The Rising Prospects of Uncle Tom's Family (May, 1862)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: May 1, 1862

In estimating the momentous changes which the rebellion is producing in the United States, there is no one more encouraging and hopeful than that relating to the treatment of the|African race. So far as the colored man was concerned the policy of the government has hitherto been oppressive, because the Government has been controlled by Southern politicians and statesmen. With the inauguration of President Lincoln the tables have changed. We would mention the following among the favorable signs:—Abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia-Secretary Seward has granted a passport to a colored man to visit England— contrabands are received and employed as laborers within the military lines—Indications that Hayti will ere long be acknowledged—last but not least, the execution, in the city of New York, Feb. 21, of the notorious slave-dealer and pirate, Gordon. Unless we are mistaken this is the first execution of a slave-dealer! The English have captured hundreds but we do not remember to have heard of an execution under the decision of an English Judge for the crime.