Chapter IV: The Royal Adventurers and the Plantations (4)

Some writers who have published accounts of their voyages, speak
of the perpetual wars between some tribes of Africa, of which the
purpose was sometimes vengeance or robbery, sometimes the most
ignominious kind of avarice, because the victor took the
prisoners to the nearest slave market in order to sell them to
the whites. One day as the boy, then seven years old, was
standing at the side of his mother who was nursing his sister, a
war of this kind of a danger that his father did not suspect
broke out against the tribe of Mmadi-Makeé. Suddenly there were
heard the frightful clashing of arms and howlings of the wounded.
Mmadi-Maké's grandfather, struck by fear, ran into the cabin
crying: "There is the enemy." Fatuma, frightened, arose. The
father hastily sought his weapon; and the little boy, terrified,
ran away as quickly as an arrow. His mother called loudly: "Where
are you going Mmadi-Maké?" The child answered: "Wherever God
wishes me to go." In his old age he often reflected upon the
great significance of these words. When he was out of the cabin,
he looked back and saw his mother and many of his father's men
fall under the blows of the enemy. He cowered down with another
boy under a tree. Struck with fear, he covered his eyes with his
hands. The fight continued. The enemy, believing themselves
already victorious, seized him, and held him aloft as a sign of
joy. At this sight, the fellow-countrymen of Mmadi-Maké cheered
their forces and rallied to save the son of their king. The
fighting began again, and while it lasted the boy was still
raised aloft. Finally the enemies were conquerors and he was
positively their prize. His master exchanged him for a fine black
horse, which another Negro gave him, and the child was taken to
the place of embarkation. There he found many of his
fellow-countrymen, all like himself, prisoners, all condemned to
slavery. With sorrow they recognized him, but they could do
nothing for him. They were even forbidden to speak to him.

When the prisoners, being taken on small boats, reached the
seashore, Mmadi-Maké saw with surprise several large vessels, on
one of which he was received with his third master. He supposed
that it was a Spanish vessel. After suffering a storm, they
landed on a coast, and the master promised the child that he
would take him to his mother. The latter, delighted, quickly saw
his hope disappear, finding instead of his mother, his master's
wife, who, moreover, received him very well, kissed him and
treated him with much kindness. Her husband named him Andrew, and
directed him to take the camels to the pasture, and watch them.

It is impossible to say of what nationality this man was, or how
long Angelo, who has now been dead twelve years, lived at his
home. This short memoir has been written down recently from the
story of his friends. But it is known that after a reasonably
long stay, his master announced to him his intention of
transporting him to a country where he would be better off.
Mmadi-Maké was greatly pleased with this. His mistress parted
from him with regret. They embarked and arrived at Messina, where
he was conducted to the home of a wealthy lady, who, it appeared,
was expecting to receive him. She treated him kindly, gave him an
instructor to teach him the language of the country, which he
learned with ease. His good nature won for him the friendship of
the numerous servants, among whom he singled out a Negress, named
Angelina, because of her gentleness, and her kindly attitude
towards him. He became dangerously ill; the Marchioness, his
mistress, gave him all the care of a mother, even to the point of
sitting up with him part of the night. The most skillful
physicians were called in and his bed was surrounded by a crowd
of persons who awaited his orders. The Marchioness had long
wished that he would be baptized. After repeated refusals, one
day, during his convalescence, he himself asked for baptism. His
mistress, very much delighted, ordered the most elaborate
preparations. In a parlor there was erected over a stately bed a
canopy richly embroidered. The entire family and all the friends
of the house were present. Mmadi-Maké, lying on this bed, was
asked concerning the name he desired to have. Because of
gratitude and his friendship for the Negress Angelina, he wished
to be named Angelo. His desire was granted, and as a family name
he was given that of Solimann. He was accustomed to celebrate
piously the day of his entrance into Christianity, the eleventh
of September, as though it were his birthday.

His goodness, his kindness, and his sense of justice made him
dear to every one. The Prince Lobkowitz, then in Sicily in the
capacity of imperial general, frequented the house where this
child lived. He experienced for him such an affection that he
made the most earnest entreaties that he be given to him. Because
of her affection for Angelo, the Marchioness could not easily
grant his request. She finally yielded to the considerations of
advantage and prudence which impelled her to make this gift to
the general. How she wept when she parted with the little Negro
who entered with repugnance the service of a new master.

The duties of the prince did not permit a long stay in this
country. He loved Angelo, but his manner of life and perhaps the
spirit of the time caused him to give very little attention to
his education. Angelo became wild and ill-tempered. He passed his
days in idleness, and children's sports. An old steward of the
prince, realizing his good heart and excellent qualities, in
spite of his thoughtlessness, procured for him a teacher, under
whom Angelo learned in seventeen days to write German. The tender
affection of the child, and his rapid progress in all the
branches of instruction, repaid the good old man for his trouble.

Thus Angelo grew up in the house of the prince. He accompanied
him on all his tours, and shared with him the perils of war. He
fought side by side with his master, whom one day he carried
wounded, on his shoulders, from the field of battle. Angelo
distinguished himself on these occasions, not only as a servant
and faithful friend, but also as an intrepid warrior, as an
experienced officer, especially in tactics, although he never had
military rank. The field marshall Lascy, who esteemed him highly,
gave, before a group of officers, a most creditable eulogy upon
his bravery, presented him with a splendid Turkish sabre, and
offered him the command of a company, which he refused.

His master died. By his will he left Angelo to the Prince
Wenceslas de Lichtenstein, who for a long time, had desired to
have him. This man asked Angelo if he were satisfied with this
arrangement and if he were willing to come to his home. To this
Angelo agreed, and made the preparations for the change necessary
in his manner of living. In the meanwhile, Emperor Francis I
called him to him, and made the same offer, with very flattering
terms. But the word of Angelo was sacred. He remained at the home
of Prince Lichtenstein. Here, as at the home of General
Lobkowitz, the tutelar genius of unhappy persons, he was
accustomed to convey to the prince the requests of those who
wished to obtain some favor. His pockets were always filled with
notes and petitions. Never being able or willing to ask favors
for himself, he fulfilled with equal zeal and success this duty
in favor of others.

Angelo followed his master on his journeys, and to Frankfort, at
the time of the coronation of Emperor Joseph, as king of the
Romans. One day, at the instigation of his prince, he tried his
luck at chance and won twenty thousand florins. He played another
game with his opponents, who again lost twenty-four thousand
florins; in playing the second game, Angelo knew how to arrange
the play so finely that the loser regained the last amount. This
fine trait of Angelo won for him admiration, and gained for him
numerous congratulations. The transient favor of chance did not
dazzle him; on the contrary, apprehending his fickleness, he
never again ventured any big sum. He amused himself with chess
and had the reputation of being one of the best players of this
game of his time.

At the age of ---- he married a widow, Madame de Christiani, née
Kellerman, of Belgium origin. The prince did not know of this
marriage. Perhaps Angelo had reasons for concealing it. A later
event has justified his silence. The Emperor Joseph II, who had a
lively interest in everything concerning Angelo and who, as a
mark of distinction, even walked arm in arm with him, made known
to Prince Lichtenstein one day, without foreseeing the
consequences, Angelo's secret. The latter called Angelo, and
questioned him. Angelo admitted his marriage. The prince
announced that he would banish him from his house, and erase his
name from his will. He had intended to give him some diamonds of
considerable value, with which Angelo was accustomed to being
decked when he followed his master on festive days.

Angelo, who had asked favors so often for others, did not say one
word for himself. He left the palace to live in a distant suburb,
in a small house bought a long time before, and transferred to
his wife. He lived with her in this retreat, enjoying domestic
happiness. The most careful education of his only daughter,
Madame the Baroness of Hoüchters-leöen, who is no longer living,
the cultivation of his garden, the social intercourse of several
learned and estimable men, were his occupations and his
pleasures.

About two years after the death of Prince Wenceslas of
Lichtenstein, his nephew and heir, the Prince Francis, saw Angelo
in the street. He ordered his carriage to be stopped, had him
enter it, and told him that, being convinced of his innocence, he
was resolved to make amends for the injustice of his uncle.
Consequently he assigned to Angelo an income revertible after his
death to Madam Solimann. The only thing which the prince asked of
Angelo was to supervise the education of his son, Louis of
Lichtenstein.

Angelo fulfilled punctiliously the duties of his new vocation,
and he went daily to the prince's home, in order to watch over
the pupil recommended to his care. The Prince, seeing that the
long walk might be difficult for Angelo, especially in inclement
weather, offered him a residence. There again was Angelo settled,
for the second time, in the Lichtenstein palace; but he took with
him his family. He lived there in retreat as before in the
company of some friends, in that of scholars, and devoted to
"belles lettres" which he constantly cultivated with zeal. His
favorite study was history. His excellent memory aided him
greatly. He could cite the names, dates, year of birth of all
illustrious persons, and noteworthy events.

His wife, who for a long time had been declining, was kept alive
several years longer, through the tender care of a husband who
lavished upon her all the aid of science; but finally she died.
From that time on Angelo made several changes in his household.
He no longer invited friends to dine with him. He never drank
anything except water as an example for his daughter, whose
education, then finished, was entirely his work. Perhaps, also,
he wished, by a strict economy to make sure the fortune of this
only daughter.

Angelo, esteemed and loved everywhere, still did much traveling
at an advanced age, sometimes in the interests of others,
sometimes to attend to his own affairs. People have recalled his
acts of kindness, and the favors that he had shown. Circumstances
having taken him to Milan, the late Archduke Ferdinand, who was
governor there, overwhelmed him with demonstrations of
friendship.

He enjoyed, to the end of his career, a robust constitution; his
appearance showed hardly any signs of old age, which caused
several mistakes and friendly disputes; for often people who had
not seen him for twenty or thirty years, mistook him for his son,
and treated him according to this error.

Suffering a stroke of apoplexy in the street, at the age of
seventy-five, people hastened to give him succor which was
useless. He died, November 21, 1796, mourned by all his friends,
who cannot think of him without emotion, and without tears. The
esteem of all men of consequence has followed him to the tomb.

Angelo was of medium stature, slender and well proportioned. The
regularity of his features and the nobleness of his carriage,
form, by their beauty, a contrast with the unfavorable opinion
generally held concerning the Negro physiognomy. An unusual
suppleness in all bodily exercises gave to his carriage and to
his movements grace and ease. Combining with all the fineness of
virtue a good judgment, ennobled by extensive and thorough
knowledge, he knew six languages, Italian, French, German, Latin,
Bohemian, and English, and besides spoke especially the first
three fluently.

Like all his fellow countrymen, he was born with an impetuous
temper. His unchangeable calmness and good nature were
consequently so much the more admirable, as they were the result
of hard fighting and many victories won over himself. He never
allowed, even when someone had irritated him, an improper
expression to escape his lips. Angelo was pious without being
superstitious. He carefully observed all religious rites, not
believing that it was beneath him to give in this way an example
to his family. His word and decisions, to which he had come after
careful consideration, were unchangeable, and nothing could
swerve him from his intention. He always wore the costume of his
country. This was a kind of very simple garment in Turkish
fashion almost always of dazzling whiteness, which accentuated to
advantage the black and shining color of his skin. His picture,
engraved at Augsburg, is found in the art gallery of
Lichtenstein.

F. HARRISON HOUGH.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] I discharge a duty in disclosing to the public the names of the persons to whom I am indebted for the biography of this estimable African, concerning whom Dr. Gall was the first to speak to me. Upon the request of my fellow-citizens, D'Hautefort, attaché to the embassy, and Dudon, First Secretary to the French legation in Austria, they hastened to satisfy my curiosity. Two estimable ladies of Vienna, Mme. Stief and Mme. Picler, worked at it with great zeal. All the details furnished by the defunct Angelo's friends were carefully collected. From this material has been written the interesting account which follows. In the French translation it loses in delicacy of style, for Mme. Picler, who wrote it down in German, possesses the rare talent of writing equally well in prose and in poetry. I take great pleasure in expressing to these kind persons my just gratitude.

DOCUMENTS

LETTERS OF NEGRO MIGRANTS OF 1916-1918[1]

The exodus of the Negroes during the World War, the most significant event in our recent internal history, may be profitably studied by reading the letters of the various migrants. The investigator has been fortunate in finding letters from Negroes of all conditions in almost all parts of the South and these letters are based on almost every topic of concern to humanity. These documents will serve as a guide in getting at the motive dominant in the minds of these refugees and at the real situation during the upheaval. As a whole, these letters throw much light on all phases of Negro life and, in setting forth the causes of unrest in the South, portray the character of the whites with whom the blacks have had to do.

These letters are of further value for information concerning the Negroes in the North. From these reliable sources the student can learn where the Negroes settled, what they engaged in, and how they have readjusted themselves in a new situation. Here may be seen the effects of the loss resulting from the absence of immigrants from Europe, the conflict of the laboring elements, the evidences of racial troubles and the menace of mob rule.

LETTERS ASKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE NORTH

GALVESTON, TEXAS,
this 24th day of May, 1917.

_Sir_: Please inform me of a situation, please ans. if fill out
or not so I will no. answer at once.

DALLAS, TEX.,
April 23, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: Having been informed through the Chicago Defender
paper that I can secure information from you. I am a constant
reader of the Defender and am contemplating on leaving here for
some point north. Having your city in view I thought to inquire
of you about conditions for work, housing, wages and everything
necessary. I am now employed as a laborer in a structural shop,
have worked for the firm five years.

I stored cars for Armour packing co. 3 years, I also claims to
know something about candy making, am handy at most anything for
an honest living. I am 31 yrs. old have a very industrious wife,
no children. If chances are available for work of any kind let me
know. Any information you can give me will be highly appreciated.

SAVANNAH, GA., April 24, 1917.

_Sir_: I saw an advertisement in the Chicago Ledger where you
would send tickets to any one desireing to come up there. I am a
married man with a wife only, and I am 38 years of age, and both
of us have so far splendid health, and would like very much to
come out there provided we could get good employment regarding
the advertisement.

WINSTON-SALEM, N. N., April 23, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: Colored people of this place who know you by note of
your great paper the Age and otherwise desire to get information
from you of jobs of better opportunities for them and better
advantages.

You will do us a great favor to answer us in advance.

MOBILE, ALA., June 11, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: Will you please send me the name of the society in
Chicago that cares for colored emigrants who come north
seeking-employment sometime ago I saw the name of this society in
the defender but of late it does not appear in the paper so I
kindly as you please try and get the name of this society and
send the same to me at this city.

MOBILE, ALA., April 27, 1917.

_Sir_: Your advertisement appearing in the Chicago Defender have
influenced me to write to you with no delay. For seven previous
years I bore the reputation of a first class laundress in Selma.
I have much experience with all of the machines in this laundry.
This laundry is noted for its skillful work of neatness and ect.
We do sample work for different laundries of neighboring cities,
viz. Montgomery, Birmingham and Mobile once or twice a year. At
preseant I do house work but would like to get in touch with the
Chicago ----. I have an eager desire of a clear information how
to get a good position. I have a written recommendation from the
foreman of which I largely depend upon as a relief. You will do
me a noble favor with an answer in the earliest possible moment
with a description all about the work.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., 4-25-17.

_Dear Sir_: in reading a copy of the Chicago defender note that
if i get in touch with you you would assist me in getting
imployment. i am now imployed in Florida East coast R R service
road way department any thing in working line myself and friends
would be very glad to get in touch with as labors. We would be
more than glad to do so and would highly appreciate it the very
best we can advise where we can get work to do, fairly good wages
also is it possible that we could get transportation to the
destination. We are working men with familys. Please answer at
once, i am your of esteem. We are not particular about the
electric lights and all i want is fairly good wages and steady
work.

Pensacola, Fla., April 28, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: I seen in the Chicago Defender where men was wanted
in small towns near Chicago at fair wages. As i want to lokate in
the north i thought it very nessary to consult you in the
direction of this work, hoping to receive from you full
pertikulars i a wate a reply.

ATLANTA, GA., April 30, 1917.

_Sir_: I would thank you kindly to explain to me how you get work
and what term I am comeing to Chicago this spring and would like
to know jest what to do would thank and appreciate a letter from
you soon telling me the thing that I wont to know.

VICKSBURG, MISS., May the 5th, 1917.

_Sir_: Just wants you to give me a few words of enfermation of
labor situations in your city or south Dakota grain farms what is
their offers and their adress. Will thank you for any enfermation
given of same.

FULLERTON, LA., April 28, 1917.

_Dear sir_: I was reading about you was neading labor ninety
miles of Chicago what is the name of the place and what R R
extends ther i wants to come north and i wants a stedy employment
ther what doe you pay per day i dont no anything about molding
works but have been working around machinery for 10 years. Let me
no what doe you pay for such work and can you give me a job of
that kind or a job at common labor and let me no your prices and
how many hours for a day.

MARCEL, MISS., 10/4/17.

_Dear Sir_: Although I am a stranger to you but I am a man of the
so called colored race and can give you the very best or
reference as to my character and ability by prominent citizens of
my community by both white and colored people that knows me
although am native of Ohio whiles I am a northern desent were
reared in this state of Mississippi. Now I am a reader of your
paper the Chicago Defender. After reading your writing ever wek I
am compell & persuade to say that I know you are a real man of my
color you have I know heard of the south land & I need not tell
you any thing about it. I am going to ask you a favor and at the
same time beg you for your kind and best advice. I wants to come
to Chicago to live. I am a man of a family wife and 1 child I can
do just any kind of work in the line of common labor & I have for
the present sufficient means to support us till I can obtain a
position. Now should I come to your town, would you please to
assist me in getting a position I am willing to pay whatever you
charge I dont want you to loan me not 1 cent but _help_ me to
find an occupation there in your town now I has a present
position that will keep me employed till the first of Dec. 1917.
now please give me your best advice on this subject. I enclose
stamp for reply.

BEAUMONT, TEX., May 14, 1917.

_My dear Sir_: Please write me particulars concerning emigration
to the north. I am a skilled machinist and longshoreman.

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA., May 31, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: pleas inform me of the best place in the north for
the colored people of the South, I am coming north and I want to
know of a good town to stop in. I enclose stamp for reply.

SANFORD, FLA., April 27, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: I have seen through the Chicago Defender that you and
the people of Chicago are helping newcomers. I am asking you for
some information about conditions in some small town near
Chicago.

There are some families here thinking of moving up, and are
desirous of knowing what to expect before leaving. Please state
about treatment, work, rent and schools. Please answer at some
spare time.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: Seeing you ad in the defender I am writing you to
please give me some information concerning positions--unskilled
labor or hotel work, waiter, porter, bell boy, clothes cleaning
and pressing. I am experienced in those things, especially in the
hotel line. am 27 years of age, _good health_--have a wife--wish
you could give me information as I am not ready to come up at
present. would be thankful if you could arrange with some one who
would forward transportation for me and wife. would be very glad
to hear from you as soon as convenient. Thanking you in advance
for interest shown me.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., April 23, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: Reading a article in the 21st issue of the Chicago
Defender about the trouble you had to obtain men for work out of
Chicago and also seeing a advertisement for men in Detroit saying
to apply to you I beg to state to you that if your could secure
me a position in or around Chicago or any northern section with
fairly good wages & good living conditions for myself and family
I will gladly take same and if ther could be any ways of sending
me transportation I will gladly let you or the firm you get me
position with deduct transportation fee out of my salary. as I
said before I will gladly take position in northern city or
county where a mans a man here are a few positions which I am
capable of holding down. Laborer, expirance porter, butler or
driver of Ford car. Thaking you in advance for your kindness, beg
to remain.

CEDAR GROVE, LA., April 23, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: to day I was advise by the defendent offices in your
city to communicate with you in regards to the labor for the
colored of the south as I was lead to beleave that you was in
position of firms of your city & your near by surrounding towns
of Chicago. Please state me how is the times in & around Chicago
for the colored laboring man of the south & the average salary of
the labor man & the rates of room & ordanary board. Kindly state
to me just in every prticly that you no of that I have asked. I
will be in your city on or before six weeks from date above and
desire to becom a citizen of same. Please reply me at wonce. i
enclos stamp for quick action. When i arive you city i will be
more than glad to apply at your place as i wish to thank you in
advance for any asistance that you will do for me or tell me.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., 5-5-17.

_Dear Sir_: Am applying for a position in your city if there be
any work of my trade. I am a water pipe corker and has worked
foreman on subservice drainage and sewer in this city for ten
(10) years. I am now out of work and want to leave this city. I
am a man of family therefore I am very anxious for an immediate
reply. Please find enclosed self addressed envelop for return
answer.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., 5-5-17.

_Dear Sirs_: I was advised by the Chicago Defender to get in
touch with you if I desired to locate in or around Chicago. I
write this to find out what kind of work that you have on slate.
I expect to locate in or around Chicago by the first of June.

ANNISTON, ALA., April 29, 1918.

_Dear sir_: I read a peas in the defender about the member com
north I shall be vary glad to com in touch with you, as am
planing on coming north and I riting you that you mite no of som
good town in that secson I am a carpenter by traid and I would
like for you to locate in me as I should not like to com in that
secson with out no enfremation.

CHARLESTON, S. C., Feb. 10, 1917.

_Gentlemen_: Upon reading the N. Y. age, have seen where there
are need of employees in some sugar concern in New York. Kindly
answer this letter, and tell me the nature of the work.

As I am from the south and it is an average difficulty for a
southerner to endure the cold without being climatize. If it is
possiable for you to get any other job for me regardless to its
nature just since the work is indoor I'll appreciate the same.

As it is understood the times in the south is very hard and one
can scarcely live. Kindly take the matters into consideration,
and reply to my request at your earliest convenience.

CHARLESTON, S. C., May 25, 1917.

_Sir_: Having been informed that you can secure jobs for people
who desire to leave the south, I would like to get information
about the conditions and wages either in Niagra or Detroit. I
would prefer work in a factory in either town. Also advise as to
climate.

_Dear Sirs_: Having heard of you through a friend of mine, I
thought that I would write asking you to please send me full
information as to conditions and chances for the advancement of
the negro in the north.

I am seeking for the opportunity and chance of advancement as far
as my ability is capable as I am a negro my self.

I would like very much to get in touch with you if think that you
can give me some assistance along the line which I have spoken.

MIAMI, FLA., May 4, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: Some time ago down this side it was a rumour about
the great work going on in the north. But at the present time
every thing is quite there, people saying that all we have been
hearing was false until I caught hold of the Chicago Defender I
see where its more positions are still open. Now I am very
anxious to get up there. I follows up cooking. I also was a
stevedor. I used to have from 150 to 200 men under my charge.
They thought I was capable in doing the work and at the meantime
I am willing to do anything. I have a wife and she is a very good
cook. She has lots of references from the north and south. Now
dear sir if you can send me a ticket so I can come up there and
after I get straightened out I will send for my wife. You will
oblige me by doing so at as early date as possible.

_Dear Sirs_: I am now looking for a location and am a man hunting
work and there is so many has left the South for the north and
Seemes as they are all gone to one place now please send the
names of some firms that wants labor i am a Man who Beleave in
right and Beleave in work and has worked all of my days and mean
to work till i die and Never been No kind of trouble and never
has to be made work.

Now i will Cloes, hoping to here from you Soon Yours Very Truly,

NEW ORLEANS, LA., 4/24/17

_Dear Sirs_: Being desirous of leaving the South for the
beterment of my condition generaly and seeking a Home Somewhere
in Ill' Chicago or some other prosperious Town I am at sea about
the best place to locate having a family dependent on me for
support. I am informed by the Chicago Defender a very valuable
paper which has for its purpose the Uplifting of my race, and of
which I am a constant reader and real lover, that you were in
position to show some light to one in my condition.

Seeking a Northern Home. If this is true Kindly inform me by next
mail the next best thing to do Being a poor man with a family to
care for, I am not coming to live on flowry Beds of ease for I am
a man who works and wish to make the best I can out of life I do
not wish to come there hoodwinked not knowing where to go or what
to do so I Solicite your help in this matter and thanking you in
advance for what advice you may be pleased to Give I am yours for
success.

P.S. I am presently imployed in the I C RR. Mail Department at
Union Station this city.

PALESTINE, TEX., Mar. 11th, 1917.

_Sirs_: this is somewhat a letter of information I am a colored
Boy aged 15 years old and I am talented for an artist and I am in
search of some one will Cultivate my talent I have studied
Cartooning therefore I am a Cartoonist and I intend to visit
Chicago this summer and I want to keep in touch with your
association and too from you knowledge can a Colored boy be an
artist and make a white man's salary up there I will tell you
more and also send a fiew samples of my work when I rec an answer
from you.

TOPEKA, KANSAS, May 1st, 1917.

_The Editor of The Chicago Defender._

_My Dear Sir_: Being a regular reader of your most valuable paper
(The Defender) I am impressed with the seeming unlimited interest
that paper is taking in the welfare of the army of emigrants
comeing from the south.

This alone without the knowledge of its incomparable service as a
link in the chain that should bind our people together more
closely through out the country, should demand its presence in
every negro home of this country. In keeping in touch with the
doings of our people in the east and northern states through the
Defender. To the Majority of the Middle western race people it
seem quite improbable that opportunities for good wage earning
positions such as factory work and too a chance for advancement
would be given to the workers of our race.

Such conditions in this part of the country to my knowledge is
rare. Noteing in the issue of last weeks paper through the
investigation into certain matter concerning our people some
appearantly well organized league found openings for negro
workmen in some parts of Wis. and Ill. that could not be filled.

As I for one that am not satisfied to content myself with little
and to remain in the same old rut for the sake of lengthy
assiation and fair treatment I am making My appeal to you in your
wide aquaintence with conditions to help me to take advangage of
an oppertunity that I might other wise miss.

I am mechanically inclined also with the advantage of a course
with the International Correspondance School in Automobile work
and with several years experience. I am not afraid of any kind of
work that pays.

Will kindly ask you to help me all you can at my expense and I
will be very grateful to you.

GONZALES, TEXAS, May 28, 1917.

NEW YORK AGE, New York, N. Y.

_Gentlemen_: I wish to know if a man from the south come north,
such as common laborer, stationery engineer, gasoline engineer,
fireman or janitor able to care for heating plants ets. and able
to pay his own way there, is there a likelihood of finding
lucrative employment?

I would be plased to have you advise me on the same as myself and
several other men of good morals and sober habits and who are
able to bear our own expenses would like to better our conditions
by coming North.

If you can advise us or Know of any one or place that we can get
the desired information please give us the benefit of the same.

Find stamp enclosed for answer.

HOUSTON, TEXAS, April 20, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: wanted to leave the South and Go and Place where a
man will Be any thing Except A Ker I thought would write you for
Advise As where would be a Good Place for a Comporedly young man
That want to Better his Standing who has a very Promising young
Family.

I am 30 years old and have Good Experence in Freight Handler and
Can fill Position from Truck to Agt.

would like Chicago or Philadelphia But I dont Care where so long
as I Go where a man is a man Hopeing hear of you soon as I want
to leave on or about 15 day of May I am yours as Ever.

TEMPLE, TEXAS, April 29, 1917.

MR. T. ARNOLD HILL, 3719 State St., Chicago, Ill.

_Dear Sir_: Being a reader of the Defender and young man seeking
to better my conditions in the business world, I have decided to
leave this State for North or West. I would like to get in touch
with a person or firm that I might know where I can secure steady
work. I would certainly appericate any information you might be
able to give. I finished the course in Blacksmithing and
horseshoeing at Prairie View College this State and took special
wood working in Hampton Institute Hampton Va. Have been in
practical business for several years also I am specializing auto
work. I am a married man a member of the church. Thanking you in
advance for any favors Am very truly

ROME, GA., 5/16/17

_Dear Sir_: "Ive" just read your ad in the Chicago Definder on
getting employment. So I will now ask you to do the best you can
for me. Now, Mr. ----, I am not a tramp by any means, I am a high
class churchman and business man.

I am the Daddy of the Transfer Business in this city. And carried
it on for teen years. Seven years ago I sold out to a white
Concern.

I prefer a job in a Retail furniture store if I can be placed
"Ill' now name a few things that I do. Viz I can repair and
Finish furniture, I am an Exspert packer & Crater of furniture, I
pack China, Cut Glass & Silver ware.

I can Enamel, Grain & paint furniture. I can repair Violins,
Guitars, & Mandolins, I am a first-class Umbrella Man, I can do
any thing that can be do to Umbrella & parasol, I can manage a
Transfer Business, I understand all about Shipping H. H. Goods &
gurniture, I can make out Bills of Lading & write tags for the
same.

Now if you can place me on any of these Trades it will be all
O.K.

HOUSTON TEX April., 30, 1917.

_Sir_: I read in the Chicago Defender April the 28 inst that you
wonted men to labor in mills sir Eff you Cand Get me a joB to doo
it will be Hiley orpresheAted I am A masster firman I cand handle
oil or I cand Burn Cole Keep up my pumps in Good order and i is
A no. 1 masheane helper I cand doo moste eny thange around the
mill and if you cand Get me a joB I Will hiley orpresheate it

And I Will Ask you to send me a pass for self and wife and when I
Come take out my fare out off my work so pleas let me here from
You at once I wonter com at once Cand Come recker-mended pleaS
oBlige

ATLANTA, GA., May 1/1917.

MR. ARNOLD HILL.

_Dear Sire_: I am a glazer and want information on My line of
work. I am a cutter and can do anything in a glazing room.

I reads the Defender and like it so much, hoping to hear from you
soon

BROOK HAVEN, MISS., 4/24/1917.

CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE.

_Sirs_: I was reading in the defender that theare was good
openings for Men in Smalle towns near Chicago would like to know
if they are seeking loborers or mechanics I am going to come
north in a few days and would rather try to have me a position in
view would you kindly advise me along this line as I am not
particular about locateing in the city all I desire is a good
position where I can earn a good liveing I am experienced in
plumbing and all kinds of metal roofing and compositeon roofing
an ans from you on this subject would certainly be appreciated
find enclosed addressed envelop for reply I wait your early reply
as I want to leave here not later than May 8th I remain
respectfully yours,

P. S. will say that I am a Man of family dont think that I am
picking my Job as any position in any kind of shop would be
appreciated have had 12 years experience in pipe fitting.

PINE BLUFF, ARK., 4/23-17.

MR. R. S. ABBOTT

_Kine frind_: I am riting you asting you to see if you can get me
a job with some of the ship bilders I am a carpenter & can Do
most iny thing so if you can get me a job pleas rite me at once.

PENSACOLA, FLA., 4-29/17.

_Dear Sir_: I was looking over The Chicago Defender & I saw where
you wanting mins to work & the meantime was advanceing
transportation if it is so i would thank you kindly if you will
aid me with a Transportation that i may come and get some of
thoes jobs thae i am a painter by traid but i will & can do eny
kind of worke i am a sober and hard working Man my weight is 179
Lbs heigth 6 ft 2 in i see where you can use sum moulders i am
not a Moulder but I am a moulder son I can do that worke till the
Moulder Come very skilful at eny kind of work Hoping to here from
you Soon for more rezult.

PATTERSON, LA., May 1, 1917.

_Kind Sir_: I saw your ad in the Defender for Laborers I am
anxious to get north to do something I am a Cleaner and Presser
by Trade exprence Hoffman Pressing mashine oppreator of this
Trade is Not in your line. I would be very glad if you could get
me a Transportation Advanced from Chicago to woek with the
Molders I am anxious to lean That Trade I hope you with them and
I would like to learn the Trade.

I hope you will attend to the above matter as I am in Eanest
about this matter.

ATLANTA, GA.

TO THE URBAN COMMITTY--

_Dear Sir_: I am comming north and have read advice in the
Chicago Defender and I would be very much obliged to you if you
would direct me to some firm that is in need of brick layers for
that is my Professical trade and can do any class of work and if
I can't get Brick Work now I will consider any other good Job as
I want to come right away I have 3 in fambly and I have no
objection to work in other small towns I will be very glad to
hear from you right away as I have never been north and advice
will be excepted yours truly and friend of the race.

HATTIESBURG, MISS., 12/4/16.

HON. JOHN T. CLARK, _Sec. National League on Urban Conditions_,
New York City, N.Y.

_Sir_: I am writing you on matters pertaining to work and
desirable locations for industrous and trust worthy laborers. Me
for myself and a good number of Friends especially thousand of
our people are moving out from this section of whom all can be
largely depended upon for good service, for the past 15 years I
have been engaged in insurance work of which I am at the head of
one now, And have a large host of people at my command. I have
had a deal of experience in the lumbering business, Hotel, Agency
of most any kind. Any information as to employment and desirable
locations especially for good School Conditions Church Etc., will
be appreciated.

FAYETTE, GA., January 17, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: I have learned of the splendid work which you are
doing in placing colored men in touch with industrial
opportunities. I therefore write you to ask if you have an
opening anywhere for me. I am a college graduate and understand
Bookkeeping. But I am not above doing hard labor in a foundry or
other industrial establishment. Please let me know if you can
place me.

NATCHEZ, MISS., Sept. 22-17.

MR. R. S. ABBOTT, _Editor_.

_Dear Sir_: I thought that you might help me in Some way either
personally or through your influence, is why I am worrying you
for which I beg pardon.

I am a married man having wife and mother to support, (I mention
this in order to properly convey my plight) conditions here are
not altogether good and living expenses growing while wages are
small. My greatest desire is to leave for a better place but am
unable to raise the money.

I can write short stories all of which potray negro characters
but no burlesque can also write poems, have a gift for cartooning
but have never learned the technicalities of comic drawing, these
things will never profit me anything here in Natchez. Would like
to know if you could use one or two of my short stories in serial
form in your great paper they are very interesting and would
furnish good reading matter. By this means I could probably leave
here in short and thus come in possession of better employment
enabling me to take up my drawing which I like best.

Kindly let me hear from you and if you cannot favor me could you
refer me to any Negro publication buying fiction from their race.

BATON ROUGE, LA., 4/26/17.

_Dear Sir_: I saw your advertisement in the Chicago Defender. I
am planning to move North this summer. I am one of the R. F. D.
Mail Carriers of Baton Rouge. As you are in the business of
securing Jobs for the newcomers, I thought possibly you could
give some information concerning a transfer or a vacancy, in the
government service, such, as city carrier, Janitor, or something
similar that requires an ordinary common school education.
Possibly you could give me information about some good firm, that
pays from, $3.50 upwards. If I could get a Job with a good
reliable firm I would not mind quitting the government service, I
have been a Mail carrier for 11 years.

I want to buy property and locate in Chicago permently with my
family.

Please let me know what are your charges for securing positions.

DECATUR, ALA., 4/25/17.

THE CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE

_Gentlemen_: Gentlemens desious of Settling in some Small
Northern Town With a modrate Population & also Where a Colored
man may open a business Also where one may receive fairly good
wedges for a While ontill well enough, azainted with Place to do
a buiseness in other words Wonts to locate in Some Coming town
Were agoodly no, of colard People is. Wonts to Work At Some
occupation ontill I can arrange for other buiseness Just Give Me
information As to the best placers for a young buiseness Negro to
locate & make good. in. Any Northern State

Thanking you inavance any information you may give in regards to
Laber & buiseness Location Also when good Schools or in opration
Please adress

P. S. answer this at once as I plain to leave the South by May
the 3rd. I can furnish best reffreces.

DYERSBURG, TENNESSEE, 5/20, 1917.

THE DEFENDER, NEGRO NEWS JOURNAL,

_My dear Sir_: Please hand this letter to the Agency of the negro
Employment Bureau--connected with your department--that I may
receive a reply from the same--I am a practical fireman--, or
stoker as the yankee people call it--have a good knowledge of
operating machinery--have been engaged in such work for some 20
yrs--will be ready to call--or come on demand--I am a married
man--just one child, a boy about 15 yrs--of--age--a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church--and aspire to better my condition in
life--Do me the kindness to hand this to the agent.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

I seen your advertisement in the Chicago defender where you would
direct men with families where to go in order to find good work.
I am a Southern cook, butler or Janitor I have two boys age 15
yrs & 13 yrs, and wife that does maid work now I would like for
you to help me locate myself & family some where up there for
work I can furnish reference to thirteen years of service at one
place I am anxious to come right away.

LEXINGTON, MISS., May 12-17.

_My dear Mr. H----:_--I am writing to you for some information
and assistance if you can give it.

I am a young man and am disable, in a very great degree, to do
hard manual labor. I was educated at Alcorn College and have been
teaching a few years: but ah: me the Superintendent under whom we
poor colored teachers have to teach cares less for a colored man
than he does for the vilest beast. I am compelled to teach 150
children without any assistance and receives only $27.00 a month,
the white with 30 get $100.

I am so sick I am so tired of such conditions that I sometime
think that life for me is not worth while and most eminently
believe with Patrick Henry "Give me liberty or give me death." If
I was a strong able bodied man I would have gone from here long
ago, but this handicaps me and, I must make inquiries before I
leap.

Mr. H----, do you think you can assist me to a position I am good
at stenography typewriting and bookkeeping or any kind of work
not to rough or heavy. I am 4 feet 6 in high and weigh 105
pounds.

I will gladly give any other information you may desire and will
greatly appreciate any assistance you may render me.

PASCA GOULA, MISS., May the 8, 1917.

_Dear Sir & frend:_ as understand that you ar the man for me to
con for to & i want to Com to you & my frend & i has not got the
money to Com Will you pleas Sir send me & my frend a ticket to
Com an if you will I will glad La Com at onC & will worK et out
will Be glad to do so I will not ask you to send the redey Casch
for you dont nae me & if you Will Send me 2 tickets i will gladly
take the, & i will Com Jest now hoping to hear from you by re
torn male Yors Evor.

MEMPHIS, TENN., May 5, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: I saw your add in the Chicago Defender papa and me
being a firman and a all around man I thought I would write you.
prehaps You might could do me lots of good, and if you can use me
any way write me and let me No. in my trade or in foundry work.
all so I got a boy 19 years old he is pretty apt in Learning I
would Like to get him up there and Learn him a trade and I have
several others would come previding if there be an opening for
them. So this is all ans. soon

ALGIERS, LA., May 16-17.

_Sir_: I saw sometime ago in the Chicago Defender, that you
needed me for different work, would like to state that I can
bring you all the men that you need, to do anything of work. or
send them, would like to Come my self Con recomend all the men I
bring to do any kind of work, and will give satisfaction; I have
bin foreman for 20 yrs over some of these men in different work
from R. R. work to Boiler Shop machine shop Blacksmith shop
Concreet finishing or puting down pipe or any work to be did.
they are all hard working men and will work at any kind of work
also plastering anything in the labor line, from Clerical work
down, I will not bring a man that is looking for a easy time only
hard working men, that want good wages for there work, let me
here from you at once,

ELLISVILLE, MISS., 5/1/17.