"
On the capture of Washington by the British forces, it was judged
expedient to fortify, without delay, the principal towns and cities
exposed to similar attacks. The Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia
waited upon three of the principal colored citizens, namely, James
Forten, Bishop Allen, and Absalom Jones, soliciting the aid of the people
of color in erecting suitable defences for the city. Accordingly,
twenty-five hundred colored then assembled in the State-House yard, and
from thence marched to Gray's Ferry, where they labored for two days
almost without intermission. Their labors were so faithful and efficient
that a vote of thanks was tendered them by the committee. A battalion of
colored troops was at the same time organized in the city under an
officer of the United States army; and they were on the point of marching
to the frontier when peace was proclaimed.
General Jackson's proclamations to the free colored inhabitants of
Louisiana are well known. In his first, inviting them to take up arms,
he said:--
"As sons of freedom, you are now called on to defend our most inestimable
blessings.
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