HELPING THE BLACKS - 1866

NEGRO, BLACKS

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 7/13/2016 at 16:27:48

Dubuque Daily Herald, Sep. 30, 1866

HELPING THE BLACKS – The negro roustabouts of the Key City, who left the boat for an increase in wages, are hanging about the levee without a morsel to eat or a cent in their pockets, and would starve to death for all the notice the abolitionists take of them. The copperheads are their true friends in their hour of need. They have furnished them with victuals and besides the $25 previously, collected $15 last Friday to relieve their wants. Many a needy boatman have given liberally to keep the poor blacks from starving, and they are beginning to find out who are their true friends. The rivermen, that is the white roustabouts and deck hands, take a lively interest in their welfare, and will see to it that the poor negro is supplied with food and clothing if nothing more. The boarding houses, groceries and bakeries downtown contributed a certain amount to keep the 30 blacks from starving.