“Fleecy locks and black complexions,
Cannot alter nature’s claim;
Skins may differ, but affections,
Dwell in black and white the same.”

Many of the distinguished characters referred to in this work, who lived in former days, for which there is no credit given, have been obtained from various sources—­as fragments of history, pamphlets, files of newspapers, obsolete American history, and some from Mrs. Child’s Collection.  Those of modern date, are living facts known to the writer in his travels through the United States, having been from Canada and Maine to Arkansas and Texas.  The origin of the breast-works of cotton bales on Chalmet Plains, at the battle of New Orleans, the writer learned in that city, from old colored men in 1840, and subsequently, from other sources; as well as much useful information concerning that battle, from Julien Bennoit, spoken of in the work.  He has before referred to it some five or six years ago, through the columns of a paper, of which he was then editor, and not until subsequently to his narrating the same facts in these columns, was he aware that it was ever mentioned in print, when he saw, on the 3d day of March, on looking over the contributions of the “Liberty Bell,” a beautiful annual of Boston, the circumstances referred to by David Lee child, Esq., the particulars of which will be found in our version.

The original intention was to make this a pamphlet of a few pages, the writer commencing with that view; but finding that he could not thus justify the design of the work, will fully explain the cause of its present volume.  The subject of this work is one that the writer has given thought for years, and the only regret that he has now in placing it before the public is, that his circumstances and engagements have not afforded him such time and opportunity as to do justice to it.  But, should he succeed in turning the attention of the colored people, in general, in this direction—­he shall have been amply compensated for the labor bestowed.  An appendix will be found giving the plan of the author, laid out at twenty-four years of age, but subsequently improved on, for the elevation of the colored race.  That plan of course, as this work will fully show, has been abandoned for a far more glorious one; albeit, we as a race, still lay claim to the project, which one day must be added to our dashing strides in national advancement, successful adventure, and unsurpassed enterprise.

One part of the American people, though living in near proximity and together, are quite unacquainted with the other; and one of the great objects of the author is, to make each acquainted.  Except the character of an individual is known, there can be no just appreciation of his worth; and as with individuals, so is it with classes.