19th century AD

Ebony, March, 2005 by Lerone Bennett, Jr.

HARRIET TUBMAN

Col. Montgomery and his gallant band of 300 black soldiers, under the guidance of a black woman, dashed into the enemy's country, struck a bold and effective blow, destroying millions of dollars worth of commissary stores, cotton and lordly dwellings, and striking terror into the heart of rebeldom ... [Col. Montgomery addressed the troops] and "was followed by a speech from the black woman, who led the raid, and under whose inspiration it was originated and conducted. For sound sense and real native eloquence, her address would do honor to any man, and it created a great sensation ... Since the rebellion she has devoted herself to her great work of delivering the bondsman, with an energy and sagacity that cannot be exceeded. Many and many times she has penetrated the enemy's lines and discovered their situation and condition, and escaped without injury, but not without extreme hazard." [Emphasis supplied]