of the people of Color in erecting suitable defences for the city.  Accordingly two thousand five hundred Colored men assembled in the State House yard, and from thence marched to Gray’s Ferry, where they labored for two days, almost without intermission.  Their labors were so faithful and efficient, that a vote of thanks was tendered them by the Committee.  A battalion of Colored troops were at the same time organized in the city, under an officer of the United States army; and they were on the point of marching to the frontier when peace was proclaimed.”—­Ibid., pp. 14-17-18.[2]

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

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

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

“To the Free Colored Inhabitants of Louisiana:

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