Stories and Anecdotes About Abraham Lincoln

Prev | Next | Contents

TALKED TO THE NEGROES OF RICHMOND.

The President walked through the streets of Richmond--without a guard except a few seamen--in company with his son "Tad," and Admiral Porter, on April 4th, 1865, the day following the evacuation of the city.

Colored people gathered about him on every side, eager to see and thank their liberator. Mr. Lincoln addressed the following remarks to one of these gatherings:

"My poor friends, you are free--free as air. You can cast off the name of slave and trample upon it; it will come to you no more.

"Liberty is your birthright. God gave it to you as He gave it to others, and it is a sin that you have been deprived of it for so many years.

"But you must try to deserve this priceless boon. Let the world see that you merit it, and are able to maintain it by your good work.

"Don't let your joy carry you into excesses; learn the laws, and obey them. Obey God's commandments, and thank Him for giving you liberty, for to Him you owe all things.

"There, now, let me pass on; I have but little time to spare.

"I want to see the Capitol, and must return at once to Washington to secure to you that liberty which you seem to prize so highly."

Prev | Next | Contents