In the Spring of 1865, when I had last seen Mobile, it was a city of ruins; warehouses ruined by “the great explosion,” merchants ruined by the war, politicians ruined by the abject defeat, women bankrupt in heart and hope.
Reid reflects on the devastation in Mobile after the Civil War, highlighting the impact on the city and its people.
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Never was there a problem more serious or difficult than that which is now before the Nation, as to this race, whose destiny has been confided to the wisdom and honor of our Government.
They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.
They should strive for distinction by economy, by industry, by sobriety, by patient perseverance in well-doing, by constant improvement of religious instruction, and by the constant practice of Christian virtues.
And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.