Negro Soldiers from the Free States.
Published: July 4, 1863
An article in our advertising columns this morning, gives some idea of the vigorous movement that is being made in Pennsylvania to obtain the services of able-bodied free men of color for the army. This movement has nothing whatever to do with the present invasion of Pennsylvania, as Copperhead journals tauntingly assert. It was begun before such, a thing as invasion was dreamed of; but the invasion does not put a stop to it; it rather aids it in various ways. In Philadelphia, a half Southern city, whose prejudices appeared invincible, there is now no visible sign of objection to the movement, and the matter has been taken hold of there energetically by men of all parties, as will appear by the list of signatures to the address, where Democrats, Old Line Whigs, Republicans and Abolitionists all appear as aiders and forwarders of the scheme for the enlistment of the blacks. A fund of $15,000 has already been raised there to repay extraordinary expenses, and it is believed that $50, 000 will be obtained. Altogether the measure seems to be a popular one, and we have no doubt it will receive aid from this City.
New-York State has a black population of 50, 000 and it is proposed now to extend the movement to this State. A few companies have already ??? from here to enlist in the Massachusetts negro regiments; but this State itself ought to at least two regiments. The negro's ability to fight has now been proven in the field, and he ??? contemptible aid in suppressing the ??? and in keeping it suppressed.