People had not got over regarding negroes as something other than men; and when it appeared that they were imitating the example of the whites, and preparing to protect themselves, forsooth we had straightway cock and bull stories of impending negro insurrections and a war of races!
Reid critiques the perception of African Americans as less than human and the irrational fears of racial violence.
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We must, then, be prepared with a policy for maintaining it ourselves.
A paper that is not as free to censure as to approve, has no virtue in its support, and no importance attaches to its utterances.
Something, however, must be done to disperse this unwholesome gathering at Newbern, or the tumor, thus neglected, may do serious injury.
But proofs were not wanting of the spirit in which, to the very last, the conflict against the Government had been waged.