January 29, 1864---Frederick Douglass addresses the troops

JANUARY 29, 1864:           

At Fair Haven, Connecticut, Frederick Douglass delivered an address to the assembled men of the 29^th and 30^th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry regiments (U.S.C.T.). In part, he said,

You are the pioneers of the liberty of your race. With the United States cap on your head, the United States eagle on your belt, the United States musket on your shoulder, not all the powers of darkness can prevent you from becoming American citizens. And not for yourselves alone are you marshaled — you are pioneers — on you depends the destiny of four millions of the colored race in this country . . . If you rise and flourish, we shall rise and flourish. If you win freedom and citizenship, we shall share your freedom and citizenship.