Wade, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin) (1800-1878) [Extract from a speech regarding Wade's opposition to President Andrew Johnson's reconstruction policies]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01407 Author/Creator: Wade, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin) (1800-1878) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Manuscript signed Date: 18 January 1866 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 13.1 cm. Order a Copy
Wade elaborates on his unwavering political stance, especially supporting the patriotism and loyal of black Americans who served gallantly in the Civil War. States: "Now Sir I say to President Johnson, to the Democratic party, and to the people of the United States, that I will never yield the controversy -- until all men in America shall stand upon an equal footing -- equal before the law in every respect ... I was one of those who was an early advocate of bringing those colored people into your army invoking their aid to put down the rebellion ... Would I lend my voice and vote to induce that people to jeopard their lives in defense of their country and then turn them over to ... their enemies?"
Wade served as a United States Senator from Ohio 1851-1868.
[excerpt]
... Now Sir I say to President John[3]son, to the Democratic party, and to the people of the United States, that I will never yield the controversy-untill all men in America shall stand upon an equal footing - equal before the law in every respect. -
When they will fix it so that, that can be done. I will give up the controversy in which I have been engaged for so many years, and no man will rejoice more than I that I have been relieved from it. -
I was one of those who was an early advocate of bringing those colored people into your army invoking their aid to put down the rebellion. Over and over did I urge it upon the Executive two years before it took effect. Their employment in that capacity enforces upon me a duty. Would I lend my voice and my vote to induce that people to jeopardy their lives in defense of their country and then turn them over to the mercy their enemies & Sir the man that would do it deliberately and [4] knowingly is the meanest of Gods creatures, tempt them into the service let them fight through the war, and then desert them to their enemies to be destroyed…
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