“You were just as free at home as here,” I said to one who had patched up an abandoned tent, under which he lived.
“But I’s want to be free man, cum when I please, and nobody say nuffin to me, nor order me roun’.”
“De Lo’d tole we to come heah,” another said. “De Lo’d him’ll take car’ ob us now.”
[55]. Professor of Mineralogy and Geology in the University of Pennsylvania.
[56]. Negroes are required to travel in very bad cars, often in freight cars, or on open platforms; but they are charged full first-class fares. Now and then a negro objects, but is always silenced by a short argument. “You’re free, aint you? Good as white folks, aint ye! Then pay the same fare, and keep your mouth shut.”
[57]. Carl Shurz gave an instance in point:
One of our military commanders was recently visited by a doctor living in one of the south-eastern counties of Georgia. The doctor looked very much disturbed.
“General,” says he, “the negroes in my county are in a terrible state of insubordination, and we may look for an outbreak every moment. I come to implore your aid.”
The General, already accustomed to such alarming reports, takes the matter with great coolness. “Doctor, I have heard of such things before. Is not your imagination a little excited? What reason should the negroes have to resort to violence?”