“The essence and significance of our devotions here today are not to be found in the fact that the men whose remains fill these graves were brave in battle. If we met simply to show our sense of bravery, we should find enough on both sides to kindle admiration. In the raging storm of fire and blood, in the fierce torrent of shot and shell, of sword and bayonet, whether on foot or on horse, unflinching courage marked the rebel not less than the loyal soldier.”

— Frederick Douglass

1870s, The Unknown Loyal Dead (1871)

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Frederick Douglass 274

American social reformer, orator, writer and statesman 1818–1895

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Frederick Douglass 274

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