FootNote
The new kid on the block, FootNote is known for digitizing historical
documents... many of which are genealogical gems. With naturalizations,
city directories, war records, newspapers, town records, etc... this new
kid is quickly being recognized as an alternative to Ancestry.
While we know our northern friends may not feel it, in the South, Spring is
here. So we thought we'd share a few of our gardening sites appropriate
for this time of the year. Along with gardening, there's grilling, and getting
ready to diet so that you can fit back into that bathing suit this summer!
He arose with martial mien, and his left
hand resting on his sabre hilt. He said:
"Some weeks ago he had been
called upon at a reception in New
York to make a speech, but he had
reminded the gentleman who called
upon him that he had been taught to
be a soldier and not an orator.
While upon this occasion he still
maintained that lie was not an
orator, yet he would tell them
something of his career at West
Point. He referred to his colored
predecessors in the Academy and
their fates, particularly of Smith,
whose last year there was his (F. s)
first. During that year, on Smith s
account, he had received his worst
treatment at the Academy. Prejudice
against us was strong there at that
time. During his first encampment he
had a better time than almost any
man in his class. In 1874 Smith
left, and a rumor prevailed that he
(F ) was afraid to stay and was
going to resign. Colonel Upton, the
commandant, sent for him to his
house, told him not to do so, but to
stick it out. Of course he had no
intention of resigning, and he
followed this superfluous advice. So
far as the cadets were concerned
they always treated me fairly, would
speak to me, and some came to my
room and talked with me, but the
only thing they did that was wrong,
perhaps, was that they would not
associate with me openly. The
officers always treated me as well
as they did any other cadet. All
these reports about my bad treatment
there, especially in Southern
newspapers, are absolutely false.
"I will read and comment upon some
of these articles. In The
Constitution of last Saturday it
said I had the hardest four years of
any cadet who ever passed through
the Academy. That is in some
respects true, but not wholly so.
Speaking of Ben Butler s son, I am
proud to say that among the three
hundred cadets I hadn't a better
friend than the son of the
Massachusetts statesman. (Applause.)
As to Mr Bigelow s son, mentioned
here, I know him well, and his whole
family his father, the distinguished
ex Secretary of State, his mother
and his two sisters, and have met
them at their home. Mrs. Bigelow,
recognizing my position, and
thinking to assure my feelings, sent
me a nice box of fruit with her
compliments.
"He then commented on articles from
Beecher s Christian Union, the New
York Tribune, Harper s Weekly, and
the New York Telegram,
characterizing many of their
statements about himself as false.
"The article last named was about social
equality in the army. Flipper said that he
was cordially met by the army officers in
Chattanooga. In return he paid his respects
to the commandant and was introduced and
shown through the barracks. He was treated
with every courtesy.
"How it is here you have all seen as I
walked about the city. I have walked with
the officers of the garrison here several
times today, even up and down Whitehall
Street, and one of them invited me into
Schumann s drug store, and had a glass of
soda together. I know it is not a usual
thing to sell to colored people, but we got
it. (Laughter and applause.) And tonight as
Mr. J. O. Wimbish and myself were coming to
the hall, we met with one of the officers at
the corner, and went into Schumann s again.
We called for soda water, and got it again!
(Applause.) And I called at the barracks,
through military courtesy, and paid my
respects to the commandant. I understand
that the officers there have had my case
under consideration, and have unanimously
agreed that I am a graduate of the national
Academy, and hold a commission similar to
their own, and am entitled to the same
courtesy as any other officer. I have been
invited to visit them at their quarters
tomorrow. These things show you something of
social equality in the army, and when this
happens with officers who have lived in the
South, and had opportunity to be tainted
with Southern feeling, I expect still less
trouble from this source when I reach my
regiment and among officers who have not
lived in the South and had occasion to be
tainted in this way. The gentlemen of the
army are generally better educated than the
people of the South.
"He spoke of his graduation and of the
applause with which he was greeted. He
closed by thanking his audience.
"Then Flipper was escorted upon the floor,
and the announcement was made that all who
desired could now be introduced to the
youth.
"The first man to receive this distinguished
honor was George Thomas, the Assistant
United States Attorney. He was followed
closely by several Northern school marms and
teachers, and a host of the colored people.
"After shaking, the crowd took ice cream and
cake and adjourned. Sic transit!"
I pass over the preceding article with the
silent contempt it deserves. Some of the
papers commented upon it. I give two such
articles:
(From the Atlanta (Ga.) Republican.)
"The Atlanta Constitution, true
to principle, comes out in a
slanderous attack upon Lieutenant
Flipper. In its issue of Tuesday,
July 10th, it calls him a fraud.
Would to heaven we had ten thousand
such frauds in Georgia for the good
of the State and progress in
general!
"It takes exception, too, to the
manner in which the colored
lieutenant appeared at the reception
given by the colored people in his
honor. He was lavishly dressed in
full regimentals, it says, with gold
cord. He sat upon the stage with his
massive and ponderous sword, looking
like Wellington or Grant in war
council. He made remarks uncalled
for and distasteful. Oh dear! Oh!
"Now we (that is I, this individual,
Mr. Editor, for I would not assume
your grand editorial pronoun) should
like to know how the Constitution
would have the young officer dress.
Surely it was entirely proper and
becoming that he should appear in
full regimental cap, coat, boots,
spurs, and all, full fledged, just
as he issued forth from West Point.
"In the first place it was a novel
sight for the colored people. Surely
the Constitution would not rob us of
the privilege and pleasure of seeing
in full military costume the first
and only one of our race who has
been permitted to pass through West
Point with honor.
"In regard to the ostentatious
manner in which the lieutenant
conducted himself on that evening,
nothing could be further from the
truth. In fact, the general comment
of the evening by both black and
white was on the modesty of his
bearing.
"It is not strange, however, that
the Constitution, whose judgment and
sense of right and justice have been
perverted through years of
persistent sinning, should see
things in a different light.
"The uncalled for and distasteful
remarks were doubtless those made in
regard to the fact that Northern
people coming into contact with
Southern prejudice are tainted by
it, and that West Pointers are
generally better educated than the
Southern people. Of course this
would stir up the wrath of the
Constitution; for what could be more
hateful in its sight than truth?
"Justitia."
(From the New York World.)
Lieutenant Flipper would have shown better
sense if he had not made any speech at
Atlanta. But if he was to make any speech at
all upon the subject of his treatment at
West Point, it could scarcely be expected
that he should make one more modest, manly
and sensible than that which is reported in
our news columns."
Here are two other articles of the abusive
order from the Southern press:
(From the Griffin (Ga.) News.)
"J. C. Freeman, the only white man in
Georgia that ever disgraced the military of
the United States, was in the city
yesterday. It will be remembered that this
individual at one time misrepresented this
district in Congress, and during that time
he appointed one Negro by color, and Flipper
by name, to West Point. But then,
nevertheless, the Negro is as good as he is,
and better too, and we have no doubt but
what Freeman thinks he did a big thing, but
the good people of the State think
different. This notice is not paid for."
(From the Warrenton (Ga.) Clipper.)
"The following is the way the Southerners
solidify their section that is, it is one
way the other, being the masked Kuklux. What
it says, however, about the North, is just
about so:
"Lieutenant Flipper, the colored cadet, is
in Macon, and the darkies there think him a
bigger man that General Grant. They ll want
him to be President after awhile, and the
Northern people will then be the first to
say no. "
The article of social equality referred to
was clipped from the New York Evening
Telegram. It is as follows:
Negro Equality In The Army.
"There is no danger of Negro equality, oh
no! But it will be so delightful for the
white soldier to be commanded to pace the
greensward before the tent of Lieutenant
Flipper, the Negro graduate of West Point,
and the white soldier will probably indulge
in a strange train of thought while doing
it. And when promotion comes, and the Negro
becomes Majah Flippah, or Colonel Flippah,
the prospects of the white captains and
lieutenants will be so cheerful,
particularly if they have families and are
stationed at some post in the far West,
where any neglect in the social courtesies
toward their superior officer would probably
go hard with them and their families."
To go back to the article "Flying Around
Flipper," I want to say the white people of
Georgia can claim no credit for any part of
my education. The Storrs school was not a
public school at the time I went to school
there. It did not become such until I went
to West Point. The Atlanta University
receives $8000 per annum From the State of
Georgia in lieu of the share of the
agricultural land scrip due to the colored
people for educational purposes. Efforts
have been made to take even this from the
university, but all have been failures.
(From the Macon (Ga.) Telegram and
Messenger.)
Battalion
Parade.
"On Monday evening the colored
companies of the city had a
battalion parade and review.
"The three companies, viz., the
Lincoln Guards, the Bibb County
Blues, and the Central City Light
Infantry, formed on Fourth Street,
and to martial music marched up
Mulberry to First, down First to
Walnut, up Walnut to Spring Street,
and there formed for dress parade
and inspection.
"On the right of the line were the
Light Infantry under Captain W. H.
DeLyons. The Blues bore the colors,
and were commanded by Spencer Moses,
Captain, and the Guards supported
the extreme left. T. N. M. Sellers,
Captain of the Lincoln Guards, acted
as major. After some preliminary
movements the troops were inspected
by Lieutenant Flipper, the colored
graduate of West Point. The troops
then marched around the inspecting
officer.
"The line was again formed, and the
major addressed Lieutenant Flipper
in a short speech, in which was
expressed gratitude to the
government and thanks to the
inspecting officer.
"Lieutenant Flipper replied in a few
very sensible and appropriate
remarks: That he wished all success,
honor, and thanks to the companies
for their kindness and courtesy.
Hoped they would all make soldiers
and tight for their country. That he
was a soldier rather than a speaker.
That he had tried to do his duty at
West Point, and that he expected to
continue to try to do his duty, and
again thanking you for your
hospitality, kindness, and attention
to myself, I renew my wish for your
future success.
"After the speaking there was a
general hand shaking. The entire
parade was very creditable indeed,
showing considerable proficiency in
the tactics, and was witnessed by a
large crowd of about twelve hundred
of whites and blacks.
"This is the first review ever held
by the colored troops in the city of
Macon. About eighty men rank and
file were out. The colors used was
the United States flag. The uniforms
were tasty and well gotten up."
There was a very scurrilous article
in one of the Charleston (S.C.)
papers. I have not been able to get
it. I am informed that after
commenting on my graduation,
assignment, etc., it indulged in
much speculation as to my future. It
told how I would live, be treated,
etc., how I would marry, beget
"little Flippers," and rear them up
to "don the army blue," and even
went far enough to predict their
career. It was a dirty piece of
literature, and I am not very sorry
I couldn't obtain it.
(From the Atlanta (Ga.)
Republican.)
Successful Colored Young Men.
"At length a colored youth has overcome the
difficulties that surrounded him as a
student at the West Point Military Academy,
and has graduated, with the respect of his
white associates who were at first very much
opposed to him. Mr. Flipper, the successful
young man is a Georgia boy, and was
appointed a cadet to West Point from the
Fifth Congressional District the Atlanta
District by Congressman Freeman, we believe.
He was raised by Rev. Frank Quarles, of this
city, and is regarded by him almost as a
son.
"John F. Quarles, Esq., the son of Rev.
Frank Quarles, is spending a few days with
his father. Mr. J. F. Quarles was educated
in Pennsylvania since the war, and returned
to Georgia in 1870. He read law and was
admitted to the Augusta bar after a careful
examination before three of the ablest
lawyers at that bar, which is noted for its
talent. He passed a very creditable
examination, and is, we believe, the only
colored man who has been admitted to the
Georgia bar. He was soon after appointed
consul to Port Mahon, in the Mediterranean
Sea, and served with credit until he was
legislated of office by the Democratic
Congress. President Hayes recently appointed
him consul to Malaga, Spain.
"Rev. Mr. Quarles is justly proud of two
such boys."
Here, too, is a venerable colored man
claiming the honor of having raised me. Why,
I never was away from my mother and father
ten consecutive hours in my life until I
went to West Point. It is possible, nay,
very probable, that he jumped me on his
knee, or boxed me soundly for some of my
childish pranks, but as to raising me, that
honor is my mother s, not his.
Before leaving West Point the following
communications were sent me from the head
quarters of the Liberia Exodus Association,
10 Mary Street, Charleston S.C. I replied in
very courteous terms that I was opposed to
the whole scheme, and declined to have any
thing to do with it. I was in Charleston
later in the year, and while there I was
besieged by some of the officers of the
association, who had not yet despaired of
making me "Generalissimo of Liberia s Army,"
as one of them expressed himself. Wearied of
their importunities, and having no sympathy
with the movement, I published the following
in the Charleston News and Courier:
"Lieutenant Flipper, of the Tenth United
States Cavalry, the newly fledged colored
West Pointer, has something to say on the
question of the Liberian Exodus, which will
be interesting to the people of his race.
The lieutenant, by his creditable career as
a cadet at the Military Academy, has
certainly earned the right to be heard by
the colored population with at least as much
respect and attention as has been given to
the very best of the self constituted
apostles of the Exodus. Here is his letter:
"Sir: A rumor has come to me
from various sources, to the effect
that I have promised to resign my
commission in the army after serving
the two years required by law, and
to then accept another as General
Commander-in-Chief of the Liberian
Army.
"It has also come to my notice that
many, particularly in the counties
adjoining Georgia, are being
persuaded, and intend going to
Liberia because I have made this
promise.
"I shall consider it no small favor
if you will state that there is no
law requiring me to serve two years,
that I never authorized any such
statement as here made, that I have
no sympathy whatever for the
"Liberian Exodus" movement, that I
give it neither countenance nor
support, but will oppose it whenever
I feel that the occasion requires
it. I am not at all disposed to flee
from one shadow to grasp at another
from the supposed error of Hayes s
Southern policy to the prospective
glory of commanding Liberia s army.
"Very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
"Henry O. Flipper,
" Second Lieutenant Tenth U. S.
Cavalry.
"Charleston, S.C., October 19, 1877.
"
The Letters From Charleston.
Rooms Of The Liberian African Association,
10 Mary Street, Charleston, S.C.,
June 22, 1877.
To Henry O. Flipper, Esq.,
U. S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.:
Dear Friend And Brother: Your future, as
foreshadowed by the press of this country,
looks dismal enough. We have conned its
remarks with mingled feelings of sympathy
and exultation. Exultation! because we
believe fate has something higher and better
in store for you than they or you ever
dreamed. Inclosed please find copy of a
letter to the Honorable the Secretary of
State. We have not yet received a reply.
Also, inclosed, a number of the Missionary
Record containing the call referred to. We
have mentioned you in our note to His
Excellency Anthony Gardner, President of
Liberia. Please communicate with us and say
if this letter and inclosures do not open up
a bright vista in the future to your
imagination and reasonable aspirations? We
picture to ourselves our efforts to obtain a
line of steamers crowned with success; and
behold you as commander-in-chief organizing
and marshalling Liberia s military forces in
the interests of humanity at large, and the
especial development of a grand African
nationality that shall command the respect
of the nations:
So Afric shall resume her seat in the
Hall of Nations vast;
And strike upon her restrung lyre
The requiem of the past:
And sing a song of thanks to God,
For his great mercy shown,
In leading, with an outstretched arm,
The benighted wanderer home. Selah!
Provide yourself at once with maps, etc.,
master the chorography of Africa in general,
and the topography of Liberia in particular,
that is to say, the whole range of the Kong
mountains, including its eastern slope on to
the Niger, our natural boundary! for the
next thirty years! after that, onward!
Cultivate especially the artillery branch of
the service; this is the arm with which we
can most surely overawe all thought of
opposition among the native tribes; whilst
military engineering will dot out
settlements with forts, against which, they
will see, twould be madness to hurl
themselves. We desire to absorb and
cultivate them. The great obstacle to this
is their refusal to have their girls
educated. This results from their
institution of polygamy. Slavery is the same
the world over it demands the utter
ignorance of its victims. We must compel
their enlightenment. Have we not said
enough? Does not your intelligence grasp,
and your ambition spring to the great work?
Let us hear from you. You can be a great
power in assisting to carry out our Exodus.
If you desire we will elect you a member of
our council and keep you advised of our
proceedings. We forward you by this mail
some of our numbers and the Charleston News
of the 20th. See the article on yourself,
and let it nerve you to thoughts and deeds
of greatness. Let us know something about
Baker and McClennan. Are they at Annapolis?
Cadets? (We will require a navy as well as
an army.) Also something about yourself.
What part of the State are you from? Hon. R.
H. Cain is not here, or probably he could
inform us.
Affectionately yours. By our President,
B. F. PORTER, Pastor of Morris Brown Chapel.
GEO. CURTIS, Corresponding Secretary.
P. S. We have received a reply from the
Secretary of State very courteous in its
tone but "regrets" to say that he has "no
special means of forming an opinion upon the
subject. The measure referred to would
require an Act of Congress, in respect to
whose future proceedings it would not be
prudent to venture a prediction."
The answer is all we expected. We have made
ourselves known to, and are recognized by,
the Executive; our next step is to address
Senators Morton and Blaine Hon. R. H. Cain
will see to it, that the question is pushed
in the House. G.C.
Copy.
Rooms Of The Liberia Exodus
Association,
10 Mary Street, Charleston, S.C.
June 14, 1877.
Hon. Wm. J. Evarts,
Secretary of State, Washington, D.C.:
Sir: Inclosed please find a call on our
people to prepare to organize for an exodus
to Liberia.
We think it explains itself, but any further
explanation called for we will gladly
supply.
In the event of a sufficient response to our
call, please inform us if there is any
probability of our government placing one or
more steamers on the route between here, or
Port Royal, and Liberia for our
transportation; and if so, then the charge
for passage; and if, to those unable to pay
ready money, time will be given, and the
payment received in produce?
Tens of thousands are now eager to go from
this State alone, but we want a complete
exodus, if possible, from the whole United
States; thus leaving you a homogeneous
people, opening up an immense market for
your products, giving a much required
impetus to your trade, commerce, and
manufactures; and for ourselves attaining a
position where, removed from under the shade
of a "superior race," we will have full
opportunity for developing whatever capacity
of soul growth our Creator has endowed us
with.
That Africa will be developed, and chiefly
through the instrumentality of its five
millions of descendants in America, is
certain. Now the question is, who shall have
the chief handling and consequent benefit of
this grand instrument, next to itself, of
course, for we are treating of a sentient
instrumentality. We beseech you that you do
not send us, Columbus like, from court to
court offering the development of a new
world to incredulous ears. We are asking the
President of Liberia, the American
Colonization Society, and all friends of the
measure, for their aid, advice, and
co-operation.
We desire to carry our first shipment of
emigrants not later than September or
October proximo.
We have the honor to be, Sir, in all respect
and loyalty, yours to command.
The Council of the L. E. A. By our
President,
B. F. Porter, Pastor Morris Brown A.M.E.
Church.
Geo, Curtis, Corresponding Secretary.
Henry Ossian Flipper, The Colored Cadet
at West Point, 1878
