Lincoln Assassination: President Lincoln on "FREE, AND EQUAL." (1865)

We note and share the following from the 'Note of the Week' section of the August 5, 1865 edition of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser published in Honolulu:

From Mr. Charles Sumner's eulogy on Abraham Lincoln, delivered in Boston, we make the following extracts which, with the speech alluded to, might be made use of by the people in answer to the authorities quoted by the antiquated Minister of Foreign Affairs and his colleagues, which we be so unfortunate as to be plunged into another Constitutional Convention. The speech mentioned was made during his great contest with the Hon. S.A. Douglas:

___________________________

But the topic to which the future President returned with the most frequency, and to which he clung with all the grasp of his soul, was the practical character of the Declaration of Independence in announcing the Liberty and Equality of all men. These were no idle words, but substantial truth binding on the conscience of mankind. I know not if this grand pertinacity has been noticed before; but I deem it my duty to say, that to my mind it s by far the most important  of that controversy, and one  of the most interesting in the biography of the speaker. The words which he then uttered live, after him, and nobody can hear of that championship without feeling a new motive to fidelity in the cause of Liberty and Equality.

___________________________

He finished his speech on this occasion by saying:

"I leave you, hoping that the lamp of Liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal."

He has left us now, and for the last time, and I catch the closing benediction of that speech, already sounding through the ages, like a choral harmony.

Lincoln Assassination: A Masterly Tribute from an Unexpected Source (1865)

The following was published on the first page of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser, published in Honolulu, dated July 8, 1865. The illustration below was included in Punch Magazine, not the Alta California or the Honolulu Commercial Advertiser. 

[From the Alta California]

A Masterly Tribute from an Unexpected Source.

___________________

Perhaps no paper in Europe has more persistently misrepresented, defamed and insulted the people of America and our martyred President than Punch, and certainly none has winged its shafts with a deeper venom, or sent them home with surer aim. It is therefore with no little surprise and, (must we own it, also, with pleasure as well,) that, on taking up the number for May, 1865, received by Overland Mail, by George H. Bell, in advance of the regular packages, we find in place of the usual caricature of American subjects, a full page cartoon representing a couch, on which a corpse is lying draped in the Stars and Stripes; Columbia, with face hidden in the pillow, weeping over her dead, and a negro slave- no, a negro boy, a slave no longer-crouching on the floor at the feet in an attitude of unutterable grief, his broken fetters lying beside him, and in the centre of the picture Britannia, with sympathy and sorrow in her face, placing with reverent hand another wreath of evergreen upon the great of the martyred Father of Freedom. Accompanying the cartoon is an elegiac poem of nineteen stanzas, than which no nobler tribute has been paid to our Nation's dead. We give it entire:

You lay a wreath on murdered LINCOLN'S bier,

You, who with mocking pencil won't to trace,

Broad for the self-complacent British sneer,

His length of shambling limb, his furrowed face.

His gaunt, gnarled hands, his unkempt, bristling hair,

His garb uncouth, his bearing ill at ease,

His lack of all we prize as debonair,

Of power or will to shine, of art to please.

You, whose smart pen backed up the pencil's laugh,

Judging each step, as though the way were plain;

Reckless, so it could point its paragraph,

Of chief's perplexity, or people's paid.

Beside this corpse, that bears for winding sheet

The Stars and Stripes he lived to rear anew,

Between the mourners at his head and feet,

Say, scurril jester, is there room for you?

Yes, he had lived to shame me from my sneer,

To lame my pencil, and confute my pen-

To make me own this hind of princes peer,

This rail-splitter, a true-born king of men.

My shallow judgment I had learnt to rue,

Noting how to occasion's height he rose,

How is quaint wit made home-truth seem more true,

How, iron-like, his temper grew by blows.

How humble yet how hopeful he could be;

How in good fortune and in ill the same;

Nor bitter in success, nor boastful he,

Thirsty for gold, nor feverish for fame.

He went about his work-such work as few

Ever had laid on head and heart and hand-

As one who knows, where there's task to do,

Man's honest will must Heaven's good grace command.

Who trusts the strength will with the burden grow,

That God makes instruments to work His will,

If but that will we can arrive to know,

Nor tamper with the weights of good and ill.

So he went forth to battle, on the side

That he felt clear was Liberty's and Right's,

As in his peasant boyhood he had plied

His warfare with rude Nature's thwarting mights-

The uncleared forest, the unbroken soil,

The iron bark, that turns the lumberer's axe,

The rapid, that overbears the boatsman's toil,

The prairie, hiding the mazed wanderer's tracks.

The ambushed Indian, and the prowling bear-

Such were the needs that helped his youth to train;

Rough culture-but such trees large fruit may bear,

If but their stocks be of right girth and grain.

So he grew up, a destined work to do,

And lived to do it, four suffering long years'

Ill-fate, ill-feeling, ill-report, lived through,

And then he heard the hisses change to tears.

The taunts to tribute, the abuse to praise,

And took both with the same unwavering mood;

Till, as he came on light, from darkling days,

And seemed to touch the goal from where he stood.

A felon hand, between the goal and him,

reach from behind his back, a trigger prest-

And those perplexed and patient eyes were dim,

Those gaunt, long-laboring limbs were laid to rest.

The words of mercy were upon his lips,

Forgiveness in his heart and on his pen,

When this vile murderer brought swift eclipse

To thoughts of peace on earth, good will to men.

The Old World and the New, from sea to sea,

Utter one voice of sympathy and shame!

Sore heart, so stopped when it at last beat high,

Sad life, cut short just as its triumph came.

A deed accurst! Strokes have been struck before

By the assassin's hand, whereof men doubt

If more of horror or disgrace they bore;

But thy foul name, like Cain's, stands darkly out.

Vile hand, that grandest murder on a strife,

Whate'er its grounds, stoutly and nobly striven,

And with the martyr's crown crow nest a life

With much to praise, little to be forgiven! 

HPR Interview with Professor Justin Vance: Native Hawaiians in the American Civil War.

Go to this link at Hawaii Public Radio. Scroll down to "Appomattox, Civil War History: Justin Vance." 

Professor Justin Vance was interviewed by HPR on the subject of Native Hawaiians in the American Civil War. 

He's an organizer of Hawaii’s participation in a national event called 'Bells across the Land: A Nation Remembers Appomattox.' 

It will commemorate the anniversary of the meeting of Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee that brought a formal end to the war. 

On Thursday at 9:15 a.m., Our Lady of Peace will ring its bells for 4 minutes, along with thousands of others across the nation.

Honoring the Memory of Lincoln in Honolulu: The Friend, June 1, 1865

The Friend, Honolulu: June 1, 1865

Page 1, col. 1-2

It affords us gratification to record the fact that every possible effort has been made by loyal Americans and others in Honolulu to honor the memory and becomingly notice the death of President Lincoln. 

The sad intelligence was received May 5th, and on the following day at 12 o'clock M. there was at Fort street Church the largest gathering of foreigners, for religious purposes, we have ever seen in Honolulu. Mr. McBride, our Minister Resident, appropriately stated the object for which the assembly had been called together. 

The choir followed with appropriate music. Select portions of Scripture were read, and a prayer offered by the Rev. S. C. Damon. His Honor, Chief Justice Allen, then addressed the audience, and was followed by the Rev. E. Corwin. Their addresses have already been published. All the exercises were most solemn and impressive. 

Religious exercises becoming the occasion were also held in the Roman Catholic and Reformed Catholic Churches. 

The Hawaiian Government ordered the National Flag lowered, and all officers to wear crape for fourteen days. We cannot imagine any observance, omitted, the performance of which could have added a deeper solemnity to the day, or been the! occasion of showing additional respect to the Illustrious Dead. Events of such momentous magnitude as the closing of the civil war in America, and the death of President Lincoln, occur but seldom in the slow progress of centuries. The Great Rebellion had most marvelously disturbed the elements ol society and trade throughout the world, and now to have, from the receding thunder clouds of war, an angry flash prostrates the noble man at the head of the great Republic, makes the civilized world stand aghast. We hope the waves of political strife and civil war will soon subside, and when the elements do become tranquil and calm, may it be in obedience to Him who said to the troubled waters of the Galilean Lake, eighteen hundred years ago, " Peace, be still."

Lincoln Assassination (April 15). In Memory of Abraham Lincoln, The Pacific Commercial Advertiser of July 29, 1865

The following poem by "Gravity Joy" was published on the front page of the July 29, 1865 edition of Honolulu's Pacific Commercial Advertiser:

In Memory of Abraham Lincoln

by "Gravity Joy"

Toll the ponderous, deep-toned Bell,

With cadent pauses grand!

Roll the solemn, echoing Knell

From Mountain-top to Strand

Let the heavy, pendant hammer

Wake a mournful, brazen clamor-

Spread a melancholy glamour

O'er the Land!

Near and far, let Patriots all,

Weep o'er the Stricken Just

Efer and funeral plume and pall

Give to his Holy Dust!

Let the Wall our deep grief urges

Swell to mighty, vocal Surges

Antheming a Nation's Dirges

O'er it's Trust!

Borne safely through the Battle-Wrath

By God's abundant Power

Torn from his heaven Appointed Path

In his High Zenith-Hour!

But Forevermore, the Story

How the Wrongs of Ages Hoary

He subdued, shall be his Glory-

Stand his Tower!

Crushed he the Monster, Slavery,

For Darkness gave he Light;

Hushed the Rebellious Knavery,

Restored the Country's Right

"Malice to None; but Charity

To All," without disparity-

Ehoue this such Christian Rarity

in him Bright!

Oh, his Sweet Heroism shall nerve

To braver deeds the Brave!

No More shall Freedom's Progress swerve

No More shall toil the Slave!

He shall Live in Hist'ry's pages

As Earth's Purest, Best of Sages,

Truth shall Radiate through Ages

From his Grave!

Waifs from the Bay State (54th Massachusetts Regiment, 1863)

Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: August 20, 1863

[Correspondence of the P.C. Advertiser]

MY DEAR ADVERTISER: -THURSDAY, May 28th,1863, was a great day for Massachusetts and for the United States, for it witnessed a great moral victory, -prejudice forgotten, hatred conquered, the brotherhood of man vindicated and Boston hurrahing for a Regiment of Negroes, as they marched along to take their places in the army of the United States. On that day the 54th Mass. Regiment, composed of Americans of African descent, was embarked for the seat of war.

Troops have been raised in the Carolinas by Gen. Hunter, in Louisiana by Gen. Banks, and at the West by Adj. Gen. Thomas, but this is the first black regiment raised in a loyal State, and Massachusetts has alone dared to recognize the manhood of the negro and show faith in his capacity. From 1620, when the negro slave was first planted in Virginia, to 1863, the claim of the African to humanity had not been recognized. 

The Proclamation of January 1st spoke with liberty to three millions, but the great, practical question still existed -“What shall be done with the negro? Shall he be made a political serf? Shall he be allowed to come North and compete with white men? Some cursed him; others would colonize him to Liberia or Texas. But the question was still unsolved. Two years of war has made it a reality to the nation, and now they understand it. The negro is a man, not a chattel. We are in war, let him fight for us. The first regiment has gone; and as I watched them march through the streets of the modern Athens, the Star-Spangled Banner waved over them, stepping to the Old John Brown Hymn, I asked myself if this was the Boston that a few years ago sent Thomas Sims and Anthony Burns back to slavery! 

The course of the black man was a perfect ovation. Beacon Street fluttered with banners, bouquets and handkerchiefs waived by fair hands, and the old Common was covered with an admiring, applauding multitude. It being “Anniversary week,” the crowd was much greater than it would have been at any ordinary time.           

The regiment formed in line on the side of the Common nearest to the Public Garden, and went through with the manual before His Excellency Gov. Andrew and two Major Generals, each with a numerous and showing staff. The Governor then reviewed them, by marching completely around them, and the regiment in turn marched around the allotted parade ground by company, saluting His Excellency as they passed him- all the while Gilmore's Band playing its most inspiring strains. I’ll venture that a prouder man could not be found that day, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, than its Executive Head. In fact, the Governor’s lofty step and triumphant air, indicated his feelings. And well he might be proud. Here in the heart of Boston was a regiment of Negroes, acknowledged by all to be the best drilled regiment that has ever left the State, their blue uniforms contrasting finally with the rich hue of the complexions, handling their rifles as if they knew what they were, and impatient to strike for themselves, their race still in bondage, and for the government which sends them forth. The 54th Massachusetts has been recruited from all parts of the loyal States, a good proportion coming from Pennsylvania. They have been in camp only about two months, and yet in excellence of drill, general discipline, dignity and military bearing, it is unsurpassed by any regiment I have ever seen. While in camp at Readville it was remarkable for order, cleanliness and good behavior, as the residents in the neighborhood testify. On the day of their departure, every man was up at the roll-call, and during all the exciting and fatiguing parade and march through the streets, there was not one straggler or one drunk, a fact without parallel in the history of this or any war. Gov. Andrew has selected its officers with the utmost care, appointing only those who have seen active service. They are, moreover, all gentlemen and of the firmest anti-slavery convictions. The Colonel, Mr. Shaw, is a scion of Beacon Street, and the Lieut. Col. Mr. Hallowell, is from one of the best Philadelphia families, and but few regiments can show on the rosters so many from the noblest blood of America. The design of this is to ensure good treatment of the men, and to command respect and social position for the regiment in the army. It was hoped that the 54th would be allowed to march through Broadway, N. Y.,  Chestnut St., Philad., Pratt St., Baltimore to Washington. The friends of the race thought this would disarm the popular prejudice against it more speedily than anything else. But the government, and wisely no doubt, sent it by steamer direct to Newbern to Gen. Foster's Dept.  Meanwhile the work of recruiting colored soldiers is proceeding with increased vigor, and the 55th Massachusetts has already 500 men in camp, under drill.

Many of the negroes are not satisfied because no commissions are given to black men; but the majority prefer to be officered by white men, and this is the wise policy of the government at present. When their courage and capacity to command is amply proved, promotions will, no doubt, be made and commissions given them, and the late reports of their valor at Port Hudson makes this not a far distant probability.  

The cry is now “Let us use the negro; let him do something for himself; let him fight!” And in this all classes are joining, Abolitionists, Republicans, Democrats and even Copperheads so far as they approve of fighting at all. 

The sight of the 54th Massachusetts will strike terror into Rebeldom. It is earnest of what is yet to come. The vital strength of the Rebellion, so long despised by us, is now turned against them, and with 200 such regiments, it would be ground to powder.      

Among the crowd that day on the Boston Common I recognized two retired Lahaina merchants, one San Francisco-Honoluluan and a native of Maui and his sister, who were expecting to return tither in the fall. Nearby, in his carriage, was a merchant prince from Hilo. We all agree that our life the islands has rid us of our prejudice against color, and some of us could say that such a prejudice we never possessed, four we were brought up in the purifying of that doctrine which opens so eloquently the Constitution of the Hawaiian Kingdom- “God hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell in unity and blessedness.”

A few days since I was present at the U. S. Court in Boston, and witnessed the indictment of Capt. Cook, of the whaleship Tahmaroo, for engaging in the slave trade. He pleaded guilty as the evidence against him was irresistible. The principal witness was a kanaka from Maui, one of the boatsteerers, whose testimony was clear and explicit. The court, in which Justices Sprague and Clifford sit, is one of the ablest of the Federal Courts, and has a large part in the adjudicating upon the prices taken by the U. S. cruisers and Blockaders. The prosecution is conducted in a most able manner by the Hon. R. H. Dana, jr., the US District Attorney, who is well known at the islands.

I noticed that you expressing doubts in regard to the passage of the act reducing the rate of postage from the Eastern States to the Pacific Coast. from ten to three cents per half ounce. The act passed at the last session and goes into operation on the 1st of July, as you are doubtless by this time informed.  

With aloha, yours truly,

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. NUUANU

    JUNE 10TH, 1863.

Rebel Steamers in Chinese Waters (1864)

Source: The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: March 19, 1864. 

The Tribune says: Our London correspondence contains some precise information on a point of importance, which has as yet attracted little or no attention. The news in a nutshell is this: at this moment there is a fleet of six rebel war steamers in Chinese waters. These vessels were fitted out in England by Sherod Osborne, an English naval captain. The crews were recruited among the officers and men of her Britannic Majesty's Navy. They were under contract to the Chinese Government, but when they reached China a disagreement arose between Osborne and the Chinese authorities, and the vessels were not delivered but thrown on the market and sold at auction- Osborne, officers, crew, guns and all -to Jeff Davis. It is intimated, not unnaturally, that Osborne had some slight expectation of reaching this result when he left England. Funds for the purpose are said to have been provided in part by the sale of the rebel ram in the Clyde. There are now but few American ships in East Indian waters, and it is thought that these, being thus thrown in company with rebel pirates, may be destroyed previous to an attack being made on San Francisco. In order to show their respect for British neutrality, the British crews take an oath of naturalization as citizens of the Confederacy when the flag changes. If, therefore, San Francisco should happen to be burned and plundered, John Bull washes his hands of all responsibility. 

The Surrender of Port Hudson (October, 1863)

Surrender of Port Hudson (1863)

Source: The Friend: Honolulu. October, 1863. Pages 74-75.

Vicksburg had fallen on the 4th of July. The news soon reached the fleets before Fort Hudson, whereupon salutes were fired both on land and water; the bands of the different regiments perforated in their best style the different patriotic airs So well known to the American people. The soldiers and sailors were almost ungovernable with enthusiasm. Joy resounded everywhere throughout the camps. The rebels were startled, and anxious as to the cause of so much and so enthusiastic cheering on our side, but were destined to wait in terrible suspense as to the interpretation of what was going on. At length, the rebels and our troops, being in proximity to each other, conversation was indulged in without danger to either side. It was difficult for the rebels to believe that Vicksburg had surrendered. Perhaps this difficulty was strengthened by the fact that the surrender of Port Hudson depended in some measure upon that of Vicksburg. But curiosity increased, and at length, towards evening on the 7th, resolved upon knowing the truth of the rumor which had spread throughout their lines, an officer raised himself above the works, and called out to one of the Union officers, asking, "What are you making all that noise about?" The answer was, "Because we have taken Vicksburg." The officer was as doubting as had been his soldiers before him. He insisted upon not believing the news, and on being asked what testimony he would accept on the subject so as to be convinced of its truth, he responded, "Nothing but a copy of the dispatch,or some trustworthy authority." The Union officer then procured a copy of Gen. Grant's official dispatch, and passed it over the parapets to him, assuring him at the some tune, on the honor of a soldier, the dispatch was genuine, as he copied it with his own band. Having read the little document the rebel officer said he was satisfied of its truthfulness, and believed it to be useless for Port Hudson to attempt to hold out longer. 

The night passed away; the rebels had eaten their last crust; they had eaten up their mules and were entertaining themselves with a savory dish of dead rats. They were, in short, out of provisions, and would probably have surrendered the position at any rate before many days. The dispatch from Gen. Grant which they had read, had been studied by Gen. Gardiner, and at 2 o'clock next morning, the 4th July, a parley was sounded from the rebel works, which was soon answered, and an officer came out with a dispatch from Gen. Gardiner, asking on what terms a surrender would be accepted. As soon as possible the message was taken to General Banks' headquarters, and in due time an answer was returned to the effect that none but an unconditional surrender would be accepted. The terms were accepted by Gen. Gardiner, a short time was asked for in which to make the necessary arrangements. Twenty-four hours were given for that purpose, but General Gardner was ready in a shorter time than that, for at 12 o'clock, noon, on the 4th of July, our forces entered into Port Hudson, the No. 2 Gibraltar of the Mississippi. As the victors entered, they found the rebels all drawn up in line of battle with arms stacked in front of them, and the hungry soldiers of General Gardiner were soon well fed from the Commissariat of the Union army, from which six thousand rations were drawn. The number of rebel soldiers drawn up in line, when the surrender took place, was about 4,000. In addition to this number there was about 1,500 sick and wounded; the wounded numbered about 500. The wounds are generally very severe, in the head, and by the bullets of our sharp-shooters. Our batteries had done a great deal of damage, having destroyed an immense amount of stores. The United States flag was run up at nine o'clock, on Thursday morning, the 9th July, and was saluted by the fleets above and below the position. There has been terrible sickness in the garrison, and almost total destitution of medicine. They suffered terribly from this cause. There was a good supply of ammunition, all of which fell into our hands.

Rebel Letter (May, 1862)

Rebel Letter (July, 1862)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu, July, 1862. 

The following is one of the letters found in the rebel camp after the Pea Ridge battle. It is from a Louisiana Major to his sister, a resident of New Orleans, and bears date, 

LITTLE ROCK, Feb. 27, 1862. 

DEAR SISTER CARRIE:—You asked me, in your last letter, what I thought of our dearly beloved cause. To be candid, I have little hope for its success now, though last December I felt confident we would be recognized before the coming June. I don't like the Yankees a bit; I have been educated to hate them, and I do hate them heartily; but I must acknowledge the South has been sadly mistaken in their character. We have always believed that the Yankees would not fight for anything like a principle; that they had no chivalry, no poetry in their nature. Perhaps they have not; but that they are brave, determined, persevering, they have proved beyond question. 

The trouble with them is, that they never get tired of anything. They lost all the battles at first, and after Manasses we despised them. This year has inaugurated a new order of affairs. We are beaten at all points. We do nothing but surrender and evacuate; and while I hate the Lincolnites more than ever, I respect them—l can't help it for their dogged obstinancy, and the slow but steady manner in which they carry out their plans. 

I have lost heart in our cause. There is something wrong—somewhere. Jeff. Davis and our political leaders are either knaves or fools. They drew us into our present difficulties, and now have no way of showing us out of them. 

If the South had known what would have been the result of secession, no State, unless South Carolina, would have gone out of the Union. We all thought we could go out in peace; I know I did, and laughed at the idea of the North attempting to keep us in the Union by force of arms. It was not possible, we said. We had too many friends in the free States. Such a step would be followed by a revolution in the North, and the turning of old Lincoln and all the abolitionists out of office. 

0 well, it can't be helped, Carrie. We are in for it. It is too late to retreat. We must fight the thing out. * * * I cannot help believing we will be overpowered. We are growing weaker every day, and the North stronger. I fear to look at our future. We can't be subjugated, we all say. I hope not; but if we do not fly the country, I fear we will experience something like subjugation. 

Maybe I'm gloomy to-day; I reckon I am. Who wouldn't be? I intend to fight as hard as I can, but I don't see my way out. * * * Tear up this letter. Don't let mother, or father, or any of our relatives see it. I have expressed my heart to you because you are my dear sister, and I always tell you what I believe. 

EDITORIAL REMARKS. —The whole story of Southern Rebellion, in a nut-shell. Jeff. Davis and his associates, either "knaves or fools." Perhaps both! The South is beginning to understand the true character of the North. It is gratifying to see reason returning. There is no fear for the Union, so long as those in rebellion respect the Federal troops and public officers for their bravery, patriotism and perseverance. A better time is surely coming.

Late American News (July 1, 1862)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: July 1, 1862.

By the arrival of the schooner Fanny and bark Boreas, both from San Francisco, we have telegraphic dates from Washington to June 7th. The intelligence generally is interesting and gratifying to all true Americans. A battle was fought near Richmond, May 31 and June 1, which resulted in the defeat of the Rebels. The loss was heavy on both sides. Citizens were leaving and stores being removed from Richmond, but it was thought another battle would be hazarded by Jeff. Davis, to save the Confederate Capital. Reports speak of a number of Federal gunboats at Richmond. If this be so, the would-be-great southern leader is about done for. 

—Beauregard, finding himself likely to be entrapped at Corinth, by the Union army, evacuated the place on the 29th of May. The retreat appears to have been very disorderly, as Gen. Pope succeeded in cutting off and capturing some 10,000 of the rebels, with arms, ammunition, &c., in abundance. 

—Com. Dupont and Gen. Hunter had invested Charleston, S. C, and probably ere this, the very nest of treason has been taken. 

—Norfolk and its formidable forts have fallen into the hands of the Federals; but before leaving, the Rebels destroyed an immense amount of property, including the famous Merrimac. The ship was fired and blown to pieces. 

—New Orleans is fully occupied by a Union army; Fort Wright taken; Memphis reported ditto; so that the Mississippi River may be considered open from mouth to source. Boats at St. Louis were up for "New Orleans and intermediate ports."

Lands of the Slave and the Free: or, Cuba, the U. States and Canada. (June, 1862)

Lands of the Slave and the Free: or, Cuba, the U. States and Canada.
By Captain the Hon. Henry A. Murray, R. N.
[London and New York: 1857.] 

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: June, 1862. 

This work principally relates to the United States. The author traveled in 1851 and 1852, from Boston to New Orleans, visiting every part of the country. After returning home, he was urged by his friends to publish an account of his travels, and the accompanying volume embraces the result of his notes and reflections. The book contains much valuable information, but the writer exhibits this radical fault, starting from England with the idea that England and Englishmen are the standards by which to measure and compare the inhabitants and customs of other lands. If in his opinion they do not come up to, or excel those standards, then, forsooth, they must be wrong. While the writer finds much to censure and condemn, yet he makes some admissions which are quite remarkable. In referring to the knowledge which Americans possess of their own country, and the nature of the Republican Government under which they live, the Hon. Mr. Murray makes the following statements: 

"Then, again, with reference to their own country, it is impossible for any one to travel among them without being struck with the universal intelligence they possess as to its Constitution, its politics, its laws, and all general subjects connected with its prosperity or its requirements. * * * The Constitution of their country is regularly taught at their schools: and doubtless it is owing to this early insight into the latent springs by which the machinery of government is worked, that their future appetite for more minute details is whetted. I question very much if every boy on leaving a High School in the United States, does not know far more of the institutions of his country, than nine-tenths of the members of the British House of Commons of theirs." Page 461. 

This high compliment, which is paid to the youth of America, in the foregoing paragraph, will abundantly atone for the many hard raps and cockney kicks with which this book abounds. Here is an admission the most remarkable which we have ever read in any book upon America, written by an Englishman. It really does not afford the reader a very exalted idea of nine-tenths of those persons in England with an "M. P." attached to their names! 

The question is sometimes asked, and by no persons oftener than Englishmen, "For what are Americans now fighting?” We answer, "They are fighting for the maintenance of that Constitution which the Hon. Mr. Murray, of the R. N., says the youth of America understand better than nine-tenths of British House of Commons do the British Constitution." This is why the U.S. Government is now supporting an army of 600,000 soldiers, and expending from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000 per day. The people of America know what they are fighting for. If they accomplish their object blessings untold will flow to their own people, the African race, and the whole world. 

The following paragraph is from the London Saturday Review, one of the leading English papers: 

"It happens to be the unanimous experience of nineteen educated Englishmen out of twenty, that a more purposeless and hopeless enterprise than the re-conquest of the South, by the Federal Government, has never been projected in any ancient or modern state." 

The conquest of the South may seem hopeless to nineteen out of every twenty educated Englishmen, but it does not take this view in the minds of the best educated Americans. Federal victories succeed one another with astonishing rapidity. One Union Editor, in Virginia, does not deem it best to hoist his flag at every newly reported victory, but keeps the star-spangled banner flying all the time!

Noble Language (May, 1862)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: May 1, 1862.

Not a few English Statesmen and politicians have openly avowed their sympathy with a Republic whose corner-stone was to be negro slavery, but honest John Bright the Quaker, is not to be found among the number. His voice rings out in clear, strong, vigorous and liberty-loving tones. We are glad to know in Rochdale, among his fellow townsmen, there were found those in whose bosoms was found a fall-toned echo to his noble sentiments: 

A distinguished member of the House of Commons distinguished there by his eloquence, distinguished more by his many writings—l mean Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton—he did not exactly express a hope, but he ventured on something like a prediction, that the time would come when there would be, I don't know how many, but as many Republics or States in America as you can count upon your fingers. There cannot be a meaner motive than this that I am speaking of, in forming a judgment on this question—that it is "better for us;" for whom? the people of England, or the Government of England?—that the United States should be severed, and that that continent should be as the continent of Europe is, in many states, and subject to all the contentions and disasters which has accompanied the history of the states of Europe. [Applause.] I should say that if a man had a great heart within him he would look forward to the day when, from that point of land which is habitable nearest to the Pole, to the shores or the Great Gulf, the whole of that vast continent might become one great Federation of States—that, without a great army and without a great navy, not mixing itself up with the entanglements of European politics—without a custom house inside through the whole length and breadth of its territory, but with Freedom everywhere, equality everywhere, law everywhere, peace everywhere—would afford at last some hope that man is not forsaken of Heaven, and the future of our race might be better than the past. [Prolonged cheering]

Whether the Union will be restored or not, or the South will achieve an unhonored Independence or not, I know not, and I predict not. But this I think I know—that in a few years, the twenty millions of free men in the North will be thirty millions, or even fifty millions—a population equal to or exceeding that of this kingdom. [Hear, hear] When that time comes, I pray that it may not be said among them, that in the darkest hour of their country's trials, England, the land of their fathers, looked on with icy coldness, and saw unmoved the perils and the calamities of her children. [Cheers] As for me, I have but this to say,—l am one in this audience, and but one in the citizenship of this country; but if all other tongues are silent, mine shall speak for that policy which gives hope to the bondsmen of the South. and tends to generous thoughts, and generous words, and generous deeds, between the two great nations that speak the English language, and who, from their origin are alike entitled to the English name. [Great cheering.]

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.

A Better Time Coming in America (May, 1862)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: May 1, 1862. 

We copy the following paragraphs from a private letter, written by the Rev. J. Spaulding. late Secretary of the American Seaman's Friend Society of New York. He writes under date of Feb. 28th. After referring to various battles, and the condition of the country, he concludes as follows:-

“Last Friday Capt. Gordon, the slave-pirate was hung in this city ; and you may expect to hear that righteous laws have been vindicated, and society protected by more exhibitions of this kind. So far as we can forecast the issues of these troubles we regard the following as certain: a purer and stronger patriotism, and a more consolidated government than ever before; more self respect and a greater respect for free institutions abroad; a healthier mode of conducting business; better men placed in offices of trust and responsibility; no more extension of slavery in U. S. Territory; no more protection of the slave trade under the U. S. Flag; no more bluster and bludgeon in the interest of slavery on the floor of Congress; no more union of any political party of the north with southern partisans to uphold any institution at war with human freedom; no more decent apologies for the system of slavery by decent men, but on the contrary a desire and determination to put an end to the abomination just as fast as it can be done, and promote the highest interests of all concerned; and finally NO MORE REBELLION under a government of righteous laws, justly administered. 

So much seems certain; and worth all the cost, except the blood which the guilty rebels have shed. President Lincoln and other chief officers of the government, have the growing confidence and esteem of the people. Men of all parties and of none, rejoice that we have a Government ably and wisely administered. Some men and some papers grumble; it is their nature, and as they cannot possibly live without a little exercise of that kind, we let them exercise their precious gifts, as we allow our neighbor's quadrupeds to use their vocal organs."

A Waif from the Bay State: Westboro’, Sept. 5, 1861

Waifs from the Bay State
[Correspondence of the Pac. Commercial Advertiser)

Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: October 31, 1861

My dear commercial: -Since my last “Waif” which was sent from Washington, just after the disastrous affair at Bull Run, a great change has come over the face of affairs. Not only is the utmost energy manifested in every department of the government and the army, but secrecy is now maintained as to all movements, and the result has been that public confidence is increased, and the public press relieved from sensation reports of what projects were on foot, of which the rebels have been quick to avail themselves. The rebel army is now menacing Washington, and the pickets of the opposing forces are in close proximity. The golden opportunity for the capture of Washington, however, has I think fled forever, for the rebels. McClellan is every day more ready to withstand an attack, and Beauregard would I think retire at once with his forces for some more vulnerable point, but for the moral effect of such a move upon the Southern States. Silently but constantly, a steady stream of Northern troops has been pouring into Washington since the Bull Run defeat; the army has been reorganized, a thorough discipline introduced, incompetent officers removed and their places supplied with tried and trusting men, and a thorough reformation effected, which could never have been accomplished with volunteer troops, but for the bitter lesson taught at Bull Run.

The battle of Wilson's Creek in Missouri, though it lost us one of the best Generals in the death of the brave Lyon, was really a victory over the rebels. Had our forces retreated before the overwhelming superiority superiority of the rebels, they would have been pursued and cut to pieces before they could have been reinforced, and the valuable baggage train, worth two millions, would undoubtedly have been captured. To prevent this disaster, Gen. Lyon deemed it best to attack the enemy, and endeavor to strike a severe blow that should disable them from pursuit. With this view, he led his little force of less than 5,000 men in a desperate attack upon the army under McCulloch and Price, numbering 24,000, drove them from their position, destroyed their tents and wagons, and though he himself feel dead on the field when leading a fierce and successful charge of the Iowa 1st, yet his handful of men effected a retreat with their train, leaving the enemy too much cut up to follow. Fremont is rapidly organizing a formidable force, and when he is prepared to take the field, we shall hear no more of rebel troops in Missouri, Memphis and New Orleans will be attacked, and if our troops are successful, the mouth of the Mississippi will before winter be open to trade, and England and France may procure their supplies of cotton from the Union sources. 

The brilliant victory achieved by our navel and land forces under Com. Stringham and Gen. Butler, in the capture of the forts at Hatteras Inlet, is a most important one and will change the whole character of the war. With an enemy in their rear, the confederate army before Washington will no longer be able to give their exclusive attention to the little matter of planting “the stars and bars” on the Capitol,” and the theory of “State sovereignty” upon which the right of secession is founded, will be likely to be put in force by the Governors of the respective States by the recall of their forces to defend their sovereignties from menaced invasion. The Georgia or Alabama, or South Carolina regiments will not be likely to remain quietly in their camps at Manassas and Fairfax, if the “bloody abolitionists” are landing at Savannah or Mobile, or Charleston, and when our navel and land forces are making combined attacks on these points, we shall see the rebel forces silently melting away. 

Gen. McClellan will know when to strike, and when the blow falls it will be no Bull Run affair, but a blow that show make all Secessiondom reel to its center, and from the effect of which, it is to be hoped, rebellion will never recover. All these predictions may be falsified by the result, but a few weeks will show. The rebel leaders are desperate, and have put forth their whole strength. Without money or credit, or a large population to fall back upon, it will be almost impossible for them to rally from any serious reverse; while the North has not yet begun to put forth its strength, or to feel weakened by the conflict. The action of the Banks in taking one hundred and fifty millions of the government loan, thereby preventing the necessity of an appeal to European capitalists, has increased the public confidence and confirmed the government credit, and is worth more even to the Union cause than the victory at Hatteras Inlet. This inlet by the way was of great importance to the rebels. It is the main entrance to Pamlico and Abemarle Sounds, and by way of the latter afforded an unobstructed communication with Norfolk through the Dismal Swamp Canal. It was called the back door to Norfolk, and while it was kept open, the rebels could laugh at the blockade of Norfolk and the frowning fans of Fortress Monroe. It was a safe resort for Privateers, who used to dart out like spiders from their holes, seize the rich cargoes of unsuspecting merchantmen, and dragging them into the sound, devour them at their leisure, protected by the two forts from all interruption by the cruisers of Uncle Sam. That game is now stopped, and Uncle Sam has complete control of the whole coast of North Carolina by this bold stroke, without the loss of a life on our side. 

Dr. Russell, the correspondent of the London Times, is not at all complementary in his remarks upon the Bull Run disaster, or upon our military institutions generally. A good deal of indignation is expressed here at what are considered his unfair and disparaging statements, but I think his letters have been of service to us rather than otherwise. He is prejudiced against everything American and his views are very much tinged by his prejudices. But many of his criticisms are just, and though we scold at his abuse, we are not slow to avail ourselves of his suggestive criticisms. He is a man of great experience and observation, especially in military movements and matters, and his opinions are worth listening to, and divested of their national coloring, are very valuable. And as long as he is paid by the London Times for thus giving us the benefit of his extensive knowledge, we can afford to laugh at his abuse while we profit by his hints. The fact is, we Americans are altogether too sensitive to the opinions of others, and more ready to take offense at any ridicule of our ways than we are to correct them where the censure is just. And though the course of England, since the rebellion broke out, has been neither so friendly or magnanimous as we had reason to to expect from her previous professions that we have been made much more fuss about it then was discrete or dignified or then the importance of the case demanded. It is not probable that either England or France will in this interfere in this unhappy struggle. If they do not, it will doubtless be a brief one, and we shall emerge from it a wiser and, I trust, a better and a stronger nation. Yes, stronger, for though our resources may be lessened for the time, and our energies overtasked by the intensity of the conflict, I think we shall have rid ourselves of an element of weakness, that has been threatening our dissolution, but which I believe will be so shorn of it's gigantic proportions as no longer to control our government, or menace our very existence. 

MAIKELA.

Waifs from Bay State: Westboro, May 4, 1861

Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: July 4, 1861.

MY DEAR COMMERCIAL: -The “irrepressible conflict” between the friends and foes and free institutions is at last inaugurated, and this hitherto prosperous nation is now plunged in the horrors of civil war. The attack on Fort Sumpter by the rebels has roused the dormant energies of the friends of order and government, and the proclamation of the President, calling for 75,000 volunteers, has been promptly and cheerfully responded to by the loyal States. The fears that have been expressed by many intelligent and thinking men, that are unexampled prosperity had weakened the sentiment of patriotism in the Free States, have been scattered to the wins by the glorious and spontaneous uprising of the whole people, eagerly rushing to the defense of the loved free institutions. Party strife is hushed, party lines obliterated, and but one sentiment pervades the entire community, which is, “THE UNION! it must be preserved.” 

It is utterly impossible to give you any idea of the fearful excitement which prevails. Everywhere the people are rushing to arms; the street echo the tread of armed men; our railroads are covered with trains hurrying troops, arms, cavalry, and munitions of war, to the scene of conflict; every village is raising and drilling companies of recruits; and the zeal everywhere exhibited shows the deep feeling which prevails, the determination to crush out this desperate conspiracy to overturn the government. Nor of ladies a wit  behind the sterner sex in their patriotism. Halls and churches are everywhere thrown open, and converted into sewing rooms, were garments for soldiers’ wear are made up, lint and bandages prepared; and thousands of noble women all over the land, among whom are those who have been nurtured into luxury and refinement, are earnestly preparing themselves to act as nurses to the sick and wounded soldiers. On the first Sabbath after the call for troops, in many of the churches, the ladies brought their work, and busily piled the needle for the soldiers who were ordered away, while the pastor, from the pulpit draped with the Star-Spangled Banner address the congregation upon the theme which filled all hearts. In this little village a fine company of stalwart men that have been raised, of which our Methodist clergyman who has been chosen commander and are Unitarian clergy man who is had some experience in his younger days, is to drill them such as the spirit which everywhere prevails. A man of 65 years, with white flowing locks and beard, in one of the western cities anxious to enlist, was rejected on account of his age; he was not to be deterred from his plan, however, and going to a barber had his hair chopped and dyed black. Returning to the recruiting officer, he was not recognized, and, after being asked his age, to which he replied “rising thirty-five,” was readily accepted. 

For several days after the surrender of Fort Sumpter, the Capital of our country seemed in imminent peril, which the secession of Virginia greatly increased. The promptitude of our volunteer troops in rushing to the rescue, and the destruction of the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry in the Navy Yard at Norfolk, averted the threatened attack. Massachusetts was the first in the field, and her praise is on every lip. In four days from the receipt of the telegram from Washington, and before the official requisition that had been received, she had four regiments, a company of flying artillery and a battalion of rifles, on the way to the Capitol. Her troops, in passing through “bloody Baltimore,” were the first to shed their blood for their country, and their bravery and forbearance on that occasion is the theme of universal commendation. 

There is no doubt that a deep laid plan had been devised for the capture of Washington. The secession of Virginia, which has been resolved upon in secret session, was not to be promulgated till the time for action had arrived -when the Navy Yard at Norfolk, with its splendid armament ammunitions of war, and its fine fleet of man-of-war, and the arsenal at Harpers Ferry, (the scene of the John Brown invasion,) were to be seized, and Washington to be attacked and taken before the Northern troops could come to the rescue. The attack on the troops in Baltimore, at the closing of that route to the Northern army, were also part of this bold and nearly successful game. The destruction of the Navy Yard and ships at Norfolk, the order for which was entrusted to Capt. James Alden, late of the surveying steamer Active, at San Francisco, and the gallant action of Lieut. Jones at Harpers Ferry, in destroying the arsenal in the face of a large force, and successfully retreating with his band of forty-five men into Pennsylvania, blocked the game of the rebels, and before they could provide themselves with the needed arms, the Northern troops had force their way to Washington, and the Capitol was saved.  The Army is now assembled and as the twenty _______ expire to-day,  we shall pro________ thought of the fearful fraternal strife in which we are about to engage. Thousands will go to the battlefield who have brothers or near relatives in the other opposing army. Many from the North who have lived at the South spells her calls from choice or sympathy for others are forced unwillingly to serve in the ranks an espouse  her cause from choice or sympathy, while others are forced unwillingly to serve in the ranks. An acquaintance of mine whose oldest son has volunteered in the Northern army, had a son at the South who attempted to return home at the breaking out of civil war, but was stopped and forced into the service of the Southern Army. 

It is impossible to foresee the length of this fearful struggle, or the ultimate results to which it will lead. There is a growing feeling among thinking men of the North of all parties, that the disturbing calls which has been the millstone about our neck, the slavery question, must be forever and entirely set it rest and deprived of all power to do mischief in the future. Some of the most earnest advocates of this are among those of the democratic party who have been the strongest allies of the South. The evident fact that this is a struggle between slave and free institutions for the control of our government is fast making abolitionist of those who former stand in behalf of the Slave power has been so ungratefully rewarded by their Southern friends. The open avowal of Vice-President Stephens, that the cornerstone of the new Confederacy is slavery, and the Proclamation of President Davis for Privateers, has opened the eyes of the European Powers to the true character of this new Government, and cut it off from all hope of foreign sympathy and aid.  “Quem Deus cult perdere priusquam dementat,” and it would seem as if utter madness alone could dictate this desperate attempt to overthrow a Government and Constitution which is proved to so singularly successful, and to establish on its ruins an oligarchy founded on the utter repudiation of the immortal principles of the Declaration of American Independence. 

A government which in this nineteenth century, declares as its cardinal principle that all men are not created equal; that they are not endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, does violence to the advancing moral sentiment of the whole world, and is the face of that moral sentiment it cannot be maintained. The history of the world does not record a parallel to the patience and forbearance which has been shown by the Government towards the rebellious States, nor do I think a more causeless rebellion ever took place. Not one real grievance has the South to complain of, and it is simply the lust for power and the determination to extend the area of slavery, which has actuated its leaders in this suicidal attempt to overthrow the Government. The spontaneous uprising of the North and its unanimous determination to maintain the Government and honor of the flag is taken the South completely by surprise. Had they anticipated it, they would never have taken this desperate step. But they have now gone too far to recede. They have aroused the passions of the people, and a deadly conflict seems inevitable. With the superiority in men, means and moral power of the North, and its unparalleled unanimity and determination, the issue cannot be doubtful. The South have the superiority in military and naval officers; their troops are well armed, and fighting with a halter around their necks will be desperate. The advantage will be with them at first. The South, with their aristocratic ideas, have fewer avenues for the talents of their young men than we of the North. Trade, and manufacturing or mechanical pursuits were beneath their attention, and the professions, politic, the army and navy, were the only channels into which their talents could be directed. But the blood of the North though slow to be roused, is fully up, and her hardy sons will have left their plows and the furrow, their lapstones, looms, machine shops, and even their pulpits, to battle for the preservation of those loved free institutions which their fathers shed their blood to establish, and they will not turn back till this monstrous crime against society and civilization is put down forever.

Meanwhile the breeze across the Atlantic comes a laden with the mutterings of the volcano which seems about to shake Europe to its center with its convulsions. The Sunday after the assault on Fort Sumpter, while every heart was throbbing with the conviction that war was begun, the lesson for the day, which was read in every Episcopal Church throughout the world was, “Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles, prepare war! wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near. Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears!”

MAIKELA.