Colonel of the Black Regiment: The Life of Thomas Wentworth Higginson"Thomas Wentworth Higginson was born in 1823 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Strongly influenced by the idealism of the New England Transcendentalists, he sincerely believed it was man's duty to improve and perfect the conditions of life for all mankind. As a young Unitarian minister he was an ardent supporter of abolitionist causes and women's rights. Higginson became a member of the Boston Anti-Slavery Vigilance Committee and headed the group that literally broke down the Boston courthouse door in an effort to rescue Anthony Burns, a victim of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. As a member of the 'Secret Six' he was a friend and supporter of John Brown and the only one of the group who openly stood by Brown and his family after the raid on Harper's Ferry. During these years Higginson also became a well-known writer and lecturer. It was his Atlantic Monthly essay, 'Letter to a Young Contributor,' that inspired Emily Dickinson to send him some of her poems. His friendly advice and encouragement may well have saved her poetry for all of us. Higginson's greatest achievement came in 1862 when he was chosen to command the First South Carolina Volunteers, the first freed slaves allowed to fight in the Civil War. The now classic Army Life in a Black Regiment was Higginson's chronicle and tribute to the men in his command. Thomas Wentworth Higginson was a fascinating man of many careers, but it was because of his consistent obedience to the dictates of conscience, not often found today, that he stands out as a major American."--Jacket. |
Contents
OF SALEM AND THE SEA I | 1 |
CAMBRIDGE INDOORS AND OUT | 5 |
HARVARD | 13 |
Copyright | |
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