Transcription

OMISSION AND ERRATA. 11

OMISSION.

The following brief account of the organization of a colored military company in Boston, accidentally omitted from the body of this work, is inserted here, (though somewhat our of place,) as a matter too important to be overlooked in a book of this character:-

The "Massaoit Guards," a military company originating among some of the colored citizens of Boston, having been refused a loan of States arms, have equipped themselves in preparation for volunteer service. They do not wish to be considered a caste company, and hence invite to their ranks any citizens of good moral character who may wish to enrol their names.

Many query, "Why call themselves ' Massasoit Guards?' why not 'Attucks' Guards,' after one of their own race, and the first martyr of American Independence, on the 5th of March, 1770?

Perhaps, as the name of Attucks has been already appropriated by colored military companies in New York and Cincinnati, they accepted Massasoit as their patron saint. He was one of those Indian chiefs, who, in early colonial times, have proved himself singly friendly to the interests of the Old Bay State. Their pride of loyalty may have prompted the choice, though we believe a better selection could have been made. Still, if they are satisfied, the preference of others are superfluous.

We earnestly hope they will revive the efforts for erasing the word white from the military clause in the statute-book, for, until that is accomplished, their manhood and citizenship are under proscription.

ERRATA.

Page 19, in the sentence from Mr. Parker, read Crispus for Christopher.

Page 21, for Salem, read Peter Salem.

Page 112, third line from bottom, read J. S. Rock, M. D.

Page 157, five lines from top, read fractional for practical.

Page 181, third line from bottom, read John Boyer Vashon.