One hundred fifty years ago, on July 23, 1864, the Fort Smith New Era reports on the scholarly efforts of U.S. Colored Troops: Black Scholars. It is highly interesting to witness the eagerness with which many of the colored soldiers avail themselves of the opportunity to improve their minds, since no iniquitous laws prevent them from exercising the talents which their Creator has endowed them with. They may be seen on post with their spelling book, reader, or arithmetic stuck inside their belts, and as soon as they are relieved, eagerly pursue their course of study with a zeal and perseverance, that will carry success with it. There never was a more monstrous and blasphemous lie uttered than the favorite doctrine of the slaveocrats, that the nigger was not a man, and incapable of rising above his present condition. Sordid avarice and the basest selfishness were the parents of this horrible doctrine. It is about exploded.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:00:00 +0000