Political Science homework help
Doc Analysis #4
James Henry Gooding, an African American Soldier,
Pleads for Equal Treatment, 1863
Morris Island, South Carolina
September 28, 1863
Your Excellency, Abraham Lincoln
Your Excellency will pardon the presumption of an humble specific particular person like myself, in addressing you, nevertheless the earnest solicitation of my comrades in arms furthermore the actual curiosity felt alone throughout the matter is my excuse, for placing sooner than the Authorities head of the Nation our Widespread Grievance.
On the sixth of the ultimate Month, the Paymaster of the Division educated us, that if we might resolve to acquire the sum of $10 (ten ) month-to-month, he would come and pay us that sum, nevertheless that, on the sitting of Congress, the Regt. [regiment] would, in his opinion, be allowed the alternative three (three). He did not give us any guarantee that this could be, as he hoped; really he had no authority for making any such guarantee, and we will not suppose him showing in any strategy .
Now the first question is, are we Troopers, or are we Laborers? We’re completely armed, and outfitted, have completed all he diverse duties pertaining to a Soldier’s Life, have carried out ourselves to your entire satisfaction of Primary Officers, who had been, if one thing, prejudiced in opposition to us, nevertheless who ow accord us all the encouragement and honors due us; have shared the perils and labor of reducing the first strong-hold that flaunted a Traitor Flag; and further, Mr. President, to-day the Anglo-Saxon Mother, Partner, or Sister mustn’t alone in tears for departed Sons, Husbands and Brothers. The affected particular person, trusting descendant of Afric’s Clime have dyed the underside with blood, in safety of the Union, and Democracy. Males, too, your Excellency, who know in a measure the cruelties of the iron heel of oppression, which in years handed by, the very power their blood is now being spilled to maintain up, ever flooring them throughout the mud.
Nevertheless when the warfare trumpet sounded o’er the land, when males knew not the Buddy from the Traitor, the Black man laid his life on the altar of the Nation – and he was refused. When the arms of the Union had been crushed, throughout the first yr of the warfare, and the Authorities generally known as for further meals for its ravenous maw, as soon as extra the black man begged the privilege of aiding his nation in her need, to be as soon as extra refused.
And now he is throughout the Battle, and the way in which has he carried out himself?…Obedient and affected particular person and secure as a wall are they. All we lack is a paler hue and a larger acquaintance with the alphabet.
Now you Excellency, we now have completed a Soldier’s obligation. Why can’t we now have a Soldier’s pay? You warning the Rebel chieftain, that the USA is conscious of no distinction in her troopers. She insists on having all her troopers of irrespective of creed or coloration, to be dealt with consistent with the usages of Battle. Now if the USA exacts uniform it of treatment of her troopers from the insurgents, wouldn’t it not not be successfully and fixed to set the occasion herself by paying all her troopers alike?
We of this Regt. Weren’t enlisted beneath any “contraband” act. Nevertheless we so not wish to be understood as rating our service of additional price to the Authorities than the service of the ex-slave. Their service is undoubtedly value quite a bit to the Nation, nevertheless Congress made categorical provision touching their case, as slaves freed by military necessity, and assuming the Authorities to be their non everlasting Guardian. Not so with us. Freemen by supply and consequently having the advantage of contemplating and showing for ourselves so far as the Authorized tips would allow us, we do not ponder ourselves match matters for the Contraband act.
We attraction to you, Sir, as a result of the Authorities of the Nation, to have us justly dealt with. The Regt. Do pray that they be assured their service shall be fairly appreciated by paying them as American Troopers, not as menial hirelings. Black males, chances are high you will successfully know, are poor; three month-to-month, for a yr, will present their needy wives and little ones with gasoline. Within the occasion you, as Chief magistrate of the Nation, will assure us of our full pay, we’re content material materials. Our Patriotism, our enthusiasm may have a model new impetus, to exert our vitality an rising variety of to help our Nation. Not that our hearts ever flagged in devotion, spite the evident apathy displayed in our behalf, nevertheless we actually really feel as if our Nation spurned us, now we’re sworn to serve her. Please give this a second’s consideration.
Make sure that to utilize the Chicago Mannequin Format for the mission. Be taught the doc successfully then write particulars in regards to the doc.
Take into consideration: After finding out the doc – write a “hook” an attention-grabbing beginning of your paper; who’s writing the doc; why are they writing the doc: who’re they writing to: what are they requesting: Why did their choose to place in writing to the particular person.
Make sure that your narrative is one and a half to 2 pages. Do not write earlier two pages and there isn’t any need for a “cowl internet web page”.
