Attitudes toward Slavery

Petition of Trinitarian Congregational women 1837; Rev. Lavius Howe and his congregation sent several anti-slavery petitions.

Sears sermon 1856, ardent anti-slavery

Letter LM Child – husband David found prejudice at town meetings re war response but saw changes for the better. Found William Grout agreed on Emancipation.

Comments from servicemen: Frank Draper journal & letter

Frank Draper led a Colored Regiment and spoke highly of his men. Cheered Emancipation and said his father had been ahead of him knowing the importance to the Union cause of abolishing slavery.

Charles Campbell —The Memorial states that “Mr. Campbell entered the war with no definite designs to “be outwrought with respect to slavery “ but as he saw the “schemes of the slave-power” more fully developed, he gradually saw this as the chief cause of he war, and as “the sole object of the South in building up their new confederacy..”. He therefore hailed the proclamation of Emancipation. 85-86

He brought home with him from the service David Baker, a Negro. Nothing is known about him but his gravestone is in the Wayland North Cemetery.

Capt. Wade comments after end of War re changed opinion about Blacks after seeing them fight bravely in the South. see L. M. Child quotes.

John Noyes Morse comments favorable to Blacks in battle for the North.

Others?