Speaker or author: Hayden, Lewis, 1815-1889
Newspaper or publication: Boston Athenaeum -- Pamphlet Collection
Lengthy speech regarding the status of freed African Americans within the order of Freemasonry. The speaker stressed concern over growing racial prejudice within the order. He was also concerned that President Andrew Johnson was not doing anything to combat the increasing racial prejudice within the U.S. The speaker paid special attention to the wording of the Freemason doctrine regarding membership. He also gave a brief history of the order, including its goals, moral obligations and social commitment. This speech contains valuable information regarding the influence of Freemasonry in the founding of the U. S.
Description of file(s): PDF 56 page, 17,480 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Hayden, Lewis, 1815-1889
Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper
Debate between Mr. Hayden and Mr. Githell, a slaveholder, over the morality of slavery. The speaker said it was immoral to hold human beings as property. Mr. Githell's point was that while he was against slavery, each of his slaves represented a monetary investment that he wanted to be compensated for. Mr. Githell believed God would end slavery, but that this couldn't happen yet because the slave offered economic prosperity to the slaveholder.
Description of file(s): PDF 2 page, 433 word document (text and images)