he would be exceedingly glad if the colored
people could agree upon some able and efficient man of
their own number for that position. He declared his read-
iness to appoint him, and intimated his willingness to give
the place to Mr. Langston. Finally, he went so far as to
give him time to consider the matter. However, Mr. Lang-
ston insisted that the highest interests of the colored people
and the efficiency of this service instituted in their behalf,
275
276 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
seemed to him to require the continuance of General How-
ard at the head of the Bureau. From his observation of the
service, with close inspection of the results already accom-
plished, Mr. Langston claimed that President Lincoln had
made no mistake in calling General Howard to the commis-
sionership, for he appeared to be in every way sagacious,
wise and efficient. Besides, he had already won the confi-
dence of the liberal people of the country, whose great church,
missionary and charitable organizations were supplement-
ing in outlays and labor the enterprises so much needed to
further the work of the Bureau among the emancipated and
impoverished classes of the South.
In this same interview with the president, as he discov-
ered that Mr. Langston did not incline to accept the com-
missionership of the Bureau, he suggested to him that he
would appoint him, if he preferred, as United States
Minister to Hayti. But Mr. Langston showed no disposi-
tion whatever to accept this foreign place.
On leaving the president however, Mr. Langston did
promise to call upon him again at an early day, to give
him his conclusions fully and decidedly in regard to these
matters. Upon consultation with friends well advised and
in whom he had special confidence, he took another course
entirely. He called upon General Howard, his chief, and
made bold as he conceived it to be his duty, to make
known to him the purposes of President Johnson, as stated.
He advised General Howard also that he had no doubt
that General Grant, who was then acting as secretaiy of
war ad interim, standing firmly for his continuance in his
position, would succeed even as against the president, in
keeping him there. He further stated what he had said to
the president on the subject and that he would be glad to
say even more in the same direction to the secretary of war.
Accordingly a call was arranged, and Mr. Langston accom-
panied by Col. L. Edwin Dudley, a white friend of his and a
special admirer and friend of General Howard, and Mr.
John T. Johnson, a prominent colored citizen of Washing-
ton city, a friend also of General Howard, fully alive to his
LABORS IN THE SOUTH. 277
great services to his race and deeply conscious of his
worth, visited General Grant for the purposes indicated.
The secretary, after being fully advised by Mr. Langston
as to the intentions of the president with respect to a
change in the commissionership of the Bureau, and after
listening attentively to what he had to say in favor of the
continuance of General Howard as commissioner, in view of
the work which he had inaugurated and which he was ac-
complishing with such signal and important results, ex-
pressed himself in bold, earnest and positive manner
against the change which the president suggested. In the
course of his reply he not only spoke in comprehensive,
liberal, wise terms of the Bureau, its institution and work,
telling how he had himself in his management of the
colored people, flocking to his army along the Mississippi
River, been compelled to adopt the policy and plans of its
construction and management, but praised the action of
President Lincoln in the appointment of General Howard,
and dwelt upon those distinctive and peculiar qualities of
his character which fitted him pre-eminently for the work
which he had in hand. He declared that he would sustain
him to the full extent of his ability. However, he said he
had no influence with the president, and would only be able
to sustain General Howard, as he did so in his official
capacity. Besides, he added that he did not know that he
would be kept in his place for the next twenty-four hours.
He did not hesitate to speak in severe and earnest terms
against the policy which seemed to be actuating the presi-
dent generally, nor did he hesitate to express his views in
emphatic and eloquent manner with regard to what the
negro had a right to expect of the government in the way
of protection and support, even to the extent of the be-
stowal of full citizenship, including the ballot. It was when
he had completed these utterances that Mr. Langston, in
the presence of his friends, full of excitement, moved by
the sentiments of the great secretary and matchless gen-
eral, rushing to him and thanking him for what he had said,
declared that such words and such opinions would make
278 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
him the next president of the United States, and that in
the name of the negroes of the country, their friends and
the loyal masses, he would then and there nominate him.
His friends not only bore intelligent and emphatic testi-
monies in favor of General Howard and his retention as
chief of the Bureau, but being moved as Mr. Langston him-
self was by the words of General Grant, expressed their
enthusiastic approval of his suggestion to make the secre-
tary president of the United States. General Grant knew
full well that President Johnson's objections to General How-
ard were personal, political and partizan, and he met them
accordingly with severe biting criticism. Perhaps he never
was so severe in criticism upon any man as he was at that
time upon the president, in view of his proposed action and
the reasons which he understood actuated him thereto.
He could not have been more earnest and eloquent in any
words of commendation of any person than he was in those
employed in behalf of General Howard and his efficiency as
an officer, especially as the commissioner of the Bureau. It
is with the largest degree of satisfaction and pleasure, that
it may be recorded here that General Howard held his posi-
tion to the end ; and while his success in all the labors con-
nected with the Bureau depended mainly upon his own
personal ability and wisdom, it may not be forgotten that his
retention and support were due in large measure as indi-
cated to the action of General Grant, than whom he never
had a more intelligent nor a more loyal friend, so far as his
endeavors respecting the material, educational, political,
moral and religious advancement of the newly emancipated
classes were concerned.
For the entire two years and a half of his service in the
Bureau, Mr. Langston made repeated visits to the former
slaveholding States, in labors connected with the general
advancement of the freed people. It is wholly impractica-
ble under the circumstances, to give here anything like full
accounts, with even limited details, of the tour made by him
through each State visited. As illustrating the general work
and the advantageous results connected therewith, it is not
LABORS IN THE SOUTH. 279
convenient to do more than refer to special visits made to
several different States, and not more than one of the great
meetings held and addressed by him in each. The States to
which reference shall be made, since they are by reason of
their location and character representative, are North Caro-
lina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia, with
such general allusion to the educational work in others as
may seem to be pertinent and proper ; for great schools,
colleges and universities were founded in several, with which
the general inspector had certain relations and duties of
such character and importance as to make it but just to
him that special though brief mention be made of them.
On the twenty-sixth day of October, 1867, he made his first
visit to Raleigh, North Carolina. He had heard much of the
colored people of the Old North State, both free and slave ;
how that the former down to 1835, had enjoyed, measura-
bly, the advantages of public schools and the elective fran-
chise ; and that the older persons of that class exhibited in
conduct and life, mentally and morally, the good effects im-
plied in that social condition. He had also heard that in
that State special pains had been taken by slaveholders for
a long time, with respect to their slaves, to put many of
them to trades ; and that in that Commonwealth more than
any other of the South, it would be found that colored
persons were in large numbers master-workmen in the differ-
ent mechanical callings. In his early life, he had made the
acquaintance of a young black man of North Carolina, who,
having mastered in that State all that was merely mechan-
ical in the trade of the gunsmith, so that he manipulated
in the most skillful manner, every material used in his art,
even from its crudest condition to its most improved and pol-
ished state, but had however, been given no real knowledge of
the science of his calling. His case was, indeed, characteris-
tic ; the use of the hands simply was improved, with adequate
exercise of the memory ; and there the negro mechanic, as the
young man claimed, was left to struggle as best he might.
And yet, so much of merely mechanical instruction had its
beneficial results in moral and material advantage.
28o FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Going into North Carolina with such impressions as to the
more improved condition of the colored people, and to the
capital of the State of which he had heard also many pleasant
things, he expected to find not only a large colored popula-
tion, but one of unusual improvement, advanced in mate-
rial circumstances. He expected to find schools and
churches among them, well-ordered, of large membership
and attendance. He expected to find among them too
leading men of their own color, prepared really to direct
and encourage them in the cultivation of the useful things
of freedom. In all these respects he found no evidences of
unworthy life and thriftlessness calculated to disappoint
him. Far otherwise. For the homes of the people indicated
on their part the possession of industrial wisdom and pros-
perity. The large attendance of orderly, comparatively
well-dressed children in the schools, indicated the popu-
lar estimate put upon education ; and the several large
churches of varying denominational character discovered
the general appreciation of morality and religion prevailing
among the people. The leading man at that time found
among these people, residing in Raleigh, enjoying the respect
and confidence of all classes, prominent in politics and in-
fluential in the work of education and general improvement,
was the Hon. James H. Harris. Active as he was at this
time, manifesting constant interest in everything that con-
cerned the welfare of the people, it is not surprising that
subsequently he became both a conspicuous figure in state
affairs and in Republican national conventions, wielding
such influence as to win national name. He was repeatedly
elected to the state Legislature, and was honored with a seat
in the State Constitutional Convention. After serving thus
his fellow-citizens and enjoying their confidence to the very
iast, Mr. Harris died only about one year ago. This gen-
tleman, with others of like prominence, white and colored,
including the governor of the State, composed the commit-
tee which received and entertained Mr. Langston on his first
visit to Raleigh ; and it was he who introduced him when
he made his first speech there in the African Methodist Epis-
LABORS IN THE SOUTH. 281
copal church on " The education and elevation of the col-
ored people."
The meeting was characterized as a very large one, the
most attentive and orderly that ever assembled in the city.
Prominent white persons, such as Gen. Nelson A. Miles,
Col. J. V. Bomford ; the superintendent of education, Mr.
Fiske, and the governor of the State, Mr. Holden ; Hon. C.
L. Harris and others attended. Mr. Langston, accompanied
from his quarters in a carriage by Messrs. James H. Harris
and John R. Caswell, was received by the audience as he
entered the church with enthusiastic applause. Mr. Harris'
address of introduction was brief but eloquent, concluding
with the words, " I have now the honor of introducing to
you the orator of the evening, the colored Edward Everett
of America." " The Raleigh Weekly Standard," the lead-
ing newspaper of the State, in speaking of Mr. Langston's
address in an editorial notice, employed the following
words :
"This distinguished colored orator addressed a very large audience in the
African Methodist Church in this city, on Wednesday night last, and for more
than two hours held them spellbound by his genius and eloquence. We give
to-day only a brief sketch of this magnificent speech.
" Mr. Langston is now in North Carolina, as an officer of the Freedmen's
Bureau. His address on Wednesday night was confined mainly to the subject
of education. He occupied a wide field in the course of his address, and said
very many' things, which, if heeded and practiced by the colored race, will
prove of the utmost advantage to them. The whole address was lofty and gen-
erous in its tone, and contained nothing objectionable in matter or manner to
the white race. Such a man by constantly traversing the country and address-
ing the people of both races, would do an incalculable amount of good."
As early as November 5th, 1867, Mr. Langston visited
Raleigh for the second time, and addressed in Tucker's
Hall one of the largest and most enthusiastic mixed meet-
ings ever held in the capital. Of his speech on this occa-
sion, the "Weekly Standard" made the following com-
ment :
" Mr. Langston spoke for more than an hour with unsurpassed ability and
eloquence, laying before his audience the best exposition and defence of
Republican principles to which we have ever listened. His speech produced a
fine effect, and cannot fail to be productive of good among our people of all
classes."
282 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Here it is proper to state, that in his visits to North
Carolina, Mr. Langston did not confine himself in his labors
to the capital. He visited, inspected the school work and
addressed large meetings of the people at Goldsborough,
Tarborough, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Greensborough,
New Berne, Elizabeth City, Charlotte and Salisbury, and
wherever he went he was heard patiently and attentively
by all classes.
Going subsequently into South Carolina, Mr. Langston
visited Columbia, the capital, and Charleston, the principal
cities of the State. In the Palmetto State he was received
and treated with marked consideration and kindness. His
principal meeting was held at Charleston on the Battery,
in sight of Fort Sumter, upon which the first gun of the
Rebellion was fired. No one shall ever describe the beauty
of the city, the sea and the sky, as they appeared on the
evening on which the whole city seemed to turn out to
hear the colored orator from the North ; and no pen can
record in sufficiently just and truthful manner, the sober
and considerate behavior with which the vast concourse of
white and colored people of this Southern city heard him.
He discoursed of those means of education, property and
character, with loyal devotion to the government, which were
essential to the elevation of the colored American, formerly
enslaved, and the reconciliation and happiness of the white
American, formerly the owner and master of the slaves.
For two hours and a half, in the glory of a moonlight un-
surpassed in that region, with the attention and respect of an
audience only disturbed as it applauded the words of the
speaker, Mr. Langston dwelt in effective manner upon the
themes indicated. As he closed his speech in the predic-
tion of a future to South Carolina and the nation in which
all shall forget past differences of condition and nationality
in the consciousness of their unity and happiness in being
simply American citizens, the applause which greeted that
utterance was full, cheering, enthusiastic and deafening.
He left the city of Charleston feeling that the work of edu-
cation and improvement of the black and white races
LABORS IN THE SOUTH. 283
would go rapidily on, resulting not more in the complete
renovation and exaltation of the former than the happiness
and prosperity of the latter.
After his return from South Carolina, and during the
presidential canvass of 1868, Mr. Langston received a com-
munication from the leading Republicans of the State bear-
ing upon his late visit and asking his return, which
shows how profoundly and generally his labors had af-
fected the people, and how they were appreciated. This
communication is inserted here, in justice as well to those
who wrote, signed and transmitted it, as to him of whom it
speaks and whose efforts were sought.
" Columbia, S. C., September 25, 1868.
" JOHN M. LANGSTON, ESQ.,
"Dear Sir:
" The undersigned, members of the Republican party, having heard
your recent addresses in this State, and being convinced that your services as an
orator and public speaker would be of the utmost advantage to the friends of
"justice and equal rights in this State, respectfully and earnestly urge and solicit
you to return to our State during the present campaign and join in the great
work of carrying South Carolina by a decisive majority for Grant and Colfax.
" Without intending any personal flattery, we say to you that we believe your
superior education and powers as a speaker will command a hearing and con-
sequent enlightenment of mind on the part of our white fellow-citizens, which
they would accord to no other man within our acquaintance.
" Pray endeavor to so arrange your duties as to allow you to be with us dur-
ing the month of October.
" We remain, dear sir, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
(Signed.) ROBERT C. DELARGE, Rep. from Charleston.
J. A. SWAILS, Senator from Williamsburg.
W. R. HOYT, Senator from Colleton.
T. J. MOSES, JR., Speaker of House of Reps.
C. H. PETTI NGILL, Rep., Williamsburg.
A. J. RANSIER, Rep. from Charleston.
R. H. CAIN, Senator from Charleston.
REUBEN TOMLINSON, Rep. from Charleston.
H. W. PURVIS, Rep. from Lexington.
CHARLES D. HAYNE, Rep. from Bafnwell.
D. E. CORBIN, Senator from Charleston.
JONATHAN J. WRIGHT, Senator from Beaufort.
JAMES M. AU.F.N, Senator from Greenville.
W. E. ROSK, Senator from York.
Y. J. P. OWENS, Senator from Laurens.
J. K. JILLSON, Senator from Kershaw.
284 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
W. B. NASH, Senator.
L. WIMBUSH, Senator, Chester.
H. J. MAXWELL.
H. H. JENKS.
JOHN B. DENNIS.
WM. W. H. GRAY, Rep. from Charleston.
BENJ. F. JACKSON, Rep. from Charleston.
J. H. RAINEY, Senator from Georgetown.
R. J. DONALDSON, Senator, Chesterfield."
However anxious Mr. Langston was to comply with this
very cordial and flattering invitation, he was so situated by
reason of prior engagements, that he was unable to do so.
He therefore made this reply :
" Oberlin, Ohio, October i, 1868.
" Dear Sirs :
" Your welcome letter of September 25, has been received. I thank you
for the kind invitation which it conveys to return to your State to aid you,
according to the measure of my ability, in carrying the election therein by a
majority as large as possible for Grant and Colfax, the nominees of the
Republican party, and the representatives of Law and Order, Peace and
Liberty. I am only too sorry that prior engagements, connected with my
official duties and the canvass, render it impracticable for me to accept your
invitation.
" You will permit me in this connection to thank you for the grateful words
in which your approval of my course when in your State recently are
expressed.
" With sentiments of profound gratitude and with high consideration for
each one of you personally,
" I have the honor to be, yours very respectfully,
"JOHN MERCER LANGSTON."
Mr. Langston made his first visit to Louisiana, reaching
New Orleans, December 31, 1867. His arrival in that city
and State was heralded by the " New Orleans Republican,"
in an editorial which reads as follows :
" It is with no common pleasure we announce the arrival in our city of the
Honorable J. M. Langston, of Ohio, one of the ablest lawyers and most elo-
quent orators the colored race in this country has produced. Mr. Langston,
we understand, visits the South in the capacity of general inspector of schools
for colored children, under instructions from Major-General Howard, com-
missioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, and not as many may suppose, purely in
tke interest of any political party, although to say that he is no partizan would
be doing him an injustice. All the readers of the Republican will remember
LABORS IN THE SOUTH. 285
the eloquent speeches delivered by him in Mississippi and published in our
columns last summer. It is but truth to say that no speeches comparable
with them have been in our columns since. We know of but two or three men
iu our national legislature who can approach him in natural gifts of speech and
cultivated graces of oratory. He is an able, honest and loyal man, loyal to his
country, loyal to his race, and not ashamed to stand up before the whole world
and in himself prove that while a negro's blood is in his veins, a more than
white man's eloquence is on his tongne, a more than white man's loyalty is in
his heart.
" On New Year's day Mr. Langston's voice will be heard in Mechanic's hall.
Let the loyal people of New Orleans crowd it to its utmost capacity. No
worthier man has stood upon its platform, no abler man has reasoned with the
people who are there wont to assemble. Go early, and you will need no
further inducement to remain late."
Mr. Langston remained in the city in connection with
his labors there for some two or more weeks, during that
time visiting several places in the State, especially the
capital, Baton Rouge. Besides visiting every colored
school, inspecting and addressing them all, he made seven
stated speeches in different sections of the city, beginning
with the one delivered in the hall of Mechanic's Institute, and
closing with the one delivered at the St. James African
Methodist Episcopal church. At this time, the Constitu-
tional Convention of the State of Louisiana was in session in
its chief city, and the leading men of the State of both classes
and all parties were in New Orleans, each full of enthusiasm
and purpose with regard to what he conceived to be the
organic law needed for the State. A large number of the
members of the convention and those in attendance upon
it, honored Mr. Langston by attending his meetings.
Among the gentlemen who gave special attention to him,
doing all in their power to make his visit and labors pleasant
and profitable, were, of the colored class, Captains P. B. S.
Pinchback and James H. Ingraham, Dr. Roudenez and
Major Dumas, Hons. Oscar J. Dunn and George Y. Kelso ;
and of the white class, leaders of the Republican party,
Messrs. H. C. Warmoth and M. A. Southworth, Thomas J.
Durant and J. H. Sypher, J. S. Harris and W. L. McMillen.
Nearly all of these gentlemen were members of the com-
mittee which received and entertained Mr. Langston, dis-
19
286 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
playing in that regard the most generous hospitality, with
exalted personal consideration. The manner in which he
was treated is fully evidenced in the fact that through the
kindness of this committee, his trip to Baton Rouge was
made upon the beautiful steamer, the " Wild Wagoner, " as
put at his disposal for the trip by its owner, General Mans-
field, with such outfit for his accommodation in every way
as could be called only princely.
At the meeting held at Mechanic's Institute, Capt. P. B.
S. Pinchback was made president, assisted by a large num-
ber of vice-presidents. The audience was an immense one,
bright and brilliant by reason of the presence of so large
number of beautifully dressed ladies, and distinguished by
the attendance of many persons of note and character.
Perhaps no meeting held in any one of the great cities of
the Union among the colored citizens, was ever honored by
the presence of so many men of their own class noted for
their wealth, intelligence and social position. This will not
be doubted when one calls to mind the names of those who
composed the committee of reception just now given. The
speech of the occasion was given respectful, attentive audi-
ence for the full two hours occupied in its delivery, and
the applause which accompanied its utterance, as well as
the congratulations which were given the speaker at its
close, testified of the good impression which had been
made and the favor which he had won.
In its issue of January 2nd, 1868, the " New Orleans Re-
publican," among other things contained the following
complimentary notice :
" The hall of Mechanic's Institute was crowded almost to suffocation last
night to hear the eloquent orator from Ohio, Mr. John M. Langston. He dis-
appointed no one. All who went expecting to hear an able man heard one.
His speech would have filled the gallery of the House of Representatives or the
Senate chamber in Washington had it been delivered in either of them, and
would have both gratified and enlightened learned senators and members of
Congress and the people generally.
" His speech last night satisfied us who for the first time heard him, that he
is destined to wield an immense influence with the colored people of this country,
and that influence, we rejoice to say, in every sense of the word, will be that of
LABORS IN THE SOUTH. 287
a wise, sagacious, Christian statesman. We use the words Christian states-
man, knowing that they mean much and should never be thoughtlessly
applied. Mr. Langston is the first man we have heard in a long while to whom
we have thought we could honestly apply them. In his speech last evening he
confined himself to an elaborate argument to prove that the negro had always
been a citizen of the United States, had fought in every war in its history in
defense of the nation, had voted in almost every State and had never once
raised the standard of rebellion. He maintained that the Constitution recog-
nized no distinctions of race or color ; that the word white was not to be found
in any important public document until the cupidity of white men placed it
there, and that the prosecution of the war against the rebellion which resulted
in the emancipation of every slave in the land and the Reconstruction Acts of
Congress were all done and passed in and not out of constitutional limits.
" This argument was the burden of the speech, and although logical through-
out, it was interspersed with wit and eloquence and sarcasm which swayed the
audience as if by the wand of an enchanter. Men applauded in spite of them-
selves ; laughed in spite of themselves ; frowned in spite of themselves. We
were entirely satisfied with Mr. Langston and sincerely hope he can be prevailed
upon to remain with us during the approaching campaign. We want his voice
heard in every parish in the State and we want every white and black man in
every parish to hear it. With him in the field we shall dismiss all fears about
the ratification of any constitution our convention may pass."
The following letter addressed to Mr. Langston on the
twentieth day of January, 1868, indicates in emphatic manner
the estimate put upon his services by the thoughtful, pat-
riotic leading men of Louisiana:
"New Orleans, La., January 2Oth, 1868.
" MR. J. M. LANGSTON,
"Dear sir:
"We cannot allow you to leave New Orleans without expressing our
gratitude for the services you have rendered the Republican cause during your
brief visit. Your speeches have had the effect to destroy prejudice and build
up a good feeling between the two races. Cur greatest regret is that you have
to leave us so soon. The zeal you have manifested in the cause of our State
induces us to intrude a few requests.
" You have seen enough here to show you that our canvass must be conducted
almost entirely by speakers. Public documents and printed speeches are much
needed to aid us with those whose education is such that they can read ; but
the great masses of our people are illiterate and can only be instructed by
speakers and canvassers. We therefore hope you will call upon the Executive
Committee at Washington and impress this upon its members.
" We need about six good speakers, two or three of whom should be colored
men, and money enough to send them with about twenty others into the
country parishes. We have but few railroads and off the river communica-
tion our expenses will be very large. We will be able to raise among us here
288 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
from eight to ten thousand dollars. We need aid of our friends in the North
to the amount of ten thousand dollars more. With this we feel sure we can
reach every voter in the State and carry the Constitution.
" We wish to invite your aid in this matter and feel sure that you will meet
with success.
" May we hope to have you return and aid us in the campaign. If so, we will
be profoundly grateful.
" Very truly your friends,
(Signed.) W. L. McMn.LEN, H. C. WARMOTH,
GEORGE Y. KELSO, JAMES H. LANDERS,
JAMES H. INGREHAM, GEORGE W. BEARING, JR.,
J. S. HARRIS, SIMON JONES,
M. A. SOUTHWORTH, HUGH J. CAMPBELL,
T. A. RAYNALS, J. H. SYPHER.
However willing to serve his friends of Louisiana and do
what he might to promote and. sustain Republican princi-
ples and measures in that State, as manifested in the elec-
tion of candidates of the Republican party and the ratifica-
tion of the State Constitution, Mr. Langston was not able
to return thereto, as requested and urged in the above letter.
He had to content himself with advising the National Exec-
utive Committee as to the necessities of the Republicans
of the State, and pressing the importance of generous ac-
tion in such regard.
Justice requires that emphatic mention be made in this
connection of five colored men, leaders of their race and
prominent and conspicuous members of the Republican
party, residents of Louisiana, upon whose influence and
assistance Mr. Langston relied largely when visiting that
State. Messrs. P. B. S. Pinchback, Oscar J. Dunn, George
Y. Kelso, Dr. Roudanez and Major Dumas, were all persons
actively engaged in reconstructing their state government
and in the inauguration and promotion of such good social
enterprise as tended to the improvement of their race in
every substantial way. The name of each is recorded here
with feelings of gratitude as well as admiration. The rec-
ord which each has made in his own way, upon his own
intelligence and efforts, proves how wisely and correctly any
discreet observer discovered at once in their conduct the
brilliant future which lay before him.
LABORS IN THE SOUTH. 289
It was while Mr. Langston was in Louisiana at this time
that General Warmoth and Oscar J. Dunn were put in
nomination for the governorship and lieutenant-governor-
ship of the State by the Republican party. It was largely
through his influence that the Constitutional Convention,
then in session, was brought to change a provision of the
document, upon which it had already acted, reducing the age
of the governor from thirty years to twenty-five, so as to
make General Warmorth eligible. It was through his influ-
ence largely, also, that Mr. Dunn finally accepted the nom-
ination to the lieutenant-governorship. At first, such was
the feeling among certain of his most reliable friends with
regard to the nomination, that fears were entertained by
them as to the final results. Besides, several of such friends,
knowing his great influence and the preponderating effect
which it would likely produce in favor of the ticket nomi-
nated, and who favored a colored person at its head, exerted
themselves to the extent of their power to prevent his ac-
ceptance. These considerations at first seemed to have
great weight with Mr. Dunn. More than this, without po-
litical and official experience of any sort, he felt misgivings
as to his ability to discharge in acceptable manner the duties
which might be enjoined upon him. The prospect was that
they might be numerous, difficult and responsible. It was
not until Mr. Langston had spent four full hours in serious
earnest appeal to Mr. Dunn, as they walked up and down
Canal Street upon the night of his nomination, and at last
when they were about separating at four o'clock in the
morning at his house, in the presence of his wife, Mr.
Langston made a moving, persistent, final entreaty to him,
in the name of his race, to accept the high honor and re-
sponsibility tendered him ; and not then, until Mrs. Dunn,
inclining to the views presented by Mr. Langston, said,
" My husband, you must do your duty," that he gave the
least evidence of his purpose to yield his judgment and
accept the nomination.
Subsequently, after General Warmoth had been elected
governor and Mr. Dunn lieutenant-governor, the latter
290 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
finding himself at home in his new position, honored by his
fellow-citizens as few men had ever been on a memorial
occasion of mutual interest and pleasure, he thanked Mr.
Langston for the manner in which he had insisted upon his
acceptance of the nomination of his party to the high office
which he held. It is a fact, too, that Mrs. Dunn never met
Mr. Langston, at home or abroad, that she did not in cordial
terms thank him for his conduct and treatment of her hus-
band, as described. And it is matter of congratulation
that Oscar J. Dunn, the first lieutenant-governor of the col-
ored race duly elected by the voters of any State of the Union,
proved to be in all his conduct an official without spot
upon his good name, of large and commanding influence,
honored and respected by his fellow-citizens of every class
and political faith.
It is perhaps true that in no part of the South was Mr.
Langston received with greater consideration and heard by
larger audiences than in Alabama on the various visits
which he made to that State. He visited Montgomery, and
spoke there at the capitol on the third day of Feburary,
1868. Misaddress delivered at that time before an immense
concourse of people, was published in the papers of the
State, although it was extremely lengthy, covering ten
columns in the " Daily State Sentinel." Comments upon
it were favorable, generally, and in some instances flatter-
ing. The editorial notice of the " Sentinel " read as
follows :
" We have great pleasure in laying before our readers to-day a report of the
masterly speech of the Hon. John M. Langston of Ohio, delivered on Thursday
last to the public meeting held at the capitol. No report could do justice to
the orator, and we have been reluctantly compelled, for want of space, to omit
the many racy illustrations which made the performance sparkle. Those who
had the privilege of listening to his address will long remember it, and we are
assured that our readers will enjoy the perusal even of the meager report in
our columns."
It was at the close of this speech that the governor of the
State (Parsons), who had given respectful, considerate atten-
tion to it throughout, taking from his own shoulders in the
presence of the retiring masses of the people his cloak,
LABORS IN THE SOUTH. 291
threw it about Mr. Langston as he hurried him from the
steps of the building from which he had spoken, by his own
kindly assistance into the executive office, where he found
fire, with warmth and protection against cold. Such con-
siderate treatment under the circumstances, made deep
impression upon the heart of its recipient, and even to this
day it is recalled with feelings of profound gratitude.
It was at Montgomery during one of his visits that Mr.
Langston witnessed the first general election of a Southern
State in which the newly emancipated class was permitted
to take part. At this time he had been in the city several
days, prosecuting his work as general inspector, visiting and
examining the schools of the freed people and directing as
to their general interests during the day, and at night attend-
ing Republican league clubs, holding meetings and arrang-
ing for the forthcoming election, being thus detained and
occupied in useful service. Such devotion to principle and
party as was shown by the new voters can never be effaced
from his memory. Their patience, their endurance of in-
sult, threats, and in some cases even violence, were marvel-
ous ; while it did really appear from the extended, crowded
lines of persons pressing forward to vote, that not a single
colored man had been left at home. Everyone as a rule
voted the Republican ticket, even those who knew full well
that to cast such a vote was certain sure dismissal from the
service of those in whose employment they gained their
daily support for all dependent upon their labors.
Besides visiting places of less importance while in Ala-
bama, Mr. Langston gave special attention to the condition
of the freed people in the greater cities of Montgomery,
Selma, Demopolis and Mobile. And wherever he went he
found them industrious, diligent, and often thrifty ; all of
whatsoever condition exhibiting especial interest in educa-
tion.
About the middle of February, 1868, Mr. Langston made
his first visit to the State of Georgia. He went directly to
Atlanta, where he made his home with the teachers
engaged at the time in the conduct and management of the
292 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
colored schools of that city. He was received by them in
cordial hospitable manner, and through the good offices of
Mr. Ware, who was at once the principal of the schools
and a subordinate agent of the Freedmen's Bureau, he was
enabled to make a general and thorough inspection of the
educational work among the freed people throughout the
State ; visiting such places as Savannah, Macon, Griffin,
Columbus, Brunswick, Augusta, Americus, Albany and
Andersonville. At each of these places, he not only did
the special school work with which he was charged, but
addressed on their educational and material improvement,
large popular audiences. It was at Albany, when speaking
in the evening in the Baptist church of the place, and
while urging the young colored men who composed in
part his audience, to educate themselves as thoroughly as
might be and as speedily, in view of the special responsi-
bilities which awaited them in the early future, that he
predicted that some of them might be called to high
national official place ; whereupon, an aged Southern man,
seated upon the platform and near the speaker, having his
prejudices deeply aroused, cried out at the top of his voice,
"Never! Never, in the United States of America!" It
was not long, however, before Mr. Langston's prediction
was verified in the nomination and election of Mr. Jeffer-
son Long to Congress from the Macon district of the
State.
Among the most interesting and largely attended of all
these meetings, was that held Sunday afternoon at Ander-
sonville, near the old Rebel prison, where at that time the
work of educating the freed children was conducted by two
most efficient white lady teachers, one from Ohio and the
other from California. All classes of the people turned out
to hear the address on this occasion, and everyone gave
attentive, serious, respectful audience. In fact, wherever
he went in the State, he found the people of both classes
ready to receive him with marked consideration, and hence
his tour of the State was not only interesting but remark-
ably pleasant.
LABORS IN THE SOUTH. 293
At Atlanta, Mr. Langston found on his arrival the
State Constitutional Convention in session. The city was
overflowing with distinguished orators, politicians and
statesmen of the Commonwealth. He was himself specially
honored by an invitation of thirty members of the conven-
tion to speak in their hall at such time as might suit his
convenience. The correspondence between these gentle-
men, members of the convention and Mr. Langston, was as
follows :
" Hall Georgia Constitutional Convention.
"Atlanta, Ga., Feb. nth, 1868.
"JOHN M. LANGSTON, ESQ.,
" Dear sir :
" The undersigned members of the Georgia Constitutional Conven-
tion will be pleased to have you speak in their hall at such time as you may
find it convenient to do so.
(Signed.) JAS. G. MAUL, O. H. WALTON,
A. A. BRADLEY, G. W. ASHBURN,
D. G. COTLING, T. G. CAMPBELL,
S. W. BEAIRD, J. H. CALDWELL,
W. H.-ROZAR, G. W. CHATTERS,
L. G. W. MINOR, R. ALEXANDER,
P. B. BEDFORD, J. E. BRYANT,
JOHN MURPHY, B. CONLEY,
ALFRED BOWDOIN, W. L. CLIFT,
FLOYD WOOTEN, ISAAC SEELEY,
GEORGE HARLAN, W. N. NOBLE,
WM. C. CARSON, J. A. JACKSON,
JOHN T. COSTIN, JAMES STEWART,
J. C. CASEY, C. H. PRINCE,
H. M. TURNER, J. M. RICE."
Mr. Langston replied :
"Atlanta, Ga., Feb. nth, 1868.
"MESSRS. J. E. BRYANT, H. M. TURNER, B. CONLEY, J. H. CALDWELL,
and others, members of the Constitutional Convention of Georgia:
" Gentlemen :
" Your letter of this date, in which you invite me to speak in the hall
of your convention, is before me. I thank you for this kind invitation, and
the expression of confidence which it indicates.
" It will meet my convenience to speak to-morrow night. The subject of my
remarks will be . The status of the Colored American.
" With sentiments of high consideration, I have the honor to be,
" Your most obedient servant,
" JOHN MERCER LANGSTON."
294 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
A very large and beautiful audience assembled to hear
the address delivered on this occasion, and the " Atlanta
Daily New Era," of the thirteenth of February, expressed
its estimate of the speaker and his effort in the following
language :
" A large and attentive audience of both races assembled at the hall of the
convention last evening to listen to the address of Mr. Langston, the cele-
brated colored orator from Ohio. The theme was the right of the colored race
to American citizenship, and it was discussed in a manner that fully estab-
lished the reputation the orator has gained throughout the country."
The extent and importance of Mr. Langston's labors in
connection with the schools, the educational and general
advancement of the emancipated classes of the country,
deserve here special emphasis. He labored assiduously and
wisely in every State and city which he visited to those
ends, always doing his utmost to inspire both parents and
children with the necessity, would they achieve proper
standing in the community and win success and happiness
in life, to do all in their power to cultivate those sacred,
valuable advantages of education and improvement, with-
out which no race could be elevated. He reached and
impressed thus thousands of children found in the schools,
while through his influence hundreds of the most interest-
ing, intelligent, worthy young boys and girls of the race
were stimulated to earnest and persistent efforts for their
advancement. Thousands of parents who otherwise would
have hesitated and faltered in their duty, were stirred and
encouraged by the words and counsels impressed by Mr.
Langston in his addresses. Wherever he addressed the
freed people, he was fortunate in the attention given him
and the goodly impressions which he was able to make
upon the minds of his hearers. Besides, he was often able
to so advise principals and teachers of the schools as to add
greatly to their efficiency and success in their work.
Of the great number of state educational conventions,
the large gatherings convening in connection with the laying
of cornerstones of universities, colleges and schools, as at
LABORS IN THE SOUTH. 295
Atlanta, Nashville and other places, and meetings held
upon commencement occasions, where the services of Mr.
Langston were asked and had, mention only may be made,
without details which would prove without doubt interest-
ing and pleasing. Reports, however, of all labors made in
such behalf through the Bureau and its officers, attest the
value as well as the earnestness and efficiency of their per-
formance.
Among the most agreeable things connected with his
tours, his labors and his experiences under the Freedmen's
Bureau in the South, was the cordial welcome which he
received everywhere from the devoted, laborious, self-
sacrificing workers, mostly white persons, who having left
pleasant Northern homes and families, had gone among the
emancipated classes, where they gave their services gener-
ally upon the most limited remuneration, sometimes with-
out pay, to the education and elevation of the ex-slaves.
But the consideration above all others which renders him
satisfaction in largest measure in connection with his
labors is found in the fact that so many of the young boys
and young girls whom he found in the schools of the freed
people of the Southern States, have since by diligence,
perseverance, industry and good conduct, won for themselves
respectability, influence, usefulness, and name in the com-
munity. One of this class of representative young colored
men, having reached exalted useful position and won
national name for himself as an educator and orator, has
recently died and been buried, amid universal regret and
sorrow, in the soil of his own native State of North Caro-
lina. Dr. John C. Price, the president of Livingstone Col-
lege, so active, energetic and useful in life, shall not be
forgotten nor lose his influence in death !
CHAPTER XX.
HE FOUNDS AND ORGANIZES TH-E LAW DEPARTMENT OF
HOWARD UNIVERSITY AND IS MADE ITS VICE AND ACT-
ING PRESIDENT.
As an educational instrumentality, crowning the work
which had been done in that behalf in the interest of the
freed people by the government through the Freedmen's
Bureau, with Gen. O. O. Howard as its commissioner, How-
ard University had been founded and located at Washing-
ton city, the capital of the nation. Very properly it bore
the name of the man who projected it and mainly contrib-
uted to the possibility and fact of its erection. If he could
be personally honored in having his name used thus and
the memory of his efforts in behalf of the freed people per-
petuated, it was all well, for his conduct and success in
this respect merited signal, conspicuous commemoration.
It was well, too, that a great liberal university, proposing
to embrace and offer in its comprehensive curriculum all
those subjects of education necessary to a complete and fin-
ished classical and professional training, should have estab-
lished in connection with it and under its control a law
department whose course of study should offer every op-
portunity and means according to the best and most varied
standard for legal preparatory accomplishment. That ne-
cessity was met in the establishment of the law department
of Howard University in 1868. After this decision, the
question naturally arose as to who should be called to the
296
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 297
high dignity and responsibility of organizing this depart-
ment— the first law school known in the world for the spe-
cial education of colored youth, male and female. And yet
this school was to be so conducted that there should be no
exclusion of any person seeking its advantages. Indeed, it
was the hope of all concerned that its wise, efficient man-
agement would offer inducements calculated to bring at
least a respectable number of white students to its member-
ship and instruction.
It is apparent upon the least reflection that the person
called to manage the enterprise ought to bring to his work
large and various general scholarship ; ought to be master
of extended, minute and accurate knowledge of the law,
with easy and effective methods of imparting instruction in
it ; with such business experience and habits as would make
him successful, while moderate and sagacious in the man-
agement of the undertaking. The whole country was
open to the Board of Trustees. They might make any se-
lection they saw fit. They were not limited even by the
want of means, and they might have with great propriety
under the circumstances, since they were not circumscribed
by any considerations of complexion or nationality, honored
in their choice some distinguished white lawyer. At this
time there was but a single limitation, according to the
rules and regulations of the university, governing the trus-
tees and restricting them in the choice of their teachers and
professors. This limitation was found in a provision of the
by-laws requiring that all persons in order to be eligible to
professorships, must be members of some evangelical
church in good and regular standing.
According to this rule Mr. Langston was ineligible, and
when General Howard, in accordance with the action of the
Board of Trustees and by their direction, notified him by
written communication in which he inclosed marked copy
of the by-laws, inviting his attention to the provision named,
he was compelled to return reply to the effect that he could
not accept the position of professor of law, to which
according to his letter he had been elected, since he was
298 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
not a member of any church and had not concluded to join
one. Thereupon, however, the Board of Trustees abrogated
that regulation, and thus made Mr. Langston eligible by
their action to the professorship which they tendered him,
and he was unanimously elected thereto on the twelfth day
of October, 1868. Within a reasonable time after this
action, he proceeded to the organization of the department ;
not however until as late as September, 1869, after he had
terminated his relations with the Freedman's Bureau.
In the regular organization of the department there were
appointed as his assistant professors, Hon. A. G. Riddle and
Judge Charles C. Nott, and as instructor, Mr. Henry D.
Beam, all these persons being white lawyers of excellent
name and standing, bringing to the department, therefore,
large and commanding influence. The department was
successful in the numbers, the character and the conditions
of its students from the beginning. Its first class numbered
ten persons, one lady and nine gentlemen. All completing
the course regularly, according to requirement, after a
thorough examination upon every branch of the law, were
graduated and admitted to practice in the Supreme Court
of the District of Columbia. The course embraced three
years of time, and the students were required to pursue
with diligence and regularity, under their several lecturers,
professors and instructor, all branches of the law, with exer-
cises in a well-organized and thoroughly conducted moot
court, held every two weeks. The forensic exercises, con-
sisting of disserations, addresses and debates, with what was
known in the department as " the extemporaneous ora-
tion " on law topics, held weekly under the direction of the
dean, were calculated really to fit a student in thorough and
complete manner for the duties and labors in the office and
the court house, of an attorney and counsellor at law and
solicitor in chancery.
So far as the recitations, the exercises of the moot
court and the extemporaneous oration were concerned,
special effort was employed to make each most thorough
and advantageous. The extemporaneous oration was em-
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 299
ployed to develop in the students ease, grace and effect
in what might be termed impromptu forensic address, and
to cultivate in them readiness and accuracy of thought, with
immediate command and control of their knowledge bear-
ing upon any subject put in issue and debate. This exer-
cise was found to be in the beginning exceedingly difficult,
and from it students as a rule drew back, preferring to
write and commit to memory. However, after they had
contracted the habit, to some extent, of excogitation, or of
calling to mind their information and learning, holding all
in memory, fitting the dress to the thought and presenting
the same in natural, graceful manner, according to the occa-
sion and its requirements, this exercise became altogether
acceptable, and discovered in many cases the greatest possi-
ble versatility and power of address. It was found to be
true as a result of this exercise, that very soon the young
man who could not extemporize as required for the short-
est possible period in his exercises, became finally often a
steady, effective speaker, as easy and natural as a born
orator. It would be difficult to find a single student trained
by this method, who was not according to the ordinary
standards of oratory an effective speaker.
The exercises of the moot court, including the draft of
all papers, the management of every sort of suit involv-
ing the principles and rules of law, both civil and criminal,
with the practice of the courts, fitted one, in the mastery of
himself, his general knowledge as well as that of the law and
its practice, for active, earnest work in his profession. These
exercises were conducted under the immediate supervision
and direction of the instructor, Mr. Beam, who besides his
large natural interest therein, was admirably fitted for their
conduct by his extended and various knowledge of ordinary
legal practice.
Besides such exercises, calculated to work the results in-
dicated, the lecture system of instruction was diligently and
thoroughly cultivated. It would be found difficult, indeed,
to offer any students lecturers more acceptable and efficient
in a class-room than Mr. Riddle and Judge Nott, both pos-
300 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
sessing great aptness in the art of imparting instruction,
with such agreeable manner as to gain and hold the attention
of the most indifferent student. With the recitation system
as thoroughly and diligently cultivated, it would be quite
impossible for any student with average ability and ordi-
nary learning, to pursue the course for the time required
with only tolerably fair diligence, without mastering its
various branches of study. Careful examination at the
opening of every recitation and lecture was made with the
class upon such portion of study as had been considered at
a former meeting, so that it was quite difficult for any one
of the students to pass any class duty in his studies unim-
proved.
All recitations, lectures and other exercises of the depart-
ment, except the Sunday morning lecture, were had in the
evening, after five o'clock. Such was the good understanding
with President Grant and his cabinet officers, during both
his terms of the presidency, so far as Howard University
and its educational work were concerned, that Mr. Langston
was able to secure for his students of the law department,
clerical and other positions of service under the government.
Thus, by working during the day, they could earn fully all
means required for their support and education, including
all text-books which they might need. Indeed, some of the
students received such monthly remuneration as to enable
them to save means for future use, after they had met every
ordinary necessary outlay. At times Mr. Langston had as
many as a hundred persons, male and female, colored and
white, thus located, while pursuing their studies as his law
students. General Grant was especially interested in the
education of colored youth, and in more than a hundred
ways showed his deep concern for the success of Howard
University and the work of its law department.
As the faculty of the department was organized with Mr.
Langston as its dean, as already intimated, and Mr. Beam
its secretary, it became the duty of the former to deliver a
course of lectures to the students upon professional ethics.
These lectures, involving full exposition of those branches of
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITV. 301
intellectual and moral philosophy so essential to strong, firm
basis even in a thorough understanding of the law, were pre-
pared and delivered with great care. The wise comprehen-
sion of the ethics of the profession was calculated to inspire
a high ideal of its dignity and aim in the student, with such
sense of honor and courteous, considerate conduct as to give
him favor and influence finally, with the client, the court
and the jury. And this the lecturer appreciating, sought to
impress upon the students. The lectures were delivered
during each term from nine to ten o'clock every Sunday
morning, in the principal lecture room of the department.
All the law students were required to attend, and it was in
no sense an irksome duty for a single one. Besides, it was
common for large miscellaneous attendance of the university
generally, and their friends, to manifest their interest in
the exercises.
Not infrequently this Sunday lecture of the dean, like
the forensic exercises and the moot court, was visited by
distinguished, scholarly persons; sometimes those learned
in the law, as well as at others those conspicuous among
leading thinkers ; who often by their words as well as their
presence, complimented and honored the school. Some-
times these Sabbath morning exercises were made great
occasions of note and influence when some distinguished
philosopher or lawyer addressed the students.
The friends of the university will not forget how mem-
orable these exercises were made on a certain Sabbath
morning, when on the invitation of the dean, Ralph Waldo
Emerson visited the department and upon an urgent ap-
peal made to him, addressed the students, telling them as
no other man could do what books they should read. This
lecture, reported by a sort of providence, without any spe-
cial arrangement therefor, carried the school in name and
influence around the world. For how could Emerson speak
under such circumstances, before such an audience, with-
out sending his words as on the wings of the wind to the
uttermost parts of creation ! So his address appearing in
the " New York Tribune" the following Monday morning,
302 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
went on its mission, to be read as it moved in every language,
by every student who would improve himself as he purified
and elevated his soul, through those impalpable though real
agencies whose lasting influence in their immortal presence
forever attract and win the spirit of those who find com-
panionship with great authors in their written printed teach-
ings. But this lecture was worth more to the student than
the lessons taught in its illustration of sentiment and doc-
trine. It was a practical enforcement and exposition be-
yond all comparison as to the admirable condition in which
one finds himself when forced to summon all his thoughts
and learning for a pressing occasion, and when he is com-
pelled, standing upon his feet or seated in the lecturer's chair,
to dress his thoughts, the creations of his imagination and
his learning, presenting the whole in such logical order and
scholarly method as to charm and impress those who hear,
admire and applaud. Here was forceful illustration of the
good effects of the " extemporaneous oration," seen in its
golden fruits as employed by the philosopher and scholar
par excellence of the country.
On this occasion, in hesitating.to address the class when
first asked to do so by the dean, Mr. Emerson stated that
it was not his habit as a rule to speak without careful prep-
aration. Consenting however, finally, his performance dem-
onstrated how easily one, the master of himself and his
powers, thoughts and knowledge, can use even upon the
spur of the moment, in impressive, winning style, with
grace of diction and effective imagination, those command-
ing ideas, principles and maxims which constitute the rules
of education and moral growth. No exercise was ever per-
mitted in the law department of Howard University on
Sunday morning, the lesson of which, with the impressions
made, did not tend to the highest professional, ethical
instruction of the students. And, perhaps, no address ever
exerted larger influence for good to the students than this
one of the noted philosopher of New England.
Mr. Langston, with his associates, professors and in-
structor in this department, served for seven years, and in
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 303
every sense and particular there was sustained among them
absolute harmony of purpose and effort. To speak of
Hon. A. G. Riddle as a lawyer of first-class ability, accom-
plishment and influence, possessing national name, and as
being a lecturer of rare qualities of learning and effective
address, is not to compliment him specially, only to do him
simple justice in unvarnished phrase. To speak of Judge
Nott as a lawyer occupied constantly with those matters of
professional thought and effort of exalted and intricate
character, and thus made familiar with the law in its
science and letter by experience as well as study ; and
rendered the more competent to impart instruction with
regard thereto, in reliable, impressive manner ; expert and
apt as he was, naturally, in teaching, is to use such lan-
guage with respect to him as would indicate but poorly his
merit. As a conscientious and faithful instructor, earnest
and painstaking, well read in the law and enthusiastic in his
efforts to impart a knowledge of it to his students from the
text-books and otherwise, and as laborious in the skillful
and efficient management of the moot court, Mr. Henry
D. Beam won the respect, the confidence and the admiration
of his colleagues of the faculty and the students of the
department. Thus organized and constituted, the special
instructions and exercises of the department were con-
ducted for the whole time during which Mr. Langston
acted as professor and dean. The results accomplished
were, all things considered, entirely satisfactory.
It was in the law department of Howard University
that the first class of colored law students ever known in
the United States was organized, and for the first time in
the history of the world a young lady was found in the
class, sustaining full membership, who graduated with her
associates in June, 1872. Miss Charlotte B. Ray, leading all
her sisters in that course of study and with the full purpose
of professional labor, graduated with high honor. In all
her examinations and in the public exercises occurring in
connection with the graduation of the class, in which she took
part, reading a paper on Equity, as she had prepared it, this
304 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
young lady from New York city, the daughter of Rev.
Charles B. Ray, a person well and favorably known, showed
herself thoroughly fitted for service in her profession.
The students of the department were not only required
to pursue with care and master its curriculum, but to subject
themselves upon the close of the course in order to gradua-
tion to a final rigid written examination upon one hundred
carefully prepared questions covering the whole body of the
law in its theory and practice, in test of their qualifications
for admission to the Bar upon the diploma which might be
awarded them ; and to prepare to the approval of the dean,
commit to memory and deliver or read on Commencement
Day a dissertation upon some subject of the law selected by
the student. These commencement exercises were of a very
high order, and drew large audiences of the very best peo-
ple, white and colored, of Washington city to the First Con-
gregational church, where they were always held. It was
the uniform rule at their close to have the graduating class
addressed by some learned member of the profession. The
first class was addressed by Hon. Charles Sumner. He
had been engaged already to address on the same even-
ing the graduating class of the Columbia Law School, and
his remuneration had been fixed at a very large sum, when he
was invited by the dean to address this first class of colored
law graduates. However, when the invitation was presented
and the circumstances of the case were explained, especially
those features impressed that this was the first class of
young colored lawyers ever graduating in the world ; that no
man could so fitly address them as himself, and that no other
man should have the honor, Mr. Sumner forewent the
other engagement and consented to perform this duty.
His address was one of the finest, as it was one of the most
appropriate orations that it had ever been the privilege of
any graduating law class to hear. It was model and match-
less in sentiment, doctrine and diction, conveying to the
students such counsels and directions as they needed, about
to enter as they were upon untried ways to them and their
kindred, in a country where prejudice existed against them
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 305
on every hand, and yet where the great principles of law
in the light of which they must be elevated, if at all, were
to be discussed, expounded and enforced by legislative en-
actment and judicial construction and application.
After the graduation of the first class, others followed in
due course annually thereafter during Mr. Langston's con-
tinuance in charge of the department. It was at this time
that the very ablest young colored lawyers studied and gradu-
ated under his tuition. A large number of young white
persons also pursued their course of professional study
under his direction, graduating according to the circum-
stances of their several cases with the ordinary classes of the
department. Among those who pursued the course of
study now settled in business in various sections of the
country, may be mentioned Messrs. James C. Napier and
Josiah T. Settle, residing respectively at Nashville and
Memphis, Tennessee ; James H. O'Hara, Winston, North
Carolina ; Joseph E. Lee, Jacksonville, Florida ; D. A.
Straker, Detroit, Michigan ; E. H. Belcher, Atlanta, Geor-
gia; M. M. Holland, John A. Moss, Thomas B. Warwick,
J. W. Cromwell, William E. Matthews, John C. Rock,
James H. Smith, Will. H. Cole, Washington City, D. C. ;
A. N. Gage, G. W. Boyden, Chicago, Illinois ; James Rouse,
Bedford, Pennsylvania, and D. W. Stevens, Oberlin, Ohio.
Others might be named as having succeeded well in their
profession within the first ten or fifteen years after their
graduation, but who too prematurely sickened and died, in
some cases from exposure and overwork in their inhospita-
ble situations in the South ; while one or two were killed
because of their earnest and manly defense of dark-hued
clients, whom they sought to protect in the use of such le-
gal professional means as they deemed just and proper.
Among those of the first class referred to, all able as young
lawyers, well educated and promising, who had made their
mark before passing away, were Messrs. O. S. B. Wall,
John F. Quarlcs, John H. Cook, Charles N. Thomas, George
E. Johnson, George H. Mitchell, Abram W. Shadd, R. P.
Brooks, John H. Blanheim, William C. Roane, Edwin Bel-
306 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
cher, Charles N. Otey, H. O. Wagoner, Jr., Mary Shadd
Carey and James M. Adams, whose names and characters
are held in honorable memory by those who knew them ;
while among those whose lives were brought to violent
close in outrage and wrong must be recorded the name of
Mr. Nathaniel G. Wynn. He was engaged at the time of
his murder, in Lake Village, Chicot County, Arkansas,
where he had located, in defending a negro client against
whom public sentiment was unduly aroused and whose de-
fence, requiring earnest and vigorous effort, brought him in
contact and conflict with a baser class of society whose
leaders did not hesitate to plan and execute his assassina-
tion. He was a student of rare native and acquired
ability, of moderate though energetic habits of life, forceful
and eloquent in his utterances to the court and jury. He
made display always, of such skill and capacity in the man-
agement of a cause, as seemed to promise from the very
beginning success in its conduct.
The circumstances connected with the death of Captain
O. S. B. Wall were such as to justify special comment upon
his case. He had been practicing at the Bar regularly for
some years, winning not only a good name as a practitioner,
but making large gains by diligent and honorable manage-
ment of his business. It was while standing before the
court arguing a cause that he was stricken with paralysis.
He lingered for one year, broken in body and shattered in
intellect, most of the time helpless, with his reason gone,
dying in 1891, profoundly mourned by his relatives, friends
and patrons. Naturally a man of sterling qualities of char-
acter, improved greatly in all respects by his professional
education and training, he not only became a person of
broad general influence, but won the highest respect and
consideration of those who employed him as their attorney
and of those who knew him as a citizen, neighbor and mem-
ber of society.
Mr. John H. Cook, who died two years before Captain
Wall, his classmate, had won before his death high consider-
ation among the lawyers of the Washington Bar. In all
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 307
his efforts he displayed careful study, accurate knowledge,
with unusual tact and ability. While he was not eloquent
he possessed talent, application, industry and perseverance,
with such abundant fidelity to duty that he was recognized
by all as a most worthy, reliable and efficient attorney.
John F. Quarles, by appointment of Gen. U. S. Grant,
president of the United States, was in 1872, at the request
of Mr. Langston sent as United States consul to Barcelona,
He was continued in that service, as transferred by reap-
pointment of President Hayes subsequently to Malaga.
He served in this capacity in all seven years. Quitting
the service, on returning to this country he located as an
attorney and counsellor at law in New York city. When
he was taken sick and suddenly died, he had been located
in the metropolis, doing a large lucrative business meantime,
for five years. He had made such impression upon his
associates at the Bar and the court before which he chiefly
practiced, that honorable special action and notice were
made of his death, with record thereof placed upon the
records of the court. He was a young man of rare scholarly
accomplishment and promise, and his death has caused a
void which will be filled if at all, with greatest difficulty
from the ranks of his race.
Mr. James M. Adams, who died within the year 1892,
was a young white man of such sterling qualities of individ-
ual character and devotion to his duty as a Republican, fear-
less in the advocacy of the broadest liberal principles of
social equality, even as embracing all persons without dis-
tinction of complexion or nationality, that he is worthy of
emphatic, favorable mention here. Besides, he became a
lawyer of mark in the region of country where he lived and
died, and thus rendered himself a noted illustration of ear-
nest and successful professional achievement.
Indeed the graduates of this department while under the
management of Mr. Langston, discovered in their practice
wherever situated such preparation for service and such
appreciation of professional obligation and duty that they,
so far as attempts were made by them to perform the ser-
308 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
vices of the attorney and counsellor at law, won marked
and influential positions as members of the Bar.
As the name and character of the law department of the
university became known and the results of its training
were made manifest, an increasing number of white students
joined it and pursued, with their colored associates, its reg-
ular courses of study, many of them graduating with honor
and satisfaction to their friends. Several such persons in
different parts of the country are now occupying conspicu-
ous and desirable positions in the profession.
No class graduated without a parting word from the
dean delivered immediately after he had presented the di-
plomas, and it was always one of counsel and encourage-
ment. Every State of the South had its representatives in
the law department ; several of the North were also repre-
sented, and quite a number of persons from the West In-
dies attended upon its instructions.
All the students of the department entertained and mani-
fested uniformly toward their dean special respect and
affection. They not only yielded ready obedience to every
rule and regulation prescribed, but every request and sug-
gestion of his was accepted by them in the spirit of real
docility, with cheerfulness and gratitude. He was regarded
and treated by them as a parent and benefactor. On a
noted and memorable occasion in February, 1870, the stu-
dents of the department provided, at large outlay to them,
certain articles of silverware, jewelry, cane and books,
copies of Shakespeare's works, constituting a gift of rare
richness and value, which with considerable and becoming
circumstance and ceremony they presented to the dean, in
expression of their high esteem and appreciation of him.
The presentation, made in the presence of an imposing au-
dience of their friends in the lecture hall of the depart-
ment, was an impressive aud brilliant affair. The articles
were greatly admired, selected as they were with taste and
judgment. They are valued and preserved as sacred heir-
looms, and the donors are remembered with sentiments of
profound regard and gratitude.
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 309
Perhaps no instructor ever found his students more
thoroughly devoted to him, or more appreciative of his ser-
vices rendered in their interest. All of them were cared for
so far as necessary, not only in matters of study and
scholarly culture, but in those material needed wants con-
nected with their daily life and labors. Mr. Langston
counts that his happiest days of professional labor were
those spent by him in service in the law department of
Howard University, and he counts them useful and honor-
able as he was permitted to start the foremost colored youth
of the country upon those lofty dignified ways of the law,
of which they and their fathers had known nothing in their
experience. The results of his labors in this behalf are
grateful and pleasing to him as he marks and considers the
high standing already gained by the young lawyers, white
and colored, who studying under his tuition and taking
their diplomas of graduation from his hands, have won dis-
tinction and standing at the American Bar.
As Gen. O. O. Howard had given Mr. Langston the
position of general inspector of the Bureau of Refugees,
Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, so he had been instru-
mental in bringing him to the high scholarly, professional
place in the institution of learning which bore his name.
There seemed to be very little left in honorable promotion,
with opportunity for dignified useful labor, which this
friend could accomplish through his further efforts in this
direction. But the time came in 1873, when his circum-
stances and duties were such that change and readjustment
must be made in the presidency of the university. It
seemed to be absolutely necessary that General Howard
should retire altogether therefrom and a successor be pro-
vided for the place ; or provision be made should he remain
president in name, for a vice-president who should be in
fact the acting president of the university.
It was entirely natural under the circumstances that that
course in the premises be pursued and that such person
be selected for duty as the projector and chief patron of
the university might suggest and recommend. General
3io FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Howard had been in management of the university for
some time, and in that capacity had manifested in his work
such conscientiousness and sincerity, with such sagacity and
moderation as from his experience and reputation might
have been expected. Who then could be so well qualified
to advise, counsel and direct those in authority, as this
friend of the university and this person so entirely
acquainted with its condition and necessities ? His words
were very properly considered to be those of an impartial
and well-informed promoter of an enterprise which was
perhaps in his estimation, above all others important and
sacred.
The trustees had convened in regular meeting, with an
unusually large attendance. The deans of the several
departments of the university, according to a well-established
regulation, were also present. The president in opening
the meeting, had offered one of his most solemn, earnest
prayers, asking the Lord to enlarge the understandings and
enlighten the minds of those in authority, so that they
might meet and discharge with due wisdom any duty
which might be imposed upon them in furtherance of the
university whose interests they held in their control. It
was not known, nor did anyone imagine why General
Howard should, under the circumstances, thus invoke with
such peculiar feeling the influences of the Spirit. No one
understood that he was about to make a communication as
to himself, his relations to the university and his prospec-
tive movements, which would affect so deeply and seriously
every person present. No one could have believed in
advance of his own statement, that he could entertain and
propose any change in his attitude to the presidency of the
university. His position therein seemed to be from fitness
and propriety, permanent and unchangeable.
However, so soon as the ordinary pressing business of
the meeting had been disposed of, General Howard made
known formally his purpose of leaving Washington city
within a short time, for duty in connection with the army
in a distant part of the country. He also submitted in the
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 311
same statement, that under the rules and regulations estab-
lished by the trustees he would be compelled to resign the
presidency of the university. This announcement was both
surprising and affecting. However, recovering somewhat
from its immediate effect, while they fully appreciated the
results to follow the separation, the Board of Trustees and
the friends present entered, as in duty bound, promptly
upon the consideration of what should be done.
At once, in anxious profound attention, all gave audience
as they ought to have done to General Howard, who in
clear concise manner described his circumstances, with expla-
nation of the causes which necessitated the action proposed.
He indicated, also, what might be done in the way of
provision for filling the vacancy which must occur upon his
resignation. If his resignation should be accepted, to take
effect at once, a successor might be elected and inaugurated
without delay. Should he be permitted to absent himself
for an indefinite period, while holding the presidency nomi-
nally, a vice-presidency might be established and filled, the
person called to that place serving from his inauguration as
the acting president of the university.
So far explanations and suggestions had been made and
the Board of Trustees were giving attention to them, when
Mr. Langston, the dean of the law department, and Professor
Westcott, the dean of the college department, were re-
quested by the president himself to retire from the meeting
for a few moments; but they were asked at the same time,
not to go beyond the quick and easy reach of the meeting,
as they might be needed. These gentlemen retired. Why
they were asked to do so, neither understood ; nor did it
occur to either, that any question with respect to change in
his relations to the university was to be discussed. Cer-
tainly, the dean of the law department could not have
thought that his name would be in any wise considered with
respect to the executiveship of the university. It was true
that at the time the law department was in a most flour-
ishing condition, with large attendance and increasing
promise. However, its dean did not, in view of these facts,
3i2 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
connect his name with such promotion as was implied in an
election to the vice-presidency of the university.
About one hour had elapsed when Professors Westcott and
Langston were invited to return. They had but taken their
seats in the Board, when the president addressing Professor
Langston, made to him what was a most surprising and un-
expected announcement. It was that he had not been per-
mitted to resign ; that he had been given by the trustees an
indefinite leave of absence ; that provision had been made
for the establishment of a vice-presidency, and that on
the recommendation and request of himself, he (Professor
Langston) had been elected unaminously to fill the posi-
tion. He further explained that under the circumstances
the vice-president would take immediate, uninterrupted
charge of the university ; that he would adopt his own pol-
icy as to its management, and that the president would
not interfere with him, other than as he sustained and
promoted him in his work. He added that so far as
the salary connected with the vice-presidency was concerned,
it had been fixed at fifteen hundred dollars per annum, and
that there should be no interruption or disturbance of Pro-
fessor Langston's relations to the law department, it being
understood that he should continue his services as pro-
fessor and dean therein.
Urged to decide and make known his acceptance of the
vice-presidency at once, since Professor Langston ques-
tioned in his own mind his ability and fitness for such high
place, with its various and trying responsiblities, he asked
under the circumstances to be given a few hours, until the
next morning, to accept or decline it. Upon the adjourn-
ment of the meeting he had a full, free talk with General
Howard, who assured him that he would render every
assistance practicable to make his administration agree-
able and successful ; that he personally desired very much
that Professor Langston should take charge of the univer*
sity, and that he had accordingly recommended him. He
also said to him, " You must not decline this honor,
although it brings grave resonsibilities and arduous duties."
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 313
" Your success," he continued, " in the management and
direction of the law department, shows that you possess all
those qualities of character, learning and experience, neces-
sary to make an efficient and honorable record in this higher
and more responsible scholarly capacity." Thus assured and
encouraged, Professor Langston accepted the vice and act-
ing presidency of the university. He was duly inducted
into office and entered at once upon the discharge of its
duties.
While there was deep general regret that General Howard
found it necessary for him to practically resign his connec-
tion with the presidency of the university and put its
management in other hands,; it is a fact that Mr. Langston's
appointment, as indicated, was received with great favor and
popular approval. Whatever changes he found it necessary
to make in any of the departments, and whatever regulations
he deemed it proper to adopt for the general good of the
university, were kindly and cordially approved by the
authorities. Students increased in numbers ; the university
grew in favor, and the professors as well as the patrons
were pleased with the evidences discovered on all sides of
the success which was promised in the new and vigorous
administration. The business condition of the university
was not disturbed ; really it was improved by close and
economical financial management. Indigent students found
themselves provided for and their interests wisely conserved.
The encouraging and fostering influence of the new execu-
tive was felt no more in the law department, which he
loved as the child of his own creation, than in the collegiate,
the normal, the medical and the theological. Very soon
there was no student under his control who did not recog-
nize him as his friend, interested alike in his progress as a
student and general prosperity and happiness. All confided
in him, and without hesitation brought all matters of anxiety,
trouble and disappointment to him, feeling assured that in
him they would find a willing sympathizing counsellor.
The professors and teachers in all the departments sus-
tained him in every effort made to promote any special
314 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
interest, and in every one of general character, concerning
the whole university. In all public exercises, as in all
the duties of the various faculties, as they respected ordi-
nary instruction and discipline, he enjoyed constantly the
encouragement and the support of all called to authority.
Indeed, the harmony obtaining throughout the university
among professors and students, as far as the acting presi-
dent was concerned, with cordial good understanding, was
most unusual and signal.
The first year of his administration was closing when the
Board of Trustees convened in their regular annual meeting
and Mr. Langston was called to preside for the first time.
This meeting was held in June and about the commence-
ment time. It found the vice-president in the midst of
those duties which were naturally connected with the clos-
ing scenes of the academical year of the university, and
such exercises as were usual at that time. Everything had
moved smoothly as indicated, and the prosperity of the
university as well as its good order was apparent. In this
meeting, held June 17, 1874, the Board of Trustees adopted
unanimously and transmitted to Mr. Langston its action
as follows :
" Rev. George Whipple moved that the Board of Trustees express their
thanks to Prof. John M. Langston for the manner in which he has discharged
the duties of acting president, and we will give him our hearty support in all
his efforts to sustain and carry out the policy of this Board as developed at
this annual meeting."
Subsequently, on the 3Oth day of June of the same year,
as Mr. Langston was opening the public exercises of the
normal department in the college chapel in the evening of
that day, General Howard, in attendance upon the meeting
of the Board of Trustees then in session and as commis-
sioned by such body, entering the chapel, asked permission
to interrupt the exercises at their very beginning for a few
minutes. Attention was given him accordingly, when step-
ping upon the platform, he delivered to the acting president
in the presence of the crowded audience of students and
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 315
friends of the university, a most remarkable though brief
address, complimenting him upon his successful manage-
ment of the affairs of the university up to that time, and
stating that the trustees had found themselves so pleased
therewith that they had directed him to present the follow-
resolution, which had just been unanimously adopted by
the board.
" Resolved : That the Degree of Doctor of Laws be and is hereby conferred
on Prof. John M. Langston, Vice-President of this Board of Trustees."
This resolution, afterward duly engrossed, was presented
in formal communication. It is needless to state that the
address of General Howard with the action of the Board of
Trustees, as explained by him, was received with the liveliest
demonstrations of approval and applause by all who heard
him. It was difficult indeed for Mr. Langston to even
express his thanks in the simplest manner, by reason of the
popular protracted exhibition of general favor showing
itself for many minutes, even in uncontrollable outbursts.
Among other testimonials which may be adduced to
show how, even in his rigid and thorough discipline had in
the management of the university, Mr. Langston succeeded,
the following extracts taken from an article written by Mr.
Yardley Warner and published in " The Freedmen's Moni-
tor " for the month of November, 1874, after a visit paid to
it and a careful examination of each of its departments, are
presented :
" The institution (Howard University) has just become erect and solid. The
piles of her fabric have just been driven down to the hard pan prepared to
bear the superstructure which the industry of the freedmen and the liberality
of their friends will soon lay upon them. The local administration is the true
and the vigorous ; the right man has come to the front at last — John M. Lang-
ston, acting president. Talk to Mr. Langston closely ; inspect everything and
everywhere. See a moral standard higher and upborne more faithfully than
that of any college in the South, if not than any in the North. No smoking
nor spitting of any sort in the chapel nor in any of the rooms ; the most
thorough and easy discipline and a very happy social temper pervading the
whole community inside the walls."
During the entire time of his administration called to
316 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
make no compromise with student, professor, or officer of
the university calculated to disturb or lower his standard
of authority and discipline, Mr. Langston maintained with
equanimity and moderation the good order and prosperity
of the entire institution. During this time, as acting presi-
dent, he addressed the graduating class of each department,
holding such views, if addressing one graduating from the
normal department, or one from the college, or one from
the theological, or the law or the medical, as seemed cal-
culated to elevate and sustain the ethics of the profession to
be pursued, and to stimulate active and earnest purpose in
the cultivation of those sacred, holy things of learning and
science, to be gained and mastered would one succeed in the
highest and truest sense in the calling of his choice.
Having served the institution as professor of law and
dean of the law department for seven full years, and as
vice and acting president for two years of such term, after
he had attended to ever}' duty connected with the com-
mencement exercises, presided at the annual meeting of the
Board of Trustees, and had presented to them his annual
report, showing the general and financial condition of the
university, in June, 1876, Mr. Langston feeling that the
time had arrived when a president should be provided by
due election and inauguration for the institution, tendered
his resignation. He felt that the time had come, with the
conditions of the school, then, in every sense good and its
prospect for usefulness promising, for the trustees to elect
a president, who entering upon his duties with earnestness
and vigor, assured of hearty support, with means, might
make the university an educational power representative of
the highest style of American scholarship, morality and
Christian influence. In order to this end, he believed that
a president of marked individual personal character, large
and general reputation as a scholar and educator, and ac-
knowledged efficiency in general business, should be elected.
He held that such distinct individual character and power,
with ample knowledge of and sympathy with the great body
of persons to be educated at the university, were indispen-
LAW DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 317
sable to its success. His resignation was accepted, but his
name was mentioned with no little emphasis in connection
with the presidency now to be filled, by the colored mem-
bers especially, of the Board of Trustees. Finally, however,
the Rev. George Whipple, the leading member of the Board
of Trustees, and at the time the secretary of the American
Missionary Association, was elected to fill the vacancy. It
is due all concerned that it be stated that every colored
trustee voted for Mr. Langston, while every white one
voted for Mr. Whipple. However, Mr. Whipple did not ac-
cept the position, and when Mr. Langston left, his associ-
ates of the law department left also, and the university was
for some time without a president. In no sense or manner
was any objection or criticism made by any trustee or
officer of the university, at any time during Mr. Langston's
administration, of his conduct or management of its affairs.
And to this day no words of censure or faultfinding have
been heard in such regard, against him. In the seven years
of service as professor of law and dean of the law de-
partment, and vice and acting president of Howard Uni-
versity, the record which he made is one of which he may
not be at all ashamed, but the rather satisfied and proud.
CHAPTER XXI.
PRESIDENT GRANT APPOINTS HIM A MEMBER OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
ON the fifteenth day of March, 1871, President U. S.
Grant, " resposing special trust and confidence in the
integrity, diligence and discretion of" John M. Langston,
appointed him a member of the Board of Health for the
District of Columbia. Such responsibility and honor had
never been conferred upon a colored man before in the
United States, either in connection with the national or
any state government. He was the first and perhaps the
only sanitarian that his race had produced so far as this
country was concerned. The honor and the responsibility
came without solicitation, and to the surprise of the one
who was dignified by it. He had not supposed that in the
creation of this sanitary organ any one of his particular
class would be considered, even by a Republican admin-
istration, in the appointment and commission of those who
should compose its membership ; especially, since no repre-
sentative of that class had claimed such technical knowl-
edge, or gained such experience as to make his case one
warranting that action in his behalf. It is true, however,
that Mr. Langston was given the appointment in view of
the fact that he was a lawyer by profession, and the Board
of Health would, in addition to the services of learned and
distinguished doctors, and an able lay member taken from
DR.T. S. VERDI..
BOARD OF HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
DR. c. c. cox.
APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH. 319
the more advanced and active business class, need those of
an efficient and vigorous attorney.
Created for special and well-defined objects having con-
cern for the public health of the national capital and the
District of Columbia, under a law passed by Congress Feb-
ruary 2ist, 1871, providing for and conferring authority and
power in that regard, new indeed to all the people of the
United States, and needing exact construction in order to
its wise enforcement, it might be supposed very properly
that persons eminent in their professions, noted for their
technical knowledge, resulting as well from their experience
and observation as reading and study, would be called to
constitute the personnel of such Board. And, indeed, the
rule indicated seems to have been the one which the presi-
dent followed in the selection of the persons who should
direct and control the service about to be inaugurated.
Provision was made for the appointment of five persons,
with salaries, each, at the rate of three thousand dollars per
year.
Since all that broad field of science which had to do with
all those nuisances troublesome and destructive to the
public health must be explored, it was proper that at least
three of the five persons to. be named should be gentlemen
of the medical profession, well and thoroughly read gen-
erally in their calling, and specially, if possible, with respect
to the subjects implied as falling within the purview and
scope of their authority and of their control. It was, too,
proper under the circumstances, that the great branches of
the medical profession, Allopathic and Homoeopathic,
should each be represented in a national health organ
located as this was, finding its jurisdiction within the Dis-
trict of Columbia. Accordingly, the president selected
Drs. C. C. Cox and D. W. Bliss as the representatives of
the first, and Dr. T. S. Verdi of the second, the latter stand-
ing among the first members of his school.
Grave questions of business importance would necessarily
arise with respect to the application and enforcement of those
provisions of the law which respected the prevention of
320 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
domestic animals from running at large within the cities of
Washington and Georgetown ; the establishment of one or
more pounds therein ; the collection and removal of offals
therefrom, and the expenditure of all funds appropriated
for those purposes. Hence the propriety of appointing a
man of broad business knowledge and understanding, com-
petent to the wise and effective discharge of any duty
which might be involved in any action taken under the law.
The Hon. John Marbury, Jr. was appointed, therefore, such
member of the Board. But if doctors were needed and a
business man to secure, according to the learning and ability
of each, the wise and efficient enforcement of a law whose
provisions were comparatively new and whose purposes had
not been attempted hitherto in the District of Columbia,
where more than a hundred thousand people were found,
many of them persons of wealth and influence, and a large
proportion of them utterly opposed to that law and any
effort at its execution, how could the Board hope to suc-
ceed without the learning, skill and labors of a lawyer?
Hence the appointment of John M. Langston as the
lawyer of the Board by President Grant, to whom he was
debtor for many marks of exalted consideration during his
administration of the government. The expression of con-
fidence and esteem made by the president in this appoint-
ment has always been profoundly and gratefully regarded.
The first meeting of the members of the Board was
informal, and held at the office of the then governor of the
District of Columbia just after each one had received his
commission and taken the oath of office. The object in
meeting at this time and at that place was to make the
acquaintance of each other and to gain, so far as practica-
ble, full understanding from Gov. H. D. Cooke as to his
expectations of service from the Board, under the law
establishing it and prescribing its powers and duties. At
this time Mr. Langston had not met one of his future col-
leagues, nor had he made the acquaintance of the governor.
Hence he entered the office and the presence of the meet-
ing unheralded and without introduction, to take his seat
APPOINTED A MEMBER or THE BOARD OF HEALTH. 321
apart and to receive no recognition until after the gentle-
men other than himself, members of the Board, had been
fully addressed by the governor in answer to such ques-
tions as they had seen fit to ask him, and such suggestions
with respect to the enforcement of the law concerning the
sanitary service as they had deemed it prudent and agree-
able to make. In fact, the governor was ready to retire
and the gentlemen to separate, when Mr. Langston begged
of Governor Cooke the privilege of putting to him with a
little more precision and definiteness two or three ques-
tions upon as many provisions of the organic law creating
the Board and defining its authority. It was apparent from
the appearance of the governor and the look of the mem-
bers present, that it was necessary for Mr. Langston to give
the authority at once by which he appeared in that gath-
ering and essayed to catechise his excellency. Perceiving
this, he made haste, taking his commission out of his
pocket, to state that he had been appointed a member of
the Board ; that he had just taken the oath of office before
the secretary of the District, and by him had been directed
to appear at once at this meeting. Thereupon he was rec-
ognized, and was permitted to present his inquiries accord-
ingly. In view of the questions put, it is but just to say
that two very distinct things were discovered by all present.
One was that Mr. Langston, who now engaged in conversa-
tion with the governor, putting questions to him which,
when he did not seem to be quite at home in answering, so
assisted him by his skillful suggestions and insinuations as
to show himself fairly informed, even as a lawyer, as to the
subjects upon which the conversation was had. The sec-
ond was that the knowledge already shown by the governor
and other members of the Board and the information
imparted were neither full nor exhaustive ; not even suf-
ficient for wise and comprehensive action under the law.
Mr. Langston so soon as advised of his appointment had
not only read and studied with care the provisions of the
act creating the Board, but he had secured and read dili-
gently the sanitary reports and proceedings of the Boards of
322 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Health of Massachusetts and New York, and his questions
and answers in his interview with Governor Cooke were
largely founded upon and reflected such information as he
had gained from those sources. It served however to put
him immediately in new and pleasant relations, personally,
with the members of the Board, who from that time treated
him in all respects with kindly, impartial consideration.
The governor thereafter, too, always displayed the most
cordial, considerate respect for him.
Shortly after this occurrence the members of the Board
held their first formal meeting in rooms provided for that
purpose, to organize and constitute the various committees
necessary for the proper discharge of its service. Dr. C. C.
Cox was elected president ; Dr. D. W. Bliss, secretary ;
John Marbury, Jr., treasurer ; John M. Langston, attorney,
and Dr. T. S. Verdi, health officer. The several commit-
tees were duly constituted, and the different persons se-
lected for each were named according to their respective
rank and position thereon. Mr. Langston was made chair-
man of the Committee on Ordinances, with Dr. Bliss as his
associate member; and Mr. John Marbury, Jr. was made
chairman of the Committee on Finance, with Mr. Langston
as his associate. Mr. Langston's position as chairman of
the Committee on Ordinances made him in fact, ex-officio,
the attorney of the Board. As thus constituted, the stand-
ing committees remained for the entire period of Mr. Lang-
ston's membership of the Board. It was the especial duty
of the Committee on Ordinances to draw all ordinances,
rules and regulations needed for the government of the
Board in its service, under the law of its creation. It was
its further duty to pass upon all questions connected with
the service involving any legal question to be decided by
the Board. Its plan and order of business was to prepare
and report its opinions and other matters in writing, where
forms of regulation or blanks merely were required, sub-
mitting the forms in either case with the report to be ap-
proved and adopted by the Board itself. It is not difficult,.
in view of this statement, to apprehend and appreciate at
APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH. 323
once the dignity and responsibility of this committee, and
particularly the importance and necessity of large intelli-
gence and knowledge, with sagacity and moderation on the
part of its chairman, who in the very nature of the case
must handle its laboring oar. It is true, however, that in
this instance Dr. Bliss was a ready, able and efficient asso-
ciate, without whose aid in many cases the chairman of the
committee would have found himself taxed even beyond
his knowledge and ability.
No sanitary organ has been created in any part of the
country composed of material as furnished in its members,
prepared to enter more wisely, courageously and enthusias-
tically upon its duties than this one. No such organ ever
accomplished more far-reaching arid important results for
any community than this one for the national capital and
the District. Though the three physicians were gentlemen
in regular practice, each with a large and rich patronage, no
business duty or interest was ever permitted to interfere
with their obligations as members of the Board to the public.
Nor was any private engagement of Mr. Marbury, though
he was an active, laborious merchant, ever permitted to
disturb his duties in that respect. And though Mr. Lang-
ston was engaged in professional duties which commanded
his constant attention and efforts, he never neglected the
sanitary interest of the community. Meetings of the
Board were held regularly once, at least, every week ; when
necessary, as was often the case in times of epidemics,
daily. It is a fact, too, that no important subject was ever
presented or considered by the Board when the learning,
judgment and vote of each member, pro or con, were not
taxed and given. Indeed, the members of the Board
prided themselves upon such persistent purpose to consider
thoroughly every proposition of business commanding their
attention, that they established public meetings where free
and open debate was cultivated, and where untrammelled
individual vote was cast. The proceedings of such meet-
ings were published regularly, as reported by the representa-
tives of the press in the daily papers of the capital. Often
324 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
extended addresses involving elaborate statement of facts
and figures as presented by different members taking part
in the debates, were published. The proceedings of the
Board were always public, therefore, and conducted in such
way as to challenge comment or criticism.
So far as the law was concerned, whether its enforcement
respected the condemnation and abatement of those things
which were declared public nuisances injurious to the gen-
eral health ; or the condemnation of products, vegetable,
animal or marine, unfit for use ; or the collection and
removal of offals, including the collection and removal of
dead animals ; or the prevention of domestic animals from
running at large within the limits of Washington and
Georgetown, care was had, while guarding scrupulously and
protecting the rights of all concerned, to maintain its pro-
visions so as to secure the highest real good of the com-
munity. It is matter of congratulation to be able to record
the fact that so wisely and efficiently was every step taken
in such behalf, that in no single case judicially investigated
on charge made against the health officer of the Board
or any other subordinate, did the Board ever leave such
investigation with damage awarded against it, its officer or
agent, or with detriment to the public.
It is just to state here that through the kindness and con-
siderate action of the Board Mr. Langston was given in his
assistant attorney, Mr. Henry D. Beam, such conscientious
devotion to duty, ability and skill, that he was always
strongly, firmly and successfully supported in the courts,
whatever the question involved in any trial had against any
exercise of apparently undue authority or power by the
Board of Health. And Mr. Langston has never seen the
time when he was not fully sensible of the great service
rendered by his associate, often under circumstances which
required tact, learning and persistent effort.
Within less than two years after its organization it was
deemed wise by the Board of Health to appoint a health
officer, not one of its members, who should give his entire
time to the superintendence and direction of the service.
APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH. 325
Accordingly, after considerable effort to secure an efficient
appointee to that place, Dr. P. T. Keene of New York
city was selected for the position. He was found to be
not only a gentleman of rare professional culture, with
large knowledge of sanitary affairs, but an officer of great
wisdom, energy and efficiency. Besides, he soon won as
well the respect and confidence of the members of the
Board as the favor and fidelity of the large number of
inspectors and subordinates directed and controlled by
him in obedience to the rules and regulations made for
that purpose. During his entire association with this officer,
with whom he was brought in daily official intercourse, Mr.
Langston never found him at fault in apprehension of any
law or regulation to be enforced through his agency ; nor
in want of devotion and sincerity of purpose to execute.it
up to the full measure intended to promote the general
welfare. Such was his study of all the rules and regula-
tions of the Board as well as the organic law, that he soon
became intelligent as to his whole duty, and so fully forti-
fied for any attempt made to meet and maintain it. It is
apparent that the execution of the law in its wisest and
best manner must have depended, at last, largely upon this
officer, and Mr. Langston is only too glad to bear this
testimony to one whose friendship and whose assistance he
has always valued.
A testimony which the excellent president of the Board
of Health, Dr. C. C. Cox, bore to the labors and efficiency
of the Committee on Ordinances in his annual report for
the year 1873, is presented here with no little satisfaction.
It reads as follows :
" The report of the Committee on Ordinances presents a faithful exhibit of
the enactments, regulations and blanks adopted by the board during the past
year. These relate to the running at large of domestic animals in the cities of
Washington and Georgetown; foul privies and water-closets ; the removal of
dead animals ; the prevention of the spread of small pox and other epidemic,
infectious and contagious diseases; disposition of garbage; the drainage of
lots, etc., etc. The ordinances, prepared with great care by J. M. Langston,
Esq., the distinguished chairman of the committee, will be found to embrace
provisions in connection with a large variety of sanitary subjects. The best
326 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
evidence of the manner in which this duty has been performed is found in the
fact that, although so frequently tested in the courts, the ordinances, rules and
regulations have been invariably sustained."
An agreeable experience connected with Mr. Langston's
membership of the Board of Health and sanitary service, was
found in an extended inspection tour, embracing several of
the largest cities of the country, to gain a more comprehen-
sive and accurate understanding of the sanitary law, the
regulations, the service and its efficiency, in those cities.
The Committee on Ordinances composed the commission
sent on that errand ; and such cities as Baltimore, Phila-
delphia, New York and Boston were those which were to be
visited, and whose service was to be carefully and thoroughly
studied in all its branches and operations, with reference to
full and complete report of the results thereof to the Board.
This mission was undertaken by that committee, and Dr.
Bliss and Mr. Langston went abroad upon an errand which
not only proved serviceable to each of them as sanitarians,
but in large measure profitable to the Board itself, as the
report which they made upon the completion of their
inspections will show. But this tour was marked by many
very amusing and agreeable incidents. One connected with
their visit and experiences in Boston is especially worthy of
note. It is due both gentlemen that it be stated here that
Dr. Bliss and Mr. Langston were friends in the largest, best
possible sense ; and that understanding each other exactly
and appreciating always each other's sympathies and feelings
as well as each other's temper and toleration even of jest,
though curious and unexpected often, they were always
free and natural in their conduct when together. Hence,
as both were of decidedly marked complexions — Dr. Bliss
dark, for a white man, and Mr. Langston light, for a colored
one — they often joked with each other as to which one con-
stituted the negro member of the Board of Health. And
it was not infrequently the case that such jokes on this sub-
ject passed between them as to stir the amusing and ridicu-
lous in human nature to its very depth.
In order to full appreciation of the incident about to be
APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH. 327
t;'ivcn, it is necessary to know who and what Dr. Bliss was.
Physically a man of the handsomest possible endowment,
possessing a well-formed person from head to foot and a face
and head expressive of the largest native intelligence, his
bearing was that of one conscious of his power and capability.
He did not possess by reason of the nobility of his nature a
single envious or jealous feeling. And an Abolitionist as
he was in sentiment, in favor of fair and equal treatment of
the colored man as respects every right, privilege and oppor-
tunity, his feelings and judgment were the result more of
the promptings of his own being than the deductions and
consequences of reading, thought, or abstract opinion.
Hence often Mr. Langston told hinv that there was no
special virtue to be ascribed to him because of his ultra senti-
ments in favor of freedom and equal rights. He told him
that he was constitutionally right on all such subjects — that
the Lord had made him so. But, as intimated already, he
was in his complexion very dark ; quite as much as if he had
in his composition and blood a large infusion of the Indian.
He was a person of remarkable accomplishment in his pro-
fession ; a sanitarian of large various reading, extensive obser-
vation and unusual experience. His protracted services as
a surgeon of the army, handling in the various hospitals
thousands of patients brought under his management and
control, in connection with whose treatment and care it was
necessary to apply all the principles of science and the teach-
ings of medico-sanitary art, furnished him opportunity for
knowledge and improvement which developed in him a love
of sanitary service, rendering him a veritable enthusiast in
that respect. He allowed no opportunity furnishing ad-
dition to his stock of information of such character to pass
unimproved, and no subject of moment in such behalf was
treated by him as of small and useless consideration. .
In the department of vital statistics, it is probably true
that this country has not furnished a person more deeply
read or more entirely scientific. He cultivated the litera-
ture of that subject most diligently, and constantly added
to improvement upon it as discussed even in standard
328 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
works, by his own various and accurate thought and obser-
vation. Besides, he was fruitful in original thought and
study upon all matters of sanitation, often displaying in
private conversation with his associates, or public address
before the Board, enthusiasm and eloquence in the presen-
tation, exposition and defence of any views, theory or be-
lief which he might entertain upon the subject. He was,
too, always an agreeable companion and gentleman ; full of
kindly feeling ; indulgent to his friends, and fond in unusual
measure of any dignified proper pleasantry. He always
appeared to great advantage in society, winning by his ap-
pearance and bearing, even when in silence, the attention
and respect of any who might be near him.
Dr. Bliss and Mr. Langston had been in close communi-
cation with the Board of Health of Boston, called together
for such purpose, all the members being present, for quite
two hours, asking questions as to the organization and con-
duct of the sanitary service of that city in its various
branches. Careful, considerate, elaborate answers had been
made thereto, with full and exact explanations as to the
rules and regulations governing the service, embracing all
blanks and the methods of enforcement with the checks
and balances held upon its employes to secure the largest
and most profitable results to the community. The promise
had just been made to the members of the Washington
Board of Health that at an early hour the next day they
should be taken in carriages about the city and by boat to
the dumping grounds for offals, to witness the practical op-
eration and results of the service. At this point there came
a lull in the conversation upon sanitary matters proper, and
the president of the Boston Board of Health, Mr. Alonzo W.
Boardman, inquired as to the personnel of the Board of
Health of the District of Columbia and the style of its com-
position. Answers were made to his questions with con-
siderable display of satisfaction by Mr. Langston as he
spoke of the three learned doctors, a business man of high
name and broad influence, and a lawyer, as constituting its
membership. It came very naturally under the circum-
APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH. 329
stances for Mr. Boardman, a Boston man, to suggest by
way of inquiry, " I believe you have a colored member of
your Board." To this Mr. Langston replied, "Yes, we
have. He is a man of great ability. He is very learned,
and his accomplishments are comprehensive and various.
He occupies deservedly high place in his profession, for he
is complete master of everything pertaining to it. Of
rare scholarly attainments, he is a sanitarian that it would
be quite difficult to match anywhere in our country. And
it is not certain that he has an equal in Europe. He is an
eloquent man, and submits no measure as he advocates no
proposition, without display of learning, eloquence and
power. He is held in the very highest esteem by his fellow
members of our Board, and heard by them as a sort of sani-
tary oracle."
While Mr. Langston was engaged in this apparently very
remarkable statement about the colored member of the
Board of Health of the District of Columbia, as Dr. Bliss
knew him, his own dark face bore in livid colors the anxiety
which moved his soul and excited his seemingly outraged
sense of propriety, as the questions stood pictured in his
eyes and trembling on his lips, " What does Langston
mean? What is he going to say? Is he going to make a
fool of himself here ?" when Mr. Langston turning, with
his eyes full on this matchless man — the thoughtful, expert
member, indeed, of the Board of Health of the District of
Columbia, worthy of all that had been said of him — address-
ing Mr. Boardman, said, " Mr. President, our colored mem-
ber is here ; and I have now the honor to present to you my
distinguished friend, Dr. D. W. Bliss!" Thereupon, Dr.
Bliss, relieved by the turn given to this procedure, said,
" Gentlemen, it is true, we have a colored member; and it is
true that he is here. But it has not yet been determined
whether my friend Langston, or myself, is that person. I
am darker than he ; but his hair curls more than mine."
Here a general laugh occurred, and the conference closing
in cheerful pleasant feeling, all went to the restaurant for
something both to eat and to drink, after Boston's generous
330 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
method and style. The actual colored member of the Wash-
ington Board was, thereafter, as well as before, treated by
all concerned in liberal, hospitable manner.
Mr. Langston was treated, always, in kindly, respectful
manner by his associates in the sanitary service of the Dis-
trict. He was given prominence at all great gatherings con-
vened by the Board for national or local purposes having in
view the advancement and promotion of the service which
it controlled. Upon all banqueting occasions, even where
distinquished and foremost sanitarians even from the South
were present and took conspicuous places at the tables and
prominent part in the exercises, his presence and his influence
were noted and emphasized ordinarily by the respectful, and
often flattering mention of him and his labors by the presi-
dent of the Board. It was not however until he had been
called to a foreign position in the national diplomatic ser-
vice, in 1877, and tendering his resignation, had come to
take his leave of his associates in the service, that the Board
expressing its opinion and estimate of him and his service,
formulated and adopted by unanimous vote the following
complimentary resolutions as its most exalted and appreci-
ative testimonial of his worth :
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, BOARD OF HEALTH.
Washington, Oct. 2, 1877.
" The following resolutions presented by Dr. C. C. Cox at the meeting of
the Board held this evening were unanimously adopted : Resolved, That in
accepting the resignation of Professor J. M. Langston as member and attorney
of the Board of Health, it is both a privilege and pleasure to express, as we do,
our appreciation of his eminent personal worth, his rare intellectual endowment,
his valuable services in the department of public hygiene, and especially his
useful and unremitting labors in promoting the sanitary interest of this District.
" Resolved : That in his long association with this Board, its members have
ever found in him an agreeable gentleman, a true friend, and a faithful
collaborator in the cause of public health.
" Resolved : That while sensible of the personal and public loss sustained by
us in the severance of our friend and colleague from the arduous position with
which he has been so long and laboriously associated, we congratulate the
Government upon securing for a distinguished diplomatic relation abroad a
gentleman so eminently qualified to do honor to his country in the office to
which he has been assigned.
APPOINTED A MEMBER or THE BOARD OF HEALTH. 331
" Resolved : That Professor Langston be furnished by the secretary with a
copy of these resolutions, suitably engrossed, and signed by the officers of the
board."
These resolutions, beautifully and elaborately engrossed,
duly signed by the officers of the Board and appropriately
framed, were sent on the nineteenth day of October, 1877, to
Mr. Langston, and can be seen hanging upon the walls of his
house at Hillside Cottage, among other valuable documents
and pictures which are prized and preserved by him as of
rare and sacred worth.
In addition to this expression of personal esteem and offi-
cial estimate, the Board increased Mr. Langston's obligation
to it by a dinner and reception given him upon his retirement.
On this occasion many pleasant and flattering things were said
of him and his services by the members of the Board and
others present interested in their work, which are remem-
bered with feelings of special obligation and thankfulness.
More than this, the health officer and the subordinate em-
ployes of the Board would not allow Mr. Langston, whose
care, consideration and efforts as the attorney of the Board
had been constantly exercised in their behalf, and without
the least detriment to any one of them, leave them without
a cordial, honorable manifestation of their appreciation of
him and his labors, and their regret that they could no longer
enjoy the association and protection of their friend and
officer. Hence, they prepared and presented to him, at the
rooms of the Board of Health, on the adjournment of the
last meeting which he attended, a formal address, expressive
of their feelings and kind wishes, accompanying the same
with the gift of a most rare, beautiful and valuable diplo-
matic ring, upon which in richest precious stones are rep-
resented the gods of Wisdom and War, Minerva and Mars.
The present, typical and emblematical of the service upon
which he was about to enter, was especially significant and
appropriate. The address presented through Dr. P. T.
Keene, the health officer, chaste and elegant in sentiment
and diction, reads as follows :
332 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
" PROFESSOR LANGSTON :
" Six years and more, we the employes of the Board of Health of the
District of Columbia, have enjoyed your official relationship. Remembering
with pleasure and pride mutual labors and successes in a common cause, and
realizing that our pathways are now diverging, we earnestly desire that you
accept at our hands and keep always with you, a pledge of the respect and
esteem we shall cherish for you wherever may be your future home, whatever
your field of labor.
" You go, now, the chosen, honored representative of the United States Gov-
ernment, upon one of her most important foreign missions. In the midst of
the dignity and applause which will attend your diplomatic triumph, and in all
the future years they unfold before you, the victories, the honors, the rewards —
yes! (and they needs must come) the disappointments, griefs and sacrifices of
life — we trust this simple golden circlet will constantly remind you of our part-
ing prayer; that the blessings of health and happiness and Heaven's gracious
approbation may attend your steps, even to the gates of eternity, whose emblem,
with your permission, we now place upon your finger, and reluctantly say, Our
excellent friend, good-bye ! "
The following day, the daily papers of the city of Wash-
ington made notice of the proceedings mentioned in the
following manner, with full publication of the address and
minute description of the ring :
" Last evening upon adjournment of the Board of Health,
the president stated that the employes of the Board had an
affair of their own on hand which they invited the members
to stay and witness. He moved that the council room of
the Board be placed at their disposal. This being done
Mr. D. S. Jones, the chief clerk, rose and stated that the
employes desired to present to Professor Langston, who
was present, a parting gift, a token of their esteem and
regard. He introduced Dr. P. T. Keene, the health
officer, who he said had been selected by the employes to
make the presentation." Then followed the address, as
already presented, "which visibly affected the professor,"
as stated in the papers, " who made a brief feeling reply."
Of the gift the papers gave this account: "The present
consists of a handsome gold ring with very rare cameo
settings, it being a double side face bust of ' Mars and
Minerva,' the stone being seemingly of two layers, the
under, on which the face of Minerva is carved, being p are
white, while the upper, bearing the head of Mars, is a mag-
APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH. 333
nificent lava color. It was purchased from Messrs. Gait &
Bro. and bears the inscription, 'J. M. Langston, from
employes, Board of Health, D. C.' "
This ring, worn as directed on every great diplomatic oc-
casion during his years of service in that behalf, has always
been treasured as a thing which possesses even more than
magical power. It has seemed to be from the hour of its
presentation the very talisman of Mr. Langston's good for-
tune. As a memento of the kind sentiments which its
donors entertained for him it is invaluable.
It is a matter of real satisfaction to Mr. Langston that
after he had left the Board of Health, Congress, upon care-
ful consideration of the subject, enacted the ordinances,
rules and regulations which he had drawn and presented
as stated, and which the Board had adopted and published
as regulating its sanitary service, into a formal sanitary code,
as the law applicable to the District of Columbia, and to be
enforced therein. That law is still in existence and is en-
forced, though the Board of Health as such has been abol-
ished, through a health officer and his inspectors and sub-
ordinates. Another high honor paid to Mr. Langston and
the Committee on Ordinances even before he left the Board,
consisted in the fact that a Commission of the Japan-
ese government sent abroad in search of a sanitary code
of laws to be used in Japan, after visiting the large cities
of other countries and several of the United States, chose
as most applicable to their condition and as embodying the
principles of law which might be and which ought to be
enforced in conservation and promotion of the public health,
the ordinances, rules and regulations of the Board of Health
of the District of Columbia ; and the same were adopted
as the legal provisions accepted for that purpose by that
government.
While it is true that during the entire time that Mr. Lang-
ston was connected with Howard University as professor
and vice and acting-president, he was an active and laborious
member of the Board of Health, as stated, he allowed
no clash in his duties to prevent his prompt and efficient
334 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
discharge of them all. And if he found special pleasure
in his labors connected with the professional education of
the colored youth of the country, he did not value less the
pleasant and profitable associations had with the members
of the Board of Health, offering opportunities such as could
not be otherwise found for improvement in all those mat-
ters of science which pertain to public hygiene.
Of the five members of the Board of Health as originally
constitued, Dr. Verdi and Mr. John Marbury, Jr. as well as
Mr. Langston are still alive and active in business. Drs.
Cox and Bliss, however, after long service in their profes-
sion and great usefulness to the community, like many to
whom they administered so tenderly and sympathetically,
passed some years ago to their long sleep and silent home.
Their professional names and influence retained their
brightness and power to the close of their lives ; indeed,
each won additional and increasing honors in the higher
and more exalted walks of scientific, medical and political
endeavor in the very last days of his career. Dr. Cox
gave the government his final efforts, as appointed to a
high and honorable position in its foreign service ; while
Dr. Bliss, as the chief surgeon in the celebrated case of
the late President Garfield, won by his skillful and devoted
care of his distinguished patient deserved fame and honor.
CHAPTER XXII.
THREE GREAT ENTERPRISES WHICH COMMANDED HIS
SPECIAL ATTENTION.
CHARLOTTE SCOTT, a freed woman from Virginia, de-
serves the credit of having proposed the erection of a mon-
ument in honor of Abraham Lincoln as the emancipator of
the American slave. She resided at service in Marietta,
Ohio, at the time of his assassination, and so soon as she
heard of it, on the I5th of April, 1865, she brought five
dollars, the first money she had earned in freedom, and giv-
ing it to her employer, asked him to communicate her
proposition to some person whose influence and action
might result in the accomplishment of that important de-
sign. The subject was at once brought with the gift, the
first contribution made to the enterprise, to the attention
of Mr. James E. Yeatman and the Western Sanitary Com-
mission of St. Louis, Missouri. Placed in these hands, the
work in that behalf assumed form and direction of such
character as to give it promise of early success. Through
Mr. Yeatman and the commission, Mr. Langston became
interested in it, and as requested by them, brought the sub-
ject to the attention and patronage of the freed people of
the South as he travelled among them, especially to the
consideration of any colored troops still retained in the
United States service. The soldiers were easily moved by
appeals made to them and gave freely and liberally. All
funds were sent directly to Mr. Yeatman, without the least
335
336 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
deduction of any sort or for any purpose. By reason of the
efficient and liberal management of the commission, the
whole sum necessary to provide the work of art suited to
the purpose, and to pay all expenses found due, was soon
raised, and as early as the fourteenth day of April, 1876,
the monument, completed in every particular, was ready for
unveiling.
The whole country finally seemed interested in this enter-
prise, and when Mr. Yeatman wrote Mr. Langston, direct-
ing him to make full arrangements for the unveiling
exercises, the latter did not find it difficult to secure even
official and government aid to further in the highest and
most important way that purpose. The leading officials of
the municipal administration of the District and the mem-
bers of the general government, including its executive,
judicial and legislative departments, as well as the citizens
generally of the national capital and many from various
sections of the country, gave evidence in large and liberal
measure of their deep interest in the work. In every way
contribution was made by them in generous and consider-
ate action to make the occasion one worthy of the man and
the cause which were to be honored in the dignified offering
of an emancipated race. Congress ordered that the day
appointed for the unveiling should be, so far as the capital
was concerned, a national holiday, and adjourned itself to
attend in a body the exercises ; the Supreme Court, moved
by the same feelings, also adjourned and attended, the chief
justice and his associates all being present, while President
Grant and all the members of the Cabinet gave, in their
presence, the highest possible testimony of their apprecia-
tion of the great name and illustrious example of the
immortal Lincoln, whose virtues endeared him as well to
every white as every black man — for he was the benefactor
of all. Such being the case, it was not strange that an
audience, perhaps the largest and most remarkable that had
ever assembled in this or any other country on like occasion,
was brought together. The vast concourse numbering over
a hundred thousand persons, composed of distinguished
THREE GREAT ENTERPRISES. 337
officers, civil and military, of every grade and character
known to the government, senators, representatives, with
the great body of the employes of the government and a
multitude of the people, honored the occasion with a pres-
ence, attention and orderly conduct calculated to give the
largest possible tclat to the proceedings.
It had been intended and arranged that Mr. Langston,
who had been made the presiding officer of the occasion,
should not only receive the work in the name of the eman-
cipated classes, as presented by Mr. James E. Yeatman
from the Western Sanitary Commission, but that he should
unveil the monument to the gaze of the assembled throng.
However, Mr. Langston, at the last moment, finding Presi-
dent Grant seated upon his right on the great platform
erected for the occasion, and moved by a deep sense of the
fitness of such action, requested him to manipulate the cord
which drawn never so slightly would cause the fall of the
drapery which covered and concealed the monument. On
being introduced, with suitable apology made by the pre-
siding officer, President Grant by touching the cord as indi-
cated, unveiled the monument, consisting of a bronze group
of figures of colossal size, which at once produced a grand
and enthusiastic outburst of appreciation and applause. The
roar of cannon, the strains of martial music, the shouts, the
huzzas and cheers of the people, discovered the joy and
gladness with which they would honor the emancipator of the
continent. The popular demonstrations of approbation con-
tinued repeating themselves for many minutes, and in their
participation there seemed to be rto difference between the
most exalted and the humblest member of the great gather-
ing. All rejoiced together in the wildest, most unmeasured
enthusiasm.
The monument, as described, stands on a granite pedes-
tal ten feet high. The martyred president, in bronze, stands
beside a monolith upon which is a bust of Washington, in
bas relief. In his right hand he holds the Proclamation,
while his left is stretched over a slave upon whom his eyes
are bent, who is just rising, and from whose limbs the
338 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
shackles have just burst. The figure of the slave is that of
a man worn by toil, with muscles hardened and rigid. He
is represented as just rising from the earth, while his face is
lighted with joy as he anticipates the full manhood of free-
dom. Upon the base of the monument is cut the word
" Emancipation."
As stated, the figures are colossal, and the effect impress-
ive. On the front, in bronze letters one finds the follow-
ing inscription :
"FREEDOM'S MEMORIAL.
"In grateful memory of ABRAHAM LINCOLN, this mounment was erected
by the Western Sanitary Commission of St. Louis, Mo., with funds contrib-
uted solely by emancipated citizens of the United States, declared free by his
proclamation January i, A. D. 1863.
" The first contribution of five dollars was made by Charlotte Scott, a freed
woman of Virginia, being her first earnings in freedom and consecrated by her
suggestion and request, on the day she heard of President Lincoln's death, to
build a monument to his memory."
On the reverse side is the following :
" And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice warranted by
the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of
mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God."
In closing his address made in connection with the
delivery of the monument Mr. Yeatman employed the fol-
lowing statements:
" The amount paid Mr. Ball for the bronze group was $17,000, every cent of
which has been remitted to him. So you have a finished monument all paid
for. The government appropriated $3,000 for the foundation and pedestal
upon which the bronze group stands, making the cost in all $20,000. I have
thus given you a brief history of the Freedmen's Memorial Monument and how
and why the Western Sanitary Commission came to have anything to do with
it. To them it has been a labor of love. In the execution of the work they
have exercised their best judgment— done the best that could be done with the
limited means they had to do it with. It remains with you and those who will
follow you to say how wisely or how well it has been done. Whatever of
honor, whatever of glory belongs to this work, should be given to Charlotte
Scott, the poor slave woman. Her offering of gratitude and love, like that of
the widow's mite, will be remembered in heaven when the gifts of those rich
in this world's goods shall have passed away and been forgotten."
THREE GREAT ENTERPRISES. 339
Mr. Langston, in receiving the statue, addressing Mr.
Yeatman and the audience, employed these words :
" In behalf of our entire nation, in behalf especially of the donors of the
fund with whose investment you and your associates of the Western Sanitary
Commission have been charged, I tender to you, Sir, and through you to' the
commission, our sincere thanks for the prompt and wise performance of the
trust and duty committed to your care. The finished and appropriate work of
art presented by you we accept and dedicate, through the ages, in memory
and honor of him who is to be forever known in the records of the World's
history as the emancipator of the enslaved of our country. We unveil it to
the gaze, the admiration of mankind. Fellow-citizens, according to the arrange-
ment of the order of exercises of this occasion, it had fallen to my lot to unveil
the statue which we dedicate to-day ; but we have with us the president of
the United States, and it strikes me that it is altogether fit and proper to ask
him to take part in the exercises so far as to unveil the monument."
Others who took part in the exercises were Bishop John
M. Brown, who offered prayer; Hon. J. Henri Burch of
Louisiana, who read the Proclamation of Emancipation ; Mr.
William E. Mathews, who read the poem written for the oc-
casion by Miss Cordelia Ray, of New York city ; and Hon.
Frederick Douglass, who delivered the oration.
In every way and sense the exercises were of high and im-
pressive character and the incidents of the occasion must be
remembered with gratitude and pleasure.
The Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company was an insti-
tution created for the financial and business education of the
freed people, in whose branches located in the different
States of the South it was believed these people might
make their deposits with advantage and safety. Assured by
those who composed its Board of Trustees as well as those
who had its official duties in hand, that the institution was
entirely reliable and that its affairs were conducted with wis-
dom and efficiency in the interest solely of its depositors,
Mr. Langston, after its organization, wherever he went in the
South spoke of it in commendatory terms, and advised the
emancipated classes whenever they had occasion to deposit
their accumulations to patronize and support that banking
institution. It was not, however, until 1872, upon the re-
tirement of Messrs. W. S. Huntington and H. D. Cooke from
340 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL. •
the Board of Trustees of the company that Mr. Langston
had any direct official responsible connection with it. Then
he was invited and pressed to accept place in its Board of
Trustees by his friend, the vice-president of the institution
at the time, Dr. Charles B. Purvis. It was represented to
him that there was not only need of services such as he
might render in the Board itself, but that by reason of the
retirement of the gentlemen named there had been made
a vacancy in the Finance Committee of the institution which
he might fill with great advantage to the company and
doubtless with pleasure to himself. He became a trus-
tee accordingly through the kindness and courtesy of the
gentlemen composing the Board, and was subsequently
made a member of the Finance Committee, in 1872.
On entering upon his duties in that capacity, Mr. Lang-
ston found himself in association in the Board of Trustees
with many friends of the freed people, distinguished in their
general reputation and influence as successful business
men as well as in their devotion to the cause of such people.
Mr. J. W. Alvord was president ; Dr. Charles B. Purvis,
vice-president ; and Mr. Daniel L. Eaton, actuary, with an
assistant, Mr. George W. Stickney. Among the Board of
Trustees he found besides Dr. Purvis, several colored men
of note and influence ; among the latter class Mr. Fred-
erick Douglass, who had been a member of the Board for
several years. Mr. W. J. Wilson, a colored man, well-known
in the country, and Major Fleetwood, were employed, as
well as other colored persons, in subordinate places, as cash-
ier and book-keepers. Apparently the institution, so far as
the Board of Trustees was concerned, and the officers and
employes as well as the standing committees, was in pros-
perous and promising condition. However, Mr. Langston's
attention was very soon called, in meetings of the Finance
Committee, to the real condition of the institution, which
he found to be anything other than satisfactory, by reason
of the fact that unwise manipulation of the funds had been
had, especially in connection with many bad loans which
aggregated large sums of money, the collection of which
THREE GREAT ENTERPRISES. 341
was hard and difficult. Besides, the institution had been
brought in such relations to the community, and had reached
such a condition in public estimate, that "runs" were
quickly made upon it ; and often they worked considerable
losses, in sacrifices which were necessitated frequently in the
sale of securities. At all events, Mr. Langston found that his
position was one of trying responsibility, delicacy and labor.
So deeply interested was he, however, in the bank, its vari-
ous branches, found all over the South, the work which it
proposed to accomplish in the interest of the newly emanci-
pated people, and the importance and necessity of main-
taining its life and good name in order to the support of its
promises and the payment of its indebtedness to such peo-
ple, that he resolved to do all in his power to save it against
all odds and every adverse circumstance.
It is matter of great satisfaction to him to be able to state,
that every considerable poor and doubtful loan of the bank
was made before he became a member of the Board of
Trustees, and every practice calculated to work its ruin had
been made a part of its management without his knowledge
or participation, before he had any concern in its control.
The greatest care was exercised, every means practicable
was exhausted in the Finance Committee, of which he was a
member for the two years during which he held connection
with the institution, in every case of loan asked, to determine
the situation and value of any real property offered as
security, and the probability and certainty of securing upon
forced sale of it, the whole amount loaned, with all expenses
made necessary in the transaction. In all respects, from
the time he was made a trustee and a member of the
committee named, he exercised every diligence and care to
save and perpetuate the company. He was not slow to
oppose any proposition or measure whose adoption in his
judgment would disturb or injure the bank, as he was
prompt and positive in accepting and urging the adoption of
any proposed action calculated to promote its interest and
prolong and extend its life and usefulness. To all this, wen-
it necessary, the officers of the institution as well as the
342 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
committee with which he acted so laboriously, and as he
trusts and believes, intelligently, could testify.
The first year of his service, as indicated, was passed with
such experiences and such improving knowledge of the
company and its affairs as to show in very clear and striking
manner every feature of its weakness and strength. The
weakness of its organization, especially so far as the estab-
lishment of branches in distant states was concerned, used
mainly for the collection and transmission of funds to the
chief banking house, located at the national capital, where
all moneys and securities were handled and controlled, and
the general business of the institution transacted, became, in
experience, sensibly manifest. And when the rule was
brought to mind which had been adopted, that all loans
must be made from Washington city, even to persons
residing in States in which branches were established and
large amounts of deposits made, the weakness of the organ-
ization in such behalf, in a business point of view, became
strikingly apparent. It is only necessary to consider the in-
convenience of this rule, its expensive and impracticable
character, to discover and appreciate the truth of this
statement. Besides, it so operated, practically, that a
depositor having large transactions with the institution
through a local branch did not gain, by such condition of
things, where he would avail himself of it, the credit to
which his bank account entitled him. Much inconvenience
was experienced from this condition of things; and yet by
careful management the objections indicated were reason-
ably overcome.
During this time it was easy to discover how the least
thing, false rumor even, of political significance, would pro-
duce a movement against the bank. The rumor that the
institution was specially interested in the last election of
General Grant to the presidency of the United States, and
that it was contributing largely to that end, produced a
movement against it which cost it a considerable amount in
sacrifice of valuable securities. Notwithstanding all objec-
tions however, coming from whatever source and caused by
THREE GREAT ENTERPRISES. 343
whatever influence, on the whole the institution was one
calculated to accomplish great good in demonstrating in its
large deposits the intelligence, industry, economy and thrift
of the emancipated classes, and in its educating effects upon
them in every business way. Every friend of the freed peo-
ple could have desired only its prosperity and life. With
such feelings actuating him, Mr. Langston, with full knowl-
edge upon the subject, did all he could to conserve and pro-
mote its interests.
T\vo things unfortunate, as he believed, occurred during
his connection with the Board of Trustees of this institution,
to which he interposed what seemed to him to be important
and insuperable objections. At the annual meeting of the
Board of Trustees, held in March, 1874, the proposition was
made to supersede Mr. John W. Alvord, the founder of the
institution and its president, by the election to its presidency
of Mr. Frederick Douglass. The subject was discussed with
large freedom in the board meeting, and the most liberal and
kindly feeling was expressed by all. The only question which
weighed specially with those who would maintain the bank
in its very best conditions as to public feeling with regard
to it and its general business success, concerned the effect
of that change. Mr. Langston was open and positive in the
opinion that any change under the circumstances was ill-ad-
vised and would prove injurious to the bank. Besides, he
claimed as openly and positively, that Mr. Douglass would
find the presidency of the institution difficult, trying and dis-
appointing to him. But nevertheless, he was frank and
earnest in his avowal, that if the friends of Mr. Douglass in
the Board were determined to press his case, and he desired
and would accept the office mentioned, feeling that he was
willing and capable to discharge its duties, he should, hav-
ing spoken freely and made known his fears, vote for him.
However, the results have demonstrated fully that Mr.
Langston's judgment in this matter was entirely correct.
For it is true that Mr. Douglass had not been president
many days before he discovered and expressed his disap-
pointment, and not long thereafter the condition of the bank
344 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
was found to be such that the proposition to close it was
gravely and seriously considered. The famous saying of
Mr. Douglass that, " his friends had married him to a corpse,"
in speaking of his election to the presidency of the bank,
may be recalled here with profit to all concerned.
But as early as the month of June, 1874, the bank was
closed. To the manner of winding up its business by three
commissioners, at large outlay to the patrons of the institu-
tion, Mr. Langston was with several other trustees entirely
opposed, believing and maintaining that its concerns should
all remain in the hands and under the control of the trus-
tees, who should be required to close all up in due orderly
business-like manner, and pay to every depositor the amount
found to be due him, so far as the same could be done from
the proceeds of the property, securities and funds of the
institution ; while he maintained also that not a single
dollar should be paid for any service connected with the
settlement to any trustee, and that should there be any
indebtedness found to exist in favor of any depositor, repre-
sentation in such regard should be made to the general
government and appropriation be asked to pay the same.
However, upon the day on which the bank was closed it
had assets, with cash on hand, which if wisely manipulated
were abundant to pay upon Mr. Langston's plan within a
reasonable time every dollar of the bank's obligations. His
plan was not sustained, and to this day the honest, confid-
ing, patient depositors of the institution are waiting for
and needing balances due them. At no time in the history
of the transactions here recorded did Mr. Langston advise
the conduct of the affairs of the institution by the trustees
for any other purpose than to secure, finally, the results
suggested. He opposed the closing of the bank and settle-
ment of its affairs through commissioners because of the
great expense attending the transaction, and the final
inability of the commissioners to make appeal to Congress,
in case of default of funds to pay depositors, in such a
way as to secure the needed appropriation. He believed
that the trustees alone could accomplish that object ; and
THREE GREAT ENTERPRISES. 345
if the institution, with all its affairs, was to be controlled
and settled by any other agency than its Board of
Trustees, he was of the opinion that it might be done by a
single person even with greater efficiency and far less ex-
pense than by three such agents as the commissioners.
Here no word is offered against any one of the persons
named as the commissioners ; for Mr. Langston assisted in
the selection and approval of them all, under the law pro-
viding for their appointment. Besides, they were gentle-
men well known to him, as they were to the entire country,
as persons of high social position, excellent business reputa-
tion and commanding influence. Indeed it would be
difficult enough to find three more worthy gentlemen than
Messrs. Creswell, Purvis and Leopold, who were designated
by the Board of Trustees itself as the three commissioners.
The objection, as already stated, clearly was not to the
commissioners in their individual or official character, but
to the method, cumbersome and expensive, implied in their
appointment and as sustained by the results which fol-
lowed.
Perhaps the failure of no institution in the country, how-
ever extended its relations, however generally it enjoyed
popular confidence and popular patronage, has ever wrought
larger disappointment and more disastrous results to those
interested in its creation, management and support than
that of the Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company. Nor
was there ever found in the population of any country, at
any time, under any circumstances, persons who could so
ill afford to be thus disappointed in the failure and dissolu-
tion of any institution than the freed people in those of this
company. The day is distant even now when they will lose
entirely their sense of disappointment and their conscious-
ness of loss in its failure. Of course, in proportion to the
deep sense of the advantage and profit of the institution, as
realized by the freed people themselves, they would feel its
shipwreck and ruin. The sentiment therefore that no
depositor of the class indicated should be allowed to lose a
single dollar of his deposits, although the government itself
346 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
might be compelled to make appropriation to prevent that
result, is not without just foundation in popular conviction
and judgment. This feeling must be increased largely, too,
and sustained in popular decision, when it is recollected
that the name of the government was too often called in
that way in connection with this bank, as to give the
uninitiated and credulous reason to believe that the govern-
ment would guarantee and sustain it in all its liabilities.
The people had full faith in the government which had
emancipated them, and could not doubt for a moment the
sincerity of its purpose and power, so far as the support and
maintenance of their welfare were concerned.
It will forever remain matter of the profoundest regret
that after this company found it necessary, by reason of
unwise management, ill-advised investments of its funds,
with injudicious manipulation of its securities and unfor-
tunate change of its executive officers at a critical juncture
in its history, upon its suspension, instead of continuing it
in the hands and under the control of its Board of Trustees,
who could make no charge of any kind for their services, it
was committed to three commissioners, whose salaries
aggregating nine thousand dollars per year, made, besides
other outlays occasioned under the law of their creation, a
very large draft upon the funds of the bank which otherwise
might have been paid, as they ought to have been, to the
depositors.
The history of banking institutions in this country will
fail to furnish any examples of such want of wisdom and
judgment, to say nothing about the utter disregard of the
interests of those immediately and most seriously concerned,
as the plan described, adopted for the close and settlement
finally of the affairs of this company. It is to be recorded
in favor of the trustees, generally, that they were willing,
maintaining their positions as unpaid officers of the bank, to
undertake the prompt and complete adjustment and pay-
ment of all claims to the extent of the last dollar of property
and money to every depositor and creditor. If that course
had been pursued, a large saving would have been made and
THREE GREAT ENTERPRISES. 347
the trustees themselves would have been given the opportu-
nity of making good, at the least possible outlay, their
promises and obligations to the freed people, who con-
stituted the great bulk of the depositors.
Mr. Langston gave two years of prompt, diligent, and as
he believes, wise service to the company, advising and press-
ing in every practicable way, not only the collection of
every doubtful debt due, but counselling and sustaining the
judicious, faithful control and management, under the law,
of all its affairs. It is entirely agreeable to him that, as he
has been informed and believes, there was not a single dollar
loaned by vote of the Finance Committee after he became
a member of it, as approved by the Board of Trustees,
which was subject of loss to the company. His labors in
behalf of this institution were those of one not seeking his
own good, but that of those who, just entering upon the
new ways of freedom, needed guidance and just direction
so as to meet the new responsibilities, obligations and
hopes of their lives.
In nothing connected with the welfare of the freed people
of the United States has Mr. Langston been so profoundly
interested as their education. In nothing has he deemed it
so much a privilege and pleasure to labor as in its interest
and to promote its advantage. It was far back in 1853
when he met Miss Matilda Minor, a young white lady of
rare scholarly attainment and culture, engaged at the time
in the conduct of a school for young colored girls in Wash-
ington city. At this time she was at Oberlin College, upon
a visit made in the interest of the education of colored
youth. Her account of her work even then, small as it was,
was of the deepest and most thrilling interest to all who
heard her as she described it ; while her enthusiasm as
shown in her conversations led every one to applaud, while
he admired her devotion and heroism. Little did Mr.
Langston realize the pleasure that was in store for him in
the coming future, not distant, when with slavery abolished
in the District of Columbia and throughout the United
States, he would be called with others when Miss Minor
348 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
was dead, having served well her day and generation, to
•care for and invest in further and larger operations for the
education of colored youth, the property which she had ac-
cumulated and dedicated during her life to that purpose.
Here is another case of man's short-sightedness. Here an-
other instance of heroic devotion of one's self to a good
cause so grandly and wisely that one builds for herself a
monument in good works, more enduring than brass or
granite.
In the northwestern section of the city of Washington,
when property in that locality was not estimated at large
figures, Miss Minor, without knowing how well and wisely
she would invest, purchased a square of unpromising ground,
upon which she hoped at some convenient time to erect a
commodious appropriate structure which she would dedi-
cate to the education of the more promising young colored
girls of the capital. She died, however, before her plans in
that behalf could be consummated. Slavery was abolished ;
a new impulse was given to the education of the colored
youth of the country ; and the old Board of Trustees hav-
ing in charge the property described, as appointed and con-
stituted during her life, was called to fill vacancies in its
numbers, when Mr. Langston with one or two others was
honored in a call in that direction. He found himself as
agreeably situated with his colaborers as he was pleased
with the object upon which he was called so expend his
efforts.
After careful consideration, in 1874, the property referred
to — the city meantime having been greatly improved in the
particular section where it was located — was sold with ref-
erence to reinvestment of the proceeds of the sale so as to
enlarge and render effective the purposes of Miss Minor with
regard to the education of the colored youth. Accordingly
reasonable sale having been made, a site was purchased and
the Minor Normal School building, large and imposing, con-
venient and model in its construction, located on Seventeenth
Street Northwest, well known now throughout the city of
Washington, was erected and dedicated to educational pur-
THREE GREAT ENTERPRISES. 349
poses in the fall of 1877. The last public duty performed
by Mr. Langston before he left the United States upon a
foreign mission, to which he had been appointed, was to
preside at the dedicatory exercises of this building.
In severing his connection with his kind associates of the
Board of Trustees of the Minor Fund, Mr. Langston recol-
lected with sentiments of the liveliest gratitude how cordially
and considerately he had always been treated by them, and
how harmonious and pleasant their meetings had uniformly
been, since every member was moved solely by an earnest
intelligent purpose to secure the highest and most lasting
good of those concerned most deeply in his labors.
At the time Mr. Langston was called to the positions and
the performance of the duties here described, his time was fully
and pressingly occupied by daily labors connected with pro-
fessional and official responsibilities. And yet he was more
than compensated in the satisfaction which he gained and en-
joyed in the consciousness that he was laboring in either
capacity, doing that which tended to the permanent promo-
tion and advantage of those who, newly emancipated, needed
counsel and support.
CHAPTER XXIII.
HIS APPOINTMENT AS MINISTER-RESIDENT AND CONSUL-
GENERAL TO HAITI AND HIS ARRIVAL AND RECEPTION
AT PORT-AU-PRINCE.
A RESIDENT of the State of Ohio, youthful and ardent,
at the very beginning of his practice as a lawyer, thoroughly
imbued by study, reading and association with the impor-
tance and necessity of maintaining and applying republican
principles, through every practicable method, to save the
government, preserve the Union, and conserve the general
welfare, Mr. Langston found himself ready as early as 1856,
at the very birth of the Republican party, to enter with his
profoundest earnestness and sympathy upon its advocacy
and support. From that time on, in voice, vote and labor,
this party had in him, according to the full measure of his
ability, ardent and constant defence. In his judgment, all
that was hopeful to the oppressed classes of the country, of
whatever condition or complexion, must come through its
agency. He believed that American liberty itself, fast
losing its footing by reason of the encroachments of slavery,
must depend upon it alone for its ultimate salvation and
perpetuity. Only through its instrumentality, as he held,
confronting and overcoming the Democratic and Whig
parties, could the people save the Declaration of Indepen-
dence and the Constitution intact, so as to perpetuate those
free institutions provided and established under those great
350
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 351
state papers of matchless merit and power, by the fathers
and founders of the republic. Moved by these considera-
tions and exercising this political faith, his devotion to
republican principles and the party which sought to main-
tain them was natural, and to one of his constitutional tem-
per inevitable and whole-hearted.
Beginning with the very first nominees of this party to
the presidency and vice-presidency of the United States, he
spoke and voted for every single one ; — deeming it his duty
to pursue this course, not merely as a colored man, shorn
largely of his liberty and rights, thus seeking to regain and
enjoy them ; but with a large purpose, the patriotic, com-
manding motive of saving American freedom itself, in the
interest of all the people and their posterity. Having
voted to that purpose for Lincoln, Grant, and those wor-
thies who had preceded them as leaders of the party, and yet
who were not elected to the high offices to which they were
named, when he was not able with many others who desired
and sought the nomination of the Hon. James G. Blaine to
secure that end, he was ready to enter with vigor and con-
fidence upon the support of Ohio's ablest and most avail-
able representative at the time, the Hon. Rutherford B.
Hayes.
Full of admiration for the great ability, magnetic, dash-
ing and charming qualities of character possessed by the
foremost statesman of Maine and New England, notwith-
standing his opposition to the " force bill," so-called, in the
early part of the year 1875, quite twelve months before
the Cincinnati Republican nominating convention, Mr.
Langston ventured in conversation with Mr. Blaine to urge
his acceptance of the nomination to the presidency of the
United States, assuring him that the support of the colored
American could be brought to him. Repeated conversa-
tions were had upon the same subject subsequently, and in
connection with others interested in the same political
result, he spared no pains while he made every effort prac-
ticable to accomplish it. Among other things he proposed
an informal, though remarkable and important gathering
352 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
at Mr. Elaine's own house, who lived at the time on Fif-
teenth Street, near H, Washington, D. C., and who was the
chief figure in the House of Representatives, and the most
commanding, attractive, popular leader among Republican
statesmen.
The personnel of the gathering referred to was as remark-
able, peculiar and interesting as the gathering itself. Those
present were Mr. Elaine himself, his wife, and Gail Hamil-
ton ; Messrs. James A. Garfield, George F. Hoar, Colonel
L. Edwin Dudley, six bishops of the A. M. E. Church,
Rev. H. M. Turner and John M. Langston. A lunch of
rare excellence was given by Mr. Elaine, at which he of
course presided, displaying as much charm and skill in his
behavior at his own table and on this occasion as he had
ever shown elsewhere. Everyone present was delighted
with his cordial, hospitable conduct, feeling as he listened
to his attractive, marvelous conversation with his worthy
colleagues and compeers of the House — Garfield and Hoar —
and the negro worthies present, representatives of both piety
and learning, that of all men in the nation he was the fittest
for the exalted chair of state. On coming away after
taking appropriate leave of the ladies present, who had also
demeaned themselves in such happy, agreeable manner, win-
ning thereby the favor certainly of every colored guest for
Mr. Elaine and his household, tarrying upon the doorsteps
of his residence Mr. Langston, anxious to know how his
colored friends felt in view of their treatment and Mr.
Elaine's explanations of his purposes as a Republican with
respect to national affairs, inquired of them how they were
impressed and whether they were pleased with the great
statesman. The answer was unanimous, earnest and posi-
tive that he was the man who should be made president.
All agreed to a united and vigorous support of him, and ac-
cordingly while Mr. Langston did with his friends every-
thing he could do to secure that object, even going to Cin-
cinnati and laboring with all his might for days in that be-
half, and the Rev. Mr. Turner was honored with the privi-
lege of following Colonel Ingersoll in seconding the nom-
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 353
inatlon of Mr. Elaine, they were defeated. No one attend-
ing this select, memorable gathering failed to give Mr.
Elaine so far as possible his earnest and active support as
opportunity permitted, for the presidency of the United
States. So sure did the result in this case seem to be even
in advance, that arrangements were made for Mr. Langston
to speak at several places in Ohio — among others at Athens
in confirmation of the action of the convention and in favor
of the election of its nominee as expected, the Hon. James
G. Elaine. The competitors and rivals for that honor, Bris-
tow, Morton and Conkling, were too numerous and too
powerful to render that result possible ; and hence as
already stated, Governor Hayes received the nomination.
Instead of addressing the meetings referred to in favor of
Elaine, Mr. Langston addressed them in favor of Hayes.
Beginning thus at once, he continued his labors, speaking
for the Republican nominees for president and vice-presi-
dent, until at the close of election day the people had re-
corded their judgment by their vote in favor of Hayes and
Wheeler.
The last speech which Mr. Langston made during this
canvass was that delivered by him from the west steps of
the state capitol of Ohio, when Governor Hayes and his
excellent wife, seated indoors where they could hear every
word which he uttered, gave him their undivided attention
for over two hours. And when he had closed his speech,
invited by the governor himself into the executive office, he
was introduced to Mrs. Hayes and given a reception which
for cordiality and high personal consideration could not be
surpassed.
Upon his election and inauguration President Hayes, by
reason of the conspicuous and important part which he had
played in connection with the former, in distributing honors
and offices in the foreign service tendered Mr. Langston
one of five different diplomatic and consular positions.
The manner of conveying his purpose in this behalf was no
less flattering than surprising. For although President
Hayes had assured him within a few weeks after his inau-
354 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
guration that he did not intend to forget him in the distri-
bution of his official patronage, he had no thought that he
would appoint him to a foreign place, or convey to him his
purpose in that regard by the most prominent member of
his Cabinet, with the offer that he might make choice as
indicated. He was not without full knowledge that he had
served the party and its nominees during the past campaign
with fidelity and efficiency, but he inclined to the belief that
should anything be done in his case in the way of advance-
ment in his position, it could only be to some more prom-
inent and lucrative place at home.
Although often urged by Senator Sumner to fit himself
specially for diplomatic service, with the offer even of
assistance in the study of the French language, of which
the senator was a master, and in international law, as
applied particularly and practically to that service and of
which the senator had large knowledge, Mr. Langston had
always treated the possibility of such high honor being con-
ferred upon him as wholly chimerical and without the least
prospect of realization. But here it was, in fact, upon him ;
with appointment to a country and near a government
employing as its vernacular the French language ; for
advised as to the character, the health, and the probable
duties at the capital in which he might be located, he
selected his place as minister-resident and consul-general in
the historic negro republic of Haiti. So soon as he had
received his appointment he entered upon such preparation
as seemed to be practicable within the very brief period
elapsing before he must take his departure.
Though educated according to the very best methods of
the schools of his country, with large experience of general
business in his own profession and otherwise, Mr. Langston
found himself now in want of that special knowledge in too
great measure indispensable to the easy and effective per-
formance of the new service upon which he was about to
enter. The hurried and imperfect instructions, verbal and
written, given at the State Department, did not prove at all
adequate for those necessities which confront one situated
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 355
as he was, upon the very threshold of his mission. Choos-
ing a place of great importance, connected with which
grave responsibilities were numerous and urgent, involving
not only a comprehensive, delicate understanding of inter-
national law doctrines and usages, but a mastery at least of
the French language, Mr. Langston felt himself fairly well
off in his knowledge of the former, while wholly at fault in
his understanding of the latter. For the benefit of any
who may contemplate a residence abroad as a representa-
tive of the American government, in a French speaking
country, in a capital where it is necessary in order to make
social and business progress to speak French, that person
would do well to fit himself by diligent, faithful mastery of
that tongue before he leaves his own home.
Mr. Langston was largely influenced in the choice of the
government near which he would represent his own, by con-
siderations of peculiar and special character. He had
thought much, as he had read of this government built and
supported by negro genius and power. He had familiarized
himself in youth with the history of the people who, eman-
cipating themselves under Toussaint, had under Dessalines
declared and established their sovereignty, founding for
themselves a republican form of government. He had
learned how for more than seventy years, in spite of fre-
quent revolutions, destructive often of thousands of lives
and incalculable amounts of property, this people had
maintained their nationality and independence. He had
heard, too, that many of their leading men were scholarly
and accomplished, and that so far as the medical profession,
the bar, and commerce were concerned, men of large ability
and business knowledge exercised controlling and directing
influence. He had also been advised that a standing army,
sometimes reaching in its numbers many thousands, and
embracing all males over eighteen and under forty-five
years of age, did not disturb, materially, the general educa-
tion of the people as conducted in parochial schools, sup-
ported by the government and under the guidance and
management of the Church. He also understood that upon
356 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
a concordat made with the Roman Catholic Church by the
government of the country, the Roman Catholic religion
was made national and supported by national appropriation ;
and yet freedom of thought and religion was tolerated
everywhere and by all classes ; so -that even there, the dom-
inant moral influence was held and exercised by the Ma-
sonic Order, which is in its numbers as comprehensive
well-nigh as the entire adult male population. He had fur-
ther learned that in this condition of affairs considerable
progress had been made under the various noted rulers of
the country, in all those things which pertained to well-
ordered national life. In short, he was impressed that in
all such respects as well as others not specially named, but
which concern a progressive nation, he would find in this
negro country, with its Black Republic, a condition of life
which, while it realized, would justify the dream of his
youth with respect to an actual negro nationality. He
therefore chose above all others within his reach the Hay-
tian Government as the one near which he would make his
residence as the diplomatic and consular representative of
the United States.
More than this, upon special representations made to
him by an old sea captain distinguished in the American
navy, he had been led to believe that the country, mountain-
ous, abounding in beautiful forests and limpid streams,
was simply delightful, offering in its productions of flowers,
fruits and vegetation generally, rare beauty and excellence,
with health and comfort in its salubrious, charming climate,
especially upon the mountains, with its ever-changing but
famous land and sea breezes, the sources of constant bodily
vigor and ordinarily, great longevity. Of its skies, its sun-
risings and sunsettings, its scenery of land and sea, all ex-
quisite in beauty and charm, he had read and heard from
his very boyhood ; and now that he could see all these
matchless things for himself the seeming pleasure of doing
so became irresistible, and he concluded to locate at Port-
au-Prince, in many respects really a tropical, handsome city,
situated upon a bay whose magnificence is unsurpassed and
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 357
fascinating. He was not, when finally located in that
country, disappointed in a single particular.
In addition to such information as he had gained by
reading and from the person specially to whom allusion has
been made, when Mr. Langston had reached, really, his
conclusion and yet hesitated a little about going to Haiti,
in view of the reports always circulated as to the inhospi-
table deadly effects of the climate in and about its capital,
Port-au-Prince, another person, also high in the American
navy, wholly familiar with the country and the conditions
of life there, called upon him and advised, for his own sake,
personally, and that of his country as well as tha't of the
Haytian people themselves, that he accept and go upon the
mission, assuring him that however high his expectations
might be, the actual results would compensate him in such
measure and in such way that he would be, finally, happy
and proud of his decision and course. He has always felt
under special obligation to Captain Brown, to-day libra-
rian of the Navy Department, for his good services rendered
him in this regard.
Mr. Langston was thus thoroughly confirmed in his
judgment and determination when he received from the
president, through the State Department, his appointment
and instructions as the minister-resident and consul-general
of the United States near the government of Haiti. How-
ever surprising at first this appointment was to him, it
became at last a genuine inspiration and matter of pride.
What other feelings would an intelligent American, patri-
otic and loyal, expect to have seize and control his being?
Sixty-five millions of people; the fairest, the richest, the
most beautiful country of the earth ; a government stronger
and more enduring than the foundations of the mountains,
steady and firm, as resting in the affections, the intelligence
and virtue of the community, compose and constitute the
constituency and power which the American diplomat
must feel he represents. Conscious of these facts, how-
could he be otherwise than inspired ; how else than havr
his soul moved by the feelings of earnest, patriotic, manly
358 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
pride! And then the representative of the United States
government in this case, was going to a country where he
might hope to witness inspiring scenes and accomplish-
ments in connection with a nation and people in whom he
must have special and ardent interest. He was to represent
the great Republic of the North, the matchless government
of the Anglo-Saxon race, near that of the Black Republic
of the South, whose people had from slavery asserted and
maintained their freedom ; and thus emancipated had
declared and supported their independence and sovereignty,
as led and directed by their own sons, the gifted Toussaint
and the valiant Dessalines. He would behold now for the
first time, in actual realization, negro nationality in har-
monious, honored activity, in a country (though an island
in its dimensions) second to none in its beauty and rich-
ness— fit to be the very Garden of Eden !
Mr. Langston's appointment bore date September 28th,
1877, to take effect on the first day of October; and im-
mediately thereafter, necessary arrangements having been
completed, with the usual allowance of time for instructions
given him, he took. his departure, reaching New York city
in time to take passage upon the steamer " Andes " of the
Atlas Steamship Company, an English line, sailing at the
time between New York city and the open ports of Haiti,
including Cape Haytian and Port-au-Prince. This was his
first voyage at sea. After three days of rather severe sea-
sickness, with Hatteras left behind and the more difficult
parts of the Crooked Island passage coming in view, so as
to discover many of the beauties of that section of the con-
tinent to a novice in sea-faring life, rallying and becoming
firm of foot as of health on shipboard, he enjoyed the trip
thereafter with a zest and pleasure real and inspiriting.
On the Sabbath which intervened, Captain Hughes, in
command of the ship, insisted after a late breakfast that
religious exercises, including the reading of a Scripture les-
son with appropriate remarks, be conducted, all the pas-
sengers being invited to be present, and so far as any one
or more of them might be inclined to do so, take part,
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 359
according to desire and choice therein. Special respect was
shown the American minister, who was not only invited to
preside and conduct the reading, but to make such remarks
as might please him, pertinent to the occasion and circum-
stances. This he did and thereby won great favor with the
officers as well as the passengers on the ship. Indeed, the
captain complimented him by declaring that he would
make a most excellent chaplain. Several times, in fact,
after he had been heard at this meeting, he was invited by
all on board to make addresses. And when nearing the
close of the voyage it was proposed to honor the captain
by opening a bottle of champagne and drinking his health,
Mr. Langston was, by unanimous call and applause, made
the orator par excellence.
The ship made her first stop in the outer harbor of Cape
Haytian — not however coming to anchor — to await the arri-
val, first of the health officer of the port, and secondly the
pilot, who were not long in making their appearance and
coming on board. The doctor arrived first, and was wel-
comed by the captain as a person of character and author-
ity. Calling for the ship's bill of health he made quick
work of its examination, and declared that all was right.
He had not quitted the ship however before the pilot came
aboard, and welcomed by Captain Hughes, after the usual
salutations, went directly upon the bridge of the ship, and
taking full command, issued his first order, in obedience to
which, at once, the vessel was put under way and carried to
her place of anchorage within the harbor.
These officers both were extremely black men ; and yet,
appearing in uniforms of official character and demeaning
themselves with intelligence and propriety, they made a re-
markably good impression. As they arrived in small boats,
mounted the great ship by a rope ladder, approached
its officers, performed their respective official duties and
then retired, paying their respects to the captain and reply-
ing to any questions put by any passenger to either of
them, they were made subjects of close scrutiny and ob-
servation by everyone who saw them. They were in-
360 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
deed objects of the liveliest interest to Mr. Langston. He
had never seen up to that time men of their complexion
holding such positions and performing such duties. His
curiosity therefore was profoundly excited, so that he in-
quired of the captain who they were and what they came
aboard of the ship for? To these questions he replied in
full explanation, adding at the same time, "You are no\v,
Mr. Minister, in a negro country, and as I intend to invite
you to go ashore with me, I will show you sights which
shall be new, and perhaps a little surprising."
It was early in the morning, about eight o'clock, on the
sixth day after the ship had sailed from New York city,
that it reached Cape Haytian. At ten o'clock, having gone
ashore with the captain and his own private secretary, Mr.
Adrian H. Lazare, Mr. Langston was occupied in a most
interesting, strange and novel way, as these gentlemen, each
with no little enthusiasm and emphasis, pointed out to him
the wonders of this ancient city of the Black Republic,
where marvelous things had occurred formerly, as well in
earthquakes of awful effects as in the doings of those chiefs
of the country, Dessalines, Christophe and others, whose
deeds of valor and triumph are remembered as recorded in
the history of this part of Haiti, with the liveliest interest
and pride. This introduction to Haiti and the Haytians
was in every sense a new revelation to Mr. Langston. He
had hitherto only seen the negro in his best estate at home,
in nominal freedom and dependence. Now he beholds him
the owner of a great country, the founder and builder of a
great government, with a national sovereignty and power
respected and honored by all the great Christian civilized
powers of the earth. And yet the Haytian appeared to be
liberal, generous and cordial to any foreigner, of whatsoever
nationality or complexion ; while on every hand he ex-
hibited upon this first view of his country and life, as shown
in the large business interests and activities of this first city
of the North, that his success and prosperity depended not
only upon his intelligence, but the vigor and energy which
he cultivated. This first view of the country and people
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 361
thus accorded Mr. Langston, though but a mere glimpse of
what he was to see, was most favorable and excited in him
an earnest desire to reach the capital, where he would find
the very best conditions of Haytian life and society.
Having landed any passengers aboard for Cape Haytian,
and having discharged all freight brought to that port, the
good " Andes " weighed anchor and went to sea, bound for
Port-au-Prince, at seven o'clock on the evening of the same
day of her arrival at the cape. As they were leaving this
port the captain promised his passengers two things — that
they should have a trip to the capital of such speed that at
seven o'clock the next morning the ship should be at anchor
in the harbor of Port-au-Prince ; and that he would carry
them over a portion of the sea, the Northern Channel so-
called, within easy view of the coast, whose scenery was un-
surpassed by anything, even on the Hudson, closing with a
sunrise over the Tuyeaux mountains, lying about the city
of Port-au-Prince, which in radiance and splendor could not
be surpassed in the world. He kept his promise in both re-
spects, and by nine o'clock, after he had held a reception of
distinguished friends who awaited his arrival, on shipboard,
the American minister, having bade Captain Hughes, with
other friends made within the seven days of his seafaring
experience, farewell, left the ship by a small boat for the
shore. Once there, the vision and reality of absolute, posi-
tive negro nationality presented itself to him, in boldest,
most striking features, and yet without such disagreeable
and unpleasant circumstances as to cause the least anxiety
or regret that he was at last in the capital of the country,
near whose government he should reside.
Even the ride from the great ship by small boat to the
shore, as Mr. Langston landed in the harbor of Port-au-
Prince, was full of novelty and interest. He was in fact
accompanied by a sort of convoy of small craft, all in the
hands and under the management of skillful accommodating
Haytians, who give constant attention to that service. The
honorable representative of the British government and
the American minister, who had for so many years repre-
362 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
sented their respective governments near that of Haiti,
paid their respects to Mr. Langston on shipboard and con-
ducted him ashore. Each had his carriage in waiting and
subject to the desires of Mr. Langston, to be used by him
for his conveyance to the hotel, the legation of the United
States, or according to invitations extended him, to the
home of either of the gentlemen referred to. On reaching
the shore he found large representation from the American
colony awaiting his arrival, and from it he received a most
cordial and flattering welcome. After kindly greetings,
with introductions to several prominent Haytian officials
connected with the custom house and port, his baggage
meantime having been put in order and forwarded to the
residence of Hon. E. D. Bassett, the retiring American
minister, Mr. Langston took carriage and was, in company
with his host, conveyed to the American Legation. Here
he and his secretary, Mr. Adrian H. Lazare, were accorded
the heartiest possible reception, and after a short but de-
lightful stay went to the house of the American minister,
three miles away in the country. Here he found a pleasant
home, fit for the repose and rest of one who had just come
from a fatiguing trip upon the sea. The consideration and
hospitality with which Mr. and Mrs. Bassett received and
treated Mr. Langston and his secretary, remembered with
such lively sentiments of gratitude, are profoundly appreci-
ated. Nor shall it be forgotten that in connection with
this family, the near neighbors, the household of Gen.
Joseph Lubin, did much to render their stay at Sans Souci
entirely agreeable and profitable. Several days thus spent
with these companions gave Mr. Langston the best possible
opportunity for making rapid progress in the study of all
those things which respected Haiti and the Haytians. The
subjects were comparatively new and interesting, and were
studied with no little ardor. Daily visits were made to the
city and full observations were taken of life and activity,
business and other, therein. Nothing was allowed to
escape notice and inquiry. Even the different conditions
of the population were noted, so that whether American,
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 363
English, German, French or Danish— for all these diverse
elements were found among the people of this city — pre-
sented themselves, they were at once recognized by their
marked difference from the Haytian. The Haytian nation-
ality, like the Haytian speech and manner, was peculiar
and distinct. His habits as well as his manifestations of
kindly regard were his own. While the very best condi-
tions of Haytian life and society are seen in Port-au-Prince,
it never loses its individuality and identity. As a class the
people are hospitable, considerate and kind to strangers,
especially Americans, and in no act or exhibition of feel-
ing on their part ever discover any inclination to discrimi-
nate against one on account of his color except in the
purchase and possession of real estate. Mr. Langston was
well pleased with all he saw in Port-au-Prince, in the main,
and was especially delighted with the evidences of wealth
and culture which he found among the people generally.
Their educational and religious condition, though both
were dominated by Roman Catholic influences, pleased him
much. He recognized his ability within a very short time
after his arrival, to locate himself, so far as the people, the
government, the city and the neighboring country were
concerned, in very agreeable circumstances. He was es-
pecially delighted — charmed in fact — with the generosity
manifested by every Haytian with whom he was brought
into social or other relations. General Lubin illustrated all
that is here referred to in his kind offer made both Mr.
Langston and his secretary, to use, according to their desire
and necessities, his horses, bridles and saddles during their
sojourn with Mr. Bassett, without the least cost and at any
time. Besides, he not only invited the new minister to
pleasant quarters and entertainment at his own house, but
gave him free use of his valuable library, offering daily such
information with respect to his country and countrymen as
he felt the minister might need in entering upon his diplo-
matic duties.
Port-au-Prince is located upon a harbor of great capacity,
accommodating shipping of large proportions, as it repre-
364 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
sents every flag and nationality. Surrounded as this city is by
mountains which lift themselves thousands of feet above the
level of the sea, its situation is one of remarkable natural
strength and defence. All shipping in this harbor is en-
tirely protected against every violence of the ocean and every
ship rides at ease as anchored therein. Upon the summit of
the loftiest mountain range, lying back and east of the city,
is located the famous national fort, which is supposed to be
quite sufficient to defend it and all shipping of the harbor
against attack from the sea. The views seaward from the
city are extended and commanding. The approach of any
craft, warlike or other, is easily detected at great distance
away, as it arrives either by the northern or southern channel
leading into the harbor. The Island of Gonave lying off in
the sea, to the west of the city, dividing the ocean and thus
creating such channels flowing about it, and at the same time
so closing in the harbor as to make it a safe and delightful re-
treat for all shipping, presents to everyone looking upon it
a mountainous, rugged, picturesque prospect of marvelous
and striking sublimity. At sunset, ordinarily, it is a thing of
indescribable radiance and glory, with the twilight lingering
and playing about it often till far into the evening. To say
that a city thus situated and surrounded must be beautiful
in its site as well as quite impregnably fortified by nature, is
to make an assertion with respect to Port-au-Prince which
will be accepted without question.
Such considerations will all be appreciated when it is recol-
lected that this city is the capital of the nation ; that here
the national palace is located ; that here the national assem-
bly, composed of the Senate and House of Deputies, holds
its stated meetings ; that here the executive officers as well
as the judicial, military and naval, have their homes ; and
that here the retired distinguished statesmen of the coun-
try make their residences ; while here also the chief and most
valuable commerce of the country is conducted. The
further consideration that the nation is one distinguished for
its revolutionary movements, which are sometimes very se-
vere, protracted and destructive as well of life as property,
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 365
must enhance especially in general estimation the fortified
condition of the capital as indicated.
The city is so situated that it is of easy access from all
parts of the island by sea, and can be reached without seri-
ous difficulty from any point inland by the ordinary citizen
coming on horseback or on foot. Its situation is central ;
it is the metropolis of the island, and the business of the
republic — political, official and commercial— is mainly done
there. Whatever may be the general view which one gains
in travel in or about the island ; however he may catch
glimpses of its great mountains, their rich, productive sides
and slopes ; the plains, fertile and fruitful, as the Cul-de-
Sac ; it is only as he sees the products themselves garnered
and collected there, the coffee, the logwood, the hides, the
honey, the sugar, the cotton, the domestic animals, horses,
cattle, sheep and poultry of every sort, grown in the coun-
try, that he realizes and may estimate justly the fertility and
productive power of its soil. It is as the stranger finds
these products accumulated in the markets and storehouses
of Port-au-Prince, that he can understand the quantity and
value of them. So far as the fruits of the island are con-
cerned, the orange, the lemon, the banana, the cocoanut,
the mango, with others of tropical character and name, he
must travel about the island to appreciate these, since little
account is made of them as articles of commerce. These
fruits however are of excellent quality, and as articles of
diet of the greatest importance, as will be discovered at
once by such association with the people of the country
as to bring one to their tables.
The most imperfect observation of the country in its
great leading features impresses the stranger with its exceed-
ing natural beauty. Nor is any part of this impression
lost as one is brought face to face with its great mountains
and their streams, the latter losing themselves finally in the
sea; and the plains, whose productiveness discovers itself so
generally in sugar-cane, which seems to be inexhaustible in
quantity, excellent in quality, not requiring resetting, in
many cases, for great periods of time— as long sometimes
24
366 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
as fifty or more years. It is hardly necessary to state that
the American minister, surveying the harbor, the city and
the surrounding country under the agreeable circumstances
pictured, from the deck of the goodly ship which had borne
him across the Atlantic ; then landing in the metropolis of
Port-au-Prince at an hour of stir and activity in its business,
with the streets alive with its energetic driving multitude,
was profoundly and favorably impressed with the scenes
which he witnessed.
The business activity of Port-au-Prince is very remark-
able, and it is there that one is impressed with the extent
as well as the value of the commerce of even this small
territory, with ill advised and insufficient cultivation. And
when one witnesses the character of the shipping of its
harbor, its capacity and nationality, he can but be impressed
with the fact that the leading nations value its commerce in
such manner and to such extent as to be determined to
seeks its division, if it be impossible for any one of them to
gain it wholly. The great ships that fly the British, the
French, the German, the Russian, the Austrian, the Danish,
the Norwegian and the American flags, not to mention
others, are often found anchored in this chief harbor of the
nation, each bent on vying with every other, though in
friendly competition, for cargoes calculated to supply its
home markets. The chief staples of the country are log-
wood, hides, sugar, cotton, honey and coffee. The former
is mainly exported to the United States, and the latter sold
principally in European markets.
No one may infer from anything already stated, even in
view of the accumulated products found in Port-au-Prince,
that there is anything like a well-regulated, progressive
agricultural system of industry in Haiti. Whatever is pro-
duced there now seems to be rather the fruit of natural,
spontaneous growth. No such cultivation of the soil is
found as in the earlier and more prosperous conditions of
the island. Were the people to adopt a system of wise and
efficient agriculture it would be difficult to limit the extent,
quantity and value of the rich products which would
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 367
repay their industry. The coffee-orchards properly cared
for would yield fabulous quantities of this valuable staple,
and the sugar-plantations as well-attended would prove to
be sources of incalculable wealth. The cultivation of
cotton and logwood, made subjects of wise industrial man-
agement, would also add largely to the general wealth of
the island.
It is a matter of surprise that a country of such easy cul-
tivation, and so productive even in its neglect, belonging to
a people who know its value and capability and who ought
to be able to appreciate their own condition, is not culti-
vated with greater wisdom and thoroughness, so as to make
it produce in fair if not abundant measure those things
which in the markets of the world are highly estimated,
because in constant demand. This condition of things can
be accounted for only in one of three ways. First, that the
people dislike the labor needed in the cultivation of the
soil. Or, secondly, that they are so occupied with other
things that they cannot give attention to such labor. Or,
finally, that they do not value and appreciate the results
connected with the wise and intelligent cultivation of their
lands. All these reasons are given at different times, by
different persons acquainted with the subject, in explana-
tion of the condition of agricultural affairs in the country.
Whatever may be the cause it is a fact that the Haytian, as
a rule, does not turn his attention to the cultivation of the
soil. And it is also a fact that no president of the republic,
however anxious he may have been ; however willing to
secure large special government appropriations to that end,
has been able to induce any considerable number of his
countrymen to turn their attention to agriculture and its
benefits, so as to lead them to cultivate with anything like
large advantage their own plantations.
It was Jeffrad, the president of the republic succeeding
Soulouque, noted no more for his patriotism than for his
general knowledge of the best interests of his country, who
undertook to demonstrate to his people the great impor-
tance and profit of improving their industrial pursuits as
368 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
regarded their agriculture. To do this he established in the
plains of the Cul-de-Sac, three miles from the capital, a
model national plantation, where all necessary buildings,
machinery, implements and improved methods of cultiva-
tion were adopted by him and his advisers. He spared in
this enterprise no needed outlay, and besides employing a
skillful superintendent, gave constant attention to it him-
self. He had no sooner however been deposed and driven
from his country than his countrymen, who ought to have
taken interest in this movement and aided to the extent of
their ability in giving it success, began the work of its
utter destruction. And before Jeffrad had died, while in
exile'at Kingston, Jamaica, the destruction had been made
so complete that there was hardly any evidence in building,
machinery, or otherwise, left to tell of any good results
which had come of that enterprise. The canals, even,
established for irrigating purposes, conducting the water
from neighboring mountain streams across the plantation,
had been entirely destroyed and all left in utter and fright-
ful ruin.
Nor is the Haytian connected, in large numbers, with the
heavier, more important conditions of the commerce of his
country. Many of them are engaged in small mercantile
business. Now and then one finds a large Haytian house
doing a good trade. Often Haytian women are found en-
gaged in trade even of considerable character and profit.
The heavier parts of Haytian commerce and trade are
found, however, in the hands of foreigners and under their
control, chiefly of Frenchmen, Germans, Englishmen and
Americans. The Haytian seems rather to be given to mat-
ters of political, official, military and professional character,
particularly medical and legal. For ordinary purposes it
would be found quite difficult to secure the services of any
Haytian, youth or adult. Ilaytians are wont to employ
for menial and domestic duties foreigners who come to
their country from the neighboring islands — chiefly men
and women from Jamaica and St. Thomas. This condi-
tion of things is quite apparent as one reaches and moves
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 369
about Port-au-Prince. One exception to this statement,
touching domestic service, of remarkable and striking char-
acter, should be noted. It is that washing and ironing,
done in the most primitive though often most excellent
manner, are confined quite entirely to Haytian women.
The washing, which consumes fabulous quantities of soap,
is always done in a stream of running water, and by rub-
bing the clothing in the hands ordinarily ; but when heavy
and more thoroughly soiled, the washerwomen often place
the pieces upon a stone, in the stream, and pound them
with a wooden paddle. While this process may be wearing
upon the clothes, washing in Haiti is pronounced by all ac-
quainted with the subject as being well done. Of course,
women who seat themselves in the streams to do this work
dress in scantiest possible attire. They never do any iron-
ing lest they take cold. Others, who never wash, attend to
and do that service. Perhaps nothing strikes the stranger,
particularly the American, arousing his curiosity and in-
terest more thoroughly than the sight of a large company
of Haytian women seated in a stream of water, one above
the other, at reasonable distances apart, as far as the eye
can reach, scantily dressed, with the limbs and sometimes
other portions of the body exposed, hard at work upon
their tasks. It was in passing to and fro from his residence
to the city, that Mr. Langston was wont to witness this
curious and remarkable spectacle.
The population of Port-au-Prince is between thirty and
forty thousand. The residences are many of them well
built for a tropical city. The business-houses, many of
them are large, constructed of substantial materials and
made fire-proof. The streets, crossing each other at right-
angles, running north and south and east and west, are, in
many respects, while without the regular pavement so well
known in the cities of the United States, of fair width,
well drained and kept in such condition as to make them
easy of passage for pedestrian or teams. Some of the streets
too are made beautiful by ornamental shade-trees, which in a
hot climate and city are often found very grateful. The
370 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
breezes, land and sea, which in a normal condition of the
atmosphere prevail with great regularity in Haiti, are partic-
ularly felt and enjoyed at Port-au-Prince. Indeed, nothing
so quickly attracts the attention and commands the admira-
tion and gratitude of the stranger as these breezes. The
land breeze prevailing for the first twelve hours of the day,
cool and refreshing as it always is, is succeeded, beginning
at twelve o'clock precisely in the day, by the sea-breeze,
which while it proves to be a perfect disinfectant, is stimu-
lating and strengthing to every one in most sensible and
affecting manner.
The highest and best society of the country is found at
the capital; for besides the government officials, the judges
and prominent members of the Bar, together with the dis-
tinguished professors and instructors of the schools, the
archbishop and chief officers of the church, and the repre-
sentatives of all foreign governments reside there. Into
this society the new American minister was very shortly
introduced through the kindness of his friends, and found
his experiences in that behalf congenial and agreeable.
While he was unable in the beginning to speak the
language of the country, he found the society of the city
composed of so many foreign elements using the English
language, that he was able to make himself quite at home
even from the very first. Furthermore, his secretary was
so much the master of the French and Spanish languages
and was so attentive to the minister, that he found little
embarrassment in even social life, for Mr. Lazare was
always present and ready to translate and interpret for him.
It is hardly necessary to state here that the inhabitants of
Haiti, so far as the Haytians themselves are concerned, are
chiefly black people. They are of delicate and refined
physical as well as mental make ; not ashamed of their
complexion, nor apprehensive of their equal ability with
any other class of people. Perhaps in no negro population,
numbering between six hundred thousand and one million
souls, can one find as few mixed bloods as in Haiti. While
the French people supplied them language, religion, law,
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 371
and many ordinary habits and customs, they did not suc-
ceed to anything like a large degree in mixing their blood.
When Mr. Langston arrived at Port-au-Prince, in Novem-
ber, 1877, Boirond-Canal was president of the republic, with
the Hon. H. Carrie his secretary of state of foreign rela-
tions. The reception given him by these officers of the gov-
ernment at the national palace, very shortly after his arrival,
in the presence of the whole cabinet and other noted officials,
was cordial, being characterized by marks of unusual consid-
ation. The National Band with a detachment of the National
Guards affording appropriate music and doing military duty
on the occasion, in honor of the new American minister and
his government, signalized and distinguished his official rec-
ognition. The president gave the new minister upon his
introduction by his retiring predecessor, the warmest and
most respectful audience, and upon the conclusion of his re-
marks, such welcome to the confidence and consideration of
the government and the people in his capacity as representa-
tive of the American Republic, as. to insure him a happy and
useful residence in the Black Republic of the West Indies.
Thus it was rendered possible and practicable for him to
secure just attention and determination of every matter
which he might have to present to the government, in the
name of any American citizen; while he maintained
good understanding and amicable relations with the nation to
which he was accredited.
An incident of rare character and interest which marked
the reception given Mr. Langston by President Canal de-
serves special note. The minister had observed the portraits
of John Brown and Charles Sumner hanging upon the walls
of the palace, in the large and beautifully decorated audience
chamber, and he very well understood how the negro patriots
and the people of Haiti generally esteemed them both.
The likeness of the latter was life-size and a painting of
striking excellence and beauty. The senator was himself
truthfully portrayed in it ; so aptly that the very words which
he was wont to employ in defence of negro liberty seemed
lingering upon his tongue and lips. The picture had been
372 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
purchased by the Haytian government of the American
artist whose creation it was, at unusual expense, and it was
greatly prized. In his address Mr. Langston had made allu-
sion to Senator Sumner, assuring the president that the
friendship of that person, which he possessed, was one of
the pledges which he offered of his amicable feelings and
purpose toward the Haytian government, at the same time
directing attention to the likeness by his gesture. Where-
upon the president, leaving his seat upon a raised platform
arranged for the occasion, as surrounded by his full cabinet
and supported by a large company of distinguished officers,
civil and military, approaching Mr. Langston and feel-
ingly offering him his right hand, kissed him upon either
cheek, while he declared "that his government and his peo-
ple would ever treat the friend of Sumner with the kindest
and most abiding consideration." This salutation and treat-
ment were justly considered a manifestation of the most pro-
found and affecting expression of exalted personal esteem,
so far as the minister was concerned, and special friendly,
even fraternal respect for his government. As the American
minister left the palace the National Band played in his
honor the air of the famous "John Brown song." The
Haytian people loved John Brown because he stuck, against
every odds, for the freedom of the slaves of the United
States. They would immortalize the name of Charles Sum-
ner, because, besides being the bold, fearless, eloquent
champion of negro liberty, he opposed the annexation of
Santo Domingo to the United States, thus maintaining as
they believed in important sense and manner the integrity
of their territory and the perpetuity of their government.
Among the noted men met almost immediately on his
arrival in Port-au-Prince, certainly within a very few days
after his recognition by President Canal, were several leaders
of the country distinguished either in connection with its
business, its politics, its professions, its scholarship, its learn-
ing or its religion. Conspicuous among these characters were
Messrs. Bazlais, Paul, Price, Manigat, Lespinasse, Lubin,
Miott, Montasse, Audain, Pradine, Thebeau, De"lorme,
APPOINTED MINISTER TO HAITI. 373
Etheart, Ludecke, Keitel, Tweedy, Peters, Weymann,
Bishop James T. Holly, Rev. C. M. Mossell, Captain Cutts
and Dr. John B. Terres. In addition to these gentlemen,
representative in the sense indicated, the diplomatic and con-
sular corps, with Major Stewart as its dean, composed such
elements of general interest and influence in the social
life of the capital as to make even a stranger feel quite at
home among them, especially one who must now join them
in the consideration and decision of important and exalted
matters of international character. Of the Haytian gentle-
men who deserve in this connection special notice by reason
of their conspicuous positions respectively, and their com-
manding influence, must be mentioned Boyer, Bazlais, Lin-
stant, Pradine, J. J. Audain, and M. Delorme. The first
of these persons was recognized by all among well-informed
Haytians as a political leader of great ability, of unwonted
magnetism and power, as brave as he was eloquent, learned
in the English as well as the French language, who had won
as a parlimentary orator a name of renown and fame. The
second was noted as being the ablest and most successful
lawyer of the Haytian Bar. His opinion on professional
matters as expressed in addresses to the court or otherwise
was regarded by his fellow attorneys as authoritative and
final. A man of extended European travel and large in-
formation of American affairs, with general knowledge of
the United States, its laws and institutions, he was liberal
as well as cultured, discovering always great admiration for
the progress and advancement of the American people, in
whose government he entertained profound and constant
interest. The third person, Mr. Audain, was a representa-
tive of the business capacity, perseverance and success of
the Haytian himself. He always maintained high position
in credit, influence and name among the business men <>f
his own country, and the merchants with whom he had re-
lations in Europe and the United States of America. Mr.
Delorme occupied high place among the people of his coun-
try as the representative of letters and science. In that re-
gard he had won, at home and abroad, an enviable promi-
374 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
nence. Indeed, it would be difficult to find among any class
of persons speaking the French language many who had
not read several of the works, fictitious or scientific, of this
famous Haytian author. It was through the very kind con-
siderate offices of the Hon. E. D. Bassett that Mr. Langston
was so promptly introduced to these famous Haytian
celebrities and won their lasting friendship.
The institutions of the capital, the great churches, Cath-
olic and Protestant, the schools and colleges, parochial and
other, the Masonic and charitable organizations, the govern-
ment buildings, including the palace, with conveniences for
movement about the city in public conveyances, carriages
and tramway, with hotel accommodations and market facili-
ties, were found to be ample and suitable. In this capital,
with such friends and associates of character and culture,
in a tropical country of great richness and beauty, and in
the midst of a black nationality, the American minister,
newly arrived and recognized, entered upon his duties with
no little Mat
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE LEGATION AND RESIDENCE OF THE AMERICAN MIN-
ISTER AND HIS DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES
AND ACHIEVEMENTS.
ON his arrival at Port-au-Prince Mr. Langston found that
the American Legation, as located, established and fur-
nished, was neither in appearance nor dignity what he felt
it ought to be. He proceeded therefore, at once, to make
other and improved arrangements in this respect. He
realized that a great government like his own should find
its sovereignty, power and glory housed in quarters worthy
of its character and name, and to that end he exerted
himself in prompt and special effort.
Such a property, situated upon the Rue Pave\ in the central
portion of the city and belonging to an American citizen,
commanded a view of the surrounding country and was
in such near neighborhood of the palace, the residence of
the president, the government offices, the main business
part of the city, the custom house and the port, as to make
it in every sense more desirable than any other in the
capital.
It was at Sans Sonet — the place whose name is so unique
and expressive — "without care" — that the American min-
ister at once established and spent the greater part of his
time while he remained in the beautiful Island Republic.
There at his own home, which was enjoyed as it was appre-
ciated by all concerned, he received and entertained not only
375
376 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
his own citizens, resident of the republic, or sojourning there
on errands of pleasure or business, but all visitors, Haytian
or other, who honored him with calls, for the most part
social merely, occasionally ceremonious. It' was here too
that he gave several of his earlier receptions, when his
associates of the diplomatic and consular corps, with dis-
tinguished officials of the government, including the presi-
dent of the republic, honored him by their presence in
acceptance of his hospitality and entertainment.
On the fourth day of July, 1878, the first anniversary of
American Independence following his arrival in the country,
Mr. Langston had that occurrence noted and signalized in
a reception given by him at his residence. Every member
of the diplomatic and consular corps was invited and
attended, together with a large number of the most prom-
inent government officials, including the president and the
members of his cabinet. The dinner given was American
in every feature — improved somewhat by the large use of
tropical additions in meats, vegetables and fruits — and dis-
covered in the generous provision made in connection with
it the cordial and liberal hospitality with which the dis-
tinguished guests were received and treated. According to
special arrangement there followed the dinner sentiments
upon which remarks pertinent to the occasion and circum-
stances were made by several of the more prominent per-
sons present, including the president of the republic and
the representatives of the German, the French, the Spanish,
the Dominican and the British governments.
The company was large and representative ; and the ex-
pressions had, whatever the sentiment upon which remarks
were made or the person speaking, were friendly and eulo-
gistic of the United States government, the progress of the
nation, its free institutions and its people. The remarks of
the representative of the British Government reflected in
apt and striking manner the feelings of everyone present,
and received upon their delivery enthusiastic approval and
applause. The address, in view of this fact, is here given.
The American minister had proposed the sentiment " The
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 377
Queen of England, Empress of India," when Major Steu
art, her Britannic majesty's minister, dean of the diplo-
matic corps, responding, spoke as follows :
"I have listened with heart-felt gratification to the gracious words just
uttered by the honorable gentleman, my American colleague, at whose hospit
able board we are now, under such happy circumstances, met, and right glad I
am that there are so many present who understand the language in which he has
spoken, for depend upon it, his words will somehow or other find their echo
far beyond the precincts of the gallery where we are sitting.
" In common we must all have admired the dignified and poetic eloquence of
our host ; but you could not all have felt as I do, and as my compatriots at
the table feel, the impressive force of what he has said respecting our Queen,
our countrymen, and — suppose a long drawn interval — respecting myself, Her
Majesty's agent in these parts, and the organ of Her Majesty's Government.
"Nature has not bestowed on me, nor have I acquired by study, such elo-
quence as we have just been listening to, eloquence that, like eolian music,
charms the ear and would often lead captive the reason. I am not going to
make the vain attempt of imitating such eloquence; but I would ask you to
lend me your ears for a few minutes while I try, in a homely way, to return
thanks for the toast so handsomely proposed and so cordially accepted by you
all. Believe me when I tell you that my words will express my own genuine
sentiments, and, if I am not strangely mistaken, those of my countrymen in
general.
" First then, let me affirm that Hei Britannic Majesty fully deserves the high
eulogiums of our eloquent host. In the eyes of her subjects that distinguished
Lady possesses all the qualities of a great Sovereign, and, what they do not
less prize, all the graces and virtues that adorn woman in the social and
domestic circles.
'• Yes, the English do love and reverence their Queen, although to most of
them she is but an ideal personage, an unseen abstraction of exalted greatness.
But that greatness, — and herein lies a strong principle — is felt to be their
greatness too; the Queen, in fact, is the crowning point of the pyramid of our
institutions and social system, the material center, to use another simile,
towards which all out feelings of nationality converge. Queen Victoria ha.-,
already been forty years our Sovereign ; I think we have done pretty well un-
der her; and our prayer is that she may still live long to reign over us.
" God save the Queen.
" But it is not of their Queen alone that the English are proud. Speak-
ing figuratively, nations, like individuals, sometimes beget their like. England
is very prolific in that way, as may be seen by the number of her colonies es-
tablished in different parts of the world. Her eldest colony is now the great
Republic of the United States, and this day we commemorate, not the birth. of
the colony, but the birth of the free and independent state into which that col-
ony by natural development was changed as the butterfly is from the chrysalis.
" The birth was perhaps somewhat painful and forced ; but no birth is with-
out pain and many births require force. However that may be, England, like
the mother of Scripture, now rejoices that a man child was born — I still speak
378 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
figuratively — and again rejoices to see that man child grown to giant propor-
tions and Herculean strength.
"The bantling state numbered some three millions when, one hundred and
two years ago this day, it proclaimed its independent individuality. It now
numbers forty-six millions, and it is increasing at the rate of a million a
year.
" If the United States are now great, and great they are, what will they be a
few score years hence — but we must leave it to tlie future to tell its own story.
" It must be noted that the numerical statistics of a people exhibit only the
raw material of that people's force : for we know that the primitive force ex-
pressed by numbers, may be almost indefinitely multiplied by the applications
of science. See, for instance, to what degree a man's effective strength is
increased by the use of a pulley. Well, in no country in the world, is science
more effectively or generally employed in multiplying human force than in the
United States. So that a million of Americans are worth much more than a
million of some other nations ; and we all know that they are every day im-
proving in practical value. Now, these are the people with whom we English
are in close family relationship. On our side the relationship is commonly desig-
nated cousinship. I do not know how it is designated on their side ; but
leaving that apart, I believe our common wish is, to live in reciprocal good fel-
lowship, working out together in noble rivalry the great ends of human progress
and intellectual development. It would indeed be a sad thing for the world if
we were to follow hostile and conflicting courses; for a difference between
England and the United States carried out to the bitter end, would not cause
less disorder and confusion in the world than the displacement of the equator
or the uprooting of the poles — while, on the other hand, England and the
United States, resolutely marching forward hand in hand, in the way of peace,
may do much to prepare the world for that blessed time when, as we are taught
to hope, wars shall cease, the sword shall be turned into a ploughshare, and
the lion shall lie down with the lamb."
The service which was organized in the legation under
Mr. Langston's direction, as the minister-resident and con-
sul-general of the United States, was as his official designa-
tion indicates, diplomatic and consular. As a consular
officer he was required to supervise, direct and perform two
branches of service, the one as consul-general, his district in
such respect embracing all the open ports of the republic in
which his government had established agencies ; and as con-
sul, having charge of all those matters which pertain to that
officer in the port of Port-au-Prince. In fact he was re-
quired to do the work of the diplomat, the consul-general,
and the consul of his government. When established in his
new quarters he organized and adjusted his forces to that
state of the service. In addition to the force of which he
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 379
found himself possessed, as respected himself and his private
secretary, he secured the appointment of Dr. John B. Terres
as vice consul-general of the United States, and in that
character had him recognized by the Haytian government.
Besides organizing his service in this manner for efficient
work, Mr. Langston at once put himself in such relations
and communication with his subordinate consular officers as
to improve and facilitate. his business beyond any degree
hitherto attained. The result was that very many defects
therein were soon discovered and correction and improve-
ment adopted. In some instances, for example, a wrong
construction and interpretation had been put upon certain
provisions of Haytian law with respect to navigation, and
under this misunderstanding the enforcement thereof was
had to the serious annoyance and wrong of American ship-
masters and owners. More than this, in one or two cases
laws had been passed providing for the levy and collection
of duties in United States ports, as well as others, upon ex-
ports destined to Hai'ti ; which regulations, wholly illegal,
wrought in important sense obstruction and hindrance in
trade and navigation. To illustrate the first condition of
things mentioned, not many months after Mr. Langston had
entered upon his duties he had reported to him five Ameri-
can sailing vessels recently arrived from several foreign ports
to that of Miragoane, and that each was fined fifty dol-
lars for what was termed a breach of the law, in that they
had not had their papers properly certified by a Haytian
consular officer in the foreign port from which they had
come ; when as a matter of fact there was no Haytian con-
sular officer residing in that port and the captain of the ship
had done all that was required in having his papers certified
by a notary public. These ships had been fined under an
old view of the law and under a perverted custom, neither
of which would bear the test of proper knowledge, or sound
judgment ; and when the attention of the proper officer of
the Haytian government was called to the subject in intelli-
gent, vigorous manner, correction was promptly made, with
the fines returned, and the correct rule thereafter pursued.
380 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
As illustrating more fully the other condition of things re-
ferred to, the Haytian law provided that when a bill of mer-
chandise was purchased in New York, or any other place in
the United States, to be shipped to Port-au-Prince or other
open port, for sale in Haiti, or otherwise, before such mer-
chandise could be shipped the consular officer of the Hay-
tian government residing in the place of purchase should
collect one per cent, of the value of the goods, a portion of
which he was allowed to retain for his services, while he
made credit of the balance to his government. The United
States consul-g'eneral addressed himself with vigor and
purpose to the matter of securing the repeal of this law;
and after bringing the subject fully both to the attention of
his own government and that of Hai'ti, by the combined in-
fluence and power which he was able to exert under the
instructions of his own government as a diplomat and con-
sular officer, he accomplished the repeal of the law and freed
American trade and shipping from its illegal and unjust
exactions.
Up to the time that the United States consular service in
Haiti was thus reorganized and rendered efficient, it ap-
peared to be, as it was, utterly lifeless. Not even had an
annual consular commercial report ever been made, of con-
sequence and value, from that country to the United States
government. In presenting formally to the United States
Congress the commercial conditions of its own and foreign
countries as related to each other in their trade, in speaking
of Mr. Langston's commercial report for 1878, under the
title of Haiti, the secretary of state, the Hon. William M.
Evarts, employs the following expressions :
" A very interesting report, and all the more interesting as being the first of
any consequence received from that republic, is herewith submitted from
Consul-General Langston, at Port-au-Prince, on the natural features, laws, reli-
gion, population, agriculture and general trade, of Hayti.
" According to this report the importations of Hayti, for the year ending
June 30, 1878, amounted to $8,007,321, and the exports to $8,234,687, showing
a small balance of trade in favor of the republic.
"The importations consist of dry goods, ready-made clothing, soaps, imple-
ments of industry (such as hoes, axes, machetes, picks) ordinary hardware,
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 381
drugs, medicines, crockery, lumber, marble, coal, carriages, brick, butter,
cheese, lard, flour, sugar, groceries, codfish, provisions, and liquors. The
importations are chiefly from the United States, France, England and Ger-
many. The consul-general notes the introduction of certain articles of dry
goods from the United States and their growing popularity.
" The trade with the United States for the year under review, was as
follows :
"Importations, $2,608,000; exportations, $2,785,000; being almost one-
third of the total trade of Hayti.
"The principal articles of import from the United States consist of the fol-
lowing articles, of which it may be said that they almost monopolize the
market : provisions, tobacco, soap, and hardware (such as nails, axes, shovels,
hoes, and printing materials).
"With the introduction of cotton manufactures aud other articles of mer-
chandise, and their growing popularity, it is thought that our trade with Hayti
can be very much increased."
It is true that by the wise management of the consular
officers of the United States government, under the direc-
tion of the consul-general as located in the the open ports
of the republic, special impulse was given to trade with
their country and its importance and value greatly
enhanced. In illustration of this statement reference mas-
he had to the introduction of American blue denims, whicli
brought into the Haytian trade proved to be so acceptable,
though manufactured without the least reference to the
demands of trade in that country as to quantity in each
piece, with color or other peculiarity, that they took pos-
session of the market, driving out even English manufac-
turers of that character, causing the merchants, who had
invested largely in that grade of goods from that source,
to admit in many cases very considerable loss. On one
occasion, in connection with this subject, a German mer-
chant who had lost quite heavily upon his investments in
the English goods, said to the American consul-general,
" The Haytians have gone crazy on American blue denims,"
to which the officer replied, " Their frenzy is the perfection
of wisdom."
On the next Sabbath following this conversation, when
the American consul-general attending the great monthly
dress parade of the army, sixteen thousand in number,
clothed in pants and coats all made of American blue
25
382 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
denim, and in addition thereto found most of the ordinary
classes, men and women, attired in the same material, it
did really seem that the good German merchant had fair
cause for his complaint. However, this trade went on and
other American cotton goods of important and valuable
character were added gradually to the importations of that
country.
During his entire term of office Mr. Langston gave due
attention to every commercial interest of his citizens at
home and in Hai'ti. So far as practicable he urged the
development of trade in that behalf, and the protection and
advancement of every interest pertaining to American ship-
ping ; at no time neglecting either the captain or the sailor,
whose rights, privileges or welfare seemed to be in anywise
endangered or disturbed. As he exercised wise discretion
and earnest effort to that end himself, he required diligence
and exertion to the same purpose of the consular officers
and agents who were under his direction. The largest,
most desirable results rewarded these labors.
So far as his services in his diplomatic capacity were con-
cerned, such was the situation of affairs in Haiti on his ar-
rival that Mr. Langston was called immediately to duty.
* Indeed he was introduced to the major part of the members
of the diplomatic corps at a meeting held by that body
within at most the second day after his recognition by Presi-
dent Canal. The matter in contention respected an impor-
tant claim urged by the Spanish government against the
Haytian, and involved such elements of intricacy and deli-
cacy as to necessitate grave and elaborate consideration by
the corps. The papers in the case were written in the Span-
ish language, while the debates had upon the matter in-
volved were conducted in French. In the sequel, the judg-
ment of the corps embodied in its advice to the government
duly formulated, was drawn by the new American member.
Subsequently, in all matters brought to the attention of the
corps, whether they respected the obligations of the Haytian
government to foreign powers or concerned differences be-
tween that government and revolutionary leaders and move-
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 383
merits of domestic character, he was made both as regarded
his judgment, counsel and labors, a member of conspicuous
influence and effort.
So far as his own citizens and their claims were con-
cerned he was confronted by many grave and serious mat-
ters, some standing for even more than twenty years,
requiring consideration and settlement at the earliest prac-
ticable moment. One case especially, involving over a
million of dollars in the claim preferred — a reclamation
which had commanded the close thought and exercised the
great learning of Secretary Seward, which had its origin in
violent and unjustifiable treatment accorded an American
citizen, even before the late rebellion — was early presented
to Mr. Langston for full investigation and report to his own
government, with reference to the preparation and presen-
tation of instructions to him for its consideration and settle-
ment by the Haytian government as the same might be
brought to and urged upon its attention. Another case
which was of long standing, involving a very large amount
as the measure of damages for the nonfulfilment of a
contract made by the Haytian government with an Ameri-
can citizen, which case had already commanded the serious
attention of the United • States government but which
had not been settled because of diverse points of law and
fact about which there were contrarieties of belief and
opinion, was brought also at an early day to Tiis notice for
investigation and report. Upon his report the honorable
secretary of state instructed him to proceed in the latter,
as in the former case, to press the claims of his citizens.
Still other matters of great importance and moment of
quite too long standing, in which American citizens were
deeply concerned, aggregating a very considerable sum of
money, against the Haytian government, were pressed upon
his attention and commanded his efforts. Upon the con-
sideration of these matters and their settlement he was early
instructed, and entered with earnestness and decision upon
such efforts in regard to them as seemed to him to be wise
and r.dvantaereous.
384 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
In every case, either by settlement with the Haytian
government directly, or by some arrangement of arbitration
and reference, he brought all these matters to reasonable,
amicable conclusion and adjustment ; maintaining always
all the rights, privileges and immunities which his citizens
might claim under the Treaty of 1864, made by his own
with the Haytian government, and under those regulations
and usages justified and sustained by all civilized powers
according to accepted international law.
So far as he had obligations and duties as a member of
the diplomatic corps, growing out of his relations to the
Haytian government on the one part, or any foreign power
on the other, whose representative was associated with him
in that body, and who was entitled by the demands of law
or acknowledged usages to his sympathy and support in
connection with any question of significance resulting from
any act or omission on the part of the Haytian authorities,
he acted promptly, but always with becoming caution and
moderation. To one unacquainted with the real condition
of the country near whose government he was accredited —
often disturbed by revolutions threatening its very exist-
ence, involving and working too frequently immense de-
struction of property and life and at times the property and
lives of citizens of other governments residing therein, thus
causing reclamations, presenting vexed questions of liability
of international character for discussion and adjustment —
the difficulty of his situation and the responsibility which he
was compelled to carry constantly will not appear in their
full gravity, nor in anything like full measure, upon any other
than the most serious careful reflection. This would be
true of him in his simple individual representative capacity,
since the voice and the judgment of the United States of
America must be heard and accepted as he presented them.
And no one was ever more conscious of the dignity and
responsibility of his position, nor more appreciative of his
duty and the necessity and propriety of its wise and judi-
cious performance than the person who at this time was
called to speak for the most intelligent, worthy and free
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 385
nation on the globe, while he was permitted to formulate
and express the judgment and purpose of the best and
most powerful government known to man.
But when it is recollected that he was during his entire
term, the only lawyer a member of the diplomatic corps,
and that for the whole time of his service, after the first two
years, he was dean of that body, his position may be thor-
oughly and justly appreciated. As dean of the corps in
the country of his residence and in the midst of the circum-
stances so peculiar and unusual which surrounded him, he
was held to specially trying and difficult responsibilities and
duties. Besides, as the American minister he maintained
what was regarded as new and debatable ideas as to the
obligations of his legation in times of revolution, as afford-
ing refuge therein to rebels overtaken in defeat. His con-
duct in refusing shelter and protection to such persons was
novel, and put him in such relations to every other legation
and consulate exercising diplomatic functions, as to impose
upon him additional responsibility and explanation. Be-
sides, prior to his arrival and control of the United States
Legation, his predecessors had, without a single exception,
given asylum to persons situated as described and exposed
to the rigors of the Haytian government. However, he
was entirely able to maintain his position on this subject,
and during his entire term, although he found the custom
of receiving refugees not only in the various legations but
in the consulates as well, universal and uniform, he declined
to take any refugee in his, and did not favor at all such ac-
tion on the part of any subordinate American officer.
This course of his resulted finally, not only in great advan-
tage to the Haytian government in the preservation of its
good order and peace, discouraging and preventing often
revolutionary movements, but proved advantageous to his
own government and others in that in such peaceful con-
ditions of society and the undisturbed administration of the
government, opportunity was afforded to all concerned for
the quiet and appropriate consideration and orderly settle-
ment of grave matters of international character and
moment.
386 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
And yet, As dean of the diplomatic corps, he was so sit-
uated that communications frequently coining from the
leaders of revolutionary enterprises, compelled his recogni-
tion while adding sensibly and materially to his duties.
When perplexed and puzzled by revolutionary conditions,
formidable and threatening, it was not infrequently the case
that the government itself addressed him its communications
when it felt its need of the counsel and sympathy of the
corps. In either case Mr. Langston never failed to de-
mean himself and influence the corps in such way as to
secure the largest advantage of all interested, immediately
or remotely. Such statements find full illustration and con-
firmation in the facts which are here recorded. Shortly
after his arrival in Port-au-Prince, while Boirond-Canal was
president of the republic, a revolutionary struggle headed
by Boyer Bazlais and Edmond Paul broke out in that city,
to the surprise and terror not only of the people generally,
but of the government itself. In the absence of her Bri-
tannic majesty's representative, the American minister
acted as the dean of the diplomatic corps. The government,
ill prepared for this warlike and violent demonstration,
hurried its messenger to the United States Legation with
its appeal to the minister and his associates of the corps for
counsel as to the course which it might be wise" to pursue
in the suppression of the movement, and for their assistance
in good offices calculated to aid it in the accomplishment.
It would use, if possible, the influence of the foreign repre-
sentatives with those leaders to check and prevent the
threatened slaughter of prominent officials and the inevit-
able destruction of property. Convoking his associates
promptly, and explaining to them the conditions of the
community, so exposed and defenceless for the moment,
and the attitude of the government with its fearful responsi-
bility, the acting dean accompanied the corps in a body to
the national palace, where after a full, free conference, ac-
cording to advice and counsel given it the government put
itself at once and with vigor in such condition of attack
and defence as that it found itself quite able to cope with
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 387
and defeat the rebels, though led by two of the most influ-
ential men at that time in the republic. In this particular
instance the charge of the government finally made upon
the strongholds of the insurgents was furious and destructive
alike of life and property. Quick, sharp and terrible was
the work done. And, with the rout of Bazlais and Paul,
with their co-conspiritors, the awful destruction of property
and life had was witnessed in the utter ruin of ten solid
acres of the very best part of the city of Port-au-Prince,
and in the dead and wounded whose care, treatment and
burial commanded the attention and efforts of the govern-
ment, with the aid of relatives and friends, for several days.
The flame rolling across the vast expanse of the city, de-
vouring the richest, most costly and beautiful structures,
public and private, were ignited and augmented by the
heavy and deathly charges of the soldiery, with the Win-
chester rifles and cannon employed under order and by
direction of the government. The house of Bazlais, where
many of the insurgents, armed, concealed themselves and
fired upon even defenceless citizens from ambush, was utterly
demolished by attack and conflagration, while nothing of
the home of Paul remained but the heaps of ashes which
marked its site. It was in this struggle that General Mani-
gat discovered not only his matchless loyalty to the govern-
ment, but a Spartan, unflinching courage, which won for
him the name of a brave and faithful soldier. In this
struggle, too, because of his supposed loyalty to the govern-
ment, attempt was made to kill General Lubin in the pub-
lic street, as he walked by the side of his friend, the Ameri-
can minister, as they left the national palace. And it was
in this outbreak of fury against the government, that for
the first time, and perhaps the last in the history of revolu-
tions in Haiti, the insurgents, through mistake doubtless,
drew their guns upon the diplomatic corps as its members
were passing in a body along the public street in front of
the house of Boyer Bazlais. However, the guns were im-
mediately taken down, as Mr. Langston warned those who
drew them not to fire.
388 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Routed and defeated, both Bazlais and Paul sought
refuge in the English Legation, at that time in control of
the vice-consul-general, Mr. Byron. Others of the insur-
gents sought protection in the French Consulate, and still
others in those consulates and legations as were inclined to
offer them asylum. None, however, found place in the
United States Legation. Shortly after this occurrence, on
permission of the government, Messrs. Bazlais and Paul,
with certain other prominent and conspicuous members of
their party, were conducted at midday through the streets
of Port-au-Prince, under the protection of the foreign
representatives who had given them succor, assisted by
other members of the corps, with the acting dean, to the
harbor, where taking ship, they were sent out of the
country into exile. Located at Kingston, Jamaica, sur-
rounded by many of their more trusted, reliable lieuten-
ants and supporters, they undertook at once movements
calculated to result ultimately in a broader, more compre-
hensive, and probably more successful revolution, which
would overthrow, according to their purposes, President
Canal and his administration. His term of office was now
within ten months of its close. He would avoid, if possible,
further destruction of property and life in his country.
Accordingly, upon due consideration of the gravity of the
situation, he quietly placed the government in the hands of
his cabinet, and taking ship himself sailed away to a
foreign country. Thus self-exiled, President Canal felt
that in the abdication of power he might bring to pass a
condition of things which without bloodshed and ruin
might work, first the establishment of a wise and efficient
provisional government ; and secondly, the election of a
person to the presidency without the intervention of the
army or other force, upon popular choice and approval.
It will not be difficult upon reflection for any well-
advised person, understanding the condition of the country,
to believe that the representatives of all the foreign govern-
ments residing at this time in the Republic of Haiti,
must have been put upon constant, anxious vigilance ; and
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 389
the diplomatic corps itself as a body, under the leadership
of its wisest and most efficient member, whoever he may
have been, upon such responsibility and duty as to tax its
most vigorous, constant efforts. With a score of persons
ambitious to be made president, each willing on the least
encouragement from the army to attempt such movement
as might promise him success, it is easy to understand and
appreciate the delicacy of the situation, and how it required
on the part of those who wielded influence and guidance,
moderation, sagacity and wisdom. However, at this junc-
ture of affairs, when the national welfare seemed to be
quite upon the very verge of its ruin, the greatest man
known in the modern history of the republic, formerly the
secretary of state of foreign affairs and finance in the
administration of Soulouque ; subsequently the diplomatic
representative of his government for many years at Paris,
London and Berlin ; a statesman of rare name and character;
a lawyer of broad, profound and various accomplishment;
a scholar of exalted attainment and rich culture; twenty
odd years in exile, was called by popular voice, as by
official designation under the provisional government, to
his old position of secretary of state of foreign affairs and
finance ; and afterwards upon the united demand and
choice of the p : . •• > ; and the army, to the presidency of the
republic. It is • v without satisfaction, certainly, to every
foreign represe::' ive then in Haiti, a member of the
diplomatic corp, . iat he was permitted to bear in indirect
but appropriate rranner, in some cases a very humble, in
others a larger, but in all a united part, as each was
actuated by a common patriotic purpose, in the election of
Gen. Louis Etienne Felicite Salomon.
He entered upon the administration of the government
with the prospect and promise of continued peace and good
order among all classes of the people. The unanimity of his
choice, the enthusiasm attending his election and his gen-
eral popularity augured that result. But he had not more
than succeeded in the selection of his cabinet and the reor-
ganization of the demoralized forces of the civil service, the
390 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
army and the navy, before it became evident that an or-
ganized conspiracy of no small dimensions, with vigorous
purpose, was being formed to attempt the overthrow of the
new administration. Efforts to reconcile the leaders of past
movements by decrees of amnesty and toleration seemed
to work no change in their purposes, and reaching by cor-
respondence those who would confederate with them in
the country, the movement in its leadership and following
became formidable and threatening. In spite of all words
of warning and acts of the government with reference to
its suppression, a revolutionary movement combining a
large force, gathered principally from the southern sections
of the republic, finding its chief, more conspicuous points of
rendezvous at Jacmel and Jer£mie, manifested itself in open,
violent revolt. It even went to such lengths as to purchase,
arm, man and dispatch a ship of war, which in its attempt
to land at Jacmel was seized and confiscated by the govern-
ment. After a few months spent in ineffectual attacks, here
and there, upon the government forces, at every point de-
feated and vanquished, the rebels proposed through the
diplomatic corps to make surrender in good faith to the
authorities, upon condition that disbanding and surrender-
ing their arms, its rank and file should be permitted, with
the renewal of their allegiance in solemn earnest manner,
to return to their homes and to their former condition of
loyal citizens. After careful and thorough consideration, on
the approval of the government and by arrangement for-
mally and duly made, the diplomatic corps, the American
minister being at that time as for some time past its dean,
appointed as special commissioners to accomplish in the
name of the government the service indicated, the dean,
the German and the Spanish representatives, who having
at the time war-vessels in the port of Port-au-Prince, em-
ployed severally his own ship of war for passage on that
errand to and from J£r6mie. It was in the neighborhood
of this place that the rebellious forces, with their leaders,
their arms and accoutrements, were collected, and where
the ceremony of surrender, as conducted by the dean of
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 391
the diplomatic corps, supported by his associates, was to
take place.
Perhaps no more beautiful or noted enterprise was ever
undertaken, and no sight ever had of any great national
and international movement in Haiti, that so impressed the
great body of the Haytian people, as this one made in be-
half of good order and peace, as well as the maintenance
and support of the government of the republic. It had
become known far and near that the diplomatic corps had
so managed the government authorities on the one part,
and the rebels on the other, through their kind offices,
that that body hoped through its commissioners to accom-
plish such reconciliation and amnesty as to promote and
probably guarantee the general welfare. Some expressed
confidence in the undertaking. Others seemed apprehen-
sive lest even the government would show itself wanting in
good faith, or the insurgents, and thus render all attempts
in that regard abortive. The whole country watched the
movement now with profound concernment.
All had been made ready and the commissioners, on a
night as beautiful in the tropics as possible, had concluded
to leave the harbor of Port-au-Prince for J£r£mie and ac-
cordingly had gone aboard their respective ships of war, then
anchored in the outer harbor of the capital. The moon was
indeed in its light and glory the queen of the night. The
stars were radiant in their magnificence, with every object
in the harbor, great and small, easily discerned ; while the
waters of the sea, clear and translucent, were mirrors reflect-
ing in all their added splendor every image which moved
above and upon their faithful bosom.
At nine o'clock on this beautiful evening, amid the charms
of a water scene unsurpassed in its magnificence and splen-
dor the American man-of-war on which the minister of the
United States had already taken his place, in its clear, full
thrilling whistle, with certain naval manceuvres and displays
decipherable only by those read in the secrets of the ser-
vice, indicated its readiness to move on its errand of peace.
Quickly responses came from the ships of war belonging to
392 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the German and Spanish governments, on which the other
members of the commission had taken respectively their
places, that they were ready, weighing anchors to follow.
A ride of real pleasure in sight of a coast whose beauty
under the circumstances could find few parallels, brought
the ships to anchor at seven o'clock the next morning, in the
harbor of Jeremie, facing a town of no mean name and
character in the history of the republic. Shortly after
going to anchor representatives both of the government
and the rebellious forces came aboard of the American man
of-war to present their salutations and respects to the min-
ister, who must as dean of the diplomatic corps take such
conspicuous part in the ceremonies of peace and reconcili-
ation about to be celebrated. Thence visits were made
by the same persons to the other ships, on board of which
they were welcomed by the foreign representatives who had
been respectively commissioned as stated. At ten o'clock
a matchless gathering was had in the public grounds
of Jeremie. Here were the representatives of the foreign
governments, those of the Haytian republic, a large part of
the national army and the Home Guards, with the officers
and men of the rebel forces, whose surrender would be
made upon conditions already stated. Amid demonstra-
tions of remarkable popular approval and applause the task
which had been undertaken was formally and duly per-
formed, and thus was ended one of the most extensive,
threatening and destructive revolutionary movements
known under Salomon's administration.
A little after mid-day, weighing anchors, the great ships
of war which had now been employed as messengers of
peace, quitted the harbor of Jeremie, after proper saluta-
tions of the port, and in honor of the great work ac-
complished, sailed for the capital, where the messages
which they would bring were awaited with profound anxi-
ety and interest. As the sun was setting they anchored
once more in the harbor of Port-au-Prince, receiving those
thundering salutes from the national forts, located about
the capital, and the national ship of war then in port, which
PORTRAIT OF SALOMON, PRESIDENT OF HAITI.
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 393
made vocal the surrounding country, which felt and appreci-
ated its emancipation, for the time certainly, from all those
terrors which have always accompanied revolutions in Haiti.
The following letter from President Salomon, dated De-
cember 3<Dth, 1883, as translated from his French, will show
not only how he appreciated Mr. Langston's fidelity and
ability as dean of the diplomatic corps, displayed in connec-
tion with this surrender of the insurgents, but his estimate
of his services generally in the interest of the United States
and Haiti ;
REPUBLIC OF HAITI.
Port-au-Prince, December 3oth, 1883, I
Eightieth Year of the Independence. \
SALOMON,
PRESIDENT OF HAITI.
To Mr. John Mercer Langston,
Minister Resident of the United States of America,
and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
MR. MINISTER:
It becomes my duty to thank you
for the service with which you charged yourself for my Government in a
mission entirely humane with respect to the insurgents at Jer^mie, a mis-
sion which in conjunction with the consuls of Germany and Spain, you
fulfilled as we fully recognize, with tact and ability.
Your predecessor, the Hon. Ebenezer Bassett, exerted himself to
render more firm the bonds of friendship which so happily existed be-
tween Haiti, and the Republic of the United States of America. Such
bonds have become daily more and more firm, thanks to your efforts, made
constantly for the protection of your own citizens, and in accordance
with which you have observed with respect to Haiti, the provisions of in-
ternational law.
In my own name, and in the name of the country I thank you. Our
desire so far as you are concerned, is that you remain so long as possible
the representative in Haiti of the grand republic of the United States of
America.
You will accept, Mr. Minister, the renewed assurance of my very
exalted consideration.
SALOMON.
394 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
It proved, however, to be true that the movement which
had thus been overcome and settled through the mediation
of the diplomatic corps in the interest of all concerned,
was not to prove the precursor of anything like protracted,
continued peace in the country, and as early as the
twenty-seventh day of March, 1884, Boyer Bazlais himself,
with a large force, landing in Miragoane and fortifying him-
self as strongly as possible, inaugurated a revolutionary
attempt which covered several months in duration and cost
the government large outlay of treasure, with great destruc-
tion of life and property. At last, completely surrounded
on the land and sea by the forces of the government, with-
out ability to secure provisions from any quarter, Bazlais
and his men were forced from absolute exhaustion and
starvation to surrender. During these months of struggle
on the part of the government against the determined,
unyielding, defiant rebel forces, the deepest anxiety, with
the greatest care and discretion, marked the action of the
diplomatic corps, adding very materially as well to its
labors.
Unfortunately for the government and not a few for-
eigners, resident of Port-au-Prince, on return finally of the
government forces from Miragoane, flushed with the feel-
ings of victory, certain of their numbers engaged them-
selves in riotous proceedings which resulted in the abuse of
a large number of persons, some native and others foreign,
and the death of a few, with large destruction of property.
Among other persons outraged in this mel£e and who
experienced losses of property, were several American
citizens. The principal person among the Americans thus
situated, was Rev. C. M. Mossell, the missionary of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, who with his wife and
little daughter suffered such indignities and violence, with
destruction of property, that the American minister upon
his representations of the case to his government, was
directed to and did make demand of the Haytian govern-
ment, not only in full payment for his property destroyed
but in settlement by payment of a large sum of money as
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 395
damages for the insults and abuses of himself and his
family. The Haytian government was also held to pay
for all property belonging to American citizens thus de-
stroyed. At first effort was made by the government to
treat such claims as not well founded and not falling within
the limits of its responsibility. It soon discovered, however,
that the demands in that behalf were made with intelli-
gence, earnestness and purpose, and brought itself to
good understanding thereupon and settled and paid the
reclamations and claims, accordingly. Never were ten
thousand dollars more justly demanded of a government,
or more properly paid by it, than the sum thus asked and
paid on behalf of the missionary named.
As illustrating still further the duties and labors con-
stantly enjoined upon the representative of the United
States, about this time an American captain aboard of his
sailing vessel, on one of his regular trips from New York
city to Port-au-Prince, was arrested on a charge of smug-
gling. His arrest was contrary to law, and he was besides
harshly treated by the authorities of the port. Arrested
Saturday afternoon, he was carried before the captain of the
port, who while he refused to investigate the charge against
him at once, declined to accept security for his appearance
on the following Monday morning, although such security
was offered in the sum of five thousand dollars by the con-
signee of the ship. Finally, however, the captain was hur-
ried off to jail, where he was held in confinement, without
the least justification. The Sabbath intervened and on the
next morning, the American minister having had knowledge
of the facts of the case given him, demanded the release of his
citizen. As explained by the minister it was very apparent
that the arrest and imprisonment were without warrant of
the law. The officers of the Haytian government were not
long in reaching a conclusion which accorded fully with the
judgment of Mr. Langston, and the captain was set at
liberty. No delay was made in bringing the facts of this
case to the notice of the government of the United States,
and upon its instructions, demand was made of the Haytian
396 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
government in such form as to bring without anything like
formidable objection full satisfaction to the American cap-
tain thus treated.
During his entire service exercising the double functions
of diplomatic and consular -character, and finally acting as
charge d'affaires near the government of Santo Domingo,
Mr. Langston so demeaned himself and so conducted the
business of his legation as to win not only the approval and
commendation of his own government, but the respect and
confidence of those near which it was his good fortune in
the one case to reside for quite eight years, and in the
other to manage American affairs for something less than
two.
Upon the election of Hon. Grover Cleveland president of
the United States in 1884, Mr. Langston tendered his res-
ignation as minister-resident and consul-general near the
government of Haiti and as charge d'affaires near the gov-
ernment of Santo Domingo, to President Chester A.Arthur,
to take effect January 3ist, 1885. Although his resignation
was duly accepted, no successor was appointed to him by
the outgoing Republican administration. On the inaugura-
tion of Mr. Cleveland as president of the United States,
the honorable secretary of state, Mr. Thomas F. Bayard,
requested Mr. Langston to continue his services until such
time, not distant, when the new administration could ap-
point, instruct and commission his successor. Accordingly
on the first day of July, 1885, his successor having arrived,
after full preparation for his reception and induction into
office, Mr. Langston taking his own leave, introduced him
to President Salomon, who gave him cordial, appropriate
recognition.
The correspondence of Mr. Langston, diplomatic and
consular, embracing thousands of dispatches bearing upon
every subject of political and international significance, and
covering every topic of commercial importance and relation
respecting trade and navigation between the United States,
Haiti and Santo Domingo, attests the care, propriety and
wisdom with which he conceived, comprehended and ac-
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 397
complished any duty, special or general, committed to his
charge. Hundreds of his dispatches have been published
by the government in its formal diplomatic and consular
reports ; and many of them in less formal manner for the
general advantage ; while all of them were received and
treated as possessing large importance and great value.
Of Mr. Langston's services and achievements in the first
two years of his residence in Haiti, as minister-resident and
consul-general of the United States, there appeared the fol-
lowing account, as published in " Our Representatives
Abroad," in 1879. This estimate, so generous, impartial
and intelligent, was written by one of the most accom-
plished scholars and eminent church officials on the conti-
nent. Its author is described, in the work referred to, in
the following apt and truthful words :
" The following record of Mr. Langston's diplomatic and consular career
has been kindly furnished for this work by Bishop James Theodore Holly,
Episcopal bishop of Hayti, and one of the most distinguished colored men of
the century. Bishop Holly has been a resident of Hayti for nearly eighteen
consecutive years, fourteen of them as local missionary at the capital and the
four latter years as bishop, having the general oversight of all the mission sta-
tions of the Protestant Episcopal church in Hayti. During ten of those years
he was a member of the consular corps as consul of the Republic of Liberia at
Port-au-Prince. For three more years he had a quasi connection with the
diplomatic corps as secretary of Minister Bassett at the United States Legation
in Port-au-Prince. Bishop Holly's personal acquaintance with Mr. Langston
goes back to 1854, when he met him in a public convention at Cleveland, Ohio.
These circumstances are here mentioned as indicative of the fact that Bishop
Holly possesses peculiar opportunities for appreciating the influence of Mr.
Langston in Hayti. We therefore accept with pleasure the following article
from his pen :
" ' Mr. Langston, on receiving the necessary instructions from the Depart-
ment of State after his appointment (such as are usually given in all cases on
such occasions), started without delay for his post of duty, and arrived at Port-
au-Prince, November 21, 1877. He found Mr. Bassett, his immediate prede-
cessor, making his preparations to vacate the post and return home. Mr.
Bassett made arrangements with the Haytian government for the early pre-
sentation of Mr. Langston as his successor. This took place with the ceremo-
nies usual on such occasions at the National Palace on the 27th day of
November following.
" « The address delivered by Mr. Langston on that occasion produced a pro-
found impression upon the president of Hayti and his ministers, and was pub-
lished with the president's response in the official part of the Moniteur, the
government newspaper published at the capital.
26
398 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
" ' From this date Mr. Langston entered upon his official functions, which are
both diplomatic and consular. Mr. Bassett had the unthankful task of begin-
ning the work of bringing order out of the chaos that had long existed in the
diplomatic and consular service of the United States in Hayti. Previous to
Mr. Bassett most of the consular officers of the United States in Hayti were
commercial agents, and there was not even at the capital any regular office
kept for consular business or for the deposit of the archives of the legation.
In remitting his charge to Mr. Langston, Mr. Bassett was able to install his
successor into a tolerably well-organized office, containing the archives of the
legation, and fairly equipped for the consular service. Much still, however,
had to be done to regulate the relations between the consulate-general at Port-
au-Prince and the subordinate consular offices at other ports of the island.
" ' Mr. Langston undertook this work at once with the view of carrying it for-
ward to completion, knowing that the promotion of the commercial interests of
numerous citizens of the United States depended much upon the efficiency of
this service in Hayti. The care of large numbers of American distressed sea-
men has also received his best attentions. Recently quite a number of ship-
wrecked sailors were on his hands, and a large amount of money had to be
spent to clothe and board them, requiring much judicious management and del-
icate tact and discrimination in a place where outfitting stores for seamen and
seamen's boarding-houses are unknown, the whole to be conducted in a man-
ner so as not to needlessly waste the public funds set apart for this purpose,
and to the satisfaction of the Department of State, charged with the control of
this service.
"' The knowledge that Mr. Langston had acquired of men and things in the
severe and laborious experience by which he has worked himself up to the emi-
nent position he now occupies, aided by the legal acumen for solving the tech-
nicalities of the consular regulations, obtained by a long and successful practice
of many years as a lawyer at the bar in Ohio, and as Dean of the Law Faculty
of Howard University in Washington city, all this varied experience, we repeat,
placed him in a position to bring to bear rare and singular powers to carry on
to a successful completion the truly Herculean task before him.
" ' After one year's effort the consular service of the United States, dispersed
as it is over the whole island and employing ten consular officers, has been far
advanced towards its harmonious unification and nearly reduced to practical
working order, according to the requirements of the consular regulations. Mr.
Langston feels it to be incumbent on him in his consular functions to make a
diligent and serious study of Haytian finances and commerce in general, as
well as of the internal resources and local industry of the island. One of the
practical results, therefore, that he expects to realize from this more efficient
organization of the consular service here will be his ability to furnish accurate
and reliable information on all these subjects in his official reports to his gov-
ernment. Mr. Langston also avails himself of every opportunity, in his per-
sonal intercourse with the business men of the capital, to enhance American
commercial enterprise in Hayti, by calling their attention to American manu-
factured staples. As the result of his efforts in this direction one commercial
house at least has been induced to commence the importation of American
print calicoes. Hitherto England and France have enjoyed the complete
monopoly of this trade with Hayti.
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES. 399
" ' On the other hand, he has also expressed the necessity upon coffee export-
ers here to take steps to prepare this article in a better manner for the foreign
market than has been usual hitherto, and to send this Haytian staple thus
nicely prepared in larger quantities for sale in the American market. The
largest house here dealing in coffee is taking steps to follow this suggestion.
It may also here be stated that France and England have hitherto enjoyed
the monopoly of the coffee exported from Hayti. Such is the manner in which
Mr. Langston, from a lofty sense of national patriotism, labors to promote the
interests of his countrymen in Hayti by the faithful discharge of duties as Con-
sul-General.
" ' It now remains to add a few observations on his diplomatic relations with
the government to which he is accredited. Into this sphere of his duties he
carries the same high sense of devoted patriotism and does not fail to make it
clear that he is here to represent the honor and dignity of a great government,
and to sustain the world-wide reputation of a high-minded people.
" ' It may be said as to the result of his open and frank deportment in this
sense that the government of Hayti now feels fully assured from his representa-
tions, whatever may have been its fears heretofore, and however groundless
these fears may have been, that the Great Republic of the North looks upon
Hayti as a second sister in the great family of republics in the Western World,
desires by all means to promote her welfare and would do nothing to aggran-
dize the Federal Union to the detriment of the national sovereignty of this
Queen of the Antilles, eight hundred of whose sable sons took part in her own
war of independence, under the banners of France, at the battle of Savannah
in 1779. On this head we repeat Hayti is now fully assured and perfectly
composed.
" ' This sketch of Mr. Langston since his arrival in Hayti would not however
be complete without speaking of his influence as a member of the corps of
diplomatic consular agents accredited here by other powers, and of which he is
subdean, and on one occasion acted as dean, in making the address in behalf
of the corps at a reception of the president of Hayti, given in the National
Palace. It is not too much to say that those agents have hitherto exercised
prerogatives unheard of in any country save in the Ottoman possessions of the
far distant East ; and at times they have sadly embarrassed the government of
Hayti in the exercise of its rightful attributions by bringing to bear a pressure
upon it that almost totally ignored its sovereignty on its own soil over its own
citizens. There is indeed a humanitarian side to this question that somewhat
extenuates this broad statement. But the immunities claimed and exercised
by foreign agents here have been pushed to the very verge of crying abuse. A
foreign agent newly arriving in Hayti finds an esprit de corps already existing
here among his colleagues that it is difficult to resist. Let it, however, be said
to Mr. Langston's credit on this head, that such has been his lofty sense of
justice and fair dealing towards a weak and struggling people, and such his
high conception of duty in carrying out faithfully the generous sentiments of
the great government and nation that he represents, that he will not allow
himself to be a participator in anything that could wound the national suscep-
tibilities of this feeble sister republic. Nevertheless he has not failed to
endear himself to all his colleagues of the diplomatic and consular corps, who
cannot but admire his high-souled principles.
400 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
" ' One word more and this notice must be closed. We have now seen Mr.
Langston at work in his official and semi-official consular and diplomatic
duties. It may now be permitted to view him for a moment in his strictly
private capacity as an American gentleman.
" ' Mr. Langston is a philanthropist combining the broad and liberal views of
true and progressive American republicanism. The starting-point of his life
as given in his biography necessarily gave his character this bent in the most
pronounced manner. Hence he arrived in Hayti with open and undisguised
sympathies for them as a people whose national starting-point was so similar
to his own as an individual. As he has made his way to honor and fame in
the social and political circles of his native country, he desires to see the peo-
ple of Hayti make their way in like manner to honor and distinction among
the great civilized nations of the earth.
" ' Profoundly convinced that the American standpoint of reviewing things
politically is the best adapted to a rising people, he does not fail to make his
views known in social circles here so as thereby to exert all the weight of his
great influence towards helping onward and upward the progress of this people
in the way of constitutional self-government and Christian civilization.
" ' Encouraged by this influence the present government of Hayti feels to go
forward with the curtailment of its hitherto large and oppressive military sys-
tem, the promotion of civil administration, and the organization of a police
force for correctional purposes. Under this impulse an election is now being
held for representatives of the legislative body with two parties in the field,
" Conservatives" and " Liberals," similar to the great political contests in the
United States, and there are twice as many voters inscribed as ever before,
thus showing the growing political education of this people on the model of
American republicanism. In this way also he strengthens the hands of a large
and increasing class here, who believe that there ought not to be any state-paid
church in Hayti, but that each religious denomination should be entirely free
from the State, as they are in the United States, being thus left for support to
the individual contributions of their respective friends and members. As this
class increases every day in Hayti, we may hope before long to see the con-
cordat now existing between the government of Hayti and the court of Rome
repealed, and the Roman Catholic church no longer supported by the State,
but put on precisely the same footing as the different Protestant bodies that
exist here, and just as they all exist in the United States.
"' Thus, aside from his official and semi-official duties, Mr. Langston, as the
chief representative of the United States in Hayti, is so imbued with the spirit
of American institutions and the genius of the American people, that a per-
sonal influence goes out from him, even in his private relations as an American
gentleman, that is producing a salutary effect on the Haytian people and gov-
ernment, to the great and endless credit of the American nation and people,
who have found in him such a worthy, high-toned and faithful exponent of
their liberty-loving principles, accredited to a struggling people that sadly need
the aid of such wholesome examples in the perilous task that they have under-
taken to carve out for themselves a high and noble destiny.' "
CHAPTER XXV.
HIS SUIT AGAINST THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FOR
BALANCE OF UNPAID SALARY.
As between the American minister, Mr. John M. Langston,
and the government of the United States, upon the close of
his services, July 24th 1885, there arose a dispute as to the
amount of his salary from and after the first day of J uly, 1 882.
When he was appointed minister-resident and consul-
general of the United States to Haiti, the salary fixed by
law was $7, 500 per annum, payable in gold, and it is not to
be denied that the amount thereof had some weight in
determining Mr. Langston's decision to accept the position.
Less than such amount, under the circumstances, would
have induced, in all probability, the very opposite course —
the non-acceptance of the situation. For it is true that not
a single dollar additional to the salary, was appropriated by
the government to meet any extraordinary social or personal
outlay of the minister, and that too at a time and place
when and where his necessary outlays for entertainments
alone, of official and becoming character, were considerable.
His case was by no means that of the British represen-
tative, who not only had large salary given him, but fit ap-
propriation for meeting such expenses as those indicated.
Whatever else is true, in respect to the diplomatic and con-
sular representatives of the United States, it is a fact that
they are never well paid, nor appropriately and fitly provided
401
4O2 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
for. Hence, when one is appointed and accepts his situa-
tion at a salary, in view of which he makes his calculations
for meeting the outlays connected with his office, he should
not be disappointed, nor disturbed and annoyed by any
change thereof, certainly by no unreasonable and unfair re-
duction. No personal or political consideration could justify
such a course.
The attempt to reduce the salary from $7,500 to $5,000
per annum, was made by a Democratic House of Representa-
tives, at the suggestion of one of its leading members, then
chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, and in rebuke
of the minister for certain party services which he had
rendered while still representing the government abroad,
in the national campaign which resulted in the election of
Messrs. Garfield and Arthur as president and vice-president
of the United States. To accomplish this end, without re-
pealing the law which fixed the salary at the original fig-
ures named, the chairman of the Committee on Appropria-
tions contented himself with appropriating, in lieu of
that sum, the smaller one of $5,000, believing that this
procedure would work the repeal of the law, and reducing,
fix the salary in the sum appropriated. In other words, still,
he believed by the act of simply appropriating a given
amount, without any words of repeal of the old law, he could
accomplish the two things of annulling the former law and
establishing the salary at $5,000 by mere matter of appro-
priation. Subsequent action, however, discovered very
plainly the absurdity of this position.
However, the Department of State notified Mr. Lang-
ston, on the passage of the appropriation bill, that his
salary thereafter would be $5,000 per annum, and he must
draw therefor, accordingly. Obedient in this as in all
other respects, he made his drafts upon the government as
if his salary was simply $5,000. But when he reached
home in July, 1885, upon settlement with the government,
he demanded, as he claimed, a balance due him of $7,666.66.
From the very first he had held that while under the
Appropriation Act he could only draw his salary covering
SUIT AGAINST THE U. S. GOVERNMENT. 403
the amount named, the government was responsible to
him for the $2,500 per annum, as determined and fixed by
the law under which he accepted his position. Therefore,
he had credited duly the sum of $5,000 paid him, as indi-
cated, and charged in his account the sum for which he
made demand. When he presented this view of the case
to the authorities of the State Department, of course they
were taken by surprise and at once questioned the legality
of his demand. They admitted however, that his view had
so much reasonableness in it as to justify the reference of
his claim to the auditor of the Treasury Department hav-
ing such matters in charge. That officer soon reached the
conclusion that the claim was not well grounded and
refused to be influenced in any way by any opinion which
might be secured thereupon from the attorney-general of
the government. Indeed, every officer having any sort of
concern with his accounts, contended that this claim could
not be allowed, and that the minister must be satisfied with
the salary which had been paid him. Really, every lawyer
with whom he had conversation on the subject, questioned
his ability to sustain his claim, with the exception of a
single one.
But in no wise daunted; indeed, stout in his belief that
his claim was well-founded and would be sustained to the
last cent upon judicial investigation and decision, Mr.
Langston employed the only attorney whom he found
agreeing with him in his opinion, and brought suit against
the government for the sum already mentioned. Com-
mencing in the Court of Claims, a hearing was had in due
season and the united judgment given in favor of the
plaintiff. Of course, appeal was promptly taken to the
Supreme Court of the United States, and without unnec-
essary delay, in fact with unusual promptness, the suit was
brought to hearing and final judgment. In this court the
judgment sustained the demand, and accordingly Congress
appropriated and Mr. Langston was paid the full amount
of his demand, with such interest thereupon as had accrued
from the time of the judgment rendered in his favor in the
under court.
404 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
It will be remembered that the Hon. A. H. Garland was
the attorney-general of the United States government at
this time. He, though of the opinion that Mr. Langston's
claim could not be sustained, treated him and it with such
kindness and consideration as to bring the ex-minister
under special obligation, and he remembers this kindness
and consideration in grateful manner.
Though Mr. Langston was himself a lawyer and a mem-
ber of the Supreme Court of the United States, he
employed as already stated, a lawyer of Washington city,
of whose learning he had full knowledge. His attorney
having prepared his petition instituting proceedings in such
behalf in the Court of Claims, at its December term, 1884,
pressing the matter with the most laudable vigor and ear-
nestness, exhibiting at every turn signal ability and skill,
brought it to the successful, favorable conclusion shown in
the proceedings and judgment of the Supreme Court.
Mr. Langston has had professional relations with many
lawyers of great learning and distinction, but among them
all he has found no one of more amiable and courteous
qualities of character, fidelity and cordial devotion to his
client and his interests, cultivating larger assiduous care and
skill, with abundant technical learning and knowledge, than
his attorney in this case, George A. King, Esq. He there-
fore deems it his duty as well as his pleasure, as fit expres-
sion of his sentiments of obligation, to make full and dis-
tinct mention of him in this connection.
Mr. King was born in Minnesota, at St. Anthony's Falls,
February 10, 1855, of English and Scotch ancestry. When
nine years of age he came with his parents to Washington
city, where he has constantly resided. He attended the
public schools of the city till transferred to Gonzaga Col-
lege, directed by the Jesuit Fathers, a school of prominence
and influence, the number of whose students, quite large,
showed its popularity. He attributes his success in busi-
ness to the excellent course of instruction pursued at that
college, and to the great kindness and wisdom of its
instructors. He graduated, however, from the Columbian
SUIT AGAINST THE U. S. GOVERNMENT. 405
College as early as 1870, taking the degree of A. B. in his
sixteenth year, and that of A. M. in 1871 ; and in 1872 he
graduated from the Columbian College Law School. By
reason of his minority, he could not be admitted to the Bar
till 1876. Meantime, he pursued the duties of a clerk in
one of the first law firms of the capital.
In 1872, after a brief term of copartnership with his father
in the law business, he established practice upon his own
responsibility and account: and since that time having made
special study of the various topics of international law
and the claims of any officers of the government affected
thereby, in respect of their salaries ; government contracts
and the law affecting them ; military and naval claims
against the government, and all questions of law and prac-
tice considered and enforced especially in the Court of
Claims and the Supreme Court of the United States, he had
established and sustained a large, important and lucrative
professional practice. His success has been that of an ear-
nest, honest, efficient, faithful and able lawyer.
In his religious inclinations he is liberal minded, as is
shown in the fact that he is a conspicuous and influential
member of All Souls, the leading Unitarian church of Wash-
ington city. As a husband, a member of society and a re-
liable faithful friend, Mr. King possesses a deservedly ex-
alted and enviable reputation ; and Mr. Langston, mindful
always of his excellent services in his behalf, records with
grateful appreciation these pleasant and agreeable facts.
As a representative of a profession requiring the largest
and most various talent and learning for its highest possi-
ble achievements, he expresses with special satisfaction the
belief and hope that Mr. King, but a young man at present,
will, ere he has reached his prime in life, have won for him-
self large and commanding place among the foremost and
most noted members of his profession.
Mr. Langston deemed himself fortunate in the results of
his suit, not only because he recovered a judgment in his
favor, and thus secured the full payment of the amount
which he demanded, but the rather because his opinion of
406 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the law with regard to the validity of his claim was entirely
vindicated and sustained. This feeling was especially dom-
inant in his mind by reason of the fact that the officers of
both departments of the government having charge of his
accounts — the State and Treasury — took positive and un-
qualified position against its payment, not hesitating to advise
him against any suit, as they were confident he would be
disappointed in his expectations and left to pay all costs.
Even the learned attorney-general did not hesitate to offer
him his gratuitous counsel that a suit would do him no
good, that his claim was without legal support, and the court
would so determine. It is not to be denied that Mr. Lang-
ston's feelings were something other than those of mere re-
spect and gratitude, when he called at the conclusion of the
case upon Attorney-General Garland, to thank him for the
considerate manner in which he and his assistant attorney
had demeaned themselves towards him in the suit. Con-
gress had voted him, in its appropriation, the amount with
interest as calculated by law which he demanded, and the
government had transmitted to him its draft therefor. Feel-
ing particularly happy in view of these circumstances, Mr.
Langston called upon the excellent attorney-general to
tender his acknowledgments for the professional courtesies
which he had shown him, when moved by feelings of tri-
umph in large measure, in a jocose way, but with special
politeness, he exhibited his draft upon the government for
quite $8,000 with the statement that it was a very hand-
some and desirable paper, not only beautifully executed in
the engravings which it bore, but valuable in the dollars and
cents which it represented. All this the learned attorney
took in good part, and even appeared to be pleased at the
result, as a great and good lawyer would naturally be,
though defeated, when the law in its justice and power had
vindicated and sustained the honest demand of a faithful
public servant.
There was about this case a novelty connected with the
interpretation of the law and its enforcement as sought by
the claimant, which made it interesting from the very be-
SUIT AGAINST THE U. S. GOVERNMENT. 407
ginning. Many claims against the government of substan-
tially the same character existed, but no officer of the gov-
ernment had ventured to assert for judicial investigation
and judgment, any right of action which he held in such
behalf. The case was wholly without precedent and must
be planted upon original, untested principles and rules of
the law, so far as the interpretations of the two acts of Con-
gress having to do with the subject-matter were concerned.
As decided, the case became at once as matter of precedent
one of great importance and value. In fact, it has become
by reason of the frequent references had to it, famous and
celebrated.
This fact is abundantly sustained in a very recent refer-
ence to the case, as made by the Hon. Justice Brewer, in
the opinion which he delivered on behalf of the Supreme
Court of the United States in the case of Covington G. Bel-
knap, appellant, vs. the United States, as follows:
" In the Langston case it appeared that the salary of the minister to Hayti
was fixed by the Revised Statutes at $7,500, and that that sum was annually ap-
propriated until the year 1883. In the statutes of two of those years, to wit, 1879
and 1880, it was expressly provided that the appropriation should be in full for
the annual salary and that all laws and parts of laws in conflict with the pro-
visions of the act should be repealed. In the years 1883, 1884 and 1885 there
was simply an appropriation of $5,000 for the minister to Hayti. The plain-
tiff held the office from September 28, 1877 until July 24, 1885. Until 1883 he
was paid at the rate of $7,500 per annum, but for the remaining years he re-
ceived only the amount of the appropriation, to wit, $5,000 per annum. And
this court held that there was nothing in the language of these last appropria-
tion acts which could be satisfactorily construed as repealing the express lan-
guage of the section fixing the salary at $7,500 per annum — a salary which had
been recognized by Congress for ten years in its appropriations and by lan-
guage in some of the acts clearly declaring that to be the salary attached to
that office. Repeals by implication are not favored and it was held that the
mere failure to appropriate the full salary was not in and of itself alone suffi-
cient to repeal the prior act. And yet the court conceded at the close of the
opinion that ' the case is not free from difficulty.'
" While not questioning at all the Langslon case we think that it expresses
the limit in that direction."
Mr. Justice Harlan delivered the opinion of the court in
the Langston case, and concluded his opinion in the follow-
ing words:
408 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
" The suggestion of most weight in support of the view that Congress in-
tended to reduce the salary of the diplomatic representative at Hayti, is the im-
probability that that body would neglect, in any year, to appropriate the full
sum to which that officer was entitled under the law as it then existed. On the
other hand, it is not probable that Congress, knowing, as we must presume it
did, that that officer had, in virtue of a statute — whose object was to fix his
salary — received annually a salary of $7,500 from the date of the creation of his
office, and after expressly declaring in the act of 1878 that he should receive that
salary from and after July i, 1878, and again in 1879, that he should receive the
same amount from and after July i, 1876, should at a subsequent date make a per-
manent reduction of his salary without indicating its purpose to do so, either by
express words of repeal, or by such provisions as would compel the courts to say
that harmony between the old and the new statute was impossible. While the
case is not free from difficulty the court is of opinion that, according to the settled,
rules of interpretation, a statute fixing the annual salary of a public officer at a
named sum, without limitation as to time, should not be deemed abrogated or
suspended by subsequent enactments which merely appropriated a less amount
for the services of that officer for particular fiscal years, and which contained
no words that expressly or by clear implication modified or repealed the
previous law."
Such is the opinion of the Supreme Court !
The record made in connection with this case, whether as
found in the courts or in the proceedings of Congress,
especially in the House of Representatives where elaborate
earnest discussion was had upon the appropriation necessary
to pay the judgment rendered by the court, is most interest-
ing and instructive. On the whole, it would be found upon
examination quite difficult to find a case decided latterly
by the Supreme Court, which involves more concise and
accurate features of interpretation and construction, with a
larger but precise scope of application to all those subjects
which by any legal possibility may be brought within its
purview, than this one. And Mr. Langston feels that in
prosecuting and maintaning it, he has accomplished a profit-
able public service.
CHAPTER XXVI.
HE ACCEPTS THE PRESIDENCY OF THE VIRGINIA NORMAL
AND COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE.
WITH prior engagements arranged in acceptable manner
to all concerned, after a brief visit to Petersburg and the
institute, where the Board of Visitors of the school gave him
welcome with full explanations of the work which might be
done towards the education of the people by efficient, dis-
creet management of its executive officer, and after his visit
to and conference with the members of the Board of Educa-
tion at Richmond, Mr. Langston accepted the presidency
of the school tendered him and agreed to enter upon its
duties at an early day.
He did not fail to appreciate and value the important
business engagements which he was compelled to relinquish
by taking this course. Nor did he fail to appreciate at its
just estimate the loss which must be consequent upon the
reduction of his actual annual income and prospective
receipts in salary and commissions incident to and depend-
ent upon the contract to which reference has been made,
and which must be surrendered. It was an easy matter for
him to discover the difference between receipts aggregating
several thousand dollars yearly, in pleasant occupation, and
fifteen hundred dollars, the salary attached to the position
which he must occupy as president of the institute, while
the labors to be performed would be confining and arduous
enough. However, he felt and believed that in the new
409
4io FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
work to which he was called he would find opportunity and
means for aiding the emancipated classes of his native State
in a way and manner which he desired and would secure
above all other things. Sacrifices of whatsoever character
and however made were not to be considered in comparison
with and against the privilege of doing something towards
the Christian education and elevation of the classes alluded
to. Hence the readiness and pleasure with which Mr.
Langston accepted, under the circumstances, the presidency
of the college to which he seemed to have been providen-
tially called.
Indeed, for a long time Mr. Langston had hoped and
desired that some opening in Virginia might be presented
to him, educational if practicable, whereby he might be
given the opportunity of employing any ability and knowl-
edge which he might possess in substantial, advantageous
manner for the good of the formerly oppressed and enslaved
classes of the State. Often he had been urged to return
thereto and make common cause with these people. More
than once he had seriously considered the matter of buying
from its present owner the old plantation of his father, and
upon it erect a school of high standard for the education of
the colored youth of Louisa County. At one time he went
so far as to inquire the price at which the plantation could
be bought, and made offer for it at such rate per acre as he
deemed, under the circumstances, reasonable. His offer,
however, was declined and the scheme abandoned.
Subsequently he had concluded that it was altogether
probable, almost certain that he would not be permitted to
return to the State in whose soil the dust of his father and
mother reposes, to play any part in connection with any
portion of its people, affecting in any way their lives and
destiny. When this call came to him, unsought and with-
out any previous hint even, in what he regarded as a most
remarkable manner, with every inclination and ambition of
his soul moving him to its favorable consideration, his
acceptance in face even of pecuniary sacrifice and most
agreeable professional employment, was with his temper of
mind wholly natural.
PRESIDENT OF THE VA. NORMAL INSTITUTE. 411
The friends of the institution, those concerned in its
success and prosperity, officially and otherwise, seemed
doubly anxious to have Mr. Langston placed at its head.
They seemed hardly willing to give him time to either fully
and maturely reach his decision in the premises, or to
arrange his business so that he might wisely and properly
accept their offer. In a letter dated December 17, 1885,
the superintendent of education of the Commonwealth of
Virginia, employed in addressing him the following words:
" In my judgment, if your duty ever called you to assume respon-
sibilities the call is now made, and that if you want an opportunity to
serve your race and country you now have it , and I trust that you will
consume no more time in considering but that you will come on at once
and take charge of the institution."
Though the institute had been opened and students in
limited numbers had been received and a number of teach-
ers employed, it had not been duly and thoroughly organized.
Besides, at the time of Mr. Langston's election consider-
able confusion, growing out of misunderstanding between the
Board of Visitors and certain of the teachers existed. So
much so that a friend of the school, indeed one connected
with it of prominence and influence, wrote him in the follow-
ing style and words : " We need your strong hand at the insti-
tute just now. All parties and classes desire you and the
students have memoralized the Legislature to make you ac-
cept the position. The only hope of the institution from
political rule and possibly from white management is in
your acceptance." These persuasive and affecting words
were conveyed to Mr. Langston in a letter bearing date
December 10, 1885.
Shortly after this letter was received Mr. Langston was
handed his commission.
His acceptance of the presidency of the institute seemed
to give satisfaction to the Boards of Education and
Visitors as well as the people of the State generally, and
he received many kindly and flattering expressions in letters
and otherwise to that effect. The superintendent of educa-
412 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
tion for the State, Mr. R. R. Farr, addressed him on the
subject at once the following letter :
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, )
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION,
RICHMOND, Dec. 21, 1885. )
Hon.J. M. Langston,
Washington, D. C.,
Dear Sir :
I was very much gratified at the receipt of your letter to-day. You
have done a great thing for your people, and have undertaken a work
that I know you will make a success.
I consider you a patriot in the true sense of the word.
I was in Petersburg attending a meeting of the Board of Visitors
when I received a telegram from the office informing me that you had
accepted the presidency of the college and everybody was delighted,
Your popularity is great and it is no mean thing to start the work on.
I send you by this mail your commission and other usual oaths. You
will come to Alexandria, qualify before a justice of the peace or notary,
and forward the oaths to the secretary of the Board of Education with
a request for leave of absence until the 1 5th of January, and it will be
granted.
We aim to have things so straight that the incoming Board can find
nothing to complain of. As soon as you can qualify telegraph the office
at our expense and I will make formal application for leave of absence,
though you had better mention it in the telegram. Time is short and
we must be prompt.
You have relieved me of a great burden. I know time will demon-
strate the wisdom of the Board in selecting you, and I trust that you will
have a pleasant and successful administration.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) R. R. FARR.
Mr. Langston immediately qualified and made no delay
in entering upon the duties of his office. His reception by
the students, the instructors, the Board of Visitors and the
entire Petersburg community, was cordial and flattering.
His work was from the start, though important and labori-
ous, unusually hopeful and promising. The officers, teachers
and scholars all seemed ready to accept any changes which
might be made necessary to promote discipline, improve the
methods of instruction, and meet more fully any require-
PRESIDENT OF THE VA. NORMAL INSTITUTE. 413
ments needed for the wise and efficient application of any
public funds used to advance the interests of the institution.
The people of Petersburg feeling naturally enough special
local interest in the success of the school, gave Mr. Lang-
ston every evidence practicable of their purpose to sustain
him and their desire to have him introduce and maintain
such authority and control of the school as would realize,
probably, their anticipations and hopes, however exalted
and lively, for the education of their youth.
The welcome given him by the citizens thus interested in
the school located in its immediate neighborhood, was sig-
nalized by a banquet had in his honor, at which the lead-
ing people of society were present, and in sentiments, poetic
and oratorical, manifested their cordial appreciation of the
first commissioned president of the institute, which as they
believed would now lead in the work of a high scientific
and moral training of their sons and daughters.
The " Index-Appeal," the first daily paper published in
Petersburg, in speaking of the banquet employed the fol-
lowing statements :
" The banquet given in honor of Mr. John M. Langston took place last night
in the dining-room adjoining the Albermarle Hotel, and from first to last was
a very gratifying success. Invitations to the number of one hundred had been
issued, and those who participated comprised the most worthy and intelligent of
the colored population of the city and State. Among those who were present
were the following colored members of the Legislature: S. F. Boiling, Cumber-
land; William Faulcon, Prince George and Surry; J. R. Jones, Mecklenburg;
Senator D. M, Norton, and Messrs Jordan and Harris. Other guests were
Rev. Thomas Cain, rector of the board of visitors ; Rev. Henry Williams, Jr.,
and J. J. Carter, King William County. The banquet hall was beautifully
decorated with flags, among which was the one presented to the Petersburg
Guards in 1873.
"The principal toast of the occasion was, "Our Guest," which was re-
sponded to by Hon. A. W. Harris, who gave a succinct and interesting sketch
of the life and career of Mr. Langston. To this address he made response,
saying among other things that he had come to Virginia to make, if possible,
the institute the pride of the negroes of the country. He loved Virginia, and
he would see her foremost again in the Union. He wanted to see the young
white man and the young black one vying with each other in the work of mak-
ing the old commonwealth what it ought to be. For his own part he would
say : Let us leave nothing undone to make the young colored man complete in
his scholarship and character."
27
414 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
With his election received by such general popular ap-
proval and applause, Mr. Langston entered upon his work of
organizing the institute in all its branches, according to the
most approved methods of instruction, pressing in every
way a vigorous, wise discipline, so as to secure the best and
broadest, various and most permanent results of good to his
students. The whole school at once seemed seized with
new vigor and determination. The instructors felt the in-
spiring presence of the president, and increasing from the be-
ginning all students, old and new, pressed forward, exhibit-
ing in every way diligence, even enthusiasm, in the prosecu-
tion of their duties.
The reputation of the school improved rapidly and its in-
fluence soon reached the most distant limits of the State.
In the organic law of its creation provision was made for the
attendance and instruction, upon special reduced rates of tui-
tion, of state students, the number from each county being
determined and approved by its educational authorities.
This class of students was greatly increased and their influ-
ence was productive of large general growth in attendance.
For it did seem to be true that the fact that a state student
was admitted from a given county increased and intensified
the desire, on the part of others, to come to the institute.
The standard of instruction was at once elevated, and
efforts were made to improve the morale of the whole school.
The first general lesson bearing directly on this subject given
the students was formal and emphatic, founded upon the
teachings of the Proverbs of Solomon as expounded by the
president himself. To make the deeper impression, while cer-
tain that the students caught and understood the meaning
of the lessons which he gave in such behalf, he selected
several of the more advanced ones among them, girls and
boys, and giving to each a subject suggested by the lesson,
he required them to write and present to him essays and
orations illustrating the maxims and teachings of the Moral
Philosopher of Israel. Under his own direction and instruc-
tion he had the essays and orations thus produced prepared
for public exercises held in the chapel of the institute. To
PRESIDENT OF THE VA. NORMAL INSTITUTE. 415
these exercises the Board of Education of the State and the
Board of Visitors of the school were invited. Their attend-
ance gave special tclat to the occasion and the members of
both boards seemed greatly pleased with what they heard
and witnessed. At the close of the exercises, which lasted
for quite two hours, Governor Lee, the chairman of the
Board of Education, expressed himself from the platform in
a brief address which he made, as being greatly surprised at
the proficiency displayed by the students and their appro-
priate becoming demeanor.
In addition to the duties which concerned regular instruc-
tion in the various departments of the institute during the
academic year of nine months, it was made the duty of the
president with a sufficient number of his instructors and
teachers, to conduct annually a summer teacher's institute at
which all teachers of the colored public schools of the State
were required to be present, and where they were to be
instructed in the various appropriate methods best calcu-
lated to be employed for the easy, graceful and effective
communication of knowledge upon the branches taught in
their schools. It was expected too that all imperfections in
their understanding of those branches would be corrected
and improved in connection with lessons given the teachers.
Mr. Langston held his first teacher's institute during the
first vacation following his appointment, and thereafter
annually during his term of office. The attendance upon
the institute in its summer sessions was throughout very
large, the teachers manifesting their constant interest in its
exercises by their orderly, appropriate behavior, and their
earnest, diligent attention to the duties enjoined upon
them. It was through the influence of these summer insti-
tutes also that the institution proper made large accessions
to its numbers and increased and improved its opportunity
for doing good to those in whose interest the government
of the State had established it.
'It is apparent from what has been stated that the Vir-
ginia Normal and Collegiate Institute is a state institution,
founded and supported by state appropriations, and placed
416 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
under the control and management of the state Board of
Education. This board, in order to its wise and judicious
conduct, provided as directed by the law for a board of visi-
tors, consisting of six members, whose action was in no case
final, but simply recommendatory, with its effect dependent
upon approval of the Board of Education itself. When Mr.
Langston arrived at the institution and took charge of it
the Board of Visitors was composed of six colored men ;
and while they were all persons of limited educational at-
tainment, they seemed confident of his ability to put the
school on sound working basis and to conduct it upon such
plans as to accomplish the objects of its creation. They
assured him in very positive and unmistakable terms that
he might rely upon their vigorous moral support.
The instructors were all young persons; some with small
experience as teachers, and others now enjoying their first
opportunity to engage in the work. All of them however
appeared to be docile and ready to second all efforts which
might be made to reconstruct and improve any methods of
instruction or discipline necessary for the good of the stu-
dents and the college. There had been misunderstanding,
as already intimated, of such character between certain per-
sons having in important sense control and authority in the
management of the school and the Board of Visitors, affect-
ing the good order of the students even, that it was neces-
sary for the president to take his position with respect
thereto at once and with decision. This he did ; and with
the discharge of a single person, a gentleman for whom he
had entertained for many years very considerable respect,
wise and efficient discipline was reassured in the peaceful,
orderly, friendly relations of the faculty and students and
the Board of Visitors. From that time all concerned
accepted Mr. Langston as the master of the situation, and
maintained towards him those relations of friendly feeling
and respect which made his work, in the main, for the entire
time that he remained president of the institute, pleasant
and agreeeble.
The faculty was composed of five gentlemen and four
PRESIDENT OF THE VA. NORMAL INSTITUTE. 417
ladies ; and the officers of the institute besides the presi-
dent were a secretary, who took care of all records and pro-
ceedings of the institute; and a treasurer, whose labors were
financial, covering the collection and disbursement of all
funds. The number of students at first was not large, and
some of them had to realize that their new president was a
person possessing the sterner elements of authority and de-
cision which he would maintain in his administration before
they became profitably and intelligently reconciled to the
new order of things. The number of such students how-
ever was small, and any opposition of feeling coming from
that quarter soon disappeared.
Under the law creating the institution its work was di-
vided into two parts ; the first normal and the other colle-
giate. This implied really, first the normal department
itself, with a training school ; and then a college department,
with a preparatory course calculated for training and fitting
students for admission to the regular literary and scientific
course of study. Of course courses of study fitted to the
capacity of the students assigned to either of these depart-
ments and found in either the normal training school or the
preparatory department, or in positions of greater advance-
ment, calculated when wisely and thoroughly pursued to
work the largest and best results to them, were carefully
and cautiously considered and adopted. This work, diffi-
cult enough always, was attended with considerable anxiety
in this case. However, it was soon and satisfactorily ac-
complished ; and throughout the institution, teachers and
students adjusting themselves to the new and improved
condition, entered with earnestness and zeal upon the dis-
charge of their respective duties.
Besides the ordinary studies of all the departments,
lessons in music, vocal and instrumental, were given. The
public exercises of the morning, the regular lectures on
each recurring Thursday afternoon, besides occasional lec-
tures during the week and the regular Sabbath afternoon
lecture, were utilized to improve the students in all those
matters of general understanding and knowledge which
4i 8 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
embrace such biographical, historical, literary, scientific,
ethical and religious subjects as came within their compre-
hension and appreciation, and which were necessary for
their permanent good. The public exercises were generally
conducted by the president himself and the lectures delivered
by him. The attendance upon both not only consisted of
instructors and students, but ordinarily he had large and
interesting promiscuous audiences, among whom it was no
unfrequent thing to find many white persons.
The esprit du corps of the whole institution was soon
changed and ameliorated, and the students, boys and girls,
young ladies and gentlemen, not only discovered the new
spirit and purpose which had taken possession of them in
their dormitories, recitation-rooms and about the buildings
and grounds of the institute, but in their manly and
womanly, courteous, civil bearing and conduct about the
city of Petersburg, where they were constantly seen and ob-
served. Perhaps the highest compliment that the presi-
dent and the students of the institute could have received
was that paid them by an aged, venerable white gentleman
of Petersburg, who stopping Mr. Langston in the street in
the last month of the first year of his administration, said to
him, " I take it, sir, that you are Professor Langston, the
president of the institute ; for your students pass my place
in scores daily, and each one bears himself so much like
you and is like yourself so polite and courteous that I have
come to feel that I know you quite well and admire you.
I have never seen you before, sir, but I have heard of you
and your success in teaching, and have so constantly for
the past year observed your students and their behavior
that I do not need an introduction to you. However, I de-
sire to present to you my respects and my hearty good
wishes for your continued success."
Another testimonial borne to Mr. Langston's efficiency
in his management of the institute, showing also the kindly
treatment which he received at the hands of leading white
men of Petersburg, is found in the following words employed
among others by one of its influential citizens after listen-
PRESIDENT OF THE VA. NORMAL INSTITUTE. 419
ing to one of his lectures, and uttered in the presence of the
faculty and students as well as a large general audience : "In
your presence I want to thank your president for the good
he is doing in breaking down race prejudice in this great
democratic republic of ours. In his book, which I sincerely
hope you have all read, he gave me more information about
the negro race than all other publications it had ever fallen
to my lot to see. President Langston is one of the broadest
men in his views I have ever met. He is a thinker, a states-
man as well as a scholar. * * * Thanking you kindly for
your attention and wishing you well, I shall continue as in
the past to take great interest in your school."
Elected and commissioned as Mr. Langston had been to
the presidency of the college by a Republican administration
of the state government, just passing out of power, and
brought at once under Democratic control, it being well-
known that it was through the action of a Republican
Legislature that the school had been established for the
colored people, every friend of his and every supporter of
the more advanced education of the colored youth was curi-
ous and anxious to know how he, an avowed and earnest
Republican, and the institute itself, would be treated by
the incoming Democratic power. Governor Cameron had
promised Mr. Langston that nothing should be spared so
far as he was concerned and had the authority, to make his
situation in the school happy and prosperous. But now
arose the question how a Southern man of the education,
character, feeling and position of Governor Fitzhugh Lee,
would treat the work of negro education in his State, espe-
cially so far as this school was concerned under its present
management.
Accordingly the president, so soon as Governor Lee had
been inaugurated and become actually ex-officio president
of the Board of Education, visited him as well as the new
superintendent of public instruction, and had with those
officers a free conference with respect to the institute and
their purposes and desires with regard to its management.
He was entirely pleased with the treatment accorded him by
420 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the governor, and the promises which he made to do what
he might to foster and sustain the school. The superin-
tendent also expressed becoming solicitude for its success.
However, with all this feeling of interest as expressed in the
work, these gentlemen did not hesitate to let Mr. Langston
understand that nothing like politics would be tolerated in
the institution.
Governor Lee had not been in office long before Mr.
Langston gave him special and pressing invitation to visit
the institute and attend certain public exercises to be per-
formed by the students. The invitation was promptly ac-
cepted, and for the first time in his life the governor
attended exercises in the public chapel of a state negro col-
lege, and for the first time in the history of the negro race,
in the State of Virginia, where its members had for centuries
been slaves, the college was honored by the presence of
this high official. The governor was accompanied on this
occasion by the attorney-general of the Commonwealth and
the superintendent of public instruction. The topics han-
dled by the students in original essays and orations on sub-
jects selected, as already stated, from the book of Proverbs,
partook of high ethical, scholarly character. The visitors
many of whom, especially the white persons present, attend-
ing such exercises now for the first time, seemed greatly de-
lighted, and the gentlemen who had come the long distance
from the capital to the institute to be present, were free in
their expressions in public and private, of surprise and
pleasure in view of what they had heard and witnessed.
Governor Lee, as heretofore stated, was even more out-
spoken and positive than any other person, winning thus at
once the sympathy and admiration of the whole school.
This occasion with such presence proclaimed in the
notices given in the newspapers of the State with respect to
it, proved to be of the greatest service to the institute in all
its interests. It seemed to take therefrom a new and more
desirable name and to extend its influence more generally
and thoroughly among the better classes of those whose
education and elevation it was designed to accomplish.
PRESIDENT OF THE VA. NORMAL INSTITUTE. 421
Thus favorably launched under the Democratic adminis-
tration, with the chief officers of the government maintaining
and discovering their interest in its prosperity, the institute
grew in favor with the people, multiplying its students in
regular attendance and the teachers who came from all
quarters of the commonwealth to gain the advantages
proffered them at the summer teacher's institutes. The first
commencement exercises, had in June, 1886, discovered a
condition of scholarly progress and accomplishment which
were entirely satisfactory to the authorities and patrons of
the college. The graduating class, though not large in
numbers, displayed an excellence of training in all directions
which gave increased and growing respect for the school.
Another year of successful experience was had, so far as
the institution itself was concerned, under the management
of Mr. Langston, although it was made manifest through
certain expressions and behavior of parties in the Board of
Visitors and in the Board of Education as well, that the
liberality, freedom and impartial treatment which he
accorded all classes visiting the school, white and colored,
and the progress and fame which the institution was winning
in the State, were creating a little uneasiness in the minds of
the persons alluded to. However, by careful discreet man-
agement, the president brought the school in admirable con-
dition in the best possible order to the commencement of
1887.
The graduating classes through the president of the insti-
tute gave Governor Lee a special invitation to be present at
this commencement, and not only to present to them their
diplomas but deliver to them the address usual on such
occasions. It was not at first believed, even by the faculty
of the institute, that the governor would accept the invita-
tion and consent to perform the duty indicated. He did
however promptly accept, and promised to be present,
arriving at such an early hour as to witness the performance
of every exercise. This he did, taking his place, of course one
of honor, on the platform at ten o'clock in the morning, and
remaining throughout the day up to four o'clock in the after-
422 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
noon. On being appropriately introduced by the president,
he formally presented the diplomas awarded to the gradua-
ting classes, and delivered to them an impressive, befitting
and eloquent address. Even then he remained to the close
of the exercises, receiving in appropriate and becoming
spirit and manner the honor which the classes did him in
their presentation, through the president, of a large beautiful
bouquet of rare, rich flowers. It is to be regretted that his
excellent address, in every way worthy of its author, the
cause of education which he represented and the great State
whose chief executive he was, cannot be given here in its
entirety. By such demonstrations of personal and official,
kindly, considerate feelings for the colored people of Virginia,
Governor Lee has won many friends among them, who to-
day entertain for him sentiments of the highest respect.
More than once after this visit Governor Lee referred in
signal terms to what he had seen and heard at the insti-
tute, and how pleased he was at the interesting spectacle
of educational purpose and endeavor which was presented
there. In addressing the lawmakers of the State in his
message of 1888, he employed the following paragraphs, in
his allusions to its condition and prospects:
" At the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, December i, 1886, there
were 162 academic students. On December i, 1887, the number of academic
students was 187.
*********
"The Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute is also in good condition.
The attendance of teachers at the summer session of 1887 was 131, and of that
number 129 were granted certificates. In 1886 there were eight graduates
from the Normal Department ; at the commencement of this year there were
eighteen, all of whom are now engaged in teaching colored schools for the
State. The work of this institute has been somewhat obstructed by the want
of accommodations. The additional building however is nearing completion,
and when finished the institute will, it is reported, have accommodations for
at least 700 students. From a personal inspection of this institute I believe it
is fulfilling its mission and carrying out the objects for which it was estab-
lished."
At the time these statements were made by the governor,
so far as the number of students was concerned, the condi-
tion and order of it, the institute was in its most flourishing
PRESIDENT OF THE VA. NORMAL INSTITUTE. 423
/
and promising circumstances. The only serious difficulty
which interrupted really its largest and best growth for the
future was misunderstandings developing themselves now
among the Board of Visitors with respect to the manner in
which its affairs should be controlled and directed. In fact
the double board feature in its management was unfortu-
nate. It needed with the Board of Education no board of
visitors.
It is not to be understood that Mr. Langston did not find
drawbacks in number and character connected with the
school quite sufficient to give him great anxiety from the
first, and finally as they were not overcome as he had
expected, to deter him. Among such drawbacks interrupt-
ing and hindering the work of the school, was the unfinished
condition of its buildings; and hence the lack of suitable
accommodations for over one hundred and twenty or thirty
students. The incoming administration so far as the Legis-
lature was concerned, seemed at first disposed to abandon
the school, throwing the responsibility of its failure upon
the Republican party, which having founded it had lost its
power. At last, through the influence of Governor Lee and
the Board of Education an appropriation, by no means
liberal, was made for the completion of the chief and most
needed building of the school. The work however in this
respect was superintended and done with so little energy,
efficiency and promptness as to leave the building largely
incomplete even on the first day of January, 1888.
Another drawback which operated at once upon the
change of administrations, tending to limit Mr. Langston's
influence and to disturb his work, was found in the peculiar
political condition of affairs in the State. The public sen-
timent of the people seemed to be on all hands favorable to
the education even of the colored youth; but in so far
forth as the support of this educational enterprise seemed
to imply the endorsement of the Republican party, or any
of its more conspicuous measures, there existed on the part
of the opposing party constant, sometimes bitter opposi-
tion. The Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, as
424 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
organized and conducted, with Mr. Langston at its head
and the controlling agent in its management, was made the
object of this feeling of opposition to such a degree and in
such manner as to be environed by any other than an
encouraging and sustaining power. Ultimately the oppo-
sition became so strong, outspoken and demonstrative that
the powers and influences which Mr. Langston as president
of the school was at first permitted to wield were curtailed,
and he was left without authority and control necessary to
accomplish the results proposed by its founders.
Other troubles arose during the last quarter of the school
year of 1887, growing mainly out of certain unfortunate,
imprudent conduct of two or three of the instructors — con-
duct which the president was compelled to notice and cen-
sure, even publicly, in order to the preservation of the good
order and name of the school. Differences and disturbance
connected with such conduct and the discipline enforced
against it resulted in such feeling on the part of certain of
the authorities and the parties immediately concerned as to
make his situation no longer as pleasant and agreeable for
him as could have been wished. However, it is to be
understood that so far as the patrons of the school and the
students were concerned, with the instructors generally and
the principal officers in charge, Mr. Langston was loyally
and faithfully sustained. His pupils exhibited towards him
such devotion and adherence under these circumstances as
under all others as to cause him, even as he dwells now in
thought and remembrance of their conduct, to exercise
towards them sentiments of the profoundest gratitude and
the loftiest respect. They seemed to be in all respects
related to him as his own children ; and with regard to
every girl and boy included in its membership during his
control and management of the institute, he indulges the
hope that he or she has either already reached or may here-
after the highest standard of womanhood and manhood in
education and culture, with such position in life as to be
abundantly useful, prosperous and happy.
CHAPTER XXVII.
HE RESIGNS THE PRESIDENCY AND LEAVES THE INSTI-
TUTE.
AFTER the advent of the Democratic party to power in
the State the old Board of Visitors was replaced by a new
one composed of another set and sort of colored men.
These latter ones, if not Democrats in sentiment and party
affiliations, were persons who were quite disposed to follow
the leadership of the superintendent of public instruction,
who was, ex-officio, the chairman of their board. Narrow-
minded and illiberal, full of prejudice against the colored
classes, with strong feelings against their extended and
various education, this officer was not disposed to sustain
Mr. Langston in his opinions and purposes with regard to
such exalted standards of training, mental and moral, as
tended to develop the best conditions of manhood and
womanhood in the case of those who were formerly
enslaved. Exerting large influence in the control and direc-
tion of his associate members of the Board of Visitors, and
holding the opportunity and privilege of explaining and
advocating their judgment and views in the Board of Educa-
tion, of which he was also ex-officio a member, he was so
situated as to exert large obstructing and disagreeable
power against Mr. Langston.
From the moment the superintendent fully compre-
hended the plans of the president and the exertions which
he was making to give the school the best possible name in
425
426 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the achievement of the best practicable educational results,
he did not hesitate to wield his influence and power in
opposition to that end, controlling as fully as might be the
members of the Board of Visitors. His real spirit was dis-
covered in a statement made by him in petulant and bitter
terms, when in addressing the president himself, he de-
clared, "You have conducted this school in such manner
that we cannot now take up a newspaper of the State with-
out finding some allusion to it with complimentary mention
of its work and accomplishments. It is even placed beside
the state university itself ! " While these words discovered
the temper and feelings of their author, they contained a
very high compliment to the president of the institute, and
a very substantial and remarkable commendation of his
work. And all this the superintendent would have known
and felt had his mind not been beclouded by his unreason-
able and unreasoning prejudices.
In this connection it is worthy of mention that the presi-
dent, in what he supposed would be most agreeable and
acceptable to the superintendent, made a great mistake.
However, he did not discover it until it was too late. And
now he relates it with no little feeling of merriment. As
the Board of Visitors came to the institute from time to
time to hold their stated and special meetings, often occu-
pied for the whole day, it was customary for the president
to have a private dinner prepared and served them. He
did not make any distinctions on account of color or nation-
alit)' ; but invited the superintendent, a white Virginia
gentleman of education and culture, exalted church rela-
tionships and Christian refinement, knowing that the colored
members of the board and the colored officers, who were
also invited to dine, could have no objection to that
arrangement. Of course, the superintendent was given the
seat of honor at the table. He could not however tolerate
this arrangement; and was wholly dissatisfied with the
conduct of the president, who put him in such disagreeable
proximity socially with the colored gentlemen with whom
he" seemed very willing to serve and control in the meetings
RESIGNS THE PRESIDENCY. 427
of the board. Nor was he indisposed to make himself
comrade indeed of those persons in any effort finally which
might embarrass the president. At last he declined utterly
to dine with the persons referred to when invited to do so ;
either declaring that he had, or had already eaten, his lunch.
Why having eaten with his colored associates once or twice
he should thereafter decline to do so no one can explain,
except upon the theory that his prejudices asserted their
mastery even against a well-provided and appointed dinner.
The influence exerted by a person, situated as the superin-
tendent was, with his great powers and opportunities, in
connection with an institution like the Virginia Normal and
Collegiate Institute, could be so wielded as to accomplish
many things aggravating and intolerable, calculated to dis-
turb and hinder the work of an officer in Mr. Langston's
place. No proof is needed on this point, and the effect of
his conduct will be at once understood and appreciated.
It must be understood, however, that the influences
which operated to disturb Mr. Langston's relations to the
institution, making his stay there anything other than
agreeable to him, were for the most part political. All
others might have been overcome and he continued in ser-
vice , but he would neither yield his political convictions
nor hesitate as he deemed it proper to express and defend
his party alliances. He was a Republican ; and so he
stated and declared without fear, according to his own
judgment and his right and privilege as an American citi-
zen. When he found that this was the real opposition to
him, although pressed by a voice which seemed to be well-
nigh unanimous so far as its patrons and friends were con-
cerned, to remain at the institute and continue his services
as its executive officer, he determined not to do so. After
he had theretofore tendered his resignation on the twenty-
third day of December, 1887, the examinations of the
school preparatory to the holidays having been closed, he
advised his faculty and students of his purpose to leave
tli em.
Thereupon the greatest possible feeling manifested itself
428 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
in words and conduct of tenderest regard and affection,
with the deepest sorrow and grief among the students, espe-
cially those of the more advanced classes. These feelings
were laigely shared by the professors and instructors ; and
so soon as his determination was made public, positive ex-
pression was had by the people generally, against any action
taken by the Board of Visitors or the Board of Education
tending to induce Mr. Langston's retirement.
The members of the faculty of the institute, all the stu-
dents, and a large number of friends and patrons had assem-
bled in the great audience room of the institution to listen
to the last words of the president before they took leave, at
the close of the fall term, for the vacation covering the
Christmas and New Year's holidays just at hand. The
president, in his address, concluding it, used the following
words :
" I may not meet you again as a company of students in this capacity. Very
soon my relations to the institute, as its president, must be brought to a close.
Others will take you in charge. But though I go away from you, my interest
in you and your welfare shall abide; and my prayers for your constant success
shall be ardent and continuous. My stay with you, though brief, has been in
many respects so pleasant that I shall not soon forget it. Had it been more
useful it would please me better. I have, however, labored according to the
measure of my ability and opportunities ; and I leave you, thanking God if in
anywise I have been serviceable in the least thing or manner to you. Commit-
ting you then to the keeping of the Infinite One who holds the destinies of us
all according to His own benevolent purposes in His Almighty hands, 1 bid
you, one and all, an affectionate farewell, with the most sincere wishes for your
success, prosperity, and happiness. Ladies and gentlemen, students, fare-
well 1 "
When Mr. Langston had made known formally, as stated,
his purpose of leaving the institute, even before the open-
ing of the following term, the students made expression of
their feelings of appreciation and affection for him in
memorials, in form of preamble and resolutions, with appro-
priate addresses, which were received and adopted in the
most unanimous, emphatic manner. Besides, a souvenir
was provided by them in the form of a golden shield, signif-
icant in form, unique in its beauty, and rare in its richness,
RESIGNS THE PRESIDENCY. 429
bearing on either side in engraved characters and figures
words and designs of tenderness and honor. In such man-
ner the hold which he had upon the students and the
attachment which they bore him were signally and strik-
ingly expressed. These proceedings were gratifying in the
most import sense to the retiring president, for they
demonstrated the loyalty of those conducting them.
It is due the students and the patrons of the institute,
indeed all persons concerned in its welfare, that such detailed
account be given here of the occurrences alluded to as may
do, at least, simple justice to their promoters. Hence no
apology is offered for their exact presentation, even in their
own words, of the expressions made in the memorials men-
tioned, consigned long since to the archives of the institute
where they are preserved. The preamble and resolutions
were encouched in the following words :
" Whereas, our most highly esteemed, respected and honored president,
Hon. John Mercer Langston, LL. D., is about to retire from the presidency of
the institution, which he has held for two years, accomplishing the greatest
possible physical, intellectual, and moral results in the education of the colored
youth, bringing the institution to the highest point of popularity, dignity and
honor as designed by its founders.
" Whereas, endowed with the highest possible scholarly attainments, he has
faithfully, zealously and effectually labored for the promotion of our interests,
touching every phase of the true American ideal of education, instilling into
our souls the great fundamental, eternal principles of virtue, integrity and
honor, which are the secrets of success in the achievement of the grand and
glorious results of manly and womanly endeavor ;
" Whereas, appreciating his services to the youth of the State, feeling the
most profound regret in the severance of his connection with the school ;
" Therefore, be it resolved,
" i st. That we extend to Hon. John Mercer Langston our most heartfelt
thanks for his matchless administration of the affairs of the institute, and his
invaluable services in behalf of its students.
" 2d. That we most cordially thank him not only as our president, but as the
educator of the race for his unequalled utterances upon all questions pertain-
ing to their welfare, making himself the champion of their cause.
" 3d. That we bid him a hearty godspeed, in his future work— a work
destined to place the negro upon the highest plane of citizenship— as enduring
and lasting as the government itself.
" 4th. That a copy of these resolutions be presented to Hon. John Mercer
Langston, a copy to the institute, and a copy to the negro race of the country
through the press."
28
430 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Addresse's were presented to President Langston, in the
name of the students of the respective departments of the
institution, by Messrs. W. H. Lewis, W. T. Sherman Jack-
son, and G. Herman Kyd. All of these gentlemen, stu-
dents of the institute themselves, were representatives of
the entire school, and each voiced the sentiments of the
whole body of students.
Mr. Lewis, in his address, expressed among other things
the following beautiful and eloquent sentiments : " The
English tongue, so replete in the variety and beauty of its
etymology, possesses no word, which at once pronounced,
touches more deeply the diapason of human love, admira-
tion, and esteem than the word fareivell."
" Then it is that the chord of human sympathy and affection is strength-
ened by the sweet and tender recollections of long continued association, and
our noblest feelings and aspirations assert themselves."
After dwelling upon those things which he claimed Mr.
Langston had accomplished for the school, he closed that
portion of his speech with these earnest and impressive
words : " He came to the institute rich in character,
wealthy in honor, and in brains a millionaire, bringing the
fruits of a ripe scholarship and all the glories and embel-
lishments of a great name," and continuing:
" At once the school sprang into prominence, as it were at one bound, from
obscurity to fame. Since that time, she has been written about and spoken
about as much as any other school upon the continent.
" With the rarest gifts and attainments, he has faithfully, thoroughly and en-
tirely performed the duties confided to his care by the high and sacred trust of
the State.
" He has given permanent shape and character to the only true and great
ideal of negro education, which comprehends the whole field of learning, touch-
ing the very dome of thought.
" In his lectures, dealing exhaustively with the various subjects presented, he
has impressed upon the negro youth gathered around him, the sanctity of the
obligations incumbent upon them as American citizens, and all their rights,
privileges and immunities connected therewith.
" He has imbued his students with that spirit, which is truly the secret of
success in working out the grand and glorious results of manly and womanly
endeavor.
RESIGNS THE PRESIDENCY. 431
" And I thank God that I have received a goodly portion of that spirit. I
swear it now upon the altar of truth, that it shall follow me to the end of my
career ; for upon it depends all that I am, and all that I may hope to be in
this life."
Concluding, Mr. Lewis employed the following touching
sentences ;
" But now comes the sad thought ! He is about to retire from the presi-
dency. What will be the effect upon us and our people ? True it will be, as
I said to the governor of the Commonwealth, a calamity to us and our entire
people ; for he is the wisest and best educator that we have ever produced, and
therefore we have no man so well qualified to succeed him as himself. * *
" Mr. President, how shall we fittingly thank you for the noble and self-
sacrificing spirit with which you have so unceasingly labored for the upbuilding
of all our interests ? * * * There is one thing at least we can do, Mr.
President — vow now and here to be true to the negro — a people whose mission
and destiny are the grandest on earth, and who claim no greater leader than
John Mercer Langston." * * *
" Now, Mr. President, in the name of the students, allow me to thank you,
yes, thrice thank you for your kind and fatherly care ; congratulate you upon
the entire success of your administration, bid you farewell and wish you a long,
happy and prosperous life in the service of your country, your race and your
God."
The addresses of Messrs. Jackson and Kyd, like that of
Mr. Lewis, were full of kindly expressions toward the presi-
dent, of deep appreciation of his services, with utterances of
profound regret in view of his retirement from the school.
Extracts are not made from these addresses here because of
the striking similarity in sentiment and feeling which they
bear, necessarily, to that of Mr. Lewis. It is due their au-
thors however to state that they were able and eloquent,
eliciting, as did that of Mr. Lewis, the most cordial, hearty
endorsement and applause of all who heard them.
In presenting the shield of honor, Mr. Winston Bell, a
student of the institute, made the following address :
" Mr. President : I am commissioned by my school-fellows to ask your ac-
ceptance of this little token of their respect, appreciation and affection.
" We wish in some way to show our sense of your ability as a preceptor,
and of your patience and kindness in dealing with the faults to which those
varieties of the human species, called boys and girls, are proverbially prone.
" After some debate as to the best method of doing so, we concluded that
the most befitting exponent of our feelings would be a memento to which we
432 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
all could contribute, which, however insignificant its value might be, when
measured by the magnitude of our obligations would agreeably remind you that
we were indeed not ungrateful
" With our little gift, accept, dear sir, our warmest wishes for your health
and prosperity.
" We hope to do credit to your tutelage. If we do not it is our own fault ;
for you have done your part faithfully and zealously.
" You have taught us to look up to you not only as a wise instructor but as
a guardian and friend ; and when we go into the world to turn to profitable
account the lessons you have taught us, we cannot forget to whom we owe our
acquirements, but shall ever remember you with filial regard as champion and
prince of our cause.
" Sir, I feel as sensibly the loss that the institute sustains in your retirement
from its presidency as any negro in our Commonwealth ; but when I know that
you will be called to a higher sphere and wider field of usefulness, I resign my-
self to fate.
" And, sir, imbued with Herculean strength and Socratic genius as you are,
Virginia shall yet send forth an illustrious son of whom she shall be proud,
and in whom the negro shall live and move and have his political being.
"I predict — even assert, that the day in which this State sends John Mercer
Langston to the Congress of the United States she will have sent forth a star
of the first magnitude and a man and scholar who shall do her perpetual and
eternal honor."
The shield presented was designed by Mr. Charles H.
Scales, one of the students, and made by the foremost jeweler
of Petersburg, Virginia. Upon its face it bears the inscrip.
tion : " To our President, Hon. John Mercer Langston, L L.
D., ex-Minister to Hayti." Upon the reverse side: "From
the students of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute,
Petersburg, Va., December 23, 1887."
The exercises described as connected with Mr. Lang-
ston's retirement from the institute, from beginning to end
were conducted in the most dignified, impressive manner,
and the effect produced upon the minds of all present can-
not be easily effaced. The general applause with which
every utterance was received attested the deep, universal
appreciation and respect entertained for him by all partici-
pating. The golden shield of honor was presented with
such circumstances of solemnity and ceremony as to prove
impressive in the highest degree, even increasing its value
and the appreciation with which the one who was honored
in its gift must ever regard and cherish it.
RESIGNS THE PRESIDENCY. 433
When the question of Mr. Langston's retirement was in
debate simply, before he had determined to leave the insti-
tution, his students were so moved by the prospect of
that occurrence, that they organized a committee com-
posed of their own numbers, and addressed Governor Lee
upon the subject with the greatest possible earnestness,
urging his re-election and retention. The address pre-
sented was as follows :
" May it please Your Excellency :
" We come, first as citizens of the Commonwealth ; secondly as students of
the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, to invite your attention to a sub-
ject which not only concerns our immediate and particular interests, but the
interests of that class of citizens with whom we are identified; and not only the
interests of a special class of citizens, but the interests of the entire State.
" For the perpetuity of a government of the people, for the people, and by
the people, depends upon the education of its citizens.
" To this end the State has from time to time founded great institutions of
learning at whose shrines her sons and daughters might worship and thus pre-
pare themselves for the duties incumbent upon them as citizens. Among such
institutions proudly stands the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, an
institute founded by an act of the Assembly of '82 for the higher education of
the colored youth. Your administration has, so far, brought to her a success-
ful era of progress. A gentleman and scholar of repute, a Virginian by birth,
coming to her presidency, who when she was tossed about upon the waves of
neglect and destruction and was about to go down in the maelstrom of death,
assisted by your kindly hand rescued her from so imminently dangerous des-
tiny, and placed her where she stands to-day. It is of him that we desire to
speak, learning as we have through the press and otherwise, with profound
regret, that it is the wish of those in authority that he should retire from the
presidency. Though this seems to be manifestly true, from the non-action of
the Board of Visitors with regard to the presidency at a late meeting, when
every teacher endorsed him for re-election, we hope that it is not true and that
ere his time expires he may be reappointed.
" President Langston is so earnestly and entirely devoted to the conservation
of the best interests of the institution and our education that he has endeared
himself in the strongest ties of devotion to every student.
" His ability, zeal and devotion make him in every way worthy and capable
of the high and sacred trust of the State. And to force him to retire at a
period when she is just beginning a career of usefulness to the State would be
a calamity to us and our entire people. For we have no man so well qualified
to succeed Mr. Langston as Mr. Langston himself.
" We are sure that his administration, marked by a judicious demeanor and
fraught with most fruitful results, is beyond reproach and well deserving of
the State.
" Therefore, in the name of the students associated with us in the institution,
434 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
whose sentiments we represent in toto ; in the name of hundreds of thousands
of colored people whose children must look to this institution for an education ;
and in the name of the State itself, whose free institutions and Christian civil-
ization we would conserve, we ask that our president be retained.
" We humbly implore you, Sir, as president of the Board of Education, as
Governor of the State, whose administration has been one of the wisest and
most peaceful in the annals of the Commonwealth, that it meet your approval.
"If you are the friend of the colored people, and who can doubt it, no act of
friendship would be or could be, more appreciated than maintaining at the
head of that institution the wisest and best educator that they have produced."
This testimony embraced and covered the judgment and
feeling of those who were most deeply interested in the in-
stitute, and was expressed after the Board of Visitors had
acted in the premises.
Brief as were Mr. Langston's administration and manage-
ment of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, it
will not be denied that he gained the confidence and affec-
tion not only of his students in regular attendance, all teach-
ers coming to the several summer teacher's institutes con-
ducted by him, the patrons of the school generally, but the
entire people of the State wherever they had knowledge of
his methods of instruction and his efficiency.
His discipline, though rigid and exacting when necessary,
was on the whole so natural, mild, easy and affectionate,
always showing that the object at which he aimed was the
highest practical good of the student, wrought constantly
not only a favorable standing for him with those immedi-
ately concerned, but becoming known to any interested in
the matter of popular education, tended to enlarge and solid-
ify his influence. Even the aristocratic and influential among
the whites of the State were, as a rule not only not averse to
him and his work, but manifested in many ways, as they
became acquainted with him and it, their interest and favor.
So strong and unyielding was the attachment of many of
the students, among these the most advanced and promising,
for Mr. Langston, that when he left they quitted the insti-
tute. Many of them sought his counsel and direction as to
the course which they should pursue for the future in the
prosecution of their education according to the standards
RESIGNS THE PRESIDENCY. 435
\vhich he had impressed upon their minds. Among such
students, Mr. Langston records the names of Messrs. Wil-
liam H. Lewis, W. T. Sherman Jackson, Winston Bell, Mil-
ton D. Brown, Charles H. Scales, J. E. Harris, C. H. Deanes,
R. W. Brown, and others, at least a score. All these stu-
dents have gone forward in the vigorous prosecution of
their studies, no one of them neglecting the advice of their
former president, as they have all asked and received it, as
they have found it necessary. Several of them have already
won graduations from collegiate and professional institu-
tions and are now making their way, gallantly and success-
fully, in their different callings. Dr. R. W. Brown of Wash-
ington city, a practicing physician of unusual standing and
influence for his age, is an admirable illustration of the class
of professional men referred to. While Messrs. Lewis and
Jackson, who as classmates graduated from Amherst Col-
lege, June, 1892, and Bell and Milton D. Brown, now stu-
dents, the former in the law department, and the latter in
the medical department, of Harvard College, represent the
larger class of the young men still engaged in prosecuting
their studies upon a broad and various plan.
Such has been the record made by Lewis and Jackson in
their course of study at Amherst College that it deserves
special and particular note here by their old president and
friend. It was through the influence of that friend that
they were enabled to take such a course, and the fidelity and
purpose with which they did their work make this notice
entirely appropriate and profitable. Should it come to the
attention of the noble white men who aided these colored
students in the gift of their means and their kindly atten-
tion and encouraging care, they will read with satisfaction
the estimate put upon their generous behavior by one who
has always been profoundly interested in the education of
colored youth, while grateful to the host of benevolent
white persons in the United States who have done and
given so much to contribute to this end.
Both these young men, classmates, achieved high stand-
ing in their classes and were honored by their fello\v-stu-
436 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
dents as well upon the field in games as in the recitation-
room and the society halls. Lewis, while in college was re-
garded as its best orator, and was elected by his class to
represent it on its memorable graduating commencement
occasion in 1892. It is a remarkable fact that two young
white men from the South, Messrs. J. H. Grant and S. H.
Ransom, the latter a nephew of Senator Ransom of North
Carolina, were his competitors for that exalted college
honor. He was a member of the foot-ball eleven of the
college three years. Such was the record which he made
and the admiration which he won that he was made during
his senior year its captain. In fact he is reckoned one of the
best football players in the country, and is always given
in the game responsible and trying position. Immediately
after his graduation from Amherst he entered Harvard Law
School, where he is now prosecuting his studies in the hope
of graduating therefrom in 1895. Ex-President Seelye has
been and is his special friend and adviser.
Mr. Jackson was graduated cum laude, and was a " rank
man " throughout his course. He, scholarly and well be-
haved in every way won, fully the esteem and respect of
his professors, fellow-students and classmates, and in con-
nection with all class and college exercises as well as games,
he received his full share of honors. He was director, sec-
retary, vice-president and president of the Football Associa-
tion, of which he was a member while in college. The of-
fices named were all elective. He was also a member of
the football eleven and athletic team for three years, and
even now holds the championship of the college for the
half-mile run. He held the championship for the half-mile
run in the New England Athletic Association for two years
of his college course. Upon his graduation his name as a
student of rare accomplishment gave him place as a teacher,
where he is now engaged, in the colored high school of
Washington city. He can never forget Senator Hoar and
his wife, who have been his good friends from the time Mr.
Langston introduced him to them in 1885 up to the present
moment. Of these benefactors in a late letter of his, he
RESIGNS THE PRESIDENCY. 437
says: "While in college Senator and Mrs. Hoar took al-
most as much interest in me as a father and mother would
have done. During my junior year (1890-1891), the sen-
ator invited me to spend a few days with him and his
family at his home in Worcester. The more than cordial re-
ception given at his home made me for the moment for-
get that there was any prejudice in this country. I was
made to feel entirely at home. Nothing can ever make me
forget Senator and Mrs. Hoar."
Interested as Mr. Langston has always been in a high in-
tellectual, moral and Christian training for colored youth as
the only means by which they might be brought to a wise,
comprehensive understanding of their situation and duty
as American citizens, and thus enabled to free themselves
from prejudices which exist against them as brought,
educated, cultured and refined, to take their places in gen-
eral society, he would have been glad to remain in a situa-
tion where he could have spent his time and efforts to
accomplish, so far as practicable, that result. However, as
it seemed otherwise ordered as he feels by unwise and in-
judicious management on the part of those who really had
neither knowledge nor solicitude to that end, he rests con-
tented with the plaudit of those who were most deeply
interested that as president of the Virginia Normal and
Collegiate Institute, he did the work assigned him with
diligence and fidelity, leaving the school at the end of his
term with honor and success distinguishing his course.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
HIS NOMINATION TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS AND HIS
MEMORABLE UNPARALLELED CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN.
IN passing through Farmville, the county-seat of Prince
Edward County, one of the most populous and important
counties politically, in the Fourth Congressional District,
on his way to Salem, on the thirty-first day of December,
1887, a committee waited upon Mr. Langston as he remained
on the cars, the train stopping for a few moments^ and
invited him to meet a company of gentlemen at that place
on his return to Petersburg on- the second day of January.
On the first of the month he was to speak at Salem at a
great emancipation celebration to be held there. This he
did, and on the second day of the new year met his engage-
ment at Farmville according to the invitation given him.
He met at Farmville at the house of a distinguished lead-
ing colored man of the community, a large number of sub-
stantial, foremost Republicans, white and colored, of Prince
Edward County. In fact, there were present several persons,
Republicans from the adjoining counties of Lunenburg,
Powhatan, and Nottoway. He soon learned that the object
had in view in this meeting was to advise him of the popular
feeling prevailing, as was claimed, throughout the district in
favor of his candidacy for the United States Congress. It
had been reported that he intended, since he had left the
Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, to abandon his
residence in Virginia. The persons composing the gather-
438
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 439
ing united in a solemn and earnest protest as his friends 'and
the promoters of his political welfare, against that course,
urging him in view of all the facts and the public feeling
prevailing that he owed it to the people of his district, the
colored people of the State and the nation, to remain whore
he was, ready to accept any duty or responsibility, with its
honors, which might come to him.
Mr. Langston was advised that there was general and
profound feeling existing in all parts of the district in favor
of his nomination to Congress. He was assured that not
only the nomination could be secured for him with com-
parative ease, should he remain and it be made known that
he would accept it, but that his election would be just as
certain as the nomination. He knew that the Republican
party held an overwhelming majority of the voters of the
district, and his friends here assembled declared in positive
terms that he could be elected by even a larger majority
than was usual. But over and above every consideration of
this character, the whole meeting expressed in energetic,
vigorous terms, the opinion that it was the duty of Mr.
Langston to serve his race now in serving the people of the
Fourth Congressional District, in which he had gained his
residence and where his nomination and election could be
assured beyond peradventure.
After full and free interchange of views on the subject
indicated, with the positive assurance expressed, without
the least contrariety of judgment as to the final result
should Mr. Langston remain in the district and consent to
be a candidate, moved by such considerations as those
already mentioned, he agreed to give the subject immediate
serious thought, and advise his friends at once as to the
conclusion which he might reach. He asked however the
privilege of consulting other friends, residing in other por-
tions of the district, who were by reason of their situation
and feelings qualified to give him a judgment, sound and
well advised, upon which he could rely. This permission
was granted him. Indeed the suggestion was received with
the warmest approval, and the meeting ended with the feel-
440 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
ing, quite apparent on all sides, that Mr. Langston would
finally consent to serve his friends and his State, probably
in Congress.
Upon his return to Petersburg, his home, he took such
consideration of the whole matter and such observation of
the whole field, with such information and counsel as he
could secure, and having determined to remain in the dis-
trict, advised his political friends that he would not only
accept the nomination and election as they had suggested,
but that he would take every necessary step to render both
the nomination and election practicable by doing every hon-
orable thing and meeting every just outlay proper to that
end.
His friends, like himself, believed that in order to his suc-
cess it would be necessary for him to enter at once upon
a general canvass of the district, and thus announce, for-
mally and in the most positive manner, his desire and pur-
pose to engage heartily, practically and immediately in its
politics. It was agreed, too, that it would be necessary in
the canvass to have it distinctly understood that his suc-
cess would be materially promoted by his election as a
delegate from the district to the National Republican Con-
vention to assemble in Chicago in the following June, to
nominate candidates for the presidency and vice-presidency
of the United States. With respect to both these matters
there were full accord and purpose among all interested in
their promotion.
His canvass was commenced without delay. Having
completed other engagements so that he was wholly free to
give his undivided, earnest attention to it, he planned and
conducted a series of the most vigorous, aggressive Repub-
lican meetings ever known in the Fourth Congressional
District. His speeches covered the whole field of Repub-
lican principles and measures, whose representative he
claimed to be, and to whose support, with influence and
vote, he invited every citizen who gave him hearing. His
audiences, composed of all classes of the people, of every
political complexion, were large, attentive and enthusi-
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 441
astic. He spoke at the court houses in every county and
in the more prominent populous towns. Often he was
heard by audiences whose numbers could not be accom-
modated in any public building, and were therefore
addressed in the open air. But whether he addressed the
people in doors or out, good order was constantly maintained,
and undivided respectful attention given him.
He was first, then, brought forward as a candidate for
election by the District Congressional Convention as a
delegate to the national convention named. However,
there existed, and was discovered eventually intense but
limited opposition to him, in connection even with that
delegateship. This feeling was shown by influential white
Republicans, chief among whom was Gen. William Mahone,
the chairman of the State Republican Committee, a resident
of Petersburg and a man well known throughout the dis-
trict, pugnacious and unyielding, who to defeat Mr. Lang-
ston was ready to adopt, and did adopt the most audacious,
base methods. But when the convention met, as it did in
Petersburg, it was altogether apparent that the great body
of the delegates composing it was in favor of Mr. Langston
as a delegate to the National Convention ; and if permitted
to cast their votes fairly and freely, would so declare. So
true was this that when the convention assembled at one
o'clock in the afternoon of the day named for its meeting,
General Mahone himself appearing in the midst of the
assembly immediately after its organization, on learning the
trend and vigor of its general feeling advised and secured a
recess until nine o'clock the following morning. This
action was accomplished really through the cunning and
chicanery of its presiding officer ; and it was taken, as
claimed, for the purpose of " purging and purifying the
various delegations." These last words are the very ones
employed by the promoters of the scheme which they
sought to compass ; and it is a fact that they did proceed
with their work according to their purpose. They purged
and purified the delegations by striking from each, so far as
practicable, any delegate who they learned, or who they
442 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
supposed would vote for Mr. Langston. But even after
this "purging and purifying" process, had in the most
open and shameless manner, it did not result in more than
the lessening of the vote which Mr. Langston would other-
wise have received. The vote cast for him finally was
ample to work his election, and to utterly rout the schemers
and plotters who devised and operated their designs against
him. His election thus as a delegate, in spite of the oppo-
sition, gave him such standing and opportunity as to make
him, in fact, the master of the situation.
In the first place, every delegate who had been maltreated
by having his name stricken from the rolls of the conven-
tion and he replaced fraudulently by another, became at
once the intense, vigorous friend and supporter of Mr.
Langston. And every other delegate who had voted for
him in the convention, learning of the manner in which his
fellow delegate had been outraged and Mr. Langston
abused, became intense and emphatic in his support of the
latter for anything which he might ask or seek.
Immediately upon the adjournment of the convention,
after Mr. Langston's election, he held by the assistance of
the leading colored ladies of Petersburg, a great and mag-
nificent reception at " Langston Hall," to which he invited
every delegate of the convention and to whom he gave the
most generous, hospitable entertainment, with abundant
commendation and applause for the handsome conduct of its
members which resulted in his triumphant election to the
National Convention. At this reception no distinctions
were made on account of color, and white and colored dele-
gates for the first time in the history of Petersburg com-
mingled freely and equally, apparently with the greatest
satisfaction and pleasure. It is due the ladies officiating on
this occasion to state that their management was so adroit,
sagacious and suave, that at the close of the affair the cam-
paign of Mr. Langston had been really and apparently suc-
cessfully launched. No delegate, white or colored, coming
from any county in the district, who attended the reception,
went away without promising that Mr. Langston should
have his earnest and energetic support.
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 443
In the National Convention which followed soon after
the adjournment of the congressional one mentioned, the
delegates of Virginia were divided in their support and vote
for candidates for the presidency and vice-presidency of the
United States. Mr. Langston, with several others, sup-
ported the Hon. John Sherman from first to last for the
nomination to the presidency. In this regard he stood
with the leaders of his party from Virginia, and his support
of the candidate named was earnest, vigorous and persistent.
Mr. Langston supported Senator Sherman for other than
partizan considerations. He regarded him as being a great
lawyer, a foremost statesman, and the first Republican in
the country. He esteemed him, as above all other men of
the republic, fitted by reading, experience and observation,
to master and manage all those great questions affecting
the general welfare, especially the free and just use of the
ballot, which had very properly provoked popular concern-
ment in both sections of the country. In his judgment,
while no American citizen compared with him as the staunch
and reliable friend of all classes of the South, no one possessed
the availability as a candidate for the high honors proposed
which distinguished him. He advocated, therefore, the
nomination and election of the senator as a great American
representative, peculiarly fitted above his fellows for the
presidency of the United States.
At a certain point in the proceedings of the convention,
when the name of the Hon. John Sherman had been pre-
sented by General Hastings of Pennsylvania for the nomi-
nation in a speech of great power and eloquence, and this
proposition had been seconded in a speech of great brilliancy
and effect by the Hon. J. B. Foraker of Ohio ; and it be-
came necessary, as many of his friends felt and believed,
that Senator Sherman only needed earnest, positive and
effective support from the South, when others from that
section failed to respond, Mr. Langston, as the applause
following the wonderful address of Governor Foraker had
subsided somewhat, rising in his place claimed the attention
of the convention, while he added any influence which he
444 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
might possess to the support of the distinguished United
States Senator of Ohio. He spoke as a delegate from Vir-
ginia, of course, and as a representative of the sentiment
prevailing among the Republicans of the southern part of
the country with respect to the nomination which the con-
vention should make. His speech was characterized by the
newspapers at the time as one of masterly power and mar-
velous effect. As an utterance pronounced in this deliber-
ative assembly it was given at once high rank among the
ablest and most impressive efforts of the convention, and it
was received by the entire gathering in the most flattering
and enthusiastic manner.
Although Senator Sherman was not nominated, Mr.
Langston's course at the convention not only won for him
large and commanding notice and consideration throughout
the country, but gained for him the warmest possible popu-
lar favor in his own congressional district. On his return to
Petersburg he was received by his friends with every mani-
festation of the most cordial and exalted pleasure and pride.
He prosecuted without the least interruption, in increasing
earnestness and vigor, his canvass for nomination at the
Congressional District Convention to be held in the coming
fall. During his brief absence from the district the ardor of
his friends had not abated in the least. Hence it was that
not long after the return of the delegates generally from
the Chicago convention, certainly as early as the latter part
of July, 1888, the proclamation was made, as against Mr.
Langston, by General Mahone, followed by such white and
colored Republicans, few in number, as he could control,
that no colored man would be allowed to represent the Fourth
Congressional District of Virginia in the Congress of the
United States. In fact, on the thirty-first day of July,
1888, a conference was held at the house of General Mahone
in Petersburg, at which all the devices and plans necessary,
as was supposed, were concocted and adopted to defeat as
well Mr. Langston's nomination as his election should he
be nominated, against all odds. To accomplish this end
there was to be adopted any violation of party rule or
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 445
usage, with the perpetration of any fraud upon delegates to
the convention, or in its organization and conduct, deemed
necessary. While to make their purpose doubly sure, they
made outspoken and positive appeal to the Democratic
party, then in masterhood of the polls, to initiate and sus-
tain any trick or method, however base, calculated to gain
that result. At this meeting the mode of counting the
votes cast on election day, the interruption, hindrance and
obstruction of all voters appearing at the polls with ballots
which they would cast for the colored candidate, and such
manipulation generally of ballots found in the several ballot
boxes used in the various voting precincts as might be de-
signed to accomplish Mr. Langston's defeat, were arranged
and determined after elaborate and calculating discussion
in that behalf. The manner of calling and conducting the
local Republican conventions at which delegates were to
be elected to the congressional, and the plans to be followed
in either granting or refusing certificates of election in such
cases, and the management and control of the congres-
sional convention itself so as to defeat the nomination of
the same candidate, were determined and announced at the
same meeting, with the solemn injunction given the party
leaders of each locality, especially the various county chair-
men, that the "nigger" must be beaten at all events, in
spite even of the popular wish and demand. Accordingly
all sorts of methods, all however in keeping with the in-
structions given, were adopted as to the call and conduct of
the local conventions ; and the congressional convention
itself, so-called, was finally organized and controlled in
obedience to the understanding had at that time. With
plans thus formulated and methods agreed upon, secret cir-
culars containing positive orders to stop at no means how-
ever disgraceful or outrageous were issued to such persons,
white and black, as agreed with General Mahone, the Repub-
lican party leader, especially to the chairmen of the various
county committees of the district, that Langston must be
defeated at all hazards, since no negro must be allowed to
represent the district in Congress. Every conceivable influ-
29
446 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
ence therefore, whether of fraud or bribery, was exerted in
every locality to compass the defeat of any person favorable
to his nomination who was proposed as a delegate to the
District Congressional Convention.
Where the people were overwhelmingly in Mr. Langston's
favor, and no convention could be properly called and con-
ducted without electing delegates representing this popular
sentiment, the chairmen of the county Republican commit-
tees were ordered to prevent, first, the orderly assembling
of the Republican voters according to usage ; and where it
was not possible to do so, in the second place, to produce,
in some way or other such confusion and disorder as to
make it practicable to create contests which upon appeal
must be settled by General Mahone, as chairman of the
State Republican Executive Committee. It was well
understood that in all these cases, right or wrong, he would
decide against any single delegate or delegation favorable to
Mr. Langston's nomination. Such a chapter of outrage
and abuse, studied and planned, in violation of every princi-
ple, rule and usage of the Republican party, destructive of
popular interest, party discipline and individual right, can-
not be paralleled in the history of any despotic, tyranical,
oppressive party management among any class of people,
barbarian or civilized, in the world. And all aimed at Mr.
Langston, solely and alone, because of his nationality and
complexion. No account whatever was taken of his quali-
fications, his accomplishments, his record in public and
private life ; his reputation and success as a scholar, a pro-
fessor and president in at least two foremost colleges ; as
founder and dean of the law department of Howard Uni-
versity ; as an office-holder of large, diversified experience ;
a representative of his nation abroad in high and important
diplomatic and consular capacity. No account was made of
the learning, skill and success which marked his labors in
these various capacities, and no respect paid to the popular
enthusiastic demand which called him now from private
life to public place. All such considerations must go for
naught in the presence of that prejudice against him on
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 447
account of his color, which neither had sense, reason nor
justice upon which to defend itself.
But the methods adopted by General Mahone and his
followers in this course of iniquitous and unexampled abuse
reached their climax in a condition of fraud and outrage, as
to the recognition of delegates to and the organization of
the Farmville Convention, held September iQth, 1888, to
nominate a Republican candidate for the Fifty-first Congress.
For the enormity and shameless wickedness which distin-
guished their actions in this regard their conduct is abso-
lutely without parallel in the history of party transactions
however base, or political chicanery however mean or grov-
eling. Any persons claiming to be delegates, coming from
localities where the people had formally and regularly elected
their representatives, were accepted and recognized as against
the latter, upon the sole condition that they would vote
against Mr. Langston. In other instances, where no delegates
had been elected and no pretense was made to other effect,
delegates who had been duly elected and who came with
their certificates to such effect properly signed, were excluded
and replaced by others at the will of the managers, because
the former would support Mr. Langston. And thus General
Mahone and his followers, claiming to be masters of the situ-
ation, undertook to constitute and control the convention
according to their own designs and pleasure. But their high-
handed, impertinent and mischievous conduct was not sus-
tained, and their wicked designs, throughly exposed, wrought
their complete utter defeat. They were caught in their
own devices. For the duly elected delegates, in overwhelm-
ing numbers, refusing to follow their leadership while
they condemned as they despised their counsels, acted in
intelligent, patriotic manner, constituting, organizing and
conducting at last the congressional convention in such
manner as to realize the popular feeling of the district in
favor of Mr. Langston.
General Mahone had come to Farmville, and had exerted
himself to carry out through his immediate personal super-
vision and direction that part of the general plan which \v.i^
448 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
determined, as already described, at the conference held at
his house. He was surrounded too with a handful of irre-
sponsible weaklings of the party, white and black, who were
ready to do any base thing even which he might command.
Of all the sorry gatherings, wanting in numbers, wanting in
brains, wanting in influence, wanting in every characteristic
and element found among high-minded and honorable men
of any party whatever, this motley assembly, named a con-
vention, headed by General Mahone himself, was the very
flower and perfection. The upshot was defeat at Farm-
ville ; defeat at Petersburg ; defeat throughout the district
and at last defeat throughout the country upon the popular
condemnation, censure and scorn of every intelligent and
honest Republican in the land. In many instances and many
localities of the district even the worst Democrats having
rejected and spurned the copartnership of iniquity to which
such Republicans had invited them, rejoiced at their defeat.
Democrats of a higher sense of honor, in many cases, turned
away from them even in the very beginning when their
assistance was asked, with the withering question of the
sharpest biting condemnation, " Are we dogs that we should
do this thing? "
The regularly elected delegates, however, in full numbers,
representing every county and voting precinct in the district,
white and colored, assembled in due order at the opera
house in Farmville on the day announced by the Congres-
sional Committee of the district, and forthwith organized,
appointing its usual temporary officers and committees, in-
cluding the Committee on Credentials. Subsequently a
permanent organization was effected, when the convention
betook itself to the orderly consideration of the business
which brought it together, and in due season proceeded to
the nomination of a candidate for election to the Fifty-first
Congress of the United States. Upon the count of the vote
cast by the convention, it was discovered that in obedience
to the general expectation John M. Langston had been made
the candidate. The manner in which the result of the vote,
as announced, was received, was flattering to the candidate
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 449
in the highest possible sense. And yet the vote with which
the nomination was made unanimous was even more desir-
able, as it discovered in its spirit and enthusiasm the certainty
of his election.
At once a committee, large and impressive in its appear-
ance and presence, was appointed by the convention to
advise Mr. Langston of his unanimous nomination and to
invite him to appear before it and express his purpose with
respect to his acceptance of the honor and responsibility of
his nomination. The committee waited upon him at his
hotel, and after advising him of the action of the conven-
tion, invited him to accompany its members to the opera
house, where the convention awaited his coming. His
entrance was the signal for such outbursts of applause and
demonstrations of welcome as would have gladdened the
heart of any American patriot ready to serve his State and
country in obedience to the desire and wish of his fellow-
citizens. On his introduction to the convention such was
the exhibition of popular feeling and applause that he
could not proceed with his remarks for some moments.
However, while the convention was enthusiastic and spir-
ited, it was wholly orderly and attentive. Every word
uttered by Mr. Langston was heard and profoundly appre-
ciated.
In accepting the nomination he assured the convention
that in the canvass he should pursue such course as became
an honorable and devoted Republican ; that he should seek
to advance, while he defended, the principles of his party.
If elected he should pursue such a course as a member of
Congress as would tend to dignify and honor the name of
his district and State. He declared that he should know
no constituent of his by his former condition of freedom or
slavery, nor by his complexion or nationality. An Amer-
ican by birth and responsibility, holding and advocating
Republican principles and measures, he should do so as an
American representative of broad liberal views and convic-
tions. He deprecated, he said, any attempt which had
been made to draw a line of demarcation against him on
450 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
account of his color. He deprecated also, as he stated, any
attempts which had been taken by designing Republican
leaders even, to deceive and wrong the people of the dis-
trict in their purpose and efforts to elect, in fair and honor-
able manner, delegates to the convention ; and he expressed
the hope that such leaders, though they should secure, as
they had proposed and sought the assistance of leading
Democrats, to prevent through fraudulent practices a fair
vote and an honest count of it on election day, might
change their purposes in that regard, and join finally the
great body of honest, patriotic Republican voters in secur-
ing the election of the nominee of the convention. He
closed his address amid deafening applause in the statement
that whatever might be the opposition brought against him,
however endangering to his success, or his life, he should
meet it in earnest, courageous, manly manner, sparing
neither time, effort nor money which might be employed
in honorable, just way to compass his election while pro-
moting the purposes of the convention, assured as he was
that the people on the sixth day of November, 1888, would
record their vote by an overwhelming majority in his favor.
Upon the adjournment of the convention Mr. Langston
returned at once to Petersburg, where he was met by an
immense concourse of his fellow-citizens of all classes and
conditions, who awaited his arrival at the depot. Thence
he was conducted by them with great parade and display as
he rode in a carriage provided for that purpose, aptly dec-
orated with United States flags and drawn by four white
horses. The line of march covered the principal streets of
the city and ended at " Langston Hall," from the steps of
which, as arranged, he was met and honored by an audience
of thousands of people whom he addressed and who ratified
his nomination at the close of his speech by a unanimous
vote of the most positive and emphatic character.
Perhaps never in the history of the country, in any sec-
tion of it has any man been nominated to Congress in face
of such stout, unscrupulous and defiant opposition ; or
whose nomination was finally made and ratified with such
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 451
enthusiasm, unanimity and dclat as that of John Mercer
Langston.
The Fourth Congressional District of Virginia is one of
large size, consisting of eleven counties of great extent and
well populated. The people consist of two classes, white
and colored ; the former, in the main, the old slave-holding
class, and the latter, as a rule, excepting such changes as
have taken place since their emancipation, the old slave
class. The latter class with its descendants, largely pre-
dominates in numbers, so much so that the whole section of
the district and adjoining counties are designated the
" Black Belt of Virginia."
Petersburg, the chief city of the district, contains a popu-
lation of twenty-five thousand ; and while it does not equal
in any sense a Northern or Western town of like size in busi-
ness activity or thrift, it is a very pleasant place and one
of more than average life and vigor for a city of the South.
This place and its surrounding country, by reason of being
the scenes of memorable military operations during the war,
are now historical in an exalted and interesting sense. The
people composing the population consist of the two great
classes, white and colored, already mentioned. The latter
class is numerically superior to the former. However, in
all matters of business, trade and general industry, they are
remarkably agreed and demean themselves towards each
other in respectful, considerate manner. In politics there is
a wide and marked difference between them. However, in
this respect they seem to have agreed to differ. It is true
that the town would, were a free and honest ballot enjoyed,
like the congressional district, be constantly Republican in
its character and administration — for the Republican vote
being so largely in the majority would make it so. But
what the whites lack in numbers in that behalf, in their
purpose to rule, holding the ascendancy and control, they
supplement in superior intelligence and power, using when
it becomes necessary to that end, trick or fraud, intimida-
tion, hindrance and obstruction at the polls on election-day.
Such methods are adopted of course to gain Democratic
452 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
control as against negro domination, so-called. And it is
justified on the plea that otherwise ignorance and poverty
would dominate intelligence and wealth to the damage of
society. Upon this theory and the adoption of such
methods the district and the city of Petersburg have been
wrested from the Republicans, principally colored voters,
and are held against them to-day.
Against this influence Mr. Langston was compelled to
make his way from the city named to the uttermost extrem-
ities of the district, and from the very beginning. In his
case however, known as he was and in fact feared, such influ-
ences were intensified and concentered in a combination and
conspiracy which were formidable and apparently invincible.
But in addition to even this concentrated, vigorous and fear-
ful opposition he was compelled to confront and overcome
other hostile opposing forces wielded by General Mahone
and such white and colored Republicans as he could influ-
ence and direct. All of this last class demonstrated such
inveterate and cruel purposes and sentiments against Mr.
Langston as to make them assistant Democrats of the most
active, persistent and dangerous character. Upon the loyal
colored Republican vote of the district chiefly Mr. Langston
had to depend, and his success or defeat must depend upon
his ability to influence, secure and have counted justly and
fairly, that vote. His organizations had for accomplishing
such work, local and general, must be constituted with di-
rect, positive reference to that end.
With such survey of the work which he must now perform,
with diligent and wise study of the field, every inch of which
he must cultivate, and with careful and critical understanding
of the forces, intellectual, moral and political, which he must
employ under the circumstances, he prepared himself for a
contest worthy of and requiring the best manly and womanly
elements of sagacity, moderation, courage, energy, persever-
ance, wisdom and power.
He discovered a threefold condition of affairs in the
district which a person less sanguine, hopeful and determined
than himself would have concluded was insurmountable.
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 453
The Democrats, who were utterly opposed to him and ready
to inaugurate and wage a warfare that would accept, as it
gave, no quarter, without forbearance and mercy, ready to
recognize and adopt any unfair and illegal method of treat-
ment to compass their purposes, had full possession and con-
trol of the election machinery of every voting precinct.
They held every judgeship, as they did every clerkship of the
election, and through their own appointee, controlled the
registration of every voter. Thus supreme in its power and
control it is easy to perceive how difficult it must have been
to overcome such influences and authority wielded by such
a determined party, devoid of any sense of right or justice,
bent only on accomplishing its designs at any hazard.
Then the white Republicans generally, as Mr. Langston
could well perceive, would employ every means in their
power against him, going even to the extent of approving
and sustaining any fraudulent proceeding undertaken in any
way by any one to prevent his success. Of course, even
after the small number of such white Republicans as might
support him had been given full credit for that action, and
any influence which they might exert in such behalf, it is
easily understood that the task before him must have been
rendered immensely more difficult and severe, even doubtful
in its successful performance, by reason of the opposition
noted. This consideration will be more fully appreciated
when it is stated that this class of Republicans had always
constituted the leadership of the party in the district, as to
it were credited the brains and power which gave it name
and influence. Lacking their support, as a rule, the burden
which Mr. Langston was about to accept was weighty and
hard to bear.
The colored voters had heretofore been under the control
and direction of General Mahone. They had been wont to
regard him as a leader whose mandates could only be dis-
obeyed or questioned with defeat. Now for the first time
his authority and leadership were to be confronted and
defied by one of their own number even. They had seen
first-class white men beaten and vanquished politically by lii-
454 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
management and power. How now could they believe that
any colored man could meet and overcome his cunning,
skillful and powerful manipulations ? And yet Mr. Lang-
ston saw and appreciated this condition and feeling and
knew very well that they could not be treated lightly in con-
nection with the duty which he must meet. Not one of
these things, however, not all of them put together deterred
him, although they did give him anxiety while they quick-
ened and energized his wits and purposes.
Over against such conditions as these which have been
indicated, Mr. Langston found many things true of his sit-
uation which gave him hope, even encouragement, to go
forward with vigor and assurance in his canvass. In the
efforts which he had made to secure election as delegate to
the National Republican Convention and the results con-
nected therewith, he had come to a good understanding of
the genuine loyalty and purpose of those voters upon whom
he must rely at last for support. He had learned that the
colored vote'rs of the district would sustain him with firm-
ness and fortitude. He had learned that the women of the
district, the wives and daughters of the voters, were as
earnestly and heroically in his favor as the men ; and that
both these classes would demonstrate their possession of
the best elements of heroes and heroines in their conduct
to insure his success. Besides, he had found that the few
white Republicans who would support him were men of
character and principle, earnest and tenacious in their con-
victions of duty, with exalted and indomitable purpose to
discharge it.
Other complications and circumstances which added
materially to the difficulty of Mr. Langston's task were
furnished in the fact that while each party had its regular
nominee — the Democratic and the Republican — the Mahone
faction of the latter presented its pretendedly nominated at
their Farrnville meeting, already alluded to, who they
claimed as against Mr. Langston, whom they called "a
bolter," was the regular nominee of the Republican party.
Put in such a position and opposed, as a colored man who
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 455
had no right to ask the vote of the people for election to
Congress, and whose conduct in that regard was character-
ized and treated as an impertinence, he must have felt him-
self confronted by fearful odds. Certainly he was. But in
no respect whatever was he daunted.
More than this, Mr. Langston knew that General Mahone
expected and would probably secure the support of the
National Republican Committee as against him, and from
that source obtain large sums of money for campaign pur-
poses in Virginia, the principal part of which he would use
in the Fourth Congressional District, as he did, according to
any necessities connected with his defeat. He understood
too, entirely, what the moral effect would be as well as the
material should the expectations of General Mahone be
realized in that respect upon the whole State and district.
He felt certain also that should the general receive such
support, the National Committee would in all probability
call upon Mr. Langston to allow them to settle the matter
of his candidacy, and should he refuse to do so he would be
counted and treated as in rebellion against the authority of
his party. This refusal he knew veiy well would leave him
to meet out of his own pocket every expense connected
with his campaign, while it would cost him the sympathy
and moral support as well of the committee as those of the
Republican party generally. In view of all the facts stated,
it is apparent to anyone exercising the most superficial
reflection that Mr. Langston was confronted by a burden
which required broad, firm and stalwart shoulders.
Mr. Langston was asked in due season to submit the
legality and propriety of his nomination and candidacy to
the National Republican Committee. This however he re-
fused to do, claiming that since the Republicans of the district
in regular convention assembled, by a unanimous vote had put
him in nomination for the Fifty-first Congress, there was no
power under the wise, accepted regulations of the party
competent to call their action in question. He maintained
that two courses only were left to him. One was to accept
the nomination and make the canvass, employing all the
456 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
necessary means honorable and proper to secure his election ;
while the other was to decline the nomination and allow the
Republicans of the district to take such other and further
action in the premises as they might deem expedient and
appropriate. In taking this position Mr. Langston weighed
well every circumstance and fact connected with it calcu-
lated to embarrass, obstruct and render difficult and doubtful
his election. But such was his confidence in the intelligence,
integrity and purpose of the Republican masses, who had
already honored him with a place in the National Republican
Convention, and then with a nomination to Congress, that he
had no fears of results against even all the influences
described. He felt confident that by wise, judicious manage-
ment he could not only control but secure for himself as the
regular Republican nominee, and ultimately have duly
counted, the Republican vote of the district.
So soon as Mr. Langston had concluded in the early part
of January, 1888, to run for Congress, he had betaken him-
self to the work of addressing the people, organizing clubs,
male and female, printing and distributing documents with
reference to that end. He organized first of all a general
committee composed of the most intelligent, energetic and
reliable colored men, with two or three white ones, that
'could be found in the district. Th»is committee had its
headquarters in Petersburg, kept in a building large and
commodious, purchased by Mr. Langston and dedicated to
that purpose. Immediately after its organization and at its
first meeting held in the building mentioned, this commit-
tee waited upon General Mahone, bearing him a commu-
nication from Mr. Langston in which he was advised that
that gentleman had upon representations made to him by
a large number of the foremost Republicans of the district,
concluded to stand for nomination to the Fifty-first Congress.
On returning to their headquarters the chairman of the
committee reported in graphic manner the results of their
visit, stating very distinctly that General Mahone had re-
ceived them and their communication with no manifestation
of favor. The whole committee however seemed the more
determined to go forward with their work.
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 457
Thereupon Mr. Langston added to the property which
he had already bought in Petersburg a beautiful place
located in the heart of the city, with a large, convenient
building containing a hall admirably adapted to all political
purposes, sufficiently capacious to accommodate a large
promiscuous assemblage, with ample grounds well suited
for an immense out-door gathering. From the night that
he held his first meeting in his hall it has been called and
known as " Langston Hall." It has already been referred
to and may be many times again, for it has become in con-
nection with his political movements consecrated and
noted.
Immediately following the organization of the general
executive committee mentioned, whose duty and care con-
cerned the whole work so far as Mr. Langston's campaign
was concerned, other subordinate committees, county and
local, were provided and given charge and direction of all
movements and operations having to do with this object in
the different voting precincts of the entire district. In the
constitution of these subordinate committees special refer-
ence was had to the intelligence, efficiency and devotion of
their various members. And it is subject of special grateful
remembrance and gratification, that not one of these com-
mittees failed in the earnest and faithful discharge of every
obligation enjoined upon it.
Besides these committees, popular organizations were
formed throughout the district composed of persons who
pledged themselves to give their labors, influence and vote
to Mr. Langston. These organizations were Republican
always in name and object. For while constant effort was
made by certain designing persons opposed to his candidacy
and election, to show and prove, as they claimed, that Mr.
Langston was " a bolter " from his party, and only inter-
ested in his own selfish ends, he and his friends were deter-
mined by every act of theirs to demonstrate and sustain his
loyalty to his party. These popular organizations were
called, when composed of men only, " Harrison, Morton and
Langston Invincibles," and where composed of women only,
458 FROM THE PLANTATION to THE CAPITOL.
" Harrison, Morton and Langston Female Invincibles."
Thus it will be perceived from the titles of these political
clubs that Mr. Langston did not stop at the organization of
the men, but included in efforts in that regard the women.
It was well, as he found very soon after the commencement
of operations, that this course had been adopted, since it
was true that the women could and did exert large influence
in controlling and directing the men in their political pur-
poses and conduct. Indeed, to this day Mr. Langston
counts that his success in the district was more entirely due
to the influence of its women than to any other single cause
outside of the actual vote cast for him. These organiza-
tions proved to be remarkably popular and efficient and
their numbers increased from the beginning to the close of
the campaign.
On the tenth day of January, 1888, Mr. Langston made
the first speech of his congressional campaign at his hall in
Petersburg. From that time he continued his labors in
speeches delivered in every prominent place in the district.
Not a single day during the time occupied with the canvass
was taken by him for rest and recuperation, and only two
weeks of this time, which he spent in attendance upon the
National Republican Convention held at Chicago, were
employed in any other direction. Not during a single day
did he find himself wanting in bodily and mental strength
to meet every engagement ; although he spoke, for the
most part, in the open air, ordinarily to immense gatherings
of the people. So far as the attendance upon his meetings
was concerned there seemed to be no political feeling
against him. Everybody appeared to hear him with entire
satisfaction and his receptions were always enthusiastic and
flattering. He did himself as a rule the heavy speaking of
his canvass, occupying generally from two to two hours
and a half in the delivery of each speech. He was careful
as he was methodical in the presentation of all the funda-
mental, distinctive principles and measures of the Republi-
can party sought to be given effect through state and
national legislation. At every meeting he declared, with
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 459
fulness and precision, the principles and measures which he
should advocate in the interest of his district and State
should he be elected. Nor did he fail to meet, with cour-
age and fearless utterance, every charge made or objection
offered against him personally by any Republican or Demo-
crat. He vindicated the attitude which he had taken and
maintained with arguments as cogent and irresistible as
they were eloquent and acceptable. His whole manner
wherever he spoke, under whatever circumstances, showed
him confident and intrepid.
Mr. Langston was warned on different occasions that it
might not be safe for him to attend meetings and attempt
to address the people at several places in the district. At
no time, however, did he pay any attention to such warn-
ings. At each place from which he received intimations of
this character he paid his visit and spoke without the least
reserve or qualification of his remarks. It is due the people
of the district to state that he was interrupted only once
during his entire canvass ; and then by certain white and
black Republicans led by a foreign negro, who had been
employed by the followers of General Mahone, in view of
his ruffianly name and ruffianly capabilities. However, this
interruption was soon quieted by the respectable white and
colored persons present, Republicans and Democrats, who
were not disposed to tolerate such base proceedings. In
making hundreds of speeches in the various parts of the
district, including every county seat, with repeated ad-
dresses at every such place, Mr. Langston was not only
not disturbed or interrupted in any way, but heard with
patience and respect. While the campaign so far as he and
his friends were concerned was spirited, vigorous and per-
sistent, and so far as the opposers were concerned, bitter and
cruel in many senses and ways, no personal violence or bru-
tal and savage disturbance was ever shown him except in
the case already alluded to. It is to be as distinctly and
positively understood that he did not abate at any time
one jot or tittle of a fearless advocacy of Republican princi-
ples, measures and men ; or just, intelligent denunciation of
460 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
any opposition made to his nomination and election by any
pretended Republican or Democrat founded upon his com-
plexion.
A notable instance illustrating these warnings with regard
to personal danger to him just mentioned, occurred in con-
nection with the second great meeting which he was to
address at Dinwiddie Court House, on court day, in June,
1888. Here was a great Republican stronghold. In this
county resided the leading colored man of the district, who
had joined General Mahone and his white followers against
Mr. Langston ; and he and his friends sought to keep the
colored candidate away from that meeting, well understand-
ing that his attack upon their very citadel, their strongest
fortress, would in all probability prove to be a demolishing
force. Hence to keep him away from this meeting they
concocted, in their cunning, the warning indicated, which
they conveyed to him with no little circumstance of solem-
nity and solicitude. They were kind enough to state that
there would prove to be great danger connected with his
visit to their court house, and while they could wish that
they were able to guarantee him full protection, they greatly
feared they would not be able to do so. And they advised
him accordingly not to attend and attempt to address the
meeting. However, giving no heed to the suggestion, on
the morning of the day on which the meeting was held Mr.
Langston, taking carriage with three persons other than the
driver with him — all staunch and brave friends, men who
knew what danger was but who did not fear it — made his
way directly to the court house, passing over the fourteen
miles from Petersburg to that place just in time to be re-
ceived and introduced to the five thousand people who
composed his outdoor audience at twelve o'clock noon.
He was received with demonstrations of enthusiastic deaf-
ening applause, such as demonstrated at once that he was
in the midst of true, admiring and devoted friends. His
introduction made in the happiest style by an educated,
intelligent and eloquent young colored man, was the signal
lor another manifestation of feeling in his favor which was
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 461
inspiring and assuring. As he took his place upon the
platform further exhibitions of kindly sentiment and devo-
tion to him were made, which occupied considerable time
before he was permitted to proceed. He had only said,
" Mr. President and fellow-citizens," when he was inter-
rupted by the mercenary tool of those who had been so
careful to warn him of the danger of his visit, by a question
calculated to arouse feeling and disturbance against him.
Before he could complete the first sentence of his address,
this hireling, who was himself a negro, had interrupted Mr.
Langston three times with questions of the same character
and import. At this point the speaker pausing, advertised
all present, in stern, earnest, but fiery manner, that he
would not be interrupted by anyone during the delivery of
his speech, and especially by any person whose action was
manifestly intended to provoke disturbance which might
result in violence. To the person who had interrupted
him, he gave a warning which the audience appreciating,
seconded and applauded in such manner and with such
earnestness as to quiet utterly further molestation. Mr.
Langston's speech, occupying quite three hours of solid
time, covering all the general and special issues of the hour
interesting to the people, was heard thereafter to the end,
and was received by the vast assembly with manifestations
of the profoundest and most intelligent approval. He was
given after its delivery a warm and encouraging reception,
with assurances that on election day the people of that
county would give him a vote so large in its majority as to
ensure him so far as they were concerned his election to
Congress. The Dinwiddie meeting and its incidents are
regarded and recorded as constituting a triumph of signal
and memorable character, of which Mr. Langston and his
friends are even to this day justly proud.
The campaign of 1888, in the Fourth Congressional Dis-
trict of Virginia, if one considers its personnel, the peculiar
division of parties, the issues presented to the people, the
mode of it's conduct, the manner in which Mr. Langston
was treated both by the Democratic party and an intelli-
30
462 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
gent, active and powerful faction of the Republican, and its
final results, closing in his complete vindication upon popu-
lar verdict and vote, must stand among the most remarka-
ble and memorable known in American political history.
Certain circumstances connected with this campaign,
marking its unusual and memorable character, are worthy of
emphatic notice. These circumstances concern the treat-
ment which his opponents accorded Mr. Langston before
the people ; his own behavior and conduct ; the alertness
and vigilance, devotion and fortitude of his friends and sup-
porters, and the ultimate complete triumph which rewarded
his efforts, outlays and sacrifices.
Mr. Langston's nomination at all was dependent almost
entirely upon the high qualifications which were ascribed to
him, attesting his fitness for a place in Congress far beyond
even the most talented white men of his district. He was,
as claimed by his friends, specially ready, able and eloquent
in debate upon all those questions which while they consti-
tuted the distinctive features of Republicanism, interested
and controlled the masses of the people who sought his ser-
vices. Just in proportion to the very degree that the
Republican voters valued his services and would avail them-
selves of his ability and eloquence, the Democrats and the
factional Republicans who opposed him feared and dreaded
any influence which he might attempt to exert and wield
through his speeches. The Democrats therefore, though
they were obliged to recognize him as the regular nominee
of the Republican party, refused according to a time-hon-
ored custom in the politics of the district, to divide time
with him at any meeting which they held. They gave as
the reason for such conduct that Mr. Langston was a col-
ored person, and therefore it would be a condescension on
their part to share time with him, which they could not
afford. Learning that this was the feeling of the Demo-
cratic managers and orators, Mr. Langston accepted this
condition of affairs without the least murmur of complaint,
feeling and believing that he would be able at every county
seat on court days or at any other time, and at any other
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 463
prominent place in the district where a public meeting was
held, to take and hold the audience against any Democratic
speaker who might be produced. And so he did, whether
the meetings were held in Mecklenburg County, Lunenburg,
Nottoway, Prince Edward, Powhatan, Amelia, Dinwiddie,
Brunswick, Greensville, Sussex or Prince George. While
in the city of Petersburg his meetings held always at his
own hall or upon its grounds, were large, enthusiastic, and at-
tentive, wholly under the control of his friends and himself.
So far as the Republican faction was concerned Mr. Lang-
ston neither recognized it nor its would-be candidate as hav-
ing such place legitimately in the canvass as to entitle either
to such recognition as would be implied in a division of
time with him. Besides, he understood very well that to
accord such treatment would be in some sense advanta-
geous to his opponents, while it would not be of the least
possible service to him. The candidate of that faction
could do nothing toward bringing him an audience, and
nothing towards improving his opportunities for a full and
fair hearing before the people. On the whole Mr. Lang-
ston lost nothing by the course pursued by the Democrats
with respect to him, and could have gained nothing should
he have shown his Republican opponents a different treat-
ment. It was well enough that he was made entirely inde-
pendent of both. The master of his own platform, he
commenced and closed as he pleased, responsible only to
the people who never failed to hear him to the end.
The success of Mr. Langston's meetings, like the success
of his campaign in all other respects, depended not more
upon the thoroughness and courage, the liberality and self-
abnegation which he displayed upon every occasion and in
connection with every movement, than the activity and
watchfulness, the fidelity and spirit which distinguished the
conduct of his supporters, especially those who constituted
the working-force of his canvass. But it is to be under-
stood of the colored people generally of the district that no
class, whoever the individual who attempted to lead them
or whatever the cause whose advocacy aroused their ardor
464 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
and controlled their feelings, ever displayed, under any cir-
cumstances, larger devotion or more sterling, positive
tenacity of purpose than they did in their support of Mr.
Langston and the principles and policy which he repre-
sented. In fact, with the most limited exception of here
and there a few members of that class, its whole strength
was enthusiastically and unitedly given to him. Even col-
ored men who had hitherto acted with the Democratic
party, giving it with a consistency wholly inexplicable, from
the day of their emancipation and enfranchisement, their
support and vote, forgot their party allegiance and duty in
their earnest and ardent determination to support the can-
didate of their own race and color. A prominent deacon of
the Harrison Street Baptist church of Petersburg, a Dem-
ocrat from conviction as well as the peculiar influences
brought to bear upon him by his social and business rela-
tions, employed as he was by influential white men of that
political faith and character, when inclined to vote for Mr.
Langston and yet doubting as to his. obligations in that re-
gard, made the matter a subject of careful, serious, prayerful
consideration. He did not cease his reflections and prayers
in that behalf until, as he claimed, the Spirit of the Lord
had revealed to him in the clearness of unmistakable sacred
illumination that it was his duty to give both support and
vote to the colored Republican candidate. This he did, so
arranging for himself his ticket on election day as to vote
for all the candidates of his own party except the Republi-
can indicated running for the Fifty-first Congress. When
this good deacon revealed his spiritual experiences and de-
cision as regarded this matter to Mr. Langston, he did so
with feelings apparently of special pleasure and comfort.
It is due him to state that the Democratic candidate in the
canvass was the son of his employer and one of his most re-
liable friends. While his course did not cost him his posi-
tion, it discovered his manly, heroic devotion to what he
conceived to be his duty. This case illustrates the conduct
of more than one negro Democrat of the district who gave
Mr. Langston his support and vote.
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 465
As the canvass waxed hot and hotter, the Republican
faction under the leadership of General Mahone manifested
increased life and vigor, making proclamation at every
opportunity that they would buy negro votes enough to
defeat the colored candidate. They claimed also that they
were constantly supplied with all needed funds from the
National Republican Committee, who were opposed to Mr.
Langston's candidacy and election. All this occurred
about the time when the agent of that committee had
come into the district, as stated, to investigate matters
and leave with General Mahone whatever amount of funds
was deemed necessary to defeat Mr. Langston. Thereby,
great, far-reaching, general anxiety was created among all
classes, affecting as well the Democrats as Mr. Langston's
supporters. The Democrats, while willing to support the
Republican faction against Mr. Langston, or Mr. Langston
and his supporters against that faction, in their conduct in
either case were actuated and sustained by their desire and
purpose to make themselves finally victors in the contest.
At all events, they sought to maintain division in the
Republican party itself in the hope of that result.
Hence it was that so soon as the condition described pre-
sented itself, with the anxiety connected therewith, the
Democratic leaders fearing that Mr. Langston might
become demoralized and abandon the contest, sought to
reach him, and by promises and gifts of funds strengthen
and sustain his purpose to wage to the last .moment the
fight in which he found himself engaged. To this end they
employed an excellent, personal, Republican white friend
of his, an inveterate opposer of General Mahone, Col. John
W. Woltz, the editor and proprietor of the " Fredericks-
burg Free Lance," to see Mr. Langston and make known
to him the willingness of those leaders to aid him in his can-
vass, proffering him means in large amount according to
his necessities. These leaders of the Democratic party at
this time had no idea that Mr. Langston was in such con-
trol of the Republican voters of the district that he was to
be specially feared by them. They had no idea that he
466 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
was controlling such voters so that General Mali one and his
following constituted in fact a mere faction of the party,
whose vote all told could not affect materially the final
result, which justly considered would be favorable to Mr.
Langston against and in spite of all other candidates.
The Democrats were not a little astonished therefore when
he not only looked with cold indifference upon their propo-
sition, refusing utterly to give it a moment's consideration,
and declining to put a dollar of Democratic funds in his
canvass. On the other hand he assured his friend, Colonel
Woltz, that he was able and would meet every expense con-
nected therewith and would not give up the contest until
the voters of his district had elected him to Congress.
Nothing disturbed, nothing moved his purpose to persist
in the maintenance of his claims before the people as the
regular nominee of the Republican party. He understood
very well the spirit and aim of the Democratic party, and
he was not ignorant of the weakness of the Republican fac-
tion, which was not behind in parade and show as to every
item of strength it pretended to possess. About this time
the Republican faction exposed its utter weakness in the
district by its appeal to colored men living in other States
than Virginia to lend their influence to Mr. Langston's defeat.
Among the notable personages to whom this appeal was
made stands most conspicuous Mr. Frederick Douglass, who
was found quite ready to offer a cunning, false and base
testimony against the colored candidate. More than once be-
fore his letter reached the district, Mr. Langston was
advised of the purpose of his Republican opponents to
bring down upon him the opinions and statements of
one whose words would be utterly crushing to him. The
name of that person was not at first given, although it
was publicly stated that such one had been engaged to
make a communication, that it would soon arrive, and after
its publication in the district the colored voters would turn
their backs in loathing upon the colored man who had pre-
sumed to assert his right to represent the district in Con-
gress, contrary to General Mahone's permission. But all
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS, 467
this did not specially disturb Mr. Langston. He defied the
gentlemen who made these threats and dared them to pro-
duce their man with his statements. Finally the letter of
Frederick Douglass with all its poor logic, irrelevant philos-
ophy and false, malicious assertions, arrived and was dis-
tributed throughout the district. Its effect was simply to call
forth from such persons as Bishop Hood, the presiding bishop
of the African Methodist Zion church of the district, and
Bishop James T. Holly of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, such replies
thereto as to give Mr. Langston additional and formidable
strength and influence among the people. Thus, indirectly,
the communication did him an absolute service. But when
it was answered by Mr. William H. Hamlin, one of the
foremost young educated colored gentlemen of the district,
in terse, sarcastic, vigorous refutation, its effect if it had pro-
duced any against Mr. Langston, was wholly overcome.
It is due Bishop Holly, formerly a resident of the United
States, the greatest and the most learned of negro church
officials now living, who bore such testimony to the ability,
character and qualifications of Mr. Langston, whom he had
known at home and abroad for quite forty years, that at
least the closing paragraphs of his letter in that regard be
reproduced :
" I, therefore, congratulate you, Sir, that you have had the moral courage to
come forward and throw yourself into the breach, as a man of that race, yet
with full national sympathies for the whole country, as a candidate for Con-
gress in your native State.
" The number of men of African blood in Congress has been reduced from
nine to two Representatives, if I mistake not. We must admit that the elec-
tion of these men came rather prematurely, that is, before the race had suffi-
ciently advanced from its previous servile condition to produce men of even aver-
age qualification for the posts to which they were elected. They, however, did
their best ; did not disgrace the race, and therefore we owe them our gratitude.
But such a limited meed of praise is not all that the occasion calls for. We
must produce men for such posts in every way equal to the occasion, as com-
pared with men of any other race that they may meet as colleagues in the halls
of Congress.
" If this was the time and place I could criticize unfavorably some of your po-
litical acts in points where I take the liberty to differ from you in opinion,
while conceding to you the same liberty to differ from myself. Hut after mak-
ing this reservation, I think that it is beyond all question true, that you are the
468 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
best qualified man, all things considered, that the race in the United States
can now produce as Representative in Congress. Your long legal career at the
bar, and as dean of a law faculty ; your local experience in a municipal board,
as an officer thereof, at the national capital ; and your eight years' career in
the foreign consular and diplomatic service of your country, have given you a
rare and varied experience, such as none of your contemporaries of the same
race can pretend to. Add to this your widely known oratorical powers as an
effective public speaker and a ready debater, and you are thereby pointed out
as the man, par excellence, of the race for the post for which you have had the
patriotism to come forward and offer yourself. You have all the qualifications
to raise the political dignity of your race, as well as to serve the whole country
by your election to a place in the House of Representatives.
" Hence from the standpoint that I occupy on this question, and looking from
this distance, it seems to me that it would be little less than the blackest trea-
son to the cause of the colored race in America, for anyone of that race, under
any pretext whatsoever, to oppose your election to the Congress of the United
States; while every philanthropist of whatever nation, who desires to lift up a
struggling race to the full dignity of manhood, should labor to carry you suc-
cessfully through the approaching canvass.
" I am, my dear Mr. Langston,
" Yours very truly,
(Signed) " JAMES THEODORE HOLLY."
It is to be recollected now and always that it was early
discovered in the campaign made in the Fourth Congres-
sional District of Virginia in 1888, that the sole objection
that could be or was made against Mr. Langston's nomina-
tion and election to Congress from that district was his
color. The State of Virginia up to this time, while several
colored persons had been elected from various parts of it to
the House of Representatives and one or two to the Senate
of the State, had not witnessed any attempt on the part of
one of its citizens of negro extraction to secure his nomina-
tion and election to such high national position. It is not
hard, therefore, to understand how a person of that class, as
well known and as conspicuous as Mr. Langston had made
himself in the State and nation, must arouse all the invete-
rate, intensified opposition of the whole State and district
against his novel and unprecedented movement — and it
mattered little whether the man who hated him because of
his color was a white Republican or a white Democrat.
The feeling of opposition and the purpose to defeat him at
all hazards and bv everv means, honorable or otherwise,
. NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 469
were precisely the same. The wonder is that such opposi-
tion, intense and cruel in the beginning of the canvass, did
not discover itself finally in such barbarous, hideous mani-
festations as to make it perilous for Mr. Langston to tra-
verse freely the district and advocate his claims before the
people; especially, subsequently to the publications had
from Douglass and two or three negro leaders of the nation,
who living outside of the State and district, affecting great
regard for the Republican party and exceeding anxiety for
its success, hired as they had been, according to report,
which to this day stands unchallenged and uncontradicted,
made their false and foul charges against him.
These falsehoods, however, as they were circulated through
the parties who had secured them to answer their vile and
selfish purposes, produced no serious effect of adverse char-
acter, since the great body of the electors of the district
comprehended at once their design and trampled them as
they deserved under their feet. While Mr. Langston de-
spises and contemns their authors, as every honorable and
true man must, he will exercise ever the profoundest grati-
tude of his whole heart toward those noble men who came
to his defence in manly, masterly manner, and aided him in
the maintenance of the cause of popular liberty and equal
rights.
When one calls to mind how early and completely the
negro was enslaved in Virginia ; how long that institution
was continued there ; how he, held as mere property, reached
in his personal and social status well-nigh brutehood itself;
— and how the dominant class, proud of its origin, its noble
•blood in many cases, its chivalric character and name, con-
scious of a birth and destiny in masterhood, full of prejudices
and predilections engendered and sustained by the keen
sense of these facts, it will be hard to understand how in his
remarkable undertaking Mr. Langston could hope to win,
under such circumstances, the support of the former or the
toleration of the latter class of the people in his canvass.
This consideration will bear as it ought special significance
when it is recalled that his district, so far as the wealthy
4/o FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
white families, ex-slave-holding, are concerned, is populated
chiefly with a class of people whose names and social con-
nections show how far in character and influence they go
back to the time when the chivalric, brave, honorable,
hospitable Virginian was the representative of all that was
noble, true and manly ; to the time when certainly so far as
his State, his country and his neighborhood were regarded,
his word was the law, and all outside of his class, those be-
low him in social existence, must accept it without question
or debate. These families, glorying in the traditions which
came down from the old, misty time of their greatness and
power, now without brilliant or glorious environments in the
change which has passed over all, composed those elements
of the Democratic party which while they would not consent
for a Republican, though white, could not tolerate, even in
thought, the possibility of a Republican, dark-hued, tracing
his orgin to the negro race, to represent their rich, intelligent,
aristocratic Virginia district in the Congress of the United
States !
The city of Petersburg numbers among its prominent,
wealthy, cultured, controlling citizens many families of the
class mentioned ; and their great factories — tobacco, cotton,
peanut, silk, wood, and other — testify how completely the
the negro voter, yesterday a slave, to-day even a laborer and
dependent, is under their influence and subject in important
sense to their direction. Add to this the lesson taught the
latter class from the day of its emancipation, that in order
to succeed in party movement, it must be led and directed by
some white man, who if not his friend in fact pretends to be,
and one will have his conviction thoroughly settled in the '
opinions that the political elements with which Mr. Lang-
ston had to deal and which he must control, were difficult
enough to reach by any means or exertions whatever ; that
they could not be reached and persuaded to support him
without the most extraordinary and unparalleled efforts,
vigorous, wise and persistent on his part and that of his
friends. And yet whatever may be true so far as the white
class was concerned, a reasonable number of whose votes
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 471
were given him, it is true that the vote of the colored class
was given him quite in its entirety.
His success with regard to the vote of the colored citi-
zens is described aptly and forcibly in the words of a white
Republican who opposed him throughout the canvass, do-
ing all in his power to accomplish his defeat. His state-
ments were made under oath, as he appeared to give
evidence against Mr. Langston, and should have therefore
special weight as showing the power which the latter
wielded over the great body of the colored people who
constituted the real Republican party of the district and
gave it its overwhelming vote. The question was put to
this gentleman by way of cross-examination.
" Then explain, if you please, how Arnold, the regular nominee of the party,
supported by its entire organization in all its great influence, skill, manage-
ment and outlay, ran so poorly in the district ? Ans. For long months prior
to the election, and for long months before the convention, Mr. Langston had,
unopposed, been making a canvass in which he and his emissaries had insid-
iously and industriously played upon the passions and prejudices of the colored
people, basing his claims to a seat in Congress, largely, on the fact that the
negroes outnumbered the whites very considerably, and it was time for them to
send one of their number to Congress. He aroused even the women, got up an
immense religious fervor in his favor and aroused the prejudice of the large
mass of the unthinking colored people to such an extent as I never witnessed
before and hope never to witness again. It was at white heat in Sussex
County the week prior to the election, so much so that I was impressed with,
the opinion and expressed it, that they would not then even listen to the Lord
Jesus Christ, much less vote for him, if he were a white man and appeared
against Langston. This feeling was intensified largely under the teachings and
leadership of young colored men, who had no memories of the past which en-
abled them to properly appreciate what the Republican party had done for their
race, hence no feeling of gratitude."
The words of another distinguished white Republican,
made in official manner, were then quite natural enough :
" With such feeling in the district the election of Langston
was certainly to be expected." This opinion may not be
doubted, in view of the record of population, total white
and colored, of the district, according to the census of 1880,
giving 56,194 for the former, and 102,071 for the latter, the
difference being entirely in favor of the colored candidate.
472 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
In spite of every opposition, as a matter of fact, especially
as the canvass neared its close, the supporters of Mr. Lang-
ston became as it were wild in their enthusiastic and vigor-
ous determination to carry him triumphantly forward. His
meetings became more numerous ; their attendance was in-
creased, and such was the feeling exhibited on every hand
in his favor that his opponents of all classes, though they
greatly bestirred themselves, multiplying and intensifying
their efforts to defeat him, could very clearly discern the
success which must attend his labors. The tidal wave of
popular feeling on whose crest he was borne was irresistible !
Even the Sabbath day gatherings, the very prayer-meetings
of the most devout and pious, were converted into solemn
occasions for the invocation of God's blessing upon the suc-
cess of the cause which Mr. Langston represented. Thus
he and his supporters came down to election day, the sixth
of November, 1888, full of hope and confidence, with every
arrangement made to poll on that day every vote possible
in his favor, with such guards and protection thrown about
them all as to make their honest and fair count a possibility
and fact, in spite of every trick and fraudulent manipulation
of his combined Republican and Democratic opposition.
And that this proved to be the result, the historical record
of the campaign fully attests.
As representatives of the class of persons upon whom
with hundreds of others Mr. Langston relied in his cam-
paign for advice, direction and active assistance, and toward
whom he must ever exercise the most grateful feelings of
obligation, he records here the names of Messrs. David A.
Batts, R. H. Hampton, Ross Hamilton, R. J. Jones, Matt
N. Lewis, Lee Reed, W. H. Hayes, Scott Wood, Charles
Scott, Joseph Meade, Moses Burrows, N. T. Goldsberry,
W. W. Worsham, H. C. Green, Green Harrison, Herbert
Lambert, J. W. Smith, T. L. Jones, Clay Bagley, C. L.
Bethel, W. D. Evans, George King, Tazewell Branch,
George Bragg, Joseph McFunn, T. J. Venable, Jack Funn,
J. W. Brown, E. W. Brown, Madison Lovvry, E. D. Bland,
John M. Brown, John N. Robinson, Junius T. Archer, Wil-
NOMINATED TO THE FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 473
Ham Booker, William Gray, W. W. Williams, Thomas H.
Brown, J. C. Booker, William T. Crovvder, Pleasant Good-
wyn, A. J. Smith, Robert F. Hartwell, Frank N. Robinson,
Samuel Boiling, Baxter Guy, David L. Brewer, William H.
Jackson, W. E. Grigg, John W. 'Tucker, Richard R. Townes,
John A. C. Stevens, G. H. Dabney, J. L. Sweatt, York
Harris, A. J. Gray, C. W. Davis and Revs. Henry Williams,
Henry Madison, C. B. W. Gordon and William Bassett.
The following ladies, among others, showed themselves to
be of great efficiency and service in the canvass, controlling,
indeed, hundreds of votes, with their associates, for Mr.
Langston ; Mrs. Richard R. Townes, Mrs Richard Mayo,
Mrs. Robert H. Epps, Mrs. Henry Williams, Mrs. Mary M.
Jennings, Mrs. Clementine Bartlett, Mrs. C. L. Bethel, Mrs.
George King, Mrs. C. E. Epps, Mrs. Matt N. Lewis and
Mrs. Doctor Webb. Nor are such white Republicans, as
Col. James D. Brady, Col. John W. Woltz, D. L. Selke, T.
E. Wilkerson, W. H. Weiss, A. B. Batts, T. D. Redd with
others, not numerous but earnest, true and 'brave, who
served Mr. Langston and the cause which he advocated as
they might, to be omitted from this roll of honor, upon
which their names are now recorded in grateful remem-
brance of their manly, patriotic and noble conduct.
CHAPTER XXIX.
ELECTION DAY IN THE FOURTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT,
NOV. 6, 1888, AND HIS CONTEST FOR A SEAT IN THE
FIFTY-FIRSTH CONGRESS.
THE State of Virginia has witnessed no political campaign
more important to it and the nation than that of 1888.
Messrs. Harrison and Morton, as the representatives of Re-
publicanism, asking the support of the people of the United
States for election to the presidency and vice-presidency,
and Messrs. Cleveland and Thurman, the standard-bearers
of Democracy, asking promotion to the same high positions
on the vote of the nation, were competitors in a political
contest with few equals and no superiors in its significance
and importance. And at no time in the history of congres-
sional elections did greater consequences depend upon
success in the elections to the party which had saved the
Union, and which must be held responsible for the perpetu-
ity of its free institutions. Hence it was that from one end
of the republic to the other, in every State in the Union,
the most strenuous efforts were made by the friends and sup-
porters of the one and the other set of candidates to secure
beyond peradventure their election to the high offices named.
As to the election of members of the House of Representa-
tives, it was everywhere realized that success in that regard
was quite as indispensable for the general good of the coun-
try, would the Republican party enter upon practical con-
trol of the nation. Under such circumstances, with such
474
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 475
fearful responsibilities confronting the voters of the Com-
monwealth who were naturally moved by feelings of pro-
found determination and enthusiasm, the campaign referred
to was inaugurated and conducted.
The sixth day of November, 1888, the closing day of the
campaign, dawned upon Virginia and the Fourth Congres-
sional District of the State with popular feeling, politically,
at fever heat. It is true that the work of the Republican
party of the State had neither been wisely organized nor
vigorously conducted. The voters of that party had been
largely left to take care of themselves and their own inter-
ests, while their chief leader of the State wasted his time,
as he spent too much of the funds appropriated for the
general work, in local quarrels and struggles calculated to
disrupt and defeat the party. The Democratic party, on
the other hand, had left no effort untested nor any outlay
neglected necessary to give it success in the State, and of
possible triumph in every congressional district. Demo-
cratic orators had employed everywhere such utterances as
tended to arouse beyond precedent popular purpose in fa-
vor of their party; and the press, metropolitan and country,
had demonstrated in displays of large and various ability
and tact its determination to do its utmost to achieve Dem-
ocratic success.
The advantage resulting to the Democratic party from
the misunderstandings, the quarrels and divisions of the
Republicans, was quickly and earnestly seized and turned
to the largest and most positive account and profit. Espe-
cially was this the case in the Fourth Congressional District,
where the Democratic party could only hope for success upon
division of the Republican party and the fraud made possi-
ble thereby, as tolerated and sustained by the white Repub-
lican leaders. The fact that there existed differences
between leading Republicans in this congressional district,
working a condition of things which seemingly rendered it
possible for the Democratic party to gain it in the election,
and thus make certain its success as well in the State by a
large and emphatic majority, increased the intensity and
476 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
activity of its purpose and efforts to accomplish that result.
That feeling will be appreciated when it is stated that the
Democratic party played in this district its most desperate
game, even that of transcendent shameless fraud, to com-
pass the victory at which it aimed. Pledged itself to the
frauds necessary to compass Mr. Langston's defeat, it did
not fail to hold its associates in that iniquity, though
Republicans in their party affiliations and pretentions, to a
full and complete discharge of their obligations. Thus Mr.
Langston, on election day, found himself confronted by a
conspiracy of such double character, forceful and formidable,
as to stagger for the moment even his own strong and
unyielding faith in his ultimate success. He never doubted
the purpose of the people to give or offer to give him their
votes. The only matter about which he had misgiving as
he witnessed the condition of things about the polls on
election day, was whether he would be able, at last, with all
his precautions to overcome the tricks and frauds which were
to be perpetrated against him. The double agencies and
influences wielded against him were the keen sharp instru-
ments of those skilled in their use, while crafty and cunning
in the concealment of their misdeeds.
With the vote polled as Mr. Langston knew it would be
if given freedom and fair play, he had no question as to
results. But hindered, obstructed, intimidated, refused, and
finally, where accepted, fraudulently and wrongfully counted
and credited by election officers, all of whom were pledged
to that iniquity and outrage, how could he hope to secure
and maintain justice in the case ! Anticipating this con-
dition of things, he and his friends had armed themselves
with such means of gaining and holding the facts connected
with the organization and conduct of the polls; the hin-
drance, obstruction and intimidation of voters ; and the
reception, refusal to count and credit of ballots, as would
give them power to present, legally and with effect, all the
facts respecting such transactions.
Of course, it was necessary in order to do this, to
make large and expensive provision for the work to be
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 477
done ; and at the same time make such selection and em-
ployment of agents as would ensure the wisdom, skill and
efficiency of its accomplishment. The district contained
over one hundred voting precincts. Six wards were organ-
ized and manned, in the city of Petersburg, where both the
Democratic leaders and the chief promoters of the Republi-
can faction hoped to perform with the greatest ease and
success any fraudulent project which they might devise
against Mr. Langston. For each of these voting precincts
and for every ward, wise and efficient scrutiny and surveil-
lance were indispensable, with the service implied, per-
formed by persons of courage, fidelity, intelligence, tact and
devotion — devotion in full measure to the person to be
served and the cause to be promoted. But in addition to
these indispensable qualities in the agents indicated it was
found necessary to so instruct all voters who would cast
their ballots for Mr. Langston that when they had either ac-
complished their purpose, or had been refused that privilege,
or for any reason had been prevented from doing so, the fact
could be made known at once and recorded. Hence the
voters were instructed first of all, when they had presented
the ballot and it had been received and deposited in the
ballot-box, to so declare in such way in such audible voice
as that the bystanders, including any persons employed
especially for the purpose, might make record of such an-
nouncement. If a vote was refused like course must be
pursued ; and if the voter was prevented from voting by
any means whatever he must, before leaving the polls, re-
port the fact to those employed to take care of that mat-
ter. Thus instructed, all the voters of the district who
intended to cast their ballots for Mr. Langston approached
the polls on the sixth day of November, 1888. There the
voters found, duly armed with ballots, at least two persons
who had been employed as distributors of tickets for Mr.
Langston ; two persons seated, one on either side of the
window through which the vote was passed to the judges
of the election, duly provided with the means of taking the
name, residence and vote of every elector who gave Mr.
31
478 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Langston his support ; and where any voter found refusal
made him, or prevention in his vote, such facts were also
noticed and a record thereof kept by the same persons.
Thus at every polling place in the district Mr. Langston
had employed four persons, who acted, two as clerks and
two as the distributors of his tickets, whose duty it was, in
addition to the services named, to maintain a strict observ-
ance and keep an exact record of all that was done and said
to disturb the voter and prevent in any wise the honest and
fair vote intended by the elector, cast, or otherwise, for
him. It is a fact that in many cases good and true friends
of Mr. Langston volunteered their assistance to these per-
sons. In three or four instances at least, certain efficient
and faithful women did good service in that behalf. Here
it should be noted that in nearly every case where the voter
himself by reason of his ignorance, or want of understand-
ing as to his duty in the premises, needed help, he was
promptly aided by his more intelligent wife or daughter.
It will be perceived from this statement that Mr. Langston
had in actual employment on election day quite five hundred
persons, giving their attention and services to his interests
especially, as connected with the election. With the fewest
number of exceptions, the persons thus employed were col-
ored men whose education, intelligence and general quali-
ties of character rendered them competent and efficient for
the maintenance and performance of the trust and duty con-
fided to them.
When the fact is recorded in becoming emphasis, with
full effect of its truthfulness, that Mr. Langston on election
day was confronted by the most formidable odds in that two
of the first white men of his district were his competitors
and opponents — men of the first social position among the
dominant classes of the State, wealthy and influential — sus-
tained in their purposes and efforts to defeat him not only
by the white community generally, but by the judges, clerks,
supervisors and officers of every sort and kind of the elec-
tion, with all determined to perpetrate even the blackest
fraud to compass that end, th^ exercise on his part of all
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 479
the care, caution and labor possible will be certainly justified
and commended. Otherwise he must have met with utter
and entire failure, as was expected and desired by all those
Democrats and Republicans who opposed him.
With such men as Mr. E. C. Venable, the regular nominee
of the Democratic party, and Judge R. W. Arnold, the
nominee of the Mahone faction of the Republican party,
running against him, with their friends in full control of the
polls throughout the district and in every ward in Petersburg,
competent and willing not only to accept and credit those
candidates with every vote that could by any means, fraudu-
lent or other, be given them, Mr. Langston undertook and
maintained a work in opposition to them, fraught as one
might have supposed, with the direst calamities. Nothing
but Providence and the wisest, most skillful, energetic, de-
termined purpose and labors could have saved him against
such untoward odds.
It is not practicable to follow the line of conduct, base
and fraudulent, pursued in every voting precinct against
Mr. Langston throughout the district. The facts connected
with that conduct and its results in the sixth ward of Peters-
burg alone, the ward in which he lives and where the great
body of the voters, above all others, were his friends and sup-
porters, must suffice.
In that ward, the polls fully manned under the law, with
every officer of the election present, were duly opened and
voting commenced at the usual time. Not later than nine
o'clock in the morning Mr. Langston visited the polls to
cast his vote for the regular Republican ticket. He was
confronted at once by the remarkable fact that so far as
the Republican colored voters were concerned, the approach
to the ballot-box had already become blocked and access
thereto rendered impossible. This condition was caused by
the unheard of and unjustifiable arrangement whereby two
approaches had been ordered and established for voters
coming to the polls ; one for white persons, Democrats and
Republicans, and another for colored voters, Republicans,
of course. Indeed, had it not been that place was given to
480 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Mr. Langston out of special consideration at the head of
the line of colored Republican voters, it would have taken
him, starting from the foot of the column, where he would
have been obliged to take his place, over three hours to
make his way up to the window through which he must
pass his ballot to the judge of election.
This arrangement was made for the express purpose of
preventing the free, ready and prompt vote of Mr. Lang-
ston's supporters, and was operated with the least possible
compunctions of conscience and with the greatest vigor and
advantage against him. It was understood that all persons
coming forward in the line set apart for white voters would
cast their ballots against him, either for Mr. Venable or
Judge Arnold. Hence in the case of these voters, such
control could be exercised as to give them full advantage
of time and opportunity, at the expense of the colored
voters, who were thus so situated that they could easily
be kept back, with seeming fairness, to accommodate their
white fellow-citizens. With this unusual condition of things
adopted and maintained throughout the day, when the
polls closed at sundown in the evening, besides the colored
voters who becoming discouraged had gone home without
voting, one hundred and fifty of them stood in the line with
Langston ballots in their hands, anxious but unable to cast
them. All that could be done under the circumstances
was to take the names of such voters, with their residences
and their ballots, upon the back of each of which the voter
wrote his name, as witnessed by the clerks employed by
Mr. Langston. These ballots put together carefully in a
package, sealed up, and cautiously guarded and preserved
as sworn to and certified by the clerks mentioned, were con-
veyed to the Committee on Contested Election Cases for
their examination and use. It is apparent that this pro-
cedure was cunningly devised and instituted for the very
purpose indicated and wrought great and serious damage
to Mr. Langston. He lost by it hundreds of votes.
But this was not all. Where votes were cast for him in
large numbers, when the polls were closed and the count
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 481
was had, manipulations were made so as to give Mr.
Langston the smallest vote cast for either of the three can-
didates. This could be done with the greatest possible
ease, since no person friendly to Mr. Langston was allowed
to witness the opening of the ballot-box or the counting
of the votes. Hence when the vote of this ward was
announced — a ward in which the combined vote of Mr.
Venable and Judge Arnold would not reach, as everybody
knew full well, one hundred — the following figures were
given: Venable 352 — Langston 139— Arnold 160. The
figures here were, without the least doubt, taken out of
their proper places, as they ought to have been credited to
the respective candidates, and made to answer the purposes
named ; that is, the figures given Mr. Venable belonged to
Mr. Langston, those given Judge Arnold belonged to Mr.
Venable, and those given Mr. Langston belonged to Judge
Arnold. Not only did the general political conditions,
with the popular feeling of the ward, show this, but the
results in every other ward in the city of Petersburg and
throughout the city demonstrate the correctness of the
same opinion. For while it is true that Mr. Venable, the
Democratic candidate, was credited with a larger number of
votes in every ward than Mr. Langston so as to insure his
election beyond peradventure, Judge Arnold was given a
much smaller vote than Mr. Langston in every ward except
the sixth. Upon the general vote of the city the Demo-
cratic judges upon their count gave Mr. Venable 2,259
votes — Mr. Langston 1,273 — Judge Arnold 694. Of course,
pursuing such a course, the judges of election in this ward
affected the greatest possible care for the wise, just and
honest management of the votes cast. So that after they
had completed their count and credit of the votes to suit
themselves, in accordance with their fraudulent purposes,
they called in a large police force to guard and protect them
as they bore the ballot-box with its sacred treasure from
the voting-place on the corner of Gill and Halifax streets
to its safe, impregnable deposit in the court house! II«>\\-
apprchcnsive these custodians of the popular will ap'/c in c!
482 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
to be lest a score or so of Langston's friends should attempt
to disturb them while conveying the ballot-box to its place
of safety! Such fears could only find place in minds
pricked in the consciousness of their own sense of wrong,
doing, which they would attempt to conceal by hypocrit-
ical pretense of just behavior.
On election day, in all parts of the district wherever vot-
ing was had and Mr. Langston had his agents at work in
care of his interests, they met and had to overcome the like
conditions of fraud found in the sixth and other wards of
the city of Petersburg. However, they were met and con-
trolled so successfully that when the whole vote was
counted and declared, Mr. E. C. Venable, the Democratic
candidate, was awarded the certificate of election by a plu-
rality of 641 votes over Mr. Langston. Judge Arnold was
really not in the contest at all, so small was the vote given
him, amounting in the whole district to only 3,207, as
counted by his Democratic friends and accomplices. The
vote, as credited by them to Mr. Venable, was 13,298, and
that credited to Mr. Langston 12,657, showing a plurality
in favor of the Democratic nominee upon an unchallenged
count, as manipulated and declared by the Democratic
judges and election officials, as stated. It is true, however,
could the vote of the district have been polled freely, and
counted and credited honestly, Mr. Langston's majority
over the combined vote of both Mr. Venable and Judge
Arnold would have exceeded five thousand.
It is true, that election day closed upon the efforts of Mr.
Langston and his friends with the record of fraud made by
the Democrats and the Mahone Republican faction, as al-
ready stated. But from the returns made to Mr. Langston
at his headquarters in Petersburg, from his clerks especially,
representing the conditions under which the election had
been conducted, the votes received or rejected, the manner
of their manipulation and credit, with accurate and com-
plete records made in that regard as attested and confirmed
by the same persons, he was thoroughly convinced that he
had received, in fact, such a vote in the district as to assure
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 483
his election, and that the fact was susceptible of the most
convincing legal proof. With full explanations made in
that belief to his large number of friends who gathered
about him, manifesting by word and act their deep solici-
tude and concern for his success, he did not hesitate to
state that his election was entirely certain and that he
would in proper time, and by accepted legal methods, con-
vince all concerned of that fact. Thereupon at one o'clock,
early in the morning of the seventh of November, accom-
panied to his home by his friends, he after bidding them
good-bye amid their congratulations and cheers, retired
shortly thereafter, fatigued and worn, to seek the rest
which was now due one who had carried the anxieties and
fears, with the hopes and expectations, of a day which shall
ever remain in his thoughts as in his affections, memorable,
though trying beyond any other he ever knew.
On the day following the election it was very apparent to
all interested in the subject, that of the persons disap-
pointed in view of the returns made by the Democratic
judges of the district, General Mahone and Judge Arnold
were the chief and most annoyed. They had staked not
only money but judgment and unstinted effort and influ-
ence upon the result. They had concluded and believed
that in view of the general conditions of the district, with
the Democratic party through its official agencies and lead-
ers to assist them, they could so overwhelm Mr. Langston
in disastrous defeat that they would retire from the con-
test with new and additional honors in the victory which
Judge Arnold's election would bring them both. But it
was not so ordered. Instead, through the neglect and indis-
creet management of General Mahone, chairman of the Re-
publican State Executive Committee, the State itself had
been lost to Harrison and Morton, and won by Cleveland
and Thurman by a plurality of only 1600 votes, showing
that with proper diligence, effort and outlay, it might have
been carried for the Republican candidates. Besides, in
spite of their fraudulent and humiliating combinations with
the Democrats to defeat Mr. Langston, whom they con-
484 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
stantly characterized in their vulgar, ungenteel style, as a
"bolter," Judge Arnold had received in the district and was
credited with a vote which showed him the man of all others
to whom the people refused their support, thereby marking
him as the leader in fact of a rebellious faction of his party.
But the keenest and most intolerable wound of all came to
these men from the fact that on the face of the returns as
made, the person of all others whose defeat General Mahone
desired and sought had discovered such vote in his favor as
to make it certain that the people had sustained him with
remarkable unanimity against every adverse influence.
And more, it was evident upon the vote given him that when
he had exposed and established the frauds which had been
perpetrated against him by the connivance and assistance of
these disappointed and dissatisfied Republicans, he would
win at last his election, with all the honors and emoluments
connected with it.
The opposition and hostility of feeling manifested on the
part of the Democrats generally, and the faction of the Re-
publican party, with respect to the nomination and election
of Mr. Langston, did not abate a whit, either in their in-
tensity or vigor, at the close of the campaign. As it be-
came known that he would make contest for a seat in
' Congress, these feelings seemed to deepen and spread them-
selves among the classes indicated ; and when his notice
had been served upon the Democratic candidate who had
already received the certificate of election, these feelings of
opposition and hostility did really reach their highest point
of intenseness and vehemence. They were pictured in the
" spleen and sour disdain " of those who opposed him —
their very countenances, the bearing and conduct which dis-
tinguished them indicating their determined purpose to de-
feat him, regardless of consequences, right or wrong.
The consciousness of the truth and the justice which dis-
tinguished Mr. Langston's claim, and their appreciation of
the vileness of their own deeds, appeared to create in their
minds the bad resolution to spare no efforts, to hesitate at
the adoption of no cunning which their ingenuity could de-
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 485
vise to save them against the exposures of the frauds which
they knew they had perpetrated. They feared an investi-
gation and would adopt any means to prevent the results
which must inevitably follow in its wake. They could but
. feel that duly conducted under the law, with openness and
fairness, it would undoubtedly eventuate in favor of the
person who was the subject of their hatred and enmity.
The last thing which his opponents could endure— that
which they could not even contemplate without indescriba-
ble dread and fear — seemed to be the seating of a colored
man in Congress as the representative of the district.
There were still many things which these opponents held
within their reach, under their influence, and largely under
their control, which they seemed able to so manage and
manipulate as to give Mr. Langston the greatest possible
trouble, even thereby so obstruct, hinder and prevent his
efforts in a contest as to accomplish at last his defeat. One
has only to recollect the agencies necessary to be employed
— their number, character, ability and circumstances— in a
contest originating in a great congressional district like the
Fourth of Virginia, to understand and correctly estimate this
assertion. It is only necessary to add that all such agencies
are vulnerable, especially in a case like this of Mr. Lang-
ston's, to every sort of social influence and exaction.
Eleven counties, with more than a hundred voting pre-
cincts, compose this congressional jurisdiction, in different
parts of which frauds, as claimed, lurked, were located, and
must be detected and exposed according to law and
by accredited judicial methods. It is apparent that the
first thing needed would be able, skillful, and faithful law-
yers ; not one, but in this case many. Besides, in order
to the wise and due taking of the testimony with its ap-
propriate authentication for use, many officers appointed
to that duty by the State would be as indispensable as the
attorneys. It is easy to perceive that attorneys and officers
located, as in this case, principally white men connected
with the general community by social relationships of long
standing and tenderness, would be vulnerable and sensitive to
486 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
any ostracism which the opponents of Mr. Langston might
seek to bring upon them should they in their professional or
official capacity undertake to serve him. Such an attempt
was made and in several cases wrought its natural conse-
quences. It is hard for one to really understand such a con-
dition of social influence and power, and yet it requires the
least experience to awaken his sensibilities to the full knowl-
edge of their effects.
In the city of Petersburg, Virginia, and in the district
in which that city is located, constituting the chief busi-
ness center, attorneys are not wont to have offered them
large retainers, -or to receive large pay for their services.
Ordinarily business is of a less important character, and
lawyers are in the habit of asking and obtaining such re-
numeration for their labors as would seem to be under the
circumstances reasonable only. Understanding and appre-
ciating these facts, Mr. Langston had felt that he might em-
ploy at usual accepted rates even the very best attorneys
located in the district. He did not realize that so great
would be social influence brought to bear upon any, even
the leading members of the bar, that they, or any one of
them, would refuse an unusually liberal retainer under any
circumstances, from him. He asked, therefore, in confi-
dence several of his friends to call upon perhaps the leading
lawyer of the Petersburg bar, and secure for him his services.
He was astonished to learn that this lawyer, a Republican
of known character, learned, able and influential, and though
active and laborious by no means wealthy, declined to give
him his services. An honorable and worthy man as he was,
Mr. Langston had not felt that any influence, social or per-
sonal, could be brought to bear upon this attorney which
would lead him to refuse his professional services to any
person of character and means who needed them. He cer-
tainly could not reach that conclusion in view of the name
and position of the person who occupied that exalted place
in the community and at the bar.
Mr. Langston, although his friends reported to him that
the attorney declined to serve him, fearing that they might
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 487
not have stated his desire and the conditions of the case
with sufficient clearness and precision, covering at the same
time the assurance that prompt pay for every service would
be made, including a reasonable retainer, called upon him
himself in the hope of being able to make such representa-
tions of his feelings, with the offer of retainer and promise
of payment in the premises, as to secure his services. How-
ever, upon Mr. Langston's own presentation of the case, he
still declined ; and when asked whether he had been re-
tained upon the opposing side, he answered promptly that
he had not. And when offered a retainer in the shape of
two five hundred dollar bills, should he consent to become
the leading lawyer in the conduct and management of the
case, he still refused, saying: " I cannot take your case. I
am, socially, so related to those who are opposed to you
that to do so would cost me and my family so much in the
severe ostracism which would be meted out to us, that I
cannot do it. Mahone would never forgive me ! "
Putting his one thousand dollars back in his pocket, Mr.
Langston left the office of the learned attorney, taught a
lesson of which he had not entertained the least conception
prior to the interview detailed. He was profoundly im-
pressed now that other agencies, quite as potent, though
impalpable, as fraud, intimidation, obstruction, hindrance
of voters, and foul manipulations of ballots when cast, were
to be met and overcome by him. The social influences,
stronger than any other in many senses, were being operated
against him. How could one bear, even the best among
the learned lawyers, the denial and loss of past kindly
recognition by families of character and standing, whose
friendship, association, hospitality and influence were
valued ! Few men of any class, certainly few lawyers, even
of the bravest character morally, can be found able to meet
that social influence, and in defiance of it give their services
to an unpopular client who represents an unpopular cause.
In his fear of social ostracism for himself and family, the
learned attorney who thus declined to serve the colored
aspirant for congressional honors had forgotten th.i*. !
488 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
would-be client was a person of fair standing in the com-
munity, a gentleman of education and refinement, and a
lawyer who had reached such position through his laborious
successful efforts in practice in the courts of a neighboring
State, where he had been educated and resided for many
years, that he had become several years prior to this time, a
member of the Supreme Court of the United States, and
thus in fact a member in good and regular standing of the
great American Bar. Besides, the would-be client of this
learned attorney appeared neither in the attitude nor garb
of a pauper, craving services as a matter of professional
charity. Nor did he come as one, for the time being even,
without the necessary funds to pay any retainer which
might be demanded. He had even property, real and visi-
ble, abundant to make good all charges of the attorney for
his services, located within the jurisdiction of the court,
where he might bring with ease any suit to recover any
balance due him at any time. But what signified such con-
siderations in the estimation of this attorney with the
apparition of social ostracism confronting him, shaking its
terrifying finger in his face ! The attorney thus frightened
from duty has small, too imperfect and limited conception
of his obligation to the members of civil society, who have
given him his honorable professional character and made it
possible for him to win name and recompense by its legiti-
mate and appropriate cultivation ! A would-be client of
honor, competent to meet every professional obligation, is
not to be denied the ablest, the best, the most faithful legal
aid when it is required, whether a dominant class in the
community be pleased with his politics or justify his honor-
able aspirations.
Now Mr. Langston realized that here was a difficult,
aggravating and annoying matter which confronted him
upon the very threshold of his contest. He could not
import attorneys ! Would he be able at last to employ the
skillful and the efficient of the local profession so as to
answer his necessities ? His first experience in this respect
had filled his mind with dark, portentous misgivings. And
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 489
as he wended his way homeward the question came and
went, each time making deeper furrows in his gushing sensi-
bilities, Will the enemies of justice and right, through their
selfish social influences, finally shipwreck the honest ballot
of a loyal constituency ?
Mr. Langston's visits to other lawyers were quite as
edifying and interesting as that already described, and
resulted, for precisely the same reason, in all save a single
case, in the same manner. In fact it really seemed to be true
that efforts were being made to render it utterly impossible
for him to employ any one of the recognized first-class
lawyers of the district. Where they were not retained they
were brought under such social fear as to make it impossible
to secure even for lavish outlay their services. He did suc-
ceed, however, in employing a person who while he had no
name as a lawyer and no standing at the bar connected with
labors in practice before it, felt that he could be admitted,
and with very little effort make himself equal to the task of
wise, efficient and successful management of this case of
contest. This person felt that it was necessary however to
employ two certain lawyers whom he named to give him be-
sides any legal assistance which he might require, protection
and support against social, ostracising influences, which
might be wielded, otherwise, to the discomfort and annoy-
ance of himself and his family. This was the only person
with whom Mr. Langston could even at great outlay, and
as indicated, in rather untoward conditions, employ for his
service. The gentleman had had some experience with one
or two election cases, and his knowledge gathered therefrom,
with his natural vigor of intellect and strong common-sense,
with his intimate acquaintance with the district itself in
every voting precinct, and with quite every white and colored
man residing therein, as he might be assisted by other learned
and skillful lawyers, and especially sustained by the two
whom he named, was able really to render useful service in
the case. He was, therefore, employed, as Mr. Langston
could do no better, and the other two lawyers were retained
upon conditions of unusual character involving the payment
490 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
of large retainers and great sums for services. An ordinary
business man, acquainted with the charges of extravagant
American lawyers, would have the astonishment of his
nature stirred to its very depths, should Mr. Langston dis-
close to him the fabulous amounts which were demanded
and which he agreed to and did pay the three lawyers referred
to for their services. But the circumstances were such that
he could do no better, and must comply with the demands
imposed or fail. Notwithstanding their exorbitant terms,
after the preparation of the notice of contest served upon
Mr. Venable, every one of them confined his labors to the
taking of testimony — a service not difficult of performance
nor requiring special or commanding talent — in the district,
principally in the city of Petersburg. Finally, compromise,
arrangement and settlement were made with two of them
whereby they were paid in full, upon their receipts and
acquittances, and relieved from further responsibility in the
case.
It is not to be understood from anything said here that
Mr. Langston would find fault with his attorneys so far as
their actual services in the district were concerned. He
notes the circumstances connected with their employment
and the unusual demands which they made upon him to
mark and emphasize the difficulties which confronted him
in the matter of securing competent lawyers, even in a case
of the character and importance of the one which he repre-
sented.
Among other attorneys employed by Mr. Langston were
three young colored gentlemen — Messrs. James H. Hayes,
Matt N. Lewis, and Scott Wood — who discovered in addi-
tion to their learning and tact large activity, efficiency and
fidelity, doing the work assigned them with skill, industry,
promptness and satisfaction. The example and conduct of
these young lawyers are especially commended. The first
is a member of the Richmond, and the other two members
of the Petersburg bar.
With notice duly served upon Mr. Venable ; the different
localities at which frauds, with other acts which affected the
CONTEST FOR ins SEAT. 49I
validity of the election returns, were perpetrated, deter-
mined ; the witnesses to be examined selected ; the next
thing in order was to employ a suitable number of subordi-
nate judicial officers, especially notaries public, before
whom the examination of the witnesses might be conducted.
Mr. Langston's success as to the engagement and service of
these officers was, on the whole, of satisfactory character.
Nevertheless social influences were exerted, in no unmis-
takable manner, to prevent certain persons of more promi-
nent position in the community from serving him. They
failed, however, for the reason that the service in this case
as respected these officers was promising and inviting. Hun-
dreds of witnesses must be examined ; the testimony to be
taken would be voluminous ; and the amount to be paid to
each notarial officer employed, in ready cash, would be large
and desirable. These officers of Petersburg and the district,
as a rule, were not inclined to allow even threats of social
ostracism to deter them and thus disturb their labors while
costing them the loss of their prospective gains. The offi-
cers employed by Mr. Langston not only discovered excel-
lent ability, promptness and fidelity, but courtesy and
kindly bearing which deserve emphatic note and commenda-
tion.
The array of attorneys appearing for Mr. Venable, from
the very beginning, was in numbers and character imposing
and formidable. They had all engaged, apparently, in the
contest more for love than fees, and were determined that
no stone should be turned the movement of which was cal-
culated to shed the least light upon any frauds which had
been committed. They discovered the purpose to throw
every obstruction possible in the way of securing full and com-
plete evidence in Mr. Langston's favor. The obstructions
which they cultivated with the most constant assiduity, zeal
and purpose, had to do with the intimidation of the wit-
nesses and the extended, continued, unheard of protraction
of the cross-examination of many of them. These lawyer-,
all of whom were by birth and education Southerners of the
extreme Democratic school, understood full well how easv
492 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
it was to intimidate an ignorant and dependent person who
had all his life been a slave and who had been in the habit
of regarding white persons as sustaining to him the relation
only of masters and mistresses. Upon witnesses of this
class they sought to impose their tricks of intimidation.
Generally, however, while they did create in some cases a
little delay, they did not as a matter of fact affect the char-
acter of the testimony given by the witnesses. It was in
the case of such witnesses as Messrs. J. A. C. Stevens,
Thomas H. Brown, Pleasant Goodwyn, David L. Brewer,
A. J. Smith, Matt N. Lewis and Frank N. Robinson, per-
sons who had acted as clerks and ticket distributers for Mr.
Langston on election day, and whose testimony, clear, direct
and convincing, could not be met by any legitimate means,
that the opposing attorneys by adopting the methods of
useless, irrelevant and frivolous cross-examination sought to
consume time so as to prevent within the limit allowed by
law, the introduction and submission of the evidence, which
presented in anything like fullness, must have sustained the
case of the contestant while it would expose in alarming
manner and with frightful features the frauds which had
been perpetrated.
. Not to dwell upon the other cases mentioned in detail, it
may be stated of that of Mr. Frank N. Robinson, that he
was called and sworn as a witness at twelve o'clock, on the
thirty-first day of January, 1889. His examination, so far
as his testimony concerned his direct statement, consisted
of eight questions. The cross-examination was then com-
menced, and was continued until late in the day of the fifth
of February — six days — and was prolonged by the asking
of three hundred and sixteen questions, nine-tenths of
which were without the least significance and were em-
ployed only for the purpose of consuming time, the hope
being, without doubt, that by that procedure Mr. Langston
might be forced to forego the opportunity of submitting
his evidence in such completeness as to sustain his case.
After the three hundred and sixteenth question of his cross-
examination had been put and answered, Mr. Robinson,
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 493
while upon the witness-stand, was arrested and taken into
custody by a deputy United States marshal by virtue of a
warrant or capias falsely and maliciously sued out by two
attorneys-at-law, representatives of Mr. Venable, who had
appeared and participated professionally in his cross-exami-
nation. Their complaint, on oath, was that the witness
refused to testify in the case. His behavior had been in
every respect genteel, courteous and obedient. The out-
rage perpetrated against the witness was without parallel,
while the injustice attempted against Mr. Langston was
glaring, atrocious and despicable.
The chairman of the sub-committee appointed to consider
and report upon this case, very truthfully and pertinently
stated in commenting upon this outrage :
" An examination of the record shows the absolute falsity of this charge.
The witness maintained under the most provoking and insulting cross-exami-
nation remarkable self-possession and dignified courtesy, and the only explana-
tion of this outrageous conduct on the part of the contestee's counsel must be
that they hoped by their perjury to intimidate other witnesses from taking the
stand to expose the frauds by which their client obtained the certificate of
election."
Mr. Matt N. Lewis was another of Mr. Langston's wit-
nesses, who though not abused by charge and arrest, as
Mr. Robinson was, was kept upon the stand in a cross-
examination which covered thirteen full days ; and in the
eight hundred and nineteen questions put to him the entire
political history of Virginia was canvassed. This abuse of
the witness did not weaken his testimony in the least. It
rather served to strengthen and render more effective its
strong and unimpeachable features.
The charge made against Mr. Robinson was fabricated
and feigned. The abuse done Mr. Lewis and other wit-
nesses whose cross-examinations were unduly protracted
and vexatious could not be justified by any consideration
of necessity or judicial usage. Delay only was sought in
this unheard of procedure. Without it a hundred witnesses
might have told how loyally and bravely they had voted for
Mr. Langston. The delay thus created and the denial of
32
494 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
opportunity thus wrought, took from them that privilege —
and this was the base object had in view.
Witnesses who appeared to testify against Mr. Langston,
as summoned by Mr. Venable, were both Democrats and
Republicans ; but all of them of and from the classes who
had opposed the colored candidate in the canvass, perpe-
trated frauds and voted against him on election day. In
the evidence which they were called to give they were swear-
ing in self-defence, testifying to save themselves against their
own illegal and fraudulent conduct. They knew full well
that the vindication of their own conduct could be found
only in their successful support of the Democratic candi-
date. Testifying thus in self-defence, as they were moved
by sentiments of hate and hostility, they proved themselves
to be not only voluntary and ready, but quick witnesses,
dexterous in any turn or shade needed in their testimony
designed to disappoint and defeat the colored man whom
they had so basely and treacherously opposed.
Among the witnesses introduced and sworn by Mr.
Venable were two colored men, lieutenants of General
Mahone, active and vigorous supporters of him in whatever
plans or methods he might adopt in opposition to Mr.
Langston. It was amazing to witness the bitter, dogged
spirit in which these two men testified, as well in their
direct as their cross-examinations, against him. Though
both claimed to be intelligent and worthy Republicans,
opposed of course to any discriminations made adversely to
one on account of his color or nationality, they asserted
themselves against Mr. Langston with surprising vigor in
the very spirit of hostility and bitterness employed by their
white Virginia chief. They much preferred that Mr. Ven-
able should be seated to seeing Mr. Langston given place in
the Fifty-first Congress of the United States ; and, accord-
ingly, each of them volunteered his testimony to that end
and gave it with a sort of pride and satisfaction that must
have been to an intelligent, patriotic colored person, or his
friend, entirely astonishing. The names of these gentlemen
are not recorded here. It is enough that they figure so con-
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 495
spicuously on the wrong side, in the record of the case as
made and established forever!
As soon as Mr. Langston had received notices of wit-
nesses, Republican in their party affiliations, whose testi-
mony was to be given in favor of his opponent, he wondered
why General Mahone himself was not placed upon the
stand and examined in behalf of the contestee, Mr. Venable.
The general occupied such a conspicuous, leading position in
the ranks of the hostile Republican faction ; played such
general and important directing part in all that faction
undertook and did against Mr. Langston ; was so intimately
related to all the enterprises of the Democratic party in
that behalf as well and had such knowledge of every vot-
ing precinct and everything that was done in each, that he
seemed to be of all others the most competent, and there-
fore the most desirable and serviceable witness to be found
among the Republicans who were bent upon Mr. Langston's
defeat. It has been, constantly, a subject of surprise that
he was not, for the reasons indicated, called to testify.
But notwithstanding all the difficulties and obstructions
which confronted Mr. Langston, growing out of the inimi-
cal feeling and opposition which prevailed against him, he
succeeded remarkably under the circumstances in securing,
formulating and presenting in reasonable quality and quan-
tity such testimony, the effect and tendency of which were
to settle the case of contest in his favor. However, after
the testimony had all been taken and transmitted, as re-
quired, for consideration by the Committee on Contested
Elections appointed by the House of Representatives for
that purpose ; and the case had, with sixteen others, been
taken up in this committee, the hostile feeling which had
shown itself in the district throughout the campaign, at the
polls on election day and in connection with the examina-
tion of witnesses, manifested itself even at the national
capital. The members of the House itself, and those who
composed its committee, were made to feel its presence.
Of nine cases of the seventeen brought to the attention of
the committee, that of Mr. Langston was the eighth ; and at
496 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
every stage of its progress the feeling indicated discovered
its detestable and annoying effects. Finally, so potent was
its influence, operating so insidiously and with such fell
purpose that it reached even, as believed, the very attorneys
employed by him, so that the majority of the committee
heard and considered his case with very little interest,
because the lawyers who presented it discovered the least
earnestness and exhibited the smallest amount of real ability
in its management. Indeed, the person who had been
employed and who was by special appointment to make the
chief and leading argument in the case for him assigned this
duty to another attorney and refused to argue the case, even
after the attorney whom he had employed to represent him
had utterly and signally failed in his opening address to the
committee. The same person, though contrary to Mr.
Langston's earnest wish and desire, emphatically expressed,
was permitted to make the closing argument in the case ; a
poorer and weaker effort, if possible, than the opening one.
Mr. Langston has always feared that untoward influences
caused all this unexpected action. However, the facts upon
which the case rested were so patent and so clearly and dis-
tinctly brought out in the testimony submitted that those
members of the committee who gave it the least thought and
consideration saw that the merits of Mr. Langston's claim
were of such character and importance that they deserved
more than passing notice ; that they were worthy of sincere,
deliberate examination and decision. And Mr. Langston
must ever feel that he is under lasting obligation to the
able, learned and thoughtful members of the committee,
who in spite of the inadequate, really unprofessional, dis-
loyal and weak efforts of his attorneys, apprehended, under-
stood and appreciated the strong and effective points of the
law and facts presented in connection with his contest. He
must ever feel that otherwise the influences and agencies
which had been directed at his defeat in the district, failing
there, would have so effectually displayed their power
against him at the capital as to compass at last the design
at which his opponents aimed.
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 497
But even after the committee had reported in clear, dis-
tinct, favorable manner in the case, as early as June 16,
1890, it really seemed that the influences which were oper-
ative against the consideration and adoption of the report
would prove to be all-powerful and invincible. At one time
Mr. Langston and his friends had well-nigh reached the con-
clusion that the case might not be settled for a long time ;
probably not at all. Influences of unusual power, far-reach-
ing and persistent, were brought to bear upon every
Republican member ; while the hatred and opposition of
every Democrat in the House were rendered thereby more
intense and unyielding. Hence the report which had been
submitted was delayed and its consideration postponed for
quite three months. All this time the opposition was
gathering strength and marshaling its forces for a deadly
struggle. The Democrats had taken great pains to notify
the Republican members of the House that they never
would consent to the seating of Mr. Langston ; that they
would not by their presence in anywise aid in maintaining a
quorum of the House for that purpose ; and disaffected Re-
publicans had announced in plain and emphatic terms that
they would not even give their countenance and support to
that proceeding.
Thus warned the speaker of the House, the Hon. Thomas
B. Reed, and its leaders, chiefly responsible for its character
and action, could see and appreciate the duty which con-
fronted them. At one time all these persons were appre-
hensive that it might be impracticable, even impossible, to
secure and hold a sufficient number of Republican members
to constitute the quorum indispensable for independent
party action in the case. But there came a change in pub-
lic sentiment with respect to it, which reaching the Repub-
lican members of the House, especially the leaders, so
aroused and fortified their purposes on the subject as to
bring them to the determination to secure and hold the
quorum necessary for action. The resolution thus formed
and acted upon brought the required number of Republican
members to their seats in the House.
498 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
The case, as reported from the committee, was taken up
for final consideration on the sixth day of September, and
after seventeen days of unexampled struggle it was brought
on the twenty-third to a decisive vote, which resulted in the
adoption of the two following resolutions as recommended
by the committee :
"Resolved, that E. C. Venable was not elected a representative of the Fifty-
first Congress from the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia, and is not
entitled to a seat therein.
" Resolved, that John M. Langston was elected a representative of ^Congress
from the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia, and is entitled to a seat
therein."
The first resolution was adopted by a vote of one hun-
dred and fifty-one to one, the speaker counting a quorum
as present ; and the second without division ; when Mr.
Langston was sworn and took his seat in the House
of Representatives amid demonstrations of enthusiastic
Republican approval and applause.
When the final vote was being taken in the case, and
prior to and during the administration of the oath to Mr.
Langston, every Democratic member of the body had left
his seat and gone from the hall of the House, refusing
utterly to be present to witness the ceremony of his admis-
sion. The sight of one whole section of the body absent,
while the body itself was engaged in usual legitimate busi-
ness, the vacant seats of the Democrats gone testifying of
their second feat of secession, was quite unique and novel
enough to merit in all its black details a lasting record of
infamy.
Not a single Democratic member of the Fifty-first Con-
gress of the United States was in his place in the House of
Representatives on the twenty-third day of September,
1890, when Mr. Langston took his place in that body !
Upon the consideration and adoption of the resolutions
of the committee resulting in the decisive concluding pro-
cedure of the House in the case, the foul and malicious
spirit which had shown itself all along in malignant manner
against Mr. Langston reached its most desperate display.
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 499
It was noted in the united, determined purpose and action
of the Democratic party, whose conduct against him,
unfaltering, resolute and unseemly, was utterly illegal,
rebellious and indefensible. It was witnessed in the out-
spoken opposition of a single Republican, who was so
becrazed by it that in opposition to the judgment and inter-
ests of his own party and to his own probable defeat spoke
and voted with the Democrats. Two other Republicans
were so controlled by the same influences operating against
Mr. Langston that while they gave their presence to main-
tain the quorum of the House, through fear and cowardice,
refused to support by their votes the sentiments of their
party associates and the judgment and desires of their con-
stituents. The three Republicans referred to have no
standing to-day in American politics! Their mistake was
fatal !
If special mention and personal commendation be due to
any single person above and beyond all other Republican
members of the Committee on Contested Elections for
intelligent, vigorous, persistent and successful efforts in
behalf of Mr. Langston, both in the committee and in the
House, that honor belongs, without question, to the earnest,
able and efficient representative of the State of Wisconsin,
the Hon. N. P. Haugen. As a member of the committee
his labors as chairman of the sub-committee appointed to
specially consider and report upon the case were inde-
fatigable, searching and discriminating ; and as he made
discovery of the facts and figures which sustained Mr.
Langston's claim, he was brave and manly in his advocacy
and defence of them. Indeed, he was not long in his
investigations of the case before he discovered and appre-
ciated its full truth, and comprehended with clearness
and just understanding the spirit and significance of every
movement made against the contestant, whether inaugu-
rated by Democrats or selfish, designing, negro-hating
Republicans. His conduct in the case challenges the high-
est admiration, and deserves the most unstinted praise of
every one interested in its wise and just decision.
500 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
The great majority of the Republican members of the
House supported Mr. Langston in his claims with intelli-
gence, firmness and patriotic purpose. And from the
speaker down, these persons deserve positive, hearty ap-
proval and eulogy for their behavior. The leaders of the
House, Messrs. Thomas B. Reed, the speaker, William Mc-
Kinley, Jr., Julius C. Burrows, Joseph G. Cannon, Robert
R. Hitt, Henry Cabot Lodge, Elijah A. Morse and Charles
H. Grosvenor, not to mention others equally deserving, who
displayed their sense of justice as well as their appreciation
of individual worth and long years of consistent Republican
devotion, by the wise and manly performance of their full
duty in this case, are worthy of such distinct and signal
mention as accords with their great and commanding repu-
tation and influence.
Perhaps the inconsistency demonstrated by the Demo-
cratic members of the House in leaving their seats as
already described, was not more marked and signal than
that of their return, one by one, except now and then they
came in groups, to their places, after Mr. Langston had
been given admission. They could not bear to witness his
approach ; they would not be present at his entry ; and yet
when they might have gone home and ought to have done
so to maintain their consistency, they returned with all the
grace accordant with Democratic usage ; and several of
them even went so far as to give the colored representative
cordial greeting with congratulations upon his success.
Every one of them, however, treated him finally most re-
spectfully, and recognized him as a member in full and
proper fellowship with themselves.
The welcome which Mr. Langston received on entering
the Fifty-first Congress from the Republicans who had sup-
ported him, was considerate and cordial to a degree certainly
unusual and exceptional. When it was found that the
seats on the Republican side of the House were all occu-
pied, he was at first informed that it would be necessary for
him to accept a desk on the Democratic side, among the
gentlemen who had declined to witness his admission. To
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 501
this he was disposed at first to object, feding that his pres-
ence in such juxtaposition might, if not to himself, create
feelings of uneasiness perhaps to some of the gentlemen
members who had fought him with such desperation of pur-
pose and hostility. He was, however, at once relieved of
any embarrassment in that regard by the kind, cordial
treatment of the Hon. Theodore E. Burton, representative
of the Cuyahoga district, Ohio, who offered him his o\vn
seat on the Republican side. He accepted this very gra-
cious offer and found himself pleasantly and eligibly located
by the side of his excellent personal friend, Hon. Henry P.
Cheatham of North Carolina, and in the neighborhood of a
company of most worthy and agreeable gentlemen, all Re-
publicans, who accorded him marked consideration and
respect.
The announcement of the action of the House through
the public press provoked widespread, remarkable comment
upon this case. This was natural ; for from the very begin-
ning, by reason of its peculiar character and surroundings
it had commanded general popular attention. The progress
of its consideration before the Committee on Elections, and
its protracted and tedious consideration by the House,
marked as it was in all its stages by the most active, vigor-
ous party opposition and rancor on the one side, and ear-
nest, positive partizan support on the other, tended to create
in connection with it such popular interest as to render it
noteworthy and famous. The whole country watched, as it
awaited, with deepest concern its termination.
Of course the same division of sentiment that was found
elsewhere marked the expressions made about the case by
the various journals of the country. Many advocated Mr.
Langston's claims in earnest, able terms. Others as em-
phatically and positively opposed them. It is a remarkable
fact, however, that while most of the leading Republican
papers gave him their support there were not a few Demo-
cratic partizan ones which expressed themselves, in cau-
tious, careful manner, in his favor as well.
The day following his admission to the House Mr. Lang-
502 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
ston received congratulations in letters and telegrams
coming from all sections of the country, so numerous that
were he permitted to publish them according to his desire,
they would constitute a volume of great size, and prove to
his friends, certainly, to be of peculiar and striking interest.
It would tax a person of the largest ability, one possessing
the most unusual powers of expression, a very genius in
that respect, to record and proclaim the feelings and senti-
ments of Mr. Langston in view of the great kindness and
consideration shown him by those who rejoiced with him in
his success, and honored him in their congratulations. He
can only express to them through this means his profound-
est lasting gratitude.
On the morning of the twenty-fourth of September, the
day following his admission to the House of Representa-
tives, the seat of Mr. Langston was beautifully and strikingly
decorated with a profusion of flowers, costly bouquets, pre-
sented by his friends and admirers. One of these was of
special significance, representing in its floral composition
the sword with which he had met and overcome his op-
posers, and the broom of destruction with which a good
Providence had swept them out of his pathway to victory.
To the friends and admirers who thus honored him he would
tender sincere, hearty acknowledgments. Nor would he
fail or neglect to record his generous appreciation of the
honor done him by the thousands of people who proffered
the evidences of their great joy at his success in their unex-
ampled popular serenade, given him at Hillside Cottage,
Washington city, D. C, and their matchless reception, so
distinguished for its dignity, its good order and its marvel-
ous attendance, held in the great African Methodist Episco-
pal Metropolitan church of the national capital.
Thus was ended a case of contest, every feature of which
marked it as peculiar and unique. The persons concerned,
the one representing the Democratic and the other the Re-
publican party, one white and the other colored, both the
very best representatives of the respective classes from
which they came, and both Virginians of well-known names
CONTEST FOR HIS SEAT. 503
and character, would alone give it under the circumstances,
unusual, important significance and interest. But above all
mere personal considerations stands the exalted, overshadow-
ing fact that in this contest the legality, the purity and the
perpetuity of the honest popular American suffrage were
involved. The decision, therefore, made by the Republican
House of Representatives in view of the facts which consti-
tuted its history, places this case, unlike any other recorded
in the annals of the nation, in a position from which it shall
ever reflect the dignity and glory of the justice and the
philosophy of equal rights, the sure and impregnable foun-
dation upon which it was based and rests.
CHAPTER XXX.
HIS CONGRESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND RECORD.
ALTHOUGH his contest was protracted and tedious,
characterized by unheard of filibustering operations which
tended greatly to delay its settlement, Mr. Langston was
ultimately given his place in the Fifty-first Congress under
such remarkable circumstances and with such falat as to
put him at once in conspicuous and influential position in
the body. The demonstrations in his favor on the Republi-
can side of the house were so general, quite unanimous and
enthusiastic, as to make him feel that the obstructions
thrown in his way and the unexpected delays had in his case
so far from being merely vain and frivolous had been provi-
dentially turned to the largest significance and the amplest
recompense. His reception and treatment were something
ecstatic ; and the generous sentiment and purpose generated
by the triumphant settlement of his case made it easy
enough to take other and immediate action in the Miller-
Elliot contest, resulting in the seating of the former ; and
thus presenting, after so long time, the refreshing sight of
three colored members, Cheatham, Langston and Miller, in
the' House of Representatives.
Betaking himself to the close and critical observation of
the general conduct of affairs in the House ; witnessing and
studying the manner in which business was introduced, con-
sidered and determined ; applying himself to diligent and
careful reading of the parliamentary regulations by which
504
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. 505
the body was governed in its proceedings ; listening with
becoming attention to the addresses, marking even the
attitudes of distinguished members as they offered their
views, pro and con, upon measures had under debate, it did
not take a great while for Mr. Langston, with large and
varied experience at the bar, in deliberative assemblies of
which he had been a member, with his general knowledge
of affairs, to realize that though he was a member now of a
most august assembly, he might count himself quite at
home among his distinguished associates. He understood
fully, however, that no man could figure in that body,
gaining name and influence, without possessing and display-
ing much more than ordinary talents. It was apparent to
him that here was a field in which one might employ in
connection with his labors all the learning, practical wis-
dom and eloquence which he might command ; while to be
useful as a member of the body he must possess unusual
general understanding of national and international affairs.
The Fifty-first Congress had among its members several
of the foremost leaders of the' Republican party and not a
few of the more prominent members of the Democratic.
Its leading members were strong men, possessing not only
large native endowment but broad and various learning and
commanding address and eloquence. Thoroughly versed
in parliamentary affairs, with experience and knowledge of
all the abstruse difficult things connected with service in
the House, they were admirably fitted for assuming and
maintaining controlling place and influence in its delibera-
tions. In fact, with such leaders as indicated, the body as
a whole was one which discovered in its sayings and doings
as a rule remarkable character, efficiency and power. No
history of the Fifty-first Congress, however, shall ever be
written which does not give the most conspicuous places
connected with it, so far as leadership, the introduction and
adoption of great measures, and the efficient and effective
management of its deliberations are concerned, to Thomas
B. Reed, its famous speaker, and William McKinley, Jr., its
noted Republican leader upon the floor of the House.
506 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
The large, learned and able company of Republicans, mem-
bers of the body, such as Cannon, Grosvenor, Lodge,
Rowell, McComas, Morse, Caldwell, Haugen, Hitt, Dolli-
ver, Burton, Henderson and Houk, not to name others of
like rank and influence, are worthy of special mention by
reason of their eminent and effective services.
On the whole the Fifty-first Congress, for many reasons
connected with its history; the various important measures
adopted by it and which must ever illustrate its record, shall
occupy memorable and exalted place in the annals of the
nation. When it is recollected that this Congress was com-
posed of many of the great foremost leaders of tlu- Repub-
lican, and quite a number of the more prominent Members
of the Democratic party, and that its record is distinguished
for several important enactments of far-reaching character,
as the famous McKinley Tariff Law, no well-advised, impar-
tial person will think of doubting this statement.
It has been felt by many persons who understood well
how bravely and consistently Mr. Langston had always
served his party ; and who understood too very well that
he had been elected by a large majority to Congress, upon it
securing to the party even the electoral vote of his State
for Harrison and Morton, that his case ought to have had
prompt consideration and early decision. By delay therein,
as such persons claimed, through his absence from the
House his district was unduly denied proper representa-
tion, and Democratic interests were advanced both in a
party and individual sense. This delay not only put in
jeopardy the future prospects of the party in the district
and the State, as was claimed, but gave to the Democratic
representative the perquisites of the position and his salary
for the time he was allowed to remain a member of the
body, with opportunity to say and do by tongue and vote
all he could against Republicanism. While the truth and
force of these feelings and opinions cannot be met by argu-
ment in such fulness and positive character as to relieve
entirely those who entertained them, it is wise to credit
those earnest and sagacious Republicans having this case —
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. 507
with at least sixteen others, all involving more or less dif-
ficult questions of law and fact— with such understanding
and conduct as seemed under the circumstances considerate
and proper; especially, since they must have fully appreci-
ated the character and measure of the opposition which
was being felt and exerted against Mr. Langston. All
things considered, the Republican members of the Com-
mittee on Elections deserve the largest credit for their man-
agement of the case ; and the House signalized its devotion
to Republican principles at last, in the large, comprehensive
American sense, in its action which resulted in the favora-
ble consideration and adoption of its report.
On his return to the district at the close of the first
session of Congress, Mr. Langston's friends and supporters
gave him a warmth of reception and cordiality of treatment
in view of his success which were truly marvelous. Weeks
of his time were occupied in receptions given at his home
in Petersburg to those who came from all parts of the
district, anxious to pay him their respects and listen to
explanations from him designed to show how he had made
effective the vote which they had so bravely and defiantly
cast for him as their representative. Often when overjoyed
in view of his statements, they expressed themselves in such
terms of friendly feeling and applause as to affect him even
to tears.
During the whole recess subsequently to the last weeks of
September and the early days of October, 1890, Mr. Lang-
ston was occupied in visits to different parts of the district,
at each place holding and enjoying conferences with such
friends as were by reason of their fidelity to him and their
superior judgment as to persons and the wants of their
special localities, competent to advise him with respect to the
distribution of any patronage which he might secure from
the administration. This was a subject which under the
circumstances, was found to be quite delicate enough, re-
quiring careful judgment and just, impartial discrimination.
His colored supporters must have their claims duly con-
sidered. His white friends must not be neglected. And
5o8 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
the whole matter must be so discreetly managed as not to
incur anything like well-founded and damaging criticism
from his Republican opponents. With regard to this whole
subject however, his success was apparent and admirable.
The colored electors were really proud of the office-holders
of the district representing their class ; and the white ones
were wholly satisfied with what was done in that regard for
them. Whatever may have been the case with respect
to the latter class as to holding office during all the past, it
was a new thing, novel and curious, exciting great interest
generally and special satisfaction and pleasure on the part of
the former, from whose numbers postmasters and other
officers were now for the first time appointed and commis-
sioned to duties, responsibilities and emolument in those
capacities. And it is not saying too much to affirm that
Mr. Langston's labors resulting in such conditions unheard
of heretofore, added materially to his general popularity
and the fervor of its expressions made by those and their
friends who were specially served. Having accomplished
such results in the district there was certainly general pro-
found satisfaction felt in view of the action of the House of
Representatives in seating the first and up to this time the
only colored congressman from Virginia ; while no one was
found to express harsh and vulgar opposition thereto, except
those Republicans of the district, white and colored, who
had manifested in every possible way their desperate opposi-
tion to Mr. Langston. The Democrats of the district took
the defeat which had come to them as a matter of course,
against which they could not and ought not to have expected
any other result. With such general contentment gained
so quickly and prevalent in the district, the assurance of a
common and irresistible support of Mr. Langston was
apparent and positive. His first victory, with its results,
seemed to give promise of other signal and certain successes
in the future.
Returning to the capital on the opening of the second
session of the Fifty-first Congress, Mr. Langston gave prompt
and regular daily attendance thereupon, from the beginning
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. 509
to the close. He was honored by the speaker of the House
in an appointment as member of the Committee on Educa-
tion. This committee was composed of able and agreeable
gentlemen, representatives of both political parties. He
attended every meeting of the committee and was greatly
benefited by association with its members. He was treated
by them all with marked consideration, and his views, pre-
sented upon any subject commanding the attention of the
committee, were received with most respectful, appreciative
attention.
Treated considerately and cordially by his associates,
members of the House; finding himself in pleasant sur-
roundings in view of his reasonable, general understanding
of the rules and regulations governing the body in its pro-
ceedings ; with usual and growing interest in every matter
and measure of ordinary character requiring attention ; and
with profound special concernment in certain pending meas-
ures, Mr. Langston was found ready for intelligent, earnest
work as a member of Congress, both as he was called to duty
in his committee-room and in the House itself. So far as all
subjects of importance were presented, considered and
adopted or rejected, he showed himself at ease as to his
knowledge. Loyal to his party he sustained it, as a rule,
upon every proposition involving any distinct party issue
with influence and vote, and yet he did so always upon judi-
cious, well-grounded personal judgment.
The second session of the Fifty-first Congress, commencing
on the first day of December, 1890, lasted only three months.
And yet by reason of his attention and diligence the record
made by Mr. Langston therein in that time was sufficient
to show the bent of his mind and understanding as to pub-
lic affairs, and to indicate the rank which he might take as a
representative finally, if permitted to remain in Congress for
any length of time.
The petitions, resolutions and bills formulated and pre-
sented by him represented a variety of subjects, and embrace
several important matters of general interest.
The first petition presented by him was that of John H.
33
510 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Brooks and forty-two others, citizens of the District of Co-
lumbia and the States of Maryland and Virginia, praying for
the reimbursement by the government of the depositors of
the Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company.
The second petition was that of the United Presbyterian
Church of Cannonsburgh, Pennsylvania, against opening the
World's Fair on Sunday.
The third was the petition of Catherine Pringle and
others, praying for indemnity against certain Indian depreda-
tions.
And the fourth the petition of certain citizens of Rich-
mond, Virginia, for the passage of House Bill 639, to rehabili-
tate the merchant marine of the United States of America.
The resolutions introduced by him were: First, one
asking a report of the honorable attorney-general of the
United States upon any action had in his department, to
enforce the Acts of Congress, passed May 31, 1870, and Feb-
ruary 23, 1871. The resolution reads as follows : Resolved,
That the honorable attorney-general of the United States
be requested to transmit to the House of Representa-
tives all communications, orders, directions and instructions
which have been made, issued or given by him to any United
States district attorney, marshal, or deputy marshal, com-
missioner, or other officers, with regard to the institution and
prosecution of any suits, of whatsoever character, under the
act to enforce the right to citizens of the United States to
vote in the several States in the Union, and for other pur-
poses, passed by Congress, May, 31, 1870, and the act
amenadatory thereto, passed by Congress, February 23, 1871,
and to communicate to the House the results of any suits
instituted and prosecuted as stated.
This resolution was duly referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary and by that committee, having been favorably
considered, was reported to the House and adopted.
The second resolution introduced by Mr. Langston was a
joint one providing for amendment of the Constitution of
the United States in the matter of suffrage and the mode
of electing presidential electors, representatives and sena-
tors to Congress, and reads as follows :
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. 511
Article XVI, Section First. That all elections for mem-
bers of Congress, senators of the United States and presi-
dential electors shall be by the people of the several States,
under such laws as Congress shall enact ; provided, that no
elector shall be allowed to vote at any such election who
cannot read and write the English language, and the basis
of representation in each State shall be reduced in the pro-
portion which the number of those allowed to vote shall
bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years
of age in such State.
Section Second. That Congress shall have power to en-
force this article by appropriate legislation.
This resolution was referred to the Committee on the
Election of President, Vice-president and Representatives
in Congress. There was no sufficient time for its considera-
tion, the session of Congress being entirely too limited, and
adjournment was had without action upon it.
The resolution embodying as it does new propositions,
subjects not heretofore adduced for congressional considera-
tion, received notices of the press, with such comments,
sometimes for and at other times against it, as to show its
importance and the propriety and necessity of its presenta-
tion.
Among other bills introduced by Mr. Langston — several
for the relief of various citizens of his own and other dis-
tricts— the most important was one to provide for the es-
tablishment of a national industrial university for the
education of colored persons residents of the United States.
No apology is offered here for the presentation of the bill
in its entirety as drawn and submitted. Its object is of such
transcendent importance as to justify its careful and thor-
ough reading and to warrant its insertion as follows :
A BILL.
To provide for the establishment of a national industrial university for the
education of colored persons, residents of the United States.
Be it enacted by the Senate, House of Representatives of the United States of
America in Congress assembled, That there shall be established within any
State of the Union where unappropriated public lands may be found convcn-
512 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
ient for such purpose by the Government of the United States a national indus-
trial university for the education and training of colored persons, residents of
any State of the Union, male or female, desiring to attend such university
seeking an education, academical, collegiate, and professional, with instruction
and training in any special industrial occupation or trade, mechanical or other.
SEC. 2. That ten thousand acres of any public lands wherever located, as
selected by the board of commissioners hereinafter created, shall be appropri-
ated and set apart as the site and for the purposes of said university.
SEC. 3. That there shall be appropriated, out of any moneys in the Treasury
of the United States not otherwise appropriated, one million of dollars to erect
buildings, to fence and otherwise improve the lands of the university, and to
supply furniture, apparatus, and tools, mechanical and industrial, with general
outfit therefor.
SEC. 4. That there shall be appointed by the President of the United States,
by and with the consent of the Senate, a board of commissioners consisting of fif-
teen competent citizens of the United States whose duty it shall be to select
the land hereinabove described to be set apart as the site of the university, to
improve such lands, erect the necessary buildings thereupon, provide the neces-
sary furniture, apparatus, tools, and outfit, and make all arrangements of every
kind and sort, including the appointment of necessary officers, president, pro-
fessors, instructors, and teachers, with all employees for said university.
SEC. 5. That the members of said board of commissioners shall hold their
positions during good behavior, and as vacancies shall occur in said board by
death, resignation, or otherwise, the same shall be filled by appointment made
by the remaining members thereof; and such commissioners shall receive no
compensation for their services, but all necessary and legitimate expenses in-
.curred by them, or any one of them, in connection with the university, shall be
paid.
SEC. 6. That the board of commissioners shall make and enforce all rules
and regulations for the government of the university in all of its departments :
Provided, That no person shall be accepted as a student therein who shall not
enter into a contract himself or by his or her parent or guardian to pursue,
upon such terms as may be prescribed, the courses of the academic, collegiate,
professional, or industrial departments, respectively: And provided further,
That no person, male or female, shall be received as a student in such univer-
sity who shall not agree in advance to pursue the industrial as well as scholas-
tic courses prescribed, and of which he or she shall make choice, for the
entire term, and in the manner and upon the conditions provided therefor.
SEC. 7. That it shall be the purpose and aim in this university to educate
and to train young men and women in all the branches of the highest scholar-
ship and in all the callings of general industry, art, and trade, fitting all students
graduating therefrom for the best possible industrial effort and scholarly pro-
fessional labor in life. And any student graduating from such university,
qualified as indicated, upon approval of the board of commissioners, shall re-
ceive a diploma signed by the chairman of said board and the secretary, under
a seal which shall be provided and used by the university.
SEC. 8. That the board of commissioners hereinabove provided for and
their successors shall constitute a body corporate, empowered to sue and be
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. 513
sued, to contract and to be contracted with, to receive, to hold, and dispose of
in its own interest for the benefit of the university, all property bought, given,
or bestowed by bequest or devise : Provided, That all powers herein vested in
said board of commissioners shall be exercised solely and alone for the pur-
poses hereinbefore mentioned to advance the objects and maintain the work
of the university.
SEC. 9. That the board of commissioners shall proceed without delay, upon
their appointment and commission, to organize with a chairman and secretary
of their own members, with such committees for service as may seem to be
necessary and practicable to discharge the duties enjoined upon them herein,
and so soon as the university shall be made ready for use, which period shall
not exceed one year and six months from the date of their appointment and
commission aforesaid, said board of commissioners shall notify all persons
concerned by public advertisement that said university is ready to receive stu-
dents. And thereafter said board of commissioners shall make annual report
to the Commissioner of Education, through the Secretary of the Interior, as to
the condition, progress, and success of said university, in all of its departments.
The importance and necessity of such legislative national
action cannot be exaggerated when the educational and
industrial wants of the colored youth of the country, and
the general benefits of their improvement in such directions
are duly estimated and considered. The bill was duly
referred to the Committee on Education, and had time per-
mitted it would have been given thorough, critical examina-
tion with favorable report, and in all probability passed by
the House.
Another bill introduced by Mr. Langston was one to
provide for the observance of the twelfth day of February
and the twenty-seventh day of April, respectively, as
national holidays, in memory and honor of the great na-
tional benefactors, Lincoln and Grant ; and to give the
people of all classes and conditions both the leisure and the
opportunity to do so in such reasonable and proper manner
as seems to accord with the great services and the eminent
worth of the statesmen and heroes named.
In addition to the petitions, resolutions and bills intro-
duced by Mr. Langston, which, as might be nee
would have had his explanation and support in connection
with their consideration and passage, he must be credited
with making two quite full and elaborate speeches, upon the
national elections law and the rehabilitation of the mer-
chant marine of the United States.
514 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
It was through the kindness of the Hon. Louis E. Mc-
Comas, a representative from the State of Maryland, who
had charge of the appropriation bill for the District of
Columbia, that Mr. Langston was given the opportunity of
making his first speech in the House, under such circum-
stances and upon such a subject as to give him a very atten-
tive hearing and a most cordial reception. He spoke, as
stated, in favor of the national elections law; and was
heard in the most flattering manner by every member of
the House, Republican and Democrat, as he vindicated the
American ballot in its purity and power, claiming that any
action of the national government necessary to its preserva-
tion and protection was constitutional and imperative.
Hence the action of the Republican party in that regard
was to be approved and applauded. His speech was re-
ceived with demonstrations of warmest approbation, and
upon its conclusion, at the expiration of one hour allowed
him for its delivery, he was made the recipient of many
cordial and commendatory expressions.
Of his effort at this time many comments of the press
were made and might be adduced. One however alone
shall be reproduced here. It sufficiently explains his posi-
tion, illustrates the character of his address, and describes
the manner in which he was treated as well as the impres-
sion which he seems to have made upon his auditors.
"The Cleveland Leader" of January 17, 1891, employs in
its issue of that date, in referring to the doings of the House
of Representatives, the following remarkable expressions in
commenting upon Mr. Langston's speech :
LANGSTON ELOQUENT.
THE COLORED VIRGINIA CONGRESSMAN MAKES A MEMORABLE SPEECH IN
THE HOUSE. HE BRINGS MOISTURE TO THE EYES OF HARDENED OLD
BOURBON MEMBERS.
[Special dispatch to the Leader.]
Washington, January 16. — The sensation which relieved the tedium of an
otherwise dull day in the House was a speech by Mr. Langston, the colored
member from Virginia, whose admission was so long and fiercely contested by
the Democrats at the last session. Evidently Mr. Langston had some things
MAKING HIS FIRST SPEECH IN THE HOUSE OK REPRESENTATIVES, JANUARY if., 189!
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. 515
in his mind that he wanted to say on the race question. The only way by
which he could do it was to have time yielded him on the District appropriation
bill and then use it in his own way. This is what the Democrats have been
doing for a week past. In the early part of the session to-day Rogers, of Ar-
kansas, made a speech on silver, and Shively, of Indiana, one against shipping
subsidies. Perhaps it was no more than fair that Langston should take a lit-
tle license and wander far from the subject under consideration. Mr. Langston
made a speech that was eloquent and effective. It would not be an exaggera-
tion to say it was brilliant. No sooner had he warmed to his theme than mem.
bers on both sides laid aside newspapers and pens and turned their chairs
around to look and listen. No higher compliment can be paid him than to
state the fact that he commanded the close attention of all in the chamber,
Democrats and Republicans alike.
There are not five men in the House who can talk as well as Langston. He
speaks extemporaneously, without even notes, and his command of language is
masterly. No doubt there are scores of Democrats in that body who would
give a year's salary for half as good a gift of oratory. When he began the
Democrats showed a disposition to ignore him, but he compelled them to hear
him, and before he had finished a dozen such Bourbons as Stockdale and
Hooker of Mississippi, Breckinridge of Kentucky, and Stewart and I .an ham
of Texas, were over on the Republican side listening intently to his every
word. It is scarcely credible, but it is true that he caused the eyes of some of
these case-hardened Democrats to moisten by his impassioned appeals for jus-
tice to the black men and to the white men of the South who are proscribed
because they are Republicans.
Mr. Langston had the floor for more than three quarters of an hour. The
Republicans applauded again and again, and when he closed some of the
Democrats joined in the ovation that was given him. Among those who shook
his hand and offered congratulations was Hon. Amos J. Cummings, a New
York Democrat. Mr. Langston had not expected so warm a greeting from
such a source, but his native wit prompted the response : " You are very near
the Kingdom, Mr. Cummings."
The second address was made from a deep sense of pa-
triotic duty. An appeal from leading citizens of wealth
and influence of his own State, especially from the several
Chambers of Commerce, urging his support in speech and
vote in favor of the bill pending in the House providing for
the rehabilitation of the merchant marine of the United
States, was made to him by letter and otherwise. He there-
fore prepared himself and made the speech accordingly.
Of this effort it is only necessary to say that it was received
in appreciative manner, offering a fit opportunity to display
as well his logical as his rhetorical powers in its preparation
and delivery. As made and published in the " Congressional
516 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Record " and subsequently in pamphlet form, it gave Mr.
Langston increased influence and favor Both with his associ-
ates in the House and the large majority of the people of
his State. In this address he displayed entire mastery of the
subject, illustrating and impressing his views with large in-
formation, facts, figures and conditions of the American
merchant marine, gained in his extended and protracted
observations and experiences as consular-general of the
United States ; displaying in the advocacy of the measure
the profoundest earnestness and interest.
As a member of Congress Mr. Langston was treated by the
president of the United States, the several members of the
Cabinet and the chief officers of the various departments of
the government with whom he had official intercourse and
associations, with marked kindness and respectful considera-
tion. His success in locating applicants for office, residents
of his district and State, at home, in Washington city, and
even abroad, was certainly as great as that of any other
member of Congress ; and by pursuing a wise and judicious
course in that respect he made many friends among both
white and colored constituents. He gave more than a score
opportunity to locate themselves at service in the national
capital, where they might pursue advanced courses of study
of ordinary collegiate and professional character. He situ-
ated others in the same city where they were able to pros-
ecute such lines of artistic and mechanical occupations as
accorded with their desires and interests. One case of the
last class mentioned deserves here special note. It is that
of a young colored man of Sussex County, Virginia, who
located by Mr. Langston in the Navy Department as an
apprentice, pursued with unusual proficiency and success
his trade as an engraver. He has been permitted to remain
in his place for over three years, and has reached such a stage
of advancement as to make his position a very desirable one
and his services useful to the government. The walls of
Mr. Langston's home are ornamented by two productions,
engravings of this young black man, which testify of his ge-
nius, power and application. This young man, Mr. Theo-
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. 51-
philus A. Parham, the forerunner of his race in this country
in the calling to which he has dedicated himself, shall, if
studious and diligent, gaining the success which seems to
be in store for him, serve his people in such a way and meas-
ure as to make him indeed their benefactor as well as their
representative, in a most dignified and honorable occupa-
tion.
The second was the short session of the Fifty-first Con-
gress and its adjournment came only too soon. However,
its closing scenes witnessed by whomsoever can never be for-
gotten. Its end was announced in a most eloquent, telling
and effective address by the speaker, Hon. Thomas B.
Reed, delivered in his happiest and most pleasing manner.
No such occasional address was ever received with greater
satisfaction and more enthusiastic applause. His utterance
was to the ears of all Republicans, abounding as it did in
truthful, ringing sentiments, the sound of exulting triumph.
And the popular, soul-stirring airs, " John Brown's Soul "
and " America " bursting forth upon its close spontane-
ously, as it were, from the hearts and lips of the members
and the vast audience whose voices swelled the choruses,
seemed veritable paeans of immortal hilarity and joy!
Had Mr. Langston been permitted to continue as his own
successor in the Fifty-second Congress, his district through
his agency and influence would have been represented in
the national military and naval schools of the United
States, at West Point and Annapolis, by at least two young
scholarly colored persons. He made special effort to ac-
complish that purpose before the close of the Fifty-first
Congress, but was unsuccessful, the honorable secretary of
the navy holding that the matter must be passed to his
successor. This seemed hard indeed, since the same officer
had allowed the person who held Mr. Langston's seat ille-
gally for so long a time during his contest, to send a young
white man from a Democratic family of the district to one
of these schools without even giving any colored youth of
the district the opportunity of competing, in fair and schol-
arly contest, for that place.
518 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
Such was the record made by Mr. Langston in the brief
term of his actual service during the second session of the
Fifty-first Congress, that he was, in fact, unanimously re-
nominated by a popular Republican conference held in
Petersburg when the Republican Congressional Committee
of the district had refused to convoke the regular nomina-
ting convention of the fall of 1891, and thereupon in the
election which followed he was returned to the Fifty-second
Congress by a large majority of the honest, reliable votes
of the district. Although the majority by which he was
thus elected was beyond question certain and decisive, he
would not make contest for the seat because the Demo-
cratic party, holding a majority in that Congress, as moved
by deep-seated hatred and opposition against Mr. Langston
and sustained by every influence and effort which Mahone
and his deluded followers could exert, would not give the
case fair hearing, or decide it upon the accepted principles
of law and the facts. Mr. Langston verily believed, and
his friends and supporters endorsed his opinion, that what-
ever might be his showing upon the law and facts in the
matter of contest against the Democratic member who had
already received the certificate of election, his efforts would
prove to be ineffectual and his labors wholly abortive. He
knew very well that he could secure nothing like justice in
the premises, with the Democratic party holding entire con-
trol and mastery of the House.
Mr. Langston, so far as his friends and supporters are
concerned, has not lost in any sense the least particle of his
great influence in his district ; nor has the feeling in favor of
making him its representative in Congress abated the least.
Accordingly, in 1 892, he was elected without a dissenting voice
by the Republican District Convention a delegate to the State
Republican Convention, at Roanoke, and a delegate to the
National Republican Convention, at Minneapolis, Minnesota,
to nominate candidates to the Presidency and Vice-presidency
of the United States. He acted as the representative of his
district in both the State and National Conventions, to the
acceptance and approval of his constituents. Subsequently,
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. 519
at the last Congressional District Republican Convention
held at Burkeville, Nottovvay County, Virginia, in the fall of
1892, with delegates present representing eveiy county of the
district and the city of Petersburg elected by order of the Re-
publican District Committee, he was unanimously and enthu-
siastically nominated by the party as its candidate for election
to the Fifty-third Congress. Influenced by considerations
of party interest Mr. Langston declined to accept this
nomination, and advised that under the circumstances the
party of the district would be more likely to elect and
secure a seat for its candidate in Congress should a white
person of name and influence, distinguished for his party
loyalty and the acceptance and defence of its principles and
measures, be put in nomination. In this judgment he was
finally cordially sustained, and permitted to name the person
who should be the candidate. He did name a good and
reliable white Republican as he believed, and that person
was upon his withdrawal and recommendation nominated
by the convention. It is believed generally in the district
that Mr. Langston's judgment in that matter was wise ; and
had it been acted upon to the end the person nominated by
his assistance would have been elected to the Fifty-third
Congress by the usual Republican majority of the district.
It is doubtful, however, whether he could, under the circum-
stances, have secured from the state authorities the certificate
of election, or finally upon contest, his seat in the House of
Representatives.
The feeling of bitterness and opposition existing on the
part of the Democratic party of Virginia and the district,
sustained as it has been by Mahone and such white Repub-
licans, falsely so-called, against Mr. Langston, has been so
unyielding and persistent that though popular with the
electors of the district he has not deemed it prudent,
latterly, to make the least endeavor to gain political prefer-
ment so far as the nomination and election to Congress are
concerned. It is apparent that though nominated in the
most unanimous and emphatic manner, he must incur all the
doubts and hazards connected with an election fraudulently
520 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
conducted, with account of the ballots dishonestly and
mischievously made.
It is to be hoped, however, and greatly to be desired that
ultimately, and at a day not distant, the political elements
and forces of the district as well as those of the entire State,
will be so improved, reconstructed and reorganized under
new and better legislation and honest management, as to
insure justice and honorable dealing in all elections, local,
state, and federal.
CHAPTER XXXI.
HILLSIDE COTTAGE AND HIS FAMILY.
PRIOR to the removal of his family from Oberlin, in 1871,
and its location in Washington city, Mr. Langston had pur-
chased convenient grounds in the neighborhood of Howard
University and erected thereupon a beautiful, unique Swiss
cottage, with other appropriate improvements, adequate
and proper for its accommodation. This property in all its
appointments, improved after the best modern methods
and styles, with buildings designed and erected upon plans
of approved and attractive architecture, besides being eligi-
ble in situation, is impressive and inviting in appearance.
Located upon the south side of a beautiful elevation look-
ing towards the Capitol, and fronting a government reserva-
tion of ten acres ornamented with original forest trees of
oak, maple and hickory, besides other artificial attractions,
Hillside Cottage offers to its occupants and visitors all that
is pleasant and agreeable in rustic and urban life combined.
The house, cottage as it is, Swiss in its plan and struc-
ture, is a three-story frame building with fourteen rooms,
with which, as necessary, are connected large, spacious and
airy closets, including a spacious well-ventilated and lighted
basement, thoroughly dry and healthful, as well as perfectly
convenient and suited to every ordinary domestic purpose.
The premises are situated at the corner of Fourth and Col-
lege streets, and the house is entered from the former
street, upon which it fronts, by a broad, long vine-covered
521
522 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
porch, which not only adds materially to its beauty but to
the convenience and pleasure of the family. The internal
arrangements of the house so far as its general sanitary
conditions are concerned embrace every approved modern
convenience. And though it has been occupied for twenty-
two years, built in good first-class substantial manner of
excellent materials, it is in all respects well-preserved and
in thorough repair. Besides, Mr. Langston and his family
take great pride in their home, and do whatever they may
to preserve it while adding to its value and beauty in every
possible manner.
The grounds, which embrace within the fences surround-
ing them a full acre of valuable land, besides being fur-
nished with all necessary out-buildings, as barn, stables,
hennery, and well-house, built on plans and styles in keep-
ing with the residence, are so ample as to offer opportuni-
ties for gaming-places, as the croquet-ground and tennis
court, and yard ornamented with flowers, shrubs, evergreen
and fruit trees of various varieties.
As one approaches the premises his sight rests first upon
a long row of shade trees, hard and silver maples, planted
twenty-two years ago, now grown large with spreading
beautiful boughs, standing upon the outer edge of the pave-
ment fronting and extending along the whole length of the
grounds on Fourth street, opposite the public park.
Besides furnishing ample shade to the residence and prem-
ises, these trees add immensely to their value and their
beauty. Inside of the yard, among the ornamental trees, is
found a French magnolia, sent from France by a friend to
Mr. Langston twenty years ago, now well grown and per-
fectly acclimated. Beautiful always as bearing the richest
green satin-appearing leaf, while in its annual abundant,
magnificent, fragrant blossoms, rare, choice and matchless,
it is attractive and impressive in the highest degree.
Among others stand four towering beautiful trees — a
spruce pine upon the rear of the premises, marking them
from that point ; a classic sycamore in the northwest
corner of the grounds, lifting its sightly lofty branches
HILLSIDE COTTAGE. 523
above every tree upon the place and marking it above all
others from that point ; a white birch and a sweetgum, set
in conspicuous places in the front yard, all presented to
Mr. Langston by the Hon. Charles Sumner, in 1882; and
which were located upon the premises through the direc-
tions of the senator, to answer the purpose especially of
marking the place in front and rear, according to his own
conception and taste. Of these four trees, gifts of Senator
Sumner specially valued by Mr. Langston, he never tires
of talking to his friends and visitors. He always speaks of
the classic sycamore, inviting attention to its rare beauty,
telling how the donor presented it to mark his place, assur-
ing him that it was the sort of sycamore-tree up which
Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus as he passed. Indeed, it
would be difficult to find Mr. Langston more eloquent upon
any subject than these trees and his exalted opinion of the
great senator, who gave them to him.
Of fruit-bearing trees, standard and dwarf, bushes and
vines, the apple, pear, cherry, peach, quince, gooseberry,
raspberry, blackberry, with various varieties of grapes,
figure most conspicuously. These fruits appearing annu-
ally in large abundance are handled by Mrs. Langston,
whether for canning, preserving, or distribution among her
visitors and friends, with special profit and pleasure. In
fact she discovers large interest and activity, with reason-
able advantageous results, in the care and cultivation of
every flower, plant and tree upon the premises.
Among the things specially valued at Hillside Cottage,
in addition to those already named, are first the abundance
of excellent spring and cistern water so connected by
pumps with the house as to furnish easy and ample supply
for all purposes ; and next a large hennery always supplied
with a goodly number of fowls of best breeds whose prod-
ucts prove always to be advantageous and desirable. In
the warm seasons of the year, Mr. Langston never fails to
invite his guests to seats in his well-house, where as he
claims he can present them, in either glasses, tin-cups or
gourds, draughts of the best, coolest, clearest, most refresh-
524 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
ing and health-giving spring-water that can be found in the
country. Thence he is wont to invite his visitors and
friends to the inspection of his hennery and thrifty pretty
broods of fowls, hens and chickens. Often he points out
some special cock or hen, sometimes both, and interests all
present in noting and explaining the excellent qualities of
the rare and superior breeds of which he speaks. Just now
his hennery is distinguished for a cock and hen of rare
beauty and choice qualities known as the Silver Duck-wing
breed, noted for its unusual laying, breeding and fighting
qualities, presented to him by a Virginia white Democratic
friend.
In view of its situation upon the southern slope of what
is known as University Hill, and the architecture of the
residence, Mr. Langston's Washington home, where he and
his wife spend most of their time, has been named by him
Hillside Cottage.
Mr. Langston's family proper consists, as already stated,
of Mrs. Langston, one daughter and three sons. The eldest
daughter born at Oberlin, sickened, died and was buried there
before the family left that place. No other death so far as
the offspring have been concerned has occurred ; while it is
true that the children have all been distinguished by strong,
firm, robust conditions of body, and enjoyed generally ex-
cellent health. They have grown to womanhood and man-
hood, and marrying according to their desires and judg-
ments, have settled with their several families in different
sections of the country.
Arthur the first-born, having completed his education at
Oberlin College, graduating therefrom with high honors and
subsequently locating himself as a teacher in the colored
public schools of St Louis, Missouri, has continued in that
occupation, rising gradually in position, responsibility and
control, until to-day he is principal of the Dessalines school
of that city. In his present position he has a large number
of teachers subject to his direction, with hundreds of pupils
who constantly feel his controlling influence as their instruc-
tor. As a teacher and principal, besides showing himself
HILLSIDE COTTAGE. 525
competent and efficient he discovers the largest earnestness
and enthusiasm in his work. He devotes his entire time to
his school engagements, mastering all new methods and en-
larging and diversifying his knowledge of all subjects com-
manding his attention ; and thus while he wins exalted
growing influence with the officers, he improves constantly
his relations to the parents of his scholars.
But while his position as an educator in the community
is deservedly high and influential, he occupies a most desira-
ble place in popular esteem and respect as a man and mem-
ber of society. He is a member of the leading social club
found among the colored people of St. Louis. This club is
composed of many of the foremost colored gentlemen of
that city, persons of wealth and culture, well known in the
community and noted for their integrity and good charac-
ter. This club is known as the " Home Club," and at this
time Mr. Arthur D. Langston is its president.
He married shortly after he had settled in St. Louis, tak-
ing as his wife Miss Ida M. Napier, of Nashville, Tennessee,
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Napier, whose
prominence and influence as conspicuous foremost members
of colored society in the capital of that State are well
known and appreciated. Miss Napier was not only a young
lady of prepossessing, attractive characteristics of body and
mind, naturally, but by more than ordinary, thorough, va-
rious training had in part at Fisk University, in her native
city, and subsequently at Oberlin College, is a person of
most refined and agreeable culture. She has cultivated
largely, and succeeded with unusual proficiency in master-
ing the art of music ; and besides singing well she performs
with grace, ease and effect upon the piano. Being an
only daughter no outlay or pains were spared to perfect her
education.
The fruit of this marriage has been two splendid young
boys. The elder named in honor of his grandfather John
Mercer Langston, and the younger in honor of his uncle,
his mother's brother, James Carroll Langston. These boys
are, respectively, aged fourteen and twelve years, and are
34
526 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
remarkably advanced in study for their ages. They are
promising in health and bodily strength, and while each
discovers his peculiar talent and taste for special branches
of study and art, both possess strong marked general intel-
lectual character, with self-reliant qualities of constitution
and admirable native temper.
Arthur's family is well constituted, with their residence
permanently established in St. Louis, where having made
many good and reliable friends, they are the recipients of
their cordial respect and constant honors.
Ralph E. the second child of his parents, completed his
education principally at Oberlin College, where besides a
thorough academic course he pursued a regular business
training, graduating from one of the most prominent com-
mercial colleges of the country. Subsequently he worked
as an apprentice at the Government printing office, Wash-
ington city, D. C., and after mastering his trade, continued
his services there for several years. During this time he
married Miss Anna Pearl Jackson, the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. James Jackson, residents of the national capital— a
family well known and highly respected by the foremost
people of that city. This family occupies especially promi-
nent place among the members of the St. Augustine Ro-
man Catholic church, of which they are all members.
Miss Jackson possessing a good education, as she had
gained it in the public and parish schools of her native city,
is distinguished for her musical accomplishments and her
knowledge of domestic arts and industry, elegant and usual,
indispensable to successful and wise management of her
household. After his marriage, Ralph removed with his
wife to Nashville, Tennessee, where he resided doing a fur-
niture business for several years. Thereafter he returned
to Washington city, where his family at present resides.
Among the most beautiful and attractive, intelligent and
promising little girls found in the public schools of Wash-
ington is Nettie Matilde Langston, the only child of this
marriage. Bright, yet docile and well-behaved, she is so
far as her grandparents are concerned, on both sides, the
PORTRAIT OF MISS NETTIE LANGS.TON.
HILLSIDE COTTAGE. 527
object of their greatest delight and satisfaction. She is
equally the object of the deepest affection and pride of her
parents. She is eleven years old only, but manifests all
those traits of character and mind which give promise of an
excellent womanhood marked by extraordinary intelligence,
charm and usefulness.
Of the father and mother it is to be said, that while they
are themselves unusually fine looking, intelligent and affec-
tionate persons, they with their little daughter constitute
the personnel of a most interesting happy family.
The only living daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Lang-
ston is Mrs. James C. Napier. Though younger than either
of her brothers named, she was first to marry ; and as already
stated heretofore, in connection with her wedding, is located
in Nashville, Tennessee, where her husband is engaged in
the practice of the law. Her brother Arthur married her
husband's sister, and while the one family resides in St.
Louis and the other in Nashville, a cordiality of intimacy
and intercourse exists between them which constitutes a
bond of brotherly and sisterly feeling, drawing and holding
them constantly together. Since Mr. and Mrs. Napier
have no children, and because they entertain constantly
such deep affection and interest in the family of their
brother and sister, they cultivate every opportunity possible
to demonstrate their anxiety and purpose to promote the
general education and welfare of Arthur's and Ida's chil-
dren. Indeed, the young boys find themselves really as
much at home with their uncle and aunt at Nashville, as in
St. Louis with their parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Napier live in comparatively easy and com-
fortable circumstances, occupying deservedly exalted and
desirable position in general society in the city, the state,
and the country of their residence. Mr. Napier cultivates
with diligence and vigor, constantly, his profession, never
failing to give such attention to politics as a Republican,
and general affairs as would become an American citizen of
intelligence and patriotism. Mrs. Napier besides giving
constant attention to such social pleasures and duties as
528 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
command her attention, shows herself an efficient and con-
sistent worker in enterprises connected with the Congrega-
tional church of her city, of which her husband and she are
members. Besides, she interests herself in matters of educa-
tion, never failing to aid by advice and substantial support
often, persons seeking situations as students in Fisk Uni-
versity or other schools. Possessing as she does an accom-
plished musical education, with a deep, rich contralto voice
of great power, she is frequently invited to take part in
musical entertainments, often of public and general interest.
Such is her public spirit that it would be found difficult to
learn of her making refusal where she might in any way
serve a humane, Christian end. In whatever enterprise she
engages she is always sustained not only by the approval of
her husband but by his earnest and cordial support. Indeed,
their tastes, judgments and affections are thoroughly mut-
ual and reciprocal.
The only daughter of her parents, the very life of their
household when at home, the pet of her father who both
admires and loves her, she has compensated in large meas-
ure for her absence from them during the fifteen years of her
married life, by her constant, cordial weekly correspondence,
as a rule, and regular annual visits between the families, she
generally visiting Hillside Cottage at least once every two
years, and occupying the apartments known as hers, which
are constantly kept in readiness for her.
Mr. and Mrs. Napier, two in number only, constitute in
and of themselves a very small though very happy family.
However, their home, so pleasant and agreeable in every
way, is never without visitors and friends who share their
generous hospitality with pleasure and delight.
Frank Mercer, the youngest child of the family, was edu-
cated in part at Oberlin and West Newton, Massachusetts.
A boy of excellent appearance, good native ability, with
engaging and pleasant manners, he made many friends at
home and school, who always discovered great fondness for
and lasting attachment to him. Though a boy of remark-
able spirit naturally when aroused, he was ordinarily in
HILLSIDE COTTAGE. 529
temper and manner lamb-like, so much so that he early won
from his sister and brothers the nickname of Lamb, by
which they address him even to this day. Though he did
not take a regular academic or college course of study, he is
so thoroughly educated in the common advanced branches
of English education and is so well read in general history
and current literature and has had such observation of men
and things in travel at home and abroad, that he shows
himself always in conversation or in the use of his pen,
however exercised, a man of intelligence and well-formed
judgment.
No one of the children had larger personal constant asso-
ciation with his parents, especially his father, at home and
abroad, than Frank. Being the youngest child, for that
reason and because his society was particularly agreeable
during his sojourn in Haiti, Mr. Langston had this son with
himself and wife more than once and for protracted periods
at Port-au-Prince. It was in that city, in the midst of the
most favorable surroundings for that occupation, that he
studied and mastered the French language. He became a
great favorite in this island country, both among Americans
found there and Haytians. During one of his visits, when
smallpox prevailed as an epidemic in Port-au-Prince, he
was stricken down by the disease, and had it not been for
the kindly constant professional attentions of Dr. Terres
and his mother's unremitting careful personal nursing, like
thousands of others in that city he must have died. He
was prostrated by the disease in its most frightful confluent
form ; and his recovery under the circumstances, though he
had every attention and care, was regarded as truly mirac-
ulous. Fortunately, by the use of burned sulphur em-
ployed as a disinfectant neither Mrs. Langston nor any
other member of her family or any attache" of the legation
took the disease.
At another time, and subsequently, he was with his father
and mother abroad in the same city, when the yellow fever
suddenly making its appearance among foreign residents,
produced the greatest possible excitement and fear. There
530 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
happened to arrive at this time in the harbor of Port-au-
Prince, opportunely indeed, an English ship bound for New
York city, on which Mr. Langston with some difficulty
secured passage homeward for his wife and son ; so as to
gain for them escape from the epidemic, which soon became
prevalent and of which he was himself very shortly after
their departure, stricken down, narrowly escaping finally
with his life. Within a few weeks after their arrival at
home, learning through mistake that the husband and
father had died of this disease, they were filled with deep
regret that they had left him, feeling that had they re-
mained to care for and nurse him he had not died. Upon
the joy which came to these loved ones when they learned
the truth as to his escape from death under the circum-
stances, Mr. Langston will not dwell.
It was after Frank's return home at this time that he
secured, through the influence of his father, a situation in
the Government printing office, where he pursued and
mastered his trade as a bookbinder. He worked thereafter
for some time in the government service, but finally estab-
lished himself by assistance of his father in a book and
stationery business in Petersburg, Virginia. Here he did
a thrifty but small trade, winning in connection therewith
many friends and patrons.
Subsequently, at the earnest and pressing invitation of
his brother-in-law and sister he made his residence for a short
time in Nashville, Tennessee. After about one year he
married Mrs. India Watkins of Town Creek, Alabama, where
he made his residence and established himself in a small
grocery business. Mrs. Watkins, the lady whom he married,
is one of the most intelligent, refined and worthy women
found among the colored people of her neighborhood and
State. She possesses superior native endowments with un-
usual general acquirement. She is well known and beloved
by Frank's family, and is welcomed among them as their
daughter and sister.
As the result of their marriage a pretty little baby girl, not
yet two months old, has been born ; and bears, as suggested
PORTRAIT OF MRS. J. M. L.ANGSTON.
HILLSIDE COTTAGE. 531
by its grandfather, Langston, the name of Carrie Cornelia,
the given names of its grandmothers, Mrs. Langston and
Mrs. Smith, united. Located in their own home, in the far
South, where they are respected and honored by a large
circle of faithful and devoted friends, Frank, his wife, baby
girl and mother-in-law, constitute a loving, happy and
prosperous family.
With all the children married and settled in different
parts of the country, each pursuing such line of life as seems
to be agreeable and useful, Mr. Langston's family is, as it
has been for the past ten years with a single exception,
composed of himself, his wife, his wife's sister Mrs. Sara K
Fidler, and Miss Janie M. Percival. From the beginning
this family has been one distinguished in all respects for the
fortunate conditions of its constitution and the happy results
of its judicious and sagacious management. In view of these
facts Mr. Langston has always felt himself peculiarly blessed,
and has constantly credited his wife in that behalf with the
exercise of her great native and improved sagacity and
wisdom in such a way as to accomplish these result. In deal-
ing with her children from birth, through the stages of their
early and advanced education to manhood and womanhood,
she cultivated in the case of each, at home and abroad, such
discipline and control with such moderation and observance
of any peculiar temper or tendency of feeling or thought as
to maintain over each her authority and motherly influence.
Her mode of government was discovered not so much in the
exercise of authority in any case as in her affectionate regard
and interest manifested in the case of each child. It is not
recollected in the household that she ever severely scolded
or punished, bodily, one of her children. To-day there is
not one among them who does not affectionately honor,
praise and bless her, and not one who does not deem himself
happy in her association and companionship.
Mrs Langston has always shown herself a befittin.;
pathizing companion of her husband, giving her influence
and support to him in every concern of private life, and
every enterprise of public moment which have commanded
532 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
his attention and efforts. Without a difference of feeling
and purpose, harmonious and united in their general views
as well as their political and religious convictions, enter-
taining high hopes with respect to their race, impressed
with the obligation and duty which rest upon them with
respect to its amelioration and elevation, they have striven
under all circumstances to so order their conduct, wherever
living, as to exert a good influence, no more upon their own
family than upon the general community and any mem-
bers of colored society constituting the great body of their
friends and associates. She has not failed to so impress all
who have known her, and who have been brought within
the limits of her acquaintance and influence as to add ma-
terially to the good name and popularity of her husband.
As to inmates of the family, Mr. and Mrs. Langston
count that they have been very fortunate. For the last ten
years of her life, Mrs. Sara K. Fidler, the only sister of
Mrs. Langston, resided with them at Hillside Cottage.
She was greatly beloved by every member of the family,
and being a woman of large and varied scholarly accomplish-
ment, discreet and judicious in her treatment of the children,
with ample means so that as prompted by her love and gen-
erosity she could in many ways indulge and gratify their de-
sires, she exercised over them an effective, improving and
desirable influence. She always sustained in intelligent and
noted manner the discipline of the household, insisting to
each child that the wishes and judgment of its parents must
be strictly and cordially observed. Thus she aided very
greatly in the wise management and education of the chil-
dren, while her superior knowledge and experience made
her, though younger than Mrs. Langston, quite a counsellor,
almost equal to a mother, in the direction and control of all
those weighty matters which pertain to responsible domes-
tic concerns.
When Mrs. Fidler died, in 1886, the whole family mourned
their loss of one who was esteemed, respected, honored and
loved as an affectionate and devoted sister, a loving and in-
dulgent aunt, and a considerate and valued friend. Her
HILLSIDE COTTAGE. 533
memory and her example of personal purity, noble Christian
life and self-sacrificing interest in those around her, are
treasured as precious and worthy legacies endearing her to
them all forever.
Miss Janie M. Percival has been an inmate of the family
for over twenty-five years. She is an English person who
by her discreet and circumspect, useful and Christian con-
duct, and many good offices as a companion in important
sense, and constant assistance of Mrs. Langston, has made
her membership of the household advantageous and desira-
ble. While she has won the confidence and affection of
every child and grandchild she has gained and retains the
good opinion and lasting friendship of the parents. No
guest or visitor at Hillside Cottage has come and gone
without carrying away the highest and most constant feel-
ing of respect and favor for her. Thoroughly versed in all
the ways of intelligent sound domestic management, appre-
ciating and cultivating, as opportunity permitted, every wise
economic dealing in household affairs, industrious, energetic
and good natured, she has been and is in every material way
of incalculable service and benefit to the family. Every
member of it respects, honors and values her as a reliable,
worthy friend, accepted indeed in full membership of the
household.
Situated as indicated, while Mr. Langston spends much
time at Petersburg, Virginia, where he makes his residence,
he and his wife maintain their home in Washington city
where one or the other, frequently both, are found spending
their time in such employments, with entertainment of
their large circle of friends and acquaintances, as accord
with their duties and desires. Given to the cultivation of
literary and artistic habits, fond of the weightier matters of
thought and science, they find themselves at home with the
large and valuable collection of works, English, American,
French and other, which compose the select, rare, general
and professional library which Mr. Langston has accumulated
during the past half century.
Without special bodily infirmity or weakness, indeed
534 FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE CAPITOL.
possessing and enjoying reasonable health and strength for
persons of their ages, Mr. and Mr-s. Langston are not want-
ing either in activity or vigor, physically or mentally. They
possess strength and power, in full measure, for all needed
useful daily exertion. Mrs. Langston is under sixty years
of age, and Mr. Langston has not yet reached his sixty-
fifth year. As time adds to their years they become even
more grateful to their friends and fellow-citizens who have
contributed in influence and effort to give them name,
standing and honor in the country. Ttiey pray constantly,
that as in the past they have been fortunate in all the ways
of life they may so continue in all the future, cultivating in-
tegrity, sound discretion, Christian fortitude and modera-
tion, with just appreciation of all friendly favor and kindly
consideration. And thus through a good Providence be
permitted to close their days, maintaining the respect and
affection of all who may know and honor them.
Of all the persons who in 1834 left the old Virginia plan-
tation for Ohio, the child of the company, now an old man,
is the only survivor. And he is delighted that he may make
just mention in these reminiscences of his relatives and
friends composing that company, all of whom have gone to
their long, deep sleep !
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185.97
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1894
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Understanding 9/11