Struggles for Freedom.
FROM THE
DARKNESS COMETH THE LIGHT
OR
Struggles for Freedom.
ST. LOUIS, MO.
PUBLISHING HOUSE OF J. T. SMITH,
No. 11, Bridge Entrance.
Dedication.
To those who by their valor have made their name immortal, from whomwe are daily learning the lessons of patriotism, in whom we respectthe virtues of charity, patience and friendship as displayed towardsthe colored race and to those
And Time's great volume make,"
is this little volume reverently dedicated—
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
Preface.
So many of my friends have urged me to give a short sketch of myvaried life that I have consented, and herewith present it for theconsideration of my readers. Those who were with me in the days ofslavery will appreciate these pages, for though they cannot recur withany happiness to the now "shadowy past, or renew the unrenewable," theunaccountable longing for the aged to look backward and review theevents of their youth will find an answering chord in this littlebook.
Those of you who have never suffered as we have, perhaps may supposethe case, and therefore accept with interest and sympathy thepassages of life and character here portrayed and the lessons whichshould follow from them.
If there is a want of unity or coherence in this work, be charitableand attribute it to lack of knowledge and experience in literaryacquirements. As this is a world of varied interests and many events,although we are each but atoms, it must be remembered, that we assistin making the grand total of all history, and therefore are excusablein making our affairs of importance to ourselves, and endeavoring toimpress them on others. With this reason of my seeking your favor, Ileave you to the perusal of my little tale.
L. A. D.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
STRUGGLES FOR FREEDOM.
CHAPTER I.
Soon, soon we lie with lid-encumbered eyes
And the great fabrics that we reared before
Crumble to make a dust to hide who dies."
In the year 18—, Mr. and Mrs. John Woods and Mr. and Mrs