Description
“Colored People in Kansas.” - The idea is prevalent in the minds of many people that Kansas is becoming so overrun with negroes, that few of the fugitives can find employment and are, as a consequence, in destitute circumstances. This is all a delusion. There is plenty of work for all to do.
The Leavenworth Conservative says “it is amusing to notice the various effects produced by newly attained freedom upon the contrabands of all ages, sizes, and conditions, who come over from Missouri.
All are in good spirits, and some evince astonishment at themselves for what they have accomplished. Some walk about town with hearts overflowing with joy, and, scarcely knowing how to enjoy themselves best, while others commence to look about for employment as soon as they arrive The latter class are in the majority.
We have never heard one of them, however poor his prospects are of obtaining work and supporting himself, wish himself back again to his master. Freedom outweighs all other considerations - always has and always will. It’s born in every man, and can’t be obliterated from his heart.
We saw several negro women and children yesterday morning, whose masters had taken from them all their clothes - probably to clothe his young butternuts in, scarcely leaving them enough for decency. These slaves said their masters had always treated them well until they tried to run away, but all the kind treatment in the world was not as good as freedom in the most abject poverty and want. That’s the way they all feel and have always felt throughout the South.”"Date(s) of Creation
8/23/1863
