Colored Patriots of the American Revolution

Here is a book written back in 1855 that celebrates the contributions of black soldiers and heroes of the American Revolution about which our current generation knows virtually nothing. This is the true history that should be taught in all our public and private schools today.

INTRODUCTION BY H.B. STOWE - 1855
The colored race have been generally considered by their enemies, and sometimes even by their friends, as deficient in energy and cour­age. Their virtues have been supposed to be principally negative ones. This little collection of interesting incidents, made by a col­ored man, will redeem the character of the race from this miscon­ception, and show how much injustice there may often be in a gen­erally admitted idea.

In considering the services of the Colored Patriots of the Revo­lution, we are to reflect upon them as far more magnanimous, be­cause rendered to a nation which did not acknowledge them as citizens and equals, and in whose interests and prosperity they had less at stake. It was not for their own land they fought, not even for a land which had adopted them, but for a land which had enslaved them, and whose laws, even in-freedom, oftener oppressed than protected. Bravery, under such circumstances, has a peculiar beauty and merit.

It is to be hoped that the reading of these sketches will give new self-respect and confidence to the race here represented. Let them emulate the noble deeds and sentiments of their ancestors, and feel that the dark skin can never be a badge of disgrace, while it has been ennobled by such examples.

And their white brothers in reading may remember, that gene­rosity, disinterested courage and bravery, are of no particular race and complexion, and that the image of the Heavenly Father may be reflected alike by all. Each record of worth in this oppressed and despised people should be pondered, for it is by many such that the cruel and unjust public sentiment, which has so long pro­scribed them, may be reversed, and full opportunities given them to take rank among the nations of the earth.
Harriett Beecher Stowe (Andover Oct. 1855)