assumptions of superiority on their part. I might be so situated that it
would be wisdom to submit, to bend to a lie, to lead the life of a
martyr, as some noble men of my acquaintance do under such
circumstances. But, fortunately, I can afford to be independent, and I
shall do so and take the risk of bodily violence.

"You have now my plan of life and my reasons for it. I shall adhere to
it under all ordinary circumstances. Nevertheless, if Providence calls
me to some work where great good can be done, I will sacrifice my
independence and take up the load of misfortune which prejudice imposes,
if that is required, and try to bear meekly the burden and do my duty in
the battle of life. But I hope this may not be required of me. Around my
home, as you know, are many immigrants, foreign-born, who do not inherit
or feel the prejudice against color. My family is already one of the
wealthiest and most influential in our little community. With such
property as I have and can readily gain, and with such school-teaching
and political teaching as I can do, it is a settled thing that our
standing will be at the head of society and business, so far as we have
any such distinctions among us. To refer to the matter of color in a
business light, I may remind you that its trace is very faint in our
family line. Already it has entirely disappeared in my own person. With
wealth and position it will be to me at home as though it were not; and
when my dear mother passes away it will disappear entirely and be
speedily lost to memory. I do not mean by this to shirk the position of
the colored man, of which I have had a bitter taste. I only mean to show
you the brightness and hope of my situation. I trust that you will
approve of the course which I have marked out, and give me some credit
for courage in meeting and conquering the grisly terror, the base lie,
which sought to blast my life."