Thomas Hamilton, the publisher of the short-lived People’s Press, again attempted a publication in New York City. On July 23, 1859, he began publishing The Anglo-African. The paper was well printed and in the opinion of Frederick Douglass “had more promise and more journalistic ability about it, than any of the other papers.” The motto of the papers of the period was highly indicative of their editorial outlook and policy. Practically every paper had its motto, and The Anglo-African was no exception. Its motto was: “Man must be free; if not through law, then above the law.”
Advocates Haytian Emigration
In 1860, the paper was bought by James Redpath—the object of his purchase being to advocate the Haytian Emigration Movement. With the change in ownership the paper was known as The Weekly Anglo-African. Later, in 1861, the paper reverted to the Hamilton family, being published by Robert Hamilton. The original name of the paper was resumed, and under its new publisher became an ardent supporter of the Republican party. With the freeing of the slaves, The Anglo-African began to advocate the need of educational facilities for the freedman, especially in the South. The paper was suspended shortly after Emancipation.
Colored Citizen Organ of Negro Soldiers During War
During the period of the Civil War only two Negro newspapers were established, one of which was The Colored Citizen, published at Cincinnati, Ohio, by John P. Sampson. It was issued in the interest of the Negro soldiers fighting in the war. It was commonly referred to as the “Soldiers’ Organ,” and was widely disseminated among the soldiers. Sampson was well educated—being a product of the Boston public school system—and as an editor he was both able and enterprising. The Colored Citizen was suspended the latter part of 1865.
The Pacific Appeal
In 1862, The Pacific Appeal came into being in San Francisco, but it was not a new publication, however, it was merely the successor to The Mirror of the Times. Its editor was William H. Carter. It became the index of the activities of the Negroes on the Pacific coast. The paper’s motto was: “He who would be free, himself must strike the blow.” It was a six column folio, well-printed, and contained editorials which on the whole were sober and sound.
The Elevator, Edited by Bell
The second paper established on the western coast was The Elevator, which was begun by Phillip Bell, April 18, 1865, in San Francisco, Cal. The paper stated its mission thus: “We shall labor for the civil and political enfranchisement of the Colored people—not as a distinct and separate race, but as American citizens.” The publisher encouraged advertisements and quoted his rates as being 60 cents for one insertion and 25 cents for each subsequent insertion.