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GEN. JACKSON ON COLORED CITIZENSHIP.
From the Albany Evening Journal.
Yesterday, we published Chancellor Kent’s opinion on t1he subject. To-day we have Gen. Jackson’s. The soldier agrees with the jurist in declaring colored men citizens; and that not only of Northern States, but of Louisiana and of the Union. It may not be amiss to state that Taney owes the place he now holds to the President whose opinion he scouts and contemns.
While the immense British force was approaching Louisiana, General Jackson learned that among its ranks were regiments of colored men; and he wished to excite the sentiment of loyalty in the bosoms of the colored people of that State. The condition of affairs was such that not a man could be spared from the American side.
The Government at Washington had left New Orleans utterly without defence, and the General had to avail himself of all the means within his reach to get together a force strong enough to make resistance, with something like a change in favor of success.
On the 21st of September 1814, he issued from his headquarters at Mobile an address “To the Free Colored Inhabitants of Louisiana,” in which he said:
“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 shall no longer exist.”
“As Sons of Freedom, you are called upon to defend our most inestimable blessing. As AMERICANS, your country looks with confidence for a valorous support,” &c.
“Your country, although, calling for yoru exertions, does not wish you to engage in her cause without remunerating you for the services rendered,” &c.
In another part of his address, he says to them:
“You will, undivided, receive the applause and gratitude of your countrymen.”
Again, he said: “To assure you of the sincerity of my intentions, and my anxiety to engage your invaluable services in our country, I have communicated my wishes to the Governor of Louisiana,” &c.
In an address which he issued to his colored soldiers on the 18th of December, Gen. Jackson said:
“When, on the banks of the Mobile, I called you to take up arms, inviting you to partake the perils and glory of your WHITE FELLOW CITIZENS, I expected much from you; for I was not ignorant that you possessed qualities most formidable to an invading enemy. I knew with what fortitude you could endure hunger and thirst, and all the fatigues of a campaign. I knew well how you loved YOUR NATIVE COUNTRY, and that you, as well as ourselves, had to defend what man holds most dear- his parents, wife, children, and property. You have done more than I expected. In addition to the previous qualities I before knew you to possess, I found among you a noble enthusiasm, which leads to the performance of great things.”