I found that while among them there was a large element of substantial, worthy citizens, there was also a superficiality about the life of a large class that greatly alarmed me.
Reflecting on his time in Washington D.C., Washington expresses concern about the superficiality he observed among some members of the Black community.
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I have always looked upon fame as something to be used in accomplishing good.
Despite this disappointment, however, I determined that I would learn something, anyway.
Even the most ignorant members of my race on the remote plantations felt in their hearts, with a certainty that admitted of no doubt, that the freedom of the slaves would be the one great result of the war, if the Northern armies conquered.
When they saw that I was not afraid or ashamed to work, they began to assist with more enthusiasm.