The Colored Convention held in Jonesborough
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The Colored Convention held in Jonesborough
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Chronicling America
Publisher
Union Flag
Date
1867-04-05
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[PAGE 01]
The Colored Convention.
The colored people on the same day appropriately celebrated their enfranchisement. Our town was literally covered with the dusky sons of Ham, who made the welkin [/unclear] ring with hurrahs [/unclear] for the old Flag, and shouts of gratitude to Almighty God for his interposition in their behalf. In the morning they formed in a procession and paraded our streets under the Star Spangled Banner, to the soul-stirring insult music of the fife and drum. After the procession was over they repaired to the basement story of the Court House, where they were addressed by Rev. Amos J. Beman of color, Rev. H. Bokum, Agent Freedman's Bureau at this place, the Junior Editor of the Flag, Capt. N. Hacker, Hon. S. E. Griffith, and the Rev. H. Hankle. The first speaker, Mr. Beman hails from Connecticut, a man of good education, and an easy, graceful and fluent speaker. He is a living refutation of the Copperhead lie that the colored race have no intellect and are not susceptible of education. The fact is, there is not a speaker or preacher in the Copperhead ranks of this country that can surpass or compete with him in sound arguments and correct diction. He gave the Rebel aristocracy and the Copperheads beads who hand on their skirts, , several mortal thrusts, and showed up their consistency in brawling against negro equality in an amusing [/unclear] manner.
[PAGE 01]
The Colored Convention.
The colored people on the same day appropriately celebrated their enfranchisement. Our town was literally covered with the dusky sons of Ham, who made the welkin ring with hurrahs for the old Flag, and shouts of gratitude to Almighty God for his interposition in their behalf. In the morning they formed in procession and paraded our streets under the Star Spangled Banner, to the soul-stirring music of the fife and drum. After the procession was over they repaired to the basement story of the Court House, where they were addressed by Rev. Amos J. Beman of color, Rev. H. Bokum, Agent Freedman's Bureau at this place, the Junior Editor of the Flag, Capt. N. Hacker, Hon. S. E. Griffith, and the Rev. H. Hankle. The first speaker, Mr. Beman hails from Connecticut, a man of good education, and an easy, graceful and fluent speaker. He is a living refutation of the Copperhead lie that the colored race have no intellect and are not susceptible of education. The fact is, there is not a speaker or preacher in the Copperhead ranks of this country that can surpass or compete with him in sound arguments and correct diction. He gave the Rebel aristocracy and the Copperheads [/unclear] who hang on their skirts, several mortal thrusts, and showed up in their consistency in brawling against negro equality in an amusing manner.
The resolutions of the white Convention were unanimously adopted by the colored people, and they ratified the nominations of Capt. Newton Hacker, and Hon. P. P. C. Nelson, without a dissenting voice.
[PAGE 02]
The resolutions of the white Convention were unanimously adopted by the colored people, and they ratified the nominations of Capt. Newton Hacker, and Hon. P. P. C. Nelson, without a dissenting voice.
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS, The Elective Franchise Is essential to the education, wealth and general elevation of our race, and to the prosperity of the State of Tennessee, and we feel that it is our indispensable duty to our prosperity, and to the loyalist of this state, and to God, that we show our just appreciation of the united efforts of the Radical Union party of Tennessee, who have adopted as their Chieftain that champion of liberty and justice, His Excellency William G. Brownlow, in perpetuating the boon of freedom bequeathed to us by our noble, gallant and patriotic soldiery, who fought and vanquished on the battle field, the bloody minions of a slave slave-holders' rebellion, and who are ready and willing to meet out justice to traitors and copperheads at the ballot box, therefore
Resolved, That we the colored citizens of Jonesborough, and the surrounding country, in convention assembled, in view of the fact that the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, has extended to us the great and inestimable privilege of exercising the elective franchise, in the selection of all the public officers in the State, do pledge ourselves to support and sustain the Radical Union party of Tennessee and of the United States, in their endeavors to perpetuate this glorious Union of States in the hands of loyal men--and -- and to oppose treason and traitors--for -- for among such we find arrayed those who would forever make us the "hewers of wood and the drawers of water."
[PAGE 02]
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.
WHEREAS, The Elective Franchise is essential to the education, wealth and general elevation of our race, and to the prosperity of the State of Tennessee, and we feel that it is our indispensable duty to our prosperity, and to the loyalist of this state, and to God, that we show our just appreciation of the united efforts of the Radical Union party of Tennessee, who have adopted as their Chieftain that champion of liberty and justice, His Excellency William G. Brownlow, in perpetuating the boon of freedom bequeathed to us by our noble, gallant and patriotic soldiery, who faught and vanquished on the battle field, the bloody minions of a slave-holders' rebellion, and who are ready and willing to meet out justice to the traitors and copperheads at the ballot box. therefore
Resolved, That we the colored citizens of Jonesborough, and the surrounding country, in convention assembled, in view of the fact that the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, has extended to us the great and inestimable privilege of exercising the elective franchise, in the selection of all public officers in the State, do pledge ourselves to support and sustain the Radical Union party of Tennessee and of the United States, in their endeavors to perpetuate this glorious Union of the States in the hands of loyal men--and and to oppose treason and traitors--for for among such we find arrayed those who would forever make us the "hewers of wood and the drawers of water."
Resolved 2nd, That we are deeply imbued with the great responsibility thrown upon us by this action of our General Assembly in thus requiring at our hands the performance of a solemn duty; bearing, as we do, a portion of the burdens of National and State Governments.
Resolved 3rd, That in the performance of this duty, as citizens of the State of Tennessee and of the United States, we will always
[PAGE 03]
[unclear]Resolved 2nd, That we are deeply imbued with the great responsibility thrown upon us by this action of our General Assembly in thus requiring at our General Assembly is thus requiring at our hands the performance of a solemn duty; bearing, as we do, a portion of the burdens of National and State Governments. [unclear]Resolved[/unclear] 3rd,
That in the performance of this duty, as citizens of the State of Tennessee and of the United States, we will always
[PAGE 03]
act upon the great principles of political jus- justice, ever keeping an eye single to a just ap- appreciation of the services of our friends eve- everywhere.
Resolved 4th, That we return our thanks to Almighty God, for what we believe and feel satisfied was a miraculous interference of Divine Providence in our behalf, in bursting asunder the shackels of slavery, by which we have been bound for many years; ; and also to the Congress of the United States for its active interference in the protection of the rights of our race in the rebel States, and thus securing equality and justice before the law, and for these many blessings we will support that patriotic body against treason, rebellion, and their twin sister "Conservatism."
Resolved 5th, That we tender our most heart felt thanks to Gov. William G. Brownlow, low, for his noble and patriotic course in the administration of the laws of the State, and his devotion to liberty and justice, as applied to us and our race, and we will, as an evi- evidence of our deeply felt gratitude for these generous acts, give him our undivided sup- support in the election in August next, for the position which he now occupies.
Resolved 6th, That as we are a part and parcel of the citizens of the United States, we feel an interest in their political welfare; ; and as honest faithful and law abiding citi- citizens, we offer our political services to the loyal people of the country which will go far towards perpetuating the cause of Republicanism canism throughout the State, and guarantee the right of loyal men to control the affairs of the State, which disloyal men have shown themselves incapable of doing.
Resolved 7th, That we fully endorse the Rad- Radical portion of our Legislature in defending and guarding the interest of the loyal portion of the people of the State and in giving to us and our race, in the State of Tennessee, the right of suffrage, in remuneration for which, we will ever cultivate a friendship and con- continued love for our friends, and guard the more closely against the evils and machinations tions of our enemies.
[PAGE 04]
act upon the great principles of the political justice, ever keeping an eye single to a just appreciation of the services of our friends everywhere.
Resolved 4th. That we return our thanks to Almighty God, for what we believe and feel satisfied was a miraculous interference of Divine Providence in our behalf, in bursting asunder the shackles of slavery, by which we have been bound for many years and also to the Congress of the United States for its active interference in the protection of the rights of our race in the rebel States, and thus securing equality and justice before the law, and for these many blessings we will support that patriotic body against treason, rebellion, and their twin sister "Conservatism."
Resolved 5th, That we tender our most heart felt thanks to Gov. William G. Brownlow, for his noble and patriotic course in the administration of the laws of the State, and his devotion to liberty and justice, as applied to us and our race, and we will, as an evidence of our deeply felt gratitude for these generous acts, give him our undivided support in the election in August next, for the position which he now occupies.
[PAGE 04]
Resolved 8th, That we will stand by, and support the nominee of the Radical Union party of Washington county for Representative in the next General Assembly of the State, giving him an undivided support.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Jonesborough Union Flag, Knoxville Whig, and Nashville Press and Times.
On motion of the Chairman, the meeting adjourned sine die.
FERDINAND MAXWELL, Pres't.
J. C. Cousins, Secretary.
[PAGE 05]
Resolved 6th, That as we are a part and parcel of the citizens of the United States, we feel an interest in their political welfare; and as honest faithful and law abiding citizens, we offer our political services to the loyal people of the country which will go far towards [unclear][/unclear] perpetuating the cause of Republicanism throughout the State, and guarantee the right of loyal men to control the affairs of the State, which disloyal men have have shown themselves incapable of doing.
Resolved 7th, That we fully endorse the Radical portion of our Legislature in defending and guarding the interest of the loyal portion of the people of the State and in giving to us and our race, in the State of Tennessee, the right of suffrage, in remuneration for which, we will ever cultivate a friendship and continued love for our friends, and guard the more closely against the evils and machinations of our enemies.
Resolved 8th, That we will stand by, and support the nominee of the Radical Union party of Washington county for Representative in the next General Assembly of the State, giving him an undivided support.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Jonesborough Union Flag, Knoxville Whig, and Nashville Press and Times.
On motion of the Chairman, the meeting adjourned sine die.
FERDINAND MAXWELL, Pres't. J.C.
C. Cousins, Secretary.
The Colored Convention.
The colored people on the same day appropriately celebrated their enfranchisement. Our town was literally covered with the dusky sons of Ham, who made the welkin [/unclear] ring with hurrahs [/unclear] for the old Flag, and shouts of gratitude to Almighty God for his interposition in their behalf. In the morning they formed in a procession and paraded our streets under the Star Spangled Banner, to the soul-stirring insult music of the fife and drum. After the procession was over they repaired to the basement story of the Court House, where they were addressed by Rev. Amos J. Beman of color, Rev. H. Bokum, Agent Freedman's Bureau at this place, the Junior Editor of the Flag, Capt. N. Hacker, Hon. S. E. Griffith, and the Rev. H. Hankle. The first speaker, Mr. Beman hails from Connecticut, a man of good education, and an easy, graceful and fluent speaker. He is a living refutation of the Copperhead lie that the colored race have no intellect and are not susceptible of education. The fact is, there is not a speaker or preacher in the Copperhead ranks of this country that can surpass or compete with him in sound arguments and correct diction. He gave the Rebel aristocracy and the Copperheads beads who hand on their skirts, , several mortal thrusts, and showed up their consistency in brawling against negro equality in an amusing [/unclear] manner.
[PAGE 01]
The Colored Convention.
The colored people on the same day appropriately celebrated their enfranchisement. Our town was literally covered with the dusky sons of Ham, who made the welkin ring with hurrahs for the old Flag, and shouts of gratitude to Almighty God for his interposition in their behalf. In the morning they formed in procession and paraded our streets under the Star Spangled Banner, to the soul-stirring music of the fife and drum. After the procession was over they repaired to the basement story of the Court House, where they were addressed by Rev. Amos J. Beman of color, Rev. H. Bokum, Agent Freedman's Bureau at this place, the Junior Editor of the Flag, Capt. N. Hacker, Hon. S. E. Griffith, and the Rev. H. Hankle. The first speaker, Mr. Beman hails from Connecticut, a man of good education, and an easy, graceful and fluent speaker. He is a living refutation of the Copperhead lie that the colored race have no intellect and are not susceptible of education. The fact is, there is not a speaker or preacher in the Copperhead ranks of this country that can surpass or compete with him in sound arguments and correct diction. He gave the Rebel aristocracy and the Copperheads [/unclear] who hang on their skirts, several mortal thrusts, and showed up in their consistency in brawling against negro equality in an amusing manner.
The resolutions of the white Convention were unanimously adopted by the colored people, and they ratified the nominations of Capt. Newton Hacker, and Hon. P. P. C. Nelson, without a dissenting voice.
[PAGE 02]
The resolutions of the white Convention were unanimously adopted by the colored people, and they ratified the nominations of Capt. Newton Hacker, and Hon. P. P. C. Nelson, without a dissenting voice.
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS, The Elective Franchise Is essential to the education, wealth and general elevation of our race, and to the prosperity of the State of Tennessee, and we feel that it is our indispensable duty to our prosperity, and to the loyalist of this state, and to God, that we show our just appreciation of the united efforts of the Radical Union party of Tennessee, who have adopted as their Chieftain that champion of liberty and justice, His Excellency William G. Brownlow, in perpetuating the boon of freedom bequeathed to us by our noble, gallant and patriotic soldiery, who fought and vanquished on the battle field, the bloody minions of a slave slave-holders' rebellion, and who are ready and willing to meet out justice to traitors and copperheads at the ballot box, therefore
Resolved, That we the colored citizens of Jonesborough, and the surrounding country, in convention assembled, in view of the fact that the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, has extended to us the great and inestimable privilege of exercising the elective franchise, in the selection of all the public officers in the State, do pledge ourselves to support and sustain the Radical Union party of Tennessee and of the United States, in their endeavors to perpetuate this glorious Union of States in the hands of loyal men--and -- and to oppose treason and traitors--for -- for among such we find arrayed those who would forever make us the "hewers of wood and the drawers of water."
[PAGE 02]
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.
WHEREAS, The Elective Franchise is essential to the education, wealth and general elevation of our race, and to the prosperity of the State of Tennessee, and we feel that it is our indispensable duty to our prosperity, and to the loyalist of this state, and to God, that we show our just appreciation of the united efforts of the Radical Union party of Tennessee, who have adopted as their Chieftain that champion of liberty and justice, His Excellency William G. Brownlow, in perpetuating the boon of freedom bequeathed to us by our noble, gallant and patriotic soldiery, who faught and vanquished on the battle field, the bloody minions of a slave-holders' rebellion, and who are ready and willing to meet out justice to the traitors and copperheads at the ballot box. therefore
Resolved, That we the colored citizens of Jonesborough, and the surrounding country, in convention assembled, in view of the fact that the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, has extended to us the great and inestimable privilege of exercising the elective franchise, in the selection of all public officers in the State, do pledge ourselves to support and sustain the Radical Union party of Tennessee and of the United States, in their endeavors to perpetuate this glorious Union of the States in the hands of loyal men--and and to oppose treason and traitors--for for among such we find arrayed those who would forever make us the "hewers of wood and the drawers of water."
Resolved 2nd, That we are deeply imbued with the great responsibility thrown upon us by this action of our General Assembly in thus requiring at our hands the performance of a solemn duty; bearing, as we do, a portion of the burdens of National and State Governments.
Resolved 3rd, That in the performance of this duty, as citizens of the State of Tennessee and of the United States, we will always
[PAGE 03]
[unclear]Resolved 2nd, That we are deeply imbued with the great responsibility thrown upon us by this action of our General Assembly in thus requiring at our General Assembly is thus requiring at our hands the performance of a solemn duty; bearing, as we do, a portion of the burdens of National and State Governments. [unclear]Resolved[/unclear] 3rd,
That in the performance of this duty, as citizens of the State of Tennessee and of the United States, we will always
[PAGE 03]
act upon the great principles of political jus- justice, ever keeping an eye single to a just ap- appreciation of the services of our friends eve- everywhere.
Resolved 4th, That we return our thanks to Almighty God, for what we believe and feel satisfied was a miraculous interference of Divine Providence in our behalf, in bursting asunder the shackels of slavery, by which we have been bound for many years; ; and also to the Congress of the United States for its active interference in the protection of the rights of our race in the rebel States, and thus securing equality and justice before the law, and for these many blessings we will support that patriotic body against treason, rebellion, and their twin sister "Conservatism."
Resolved 5th, That we tender our most heart felt thanks to Gov. William G. Brownlow, low, for his noble and patriotic course in the administration of the laws of the State, and his devotion to liberty and justice, as applied to us and our race, and we will, as an evi- evidence of our deeply felt gratitude for these generous acts, give him our undivided sup- support in the election in August next, for the position which he now occupies.
Resolved 6th, That as we are a part and parcel of the citizens of the United States, we feel an interest in their political welfare; ; and as honest faithful and law abiding citi- citizens, we offer our political services to the loyal people of the country which will go far towards perpetuating the cause of Republicanism canism throughout the State, and guarantee the right of loyal men to control the affairs of the State, which disloyal men have shown themselves incapable of doing.
Resolved 7th, That we fully endorse the Rad- Radical portion of our Legislature in defending and guarding the interest of the loyal portion of the people of the State and in giving to us and our race, in the State of Tennessee, the right of suffrage, in remuneration for which, we will ever cultivate a friendship and con- continued love for our friends, and guard the more closely against the evils and machinations tions of our enemies.
[PAGE 04]
act upon the great principles of the political justice, ever keeping an eye single to a just appreciation of the services of our friends everywhere.
Resolved 4th. That we return our thanks to Almighty God, for what we believe and feel satisfied was a miraculous interference of Divine Providence in our behalf, in bursting asunder the shackles of slavery, by which we have been bound for many years and also to the Congress of the United States for its active interference in the protection of the rights of our race in the rebel States, and thus securing equality and justice before the law, and for these many blessings we will support that patriotic body against treason, rebellion, and their twin sister "Conservatism."
Resolved 5th, That we tender our most heart felt thanks to Gov. William G. Brownlow, for his noble and patriotic course in the administration of the laws of the State, and his devotion to liberty and justice, as applied to us and our race, and we will, as an evidence of our deeply felt gratitude for these generous acts, give him our undivided support in the election in August next, for the position which he now occupies.
[PAGE 04]
Resolved 8th, That we will stand by, and support the nominee of the Radical Union party of Washington county for Representative in the next General Assembly of the State, giving him an undivided support.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Jonesborough Union Flag, Knoxville Whig, and Nashville Press and Times.
On motion of the Chairman, the meeting adjourned sine die.
FERDINAND MAXWELL, Pres't.
J. C. Cousins, Secretary.
[PAGE 05]
Resolved 6th, That as we are a part and parcel of the citizens of the United States, we feel an interest in their political welfare; and as honest faithful and law abiding citizens, we offer our political services to the loyal people of the country which will go far towards [unclear][/unclear] perpetuating the cause of Republicanism throughout the State, and guarantee the right of loyal men to control the affairs of the State, which disloyal men have have shown themselves incapable of doing.
Resolved 7th, That we fully endorse the Radical portion of our Legislature in defending and guarding the interest of the loyal portion of the people of the State and in giving to us and our race, in the State of Tennessee, the right of suffrage, in remuneration for which, we will ever cultivate a friendship and continued love for our friends, and guard the more closely against the evils and machinations of our enemies.
Resolved 8th, That we will stand by, and support the nominee of the Radical Union party of Washington county for Representative in the next General Assembly of the State, giving him an undivided support.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Jonesborough Union Flag, Knoxville Whig, and Nashville Press and Times.
On motion of the Chairman, the meeting adjourned sine die.
FERDINAND MAXWELL, Pres't. J.C.
C. Cousins, Secretary.
Convention Minutes Item Type Metadata
Convention Type
County Convention
City
Jonesborough
State
TN
Country
USA
Start Date
1867-04-01
Provenance
Library of Congress
Event ID
1867.TN-04.01.JONE
Citation
Maxwell, Ferdinand, “The Colored Convention held in Jonesborough,” Colored Conventions Project Digital Records, accessed October 22, 2026, https://www.omeka.coloredconventions.org/items/show/2703.