Page:A legal review of the case of Dred Scott, as decided by the Supreme Court of the United States.djvu/64

62, at the first session of the tenth congress. It thus appears, not only that three of the first five presidents of the United States, two of them men who had taken as great part as any in framing our national policy and system of government, spoke of colored men as citizens of the United States; but that the government made the defence of their rights as citizens, a cause for putting the nation in a hostile attitude towards a foreign power.

We may also well allude in this connection to the proclamation issued by General Jackson, dated Mobile, September 21, 1814, addressed "to the free colored inhabitants of Louisiana," in which he says:—"Through a mistaken policy you have heretofore been deprived of a participation in the glorious struggle for national rights in which our country is engaged. This no longer shall exist. As sons of freedom, you are now called upon to defend our most inestimable blessing. As Americans, your country looks with confidence to her adopted children for a valorous support, as a faithful return for the advantages enjoyed under her mild and equitable government. On enrolling yourselves in companies, the major-general commanding will select officers for your government, from your white fellow citizens. Your non-commissioned officers will be appointed from among yourselves."