Page:The rising son, or, The antecedents and advancement of the colored race (IA risingsonthe00browrich).pdf/537

 Few of our American poets have written verses more pointed against existing evils, than Frances Ellen Harper. Her eloquent poem, "To the Union Savers of Cleveland," on the return of a fugitive slave to her master at the South, will always be read with a feeling of indignation against the people of the North who could suffer such things to be done.

"The Slave Mother" will stand alongside of Whittier's best poems on the "Peculiar Institution." The poems on "The Proclamation," and the "Fifteenth Amendment," will be read by her race with delight in after ages.

All of Mrs. Harper's writings are characterized by chaste language, much thought, and a soul-stirring ring that are refreshing to the reader.

As a speaker, she ranks deservedly high; her arguments are forcible, her appeals pathetic, her logic fervent, her imagination fervid, and her delivery original and easy. Mrs. Harper is dignified both in public and in private, yet witty and sociable. She is the ablest colored lady who has ever appeared in public in our country, and is an honor to the race she represents.

In person, Mrs. Harper is tall, and of neat figure; mulatto in color, bright eyes, smiling countenance, and intelligent in conversation.

WILLIAM F. BUTLER.

Mr. Butler is a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and came to the States in 1853. Three years later, he