Frederick Douglass

When I plead for recruits I want to do it with all my heart, without qualification.

I owe it to my long-abused people, and especially to those already in the army, to expose their wrongs and plead their cause.

I saw, or thought I saw a ray of light, brightening the future of my whole race as well as that of our war-troubled country, in arousing colored men to fight for the nation’s life.

But thus far, the government had not kept its promise, or the promise made for it.

From this time (and the fact ought to be remembered) the colored troops were called upon to occupy positions which required the courage, steadiness, and endurance of veterans, and even their enemies were obliged to admit that they proved…

In that terrible battle, under the wing of night, more cavils in respect of the quality of negro manhood were set at rest than could have been during a century of ordinary life and observation.

The 54th was not long in the field before it proved itself gallant and strong, worthy to rank with the most courageous of its white companions in arms.

Let us win for ourselves the gratitude of our country, and the best blessings of our posterity through all time.

Remember that in a contest with oppression, the Almighty has no attribute which can take sides with oppressors.

The chance is now given you to end in a day the bondage of centuries, and to rise in one bound from social degradation to the plane of common equality with all other varieties of men.

One gallant rush from the North will fling it wide open, while four millions of our brothers and sisters shall march out into liberty.

The iron gate of our prison stands half open.