The Struggle for an Education

One day, while at work in the coal-mine, I happened to overhear two miners talking about a great school for coloured people somewhere in Virginia. This was the first time that I had ever heard anything about any kind of school or college that was more pretentious than the little coloured school in our town.

One day, while working in the coal mine, I overheard two miners talking. They spoke of a great school for Black people somewhere in Virginia. Until then, I had never heard of a school or college more impressive than the little Black school in our town.

In the darkness of the mine I noiselessly crept as close as I could to the two men who were talking. I heard one tell the other that not only was the school established for the members of any race, but the opportunities that it provided by which poor but worthy students could work out all or a part of the cost of a board, and at the same time be taught some trade or industry.

In the darkness of the mine, I crept silently as close as I could to the two men talking. I heard one man tell the other that the school was open to people of any race. The school also gave poor but worthy students opportunities to work to pay all or part of their room and board. At the same time, they could learn a trade or industry.

As they went on describing the school, it seemed to me that it must be the greatest place on earth, and not even Heaven presented more attractions for me at that time than did the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Virginia, about which these men were talking. I resolved at once to go to that school, although I had no idea where it was, or how many miles away, or how I was going to reach it; I remembered only that I was on fire constantly with one ambition, and that was to go to Hampton. This thought was with me day and night.

As they continued describing the school, it seemed to me like the greatest place on earth. At that time, not even Heaven seemed more appealing than the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Virginia, which these men were discussing. I decided at once to go to that school. But I had no idea where it was, how many miles away it was, or how I would get there. I remember only that I was constantly burning with one ambition: to go to Hampton. The thought stayed with me day and night.

After hearing of the Hampton Institute, I continued to work for a few months longer in the coal-mine. While at work there, I heard of a vacant position in the household of General Lewis Ruffner, the owner of the salt-furnace and coal-mine. Mrs. Viola Ruffner, the wife of General Ruffner, was a “Yankee” woman from Vermont. Mrs. Ruffner had a reputation all through the vicinity for being very strict with her servants, and especially with the boys who tried to serve her. Few of them remained with her more than two or three weeks. They all left with the same excuse: she was too strict. I decided, however, that I would rather try Mrs. Ruffner’s house than remain in the coal-mine, and so my mother applied to her for the vacant position. I was hired at a salary of $5 per month.

After hearing about the Hampton Institute, I continued working in the coal mine for a few more months. While working there, I heard about an open position in the household of General Lewis Ruffner. He owned the salt furnace and coal mine. His wife, Mrs. Viola Ruffner, was a “Yankee” woman from Vermont. Throughout the area, Mrs. Ruffner was known for being very strict with her servants, especially the boys who tried to work for her. Few of them stayed more than two or three weeks. They all left with the same excuse: she was too strict. Still, I decided I would rather try working at Mrs. Ruffner’s house than stay in the coal mine. So my mother applied to Mrs. Ruffner for the position on my behalf. I was hired at a salary of $5 per month.

I had heard so much about Mrs. Ruffner’s severity that I was almost afraid to see her, and trembled when I went into her presence. I had not lived with her many weeks, however, before I began to understand her. I soon began to learn that, first of all, she wanted everything kept clean about her, that she wanted things done promptly and systematically, and that at the bottom of everything she wanted absolute honesty and frankness. Nothing must be sloven or slipshod; every door, every fence, must be kept in repair.

I had heard so much about how strict Mrs. Ruffner was that I was almost afraid to meet her. I trembled when I went to see her. But after living with her for a few weeks, I began to understand her. I soon learned that she wanted everything around her kept clean above all. She wanted things done promptly and in an orderly way. Most fundamentally, she wanted absolute honesty and openness. Nothing could be messy or careless. Every door and every fence had to be kept in good repair.

I cannot now recall how long I lived with Mrs. Ruffner before going to Hampton, but I think it must have been a year and a half. At any rate, I here repeat what I have said more than once before, that the lessons that I learned in the home of Mrs. Ruffner were as valuable to me as any education I have ever gotten anywhere else. Even to this day I never see bits of paper scattered around a house or in the street that I do not want to pick them up at once. I never see a filthy yard that I do not want to clean it, a paling off of a fence that I do not want to put it on, an unpainted or unwhitewashed house that I do not want to paint or whitewash it, or a button off one’s clothes, or a grease-spot on them or on a floor, that I do not want to call attention to it.

I cannot remember how long I lived with Mrs. Ruffner before going to Hampton, but I think it was a year and a half. In any case, I repeat what I have said more than once before. The lessons I learned in Mrs. Ruffner’s home were as valuable to me as any education I have received anywhere else. Even today, whenever I see scraps of paper scattered around a house or in the street, I want to pick them up at once. Whenever I see a filthy yard, I want to clean it. If a fence board has come off, I want to put it back. If a house is unpainted or unwhitewashed, I want to paint or whitewash it. And if a button is missing from someone’s clothes, or there is a grease spot on their clothes or on a floor, I want to point it out.

From fearing Mrs. Ruffner I soon learned to look upon her as one of my best friends. When she found that she could trust me she did so implicitly. During the one or two winters that I was with her she gave me an opportunity to go to school for an hour in the day during a portion of the winter months, but most of my studying was done at night, sometimes alone, sometimes under some one whom I could hire to teach me. Mrs. Ruffner always encouraged and sympathized with me in all my efforts to get an education. It was while living with her that I began to get together my first library. I secured a dry-goods box, knocked out one side of it, put some shelves in it, and began putting into it every kind of book that I could get my hands upon, and called it my “library.”

I soon went from fearing Mrs. Ruffner to seeing her as one of my best friends. Once she found she could trust me, she trusted me completely. During the one or two winters I spent with her, she let me attend school for an hour a day during part of the winter months. But I did most of my studying at night, sometimes alone and sometimes with someone I could hire to teach me. Mrs. Ruffner always encouraged and supported me in all my efforts to get an education. While living with her, I began putting together my first library. I got a dry-goods box, knocked out one side, and put shelves inside. Then I began filling it with every kind of book I could get my hands on and called it my “library.”

Notwithstanding my success at Mrs. Ruffner’s I did not give up the idea of going to the Hampton Institute. In the fall of 1872 I determined to make an effort to get there, although, as I have stated, I had no definite idea of the direction in which Hampton was, or of what it would cost to go there. I do not think that any one thoroughly sympathized with me in my ambition to go to Hampton unless it was my mother, and she was troubled with a grave fear that I was starting out on a “wild-goose chase.” At any rate, I got only a half-hearted consent from her that I might start. The small amount of money that I had earned had been consumed by my stepfather and the remainder of the family, with the exception of a very few dollars, and so I had very little with which to buy clothes and pay my travelling expenses. My brother John helped me all that he could, but of course that was not a great deal, for his work was in the coal-mine, where he did not earn much, and most of what he did earn went in the direction of paying the household expenses.

Despite my success at Mrs. Ruffner’s, I did not give up on going to the Hampton Institute. In the fall of 1872, I decided to try to get there. As I have said, though, I had no clear idea which direction Hampton was in or what the trip would cost. I do not think anyone fully understood my ambition to go to Hampton, except perhaps my mother. Even she feared I was setting out on a “wild-goose chase.” In any case, she gave me only reluctant permission to leave. My stepfather and the rest of the family had used all but a few dollars of the money I had earned. So I had very little to buy clothes and pay for my travel. My brother John helped me all he could. But he worked in the coal mine and did not earn much, so he could not help a great deal. Most of what he earned went toward household expenses.

Perhaps the thing that touched and pleased me most in connection with my starting for Hampton was the interest that many of the older coloured people took in the matter. They had spent the best days of their lives in slavery, and hardly expected to live to see the time when they would see a member of their race leave home to attend a boarding-school. Some of these older people would give me a nickel, others a quarter, or a handkerchief.

Perhaps what touched and pleased me most about leaving for Hampton was the interest many older Black people showed. They had spent the best years of their lives in slavery. They hardly expected to live to see someone of their race leave home to attend a boarding school. Some of these older people gave me a nickel, others a quarter or a handkerchief.

Finally the great day came, and I started for Hampton. I had only a small, cheap satchel that contained a few articles of clothing I could get. My mother at the time was rather weak and broken in health. I hardly expected to see her again, and thus our parting was all the more sad. She, however, was very brave through it all. At that time there were no through trains connecting that part of West Virginia with eastern Virginia. Trains ran only a portion of the way, and the remainder of the distance was travelled by stage-coaches.

Finally, the big day came, and I set out for Hampton. I had only a small, cheap bag containing the few clothes I could get. My mother was quite weak and in poor health at the time. I hardly expected to see her again, so our parting was even sadder. But she was very brave through it all. At that time, no trains ran all the way from that part of West Virginia to eastern Virginia. Trains ran only part of the way, and travelers had to take stagecoaches for the rest of the journey.

The distance from Malden to Hampton is about five hundred miles. I had not been away from home many hours before it began to grow painfully evident that I did not have enough money to pay my fare to Hampton. One experience I shall long remember. I had been travelling over the mountains most of the afternoon in an old-fashion stage-coach, when, late in the evening, the coach stopped for the night at a common, unpainted house called a hotel. All the other passengers except myself were whites. In my ignorance I supposed that the little hotel existed for the purpose of accommodating the passengers who travelled on the stage-coach. The difference that the colour of one’s skin would make I had not thought anything about. After all the other passengers had been shown rooms and were getting ready for supper, I shyly presented myself before the man at the desk. It is true I had practically no money in my pocket with which to pay for bed or food, but I had hoped in some way to beg my way into the good graces of the landlord, for at that season in the mountains of Virginia the weather was cold, and I wanted to get indoors for the night. Without asking as to whether I had any money, the man at the desk firmly refused to even consider the matter of providing me with food or lodging. This was my first experience in finding out what the colour of my skin meant. In some way I managed to keep warm by walking about, and so got through the night. My whole soul was so bent upon reaching Hampton that I did not have time to cherish any bitterness toward the hotel-keeper.

The distance from Malden to Hampton is about five hundred miles. Within hours of leaving home, it became painfully clear that I did not have enough money for the fare to Hampton. One experience I will long remember. I had spent most of the afternoon traveling over the mountains in an old-fashioned stagecoach. Late that evening, the coach stopped for the night at a plain, unpainted house called a hotel. All the other passengers were white. In my ignorance, I assumed that the little hotel existed to accommodate stagecoach passengers. I had not considered what difference the color of a person’s skin would make. After all the other passengers had been shown to their rooms and were getting ready for supper, I shyly approached the man at the desk. It is true that I had practically no money to pay for a bed or food. But I had hoped to beg the landlord to take pity on me somehow. The weather in the Virginia mountains was cold at that time of year, and I wanted to get indoors for the night. Without asking whether I had any money, the man at the desk firmly refused even to consider giving me food or lodging. This was my first experience of what the color of my skin meant. Somehow, I managed to stay warm by walking around, and I got through the night. My whole soul was so set on reaching Hampton that I had no time to hold any bitterness toward the hotelkeeper.

By walking, begging rides both in wagons and in the cars, in some way, after a number of days, I reached the city of Richmond, Virginia, about eighty-two miles from Hampton. When I reached there, tired, hungry, and dirty, it was late in the night. I had never been in a large city, and this rather added to my misery. When I reached Richmond, I was completely out of money. I had not a single acquaintance in the place, and, being unused to city ways, I did not know where to go. I applied at several places for lodging, but they all wanted money, and that was what I did not have. Knowing nothing else better to do, I walked the streets. In doing this I passed by many food-stands where fried chicken and half-moon apple pies were piled high and made to present a most tempting appearance. At that time it seemed to me that I would have promised all that I expected to possess in the future to have gotten hold of one of those chicken legs or one of those pies. But I could not get either of these, nor anything else to eat.

By walking and begging rides in wagons and railroad cars, I somehow reached Richmond, Virginia, after several days. Richmond was about eighty-two miles from Hampton. It was late at night when I arrived, tired, hungry, and dirty. I had never been in a large city, and that made me even more miserable. When I reached Richmond, I was completely out of money. I did not know a single person there. I was not used to city life, so I did not know where to go. I asked for lodging at several places, but they all wanted money, and I had none. Not knowing what else to do, I walked the streets. As I walked, I passed many food stands piled high with fried chicken and half-moon apple pies. The food looked incredibly tempting. At the time, I felt I would have promised everything I expected to own in the future for a chicken leg or a pie. But I could not get either one, or anything else to eat.

I must have walked the streets till after midnight. At last I became so exhausted that I could walk no longer. I was tired, I was hungry, I was everything but discouraged. Just about the time when I reached extreme physical exhaustion, I came upon a portion of a street where the board sidewalk was considerably elevated. I waited for a few minutes, till I was sure that no passers-by could see me, and then crept under the sidewalk and lay for the night upon the ground, with my satchel of clothing for a pillow. Nearly all night I could hear the tramp of feet over my head. The next morning I found myself somewhat refreshed, but I was extremely hungry, because it had been a long time since I had had sufficient food. As soon as it became light enough for me to see my surroundings I noticed that I was near a large ship, and that this ship seemed to be unloading a cargo of pig iron. I went at once to the vessel and asked the captain to permit me to help unload the vessel in order to get money for food. The captain, a white man, who seemed to be kind-hearted, consented. I worked long enough to earn money for my breakfast, and it seems to me, as I remember it now, to have been about the best breakfast that I have ever eaten.

I must have walked the streets until after midnight. At last, I was so exhausted that I could walk no farther. I was tired and hungry, but anything but discouraged. Just as I reached the limit of my physical strength, I came upon a section of wooden sidewalk raised well above the street. I waited a few minutes until I was sure no passersby could see me. Then I crawled under the sidewalk and lay on the ground for the night, using my bag of clothes as a pillow. Nearly all night, I could hear footsteps above my head. The next morning, I felt somewhat refreshed, but I was extremely hungry. It had been a long time since I had eaten enough. As soon as it was light enough to see my surroundings, I noticed a large ship nearby. The ship seemed to be unloading a cargo of pig iron. I went straight to the ship and asked the captain to let me help unload it so I could earn money for food. The captain was a white man who seemed kind, and he agreed. I worked long enough to earn money for breakfast. Looking back, it seems to me that it was about the best breakfast I have ever eaten.

My work pleased the captain so well that he told me if I desired I could continue working for a small amount per day. This I was very glad to do. I continued working on this vessel for a number of days. After buying food with the small wages I received there was not much left to add on the amount I must get to pay my way to Hampton. In order to economize in every way possible, so as to be sure to reach Hampton in a reasonable time, I continued to sleep under the same sidewalk that gave me shelter the first night I was in Richmond. Many years after that the coloured citizens of Richmond very kindly tendered me a reception at which there must have been two thousand people present. This reception was held not far from the spot where I slept the first night I spent in the city, and I must confess that my mind was more upon the sidewalk that first gave me shelter than upon the recognition, agreeable and cordial as it was.

The captain was so pleased with my work that he offered to let me keep working for a small daily wage. I was very glad to accept. I worked on the ship for several days. After I bought food with my small wages, little remained to put toward my trip to Hampton. I wanted to save money in every way possible so I could reach Hampton within a reasonable time. So I kept sleeping under the same sidewalk that had sheltered me on my first night in Richmond. Many years later, the Black citizens of Richmond very kindly gave me a reception. There must have been two thousand people there. The reception was held near the spot where I had slept on my first night in the city. I must confess that my thoughts were more on the sidewalk that first sheltered me than on the recognition I received. The recognition was pleasant and warm as it was.

When I had saved what I considered enough money with which to reach Hampton, I thanked the captain of the vessel for his kindness, and started again. Without any unusual occurrence I reached Hampton, with a surplus of exactly fifty cents with which to begin my education. To me it had been a long, eventful journey; but the first sight of the large, three-story, brick school building seemed to have rewarded me for all that I had undergone in order to reach the place. If the people who gave the money to provide that building could appreciate the influence the sight of it had upon me, as well as upon thousands of other youths, they would feel all the more encouraged to make such gifts. It seemed to me to be the largest and most beautiful building I had ever seen. The sight of it seemed to give me new life. I felt that a new kind of existence had now begun—that life would now have a new meaning. I felt that I had reached the promised land, and I resolved to let no obstacle prevent me from putting forth the highest effort to fit myself to accomplish the most good in the world.

When I had saved what I thought was enough money to reach Hampton, I thanked the ship’s captain for his kindness and set out again. Nothing unusual happened on the way, and I reached Hampton with exactly fifty cents left to begin my education. For me, it had been a long journey, full of events. But my first sight of the large, three-story brick school building seemed to reward me for everything I had endured to get there. If the people who donated money for the building could appreciate its effect on me and thousands of other young people, they would feel even more encouraged to make such gifts. It seemed to me the largest and most beautiful building I had ever seen. Seeing it seemed to give me new life. I felt that a new kind of existence had begun and that life would now have a new meaning. I felt that I had reached the promised land. I resolved to let no obstacle stop me from doing my utmost to prepare myself to do the most good in the world.

As soon as possible after reaching the grounds of the Hampton Institute, I presented myself before the head teacher for an assignment to a class. Having been so long without proper food, a bath, and a change of clothing, I did not, of course, make a very favourable impression upon her, and I could see at once that there were doubts in her mind about the wisdom of admitting me as a student. I felt that I could hardly blame her if she got the idea that I was a worthless loafer or tramp. For some time she did not refuse to admit me, neither did she decide in my favour, and I continued to linger about her, and to impress her in all the ways I could with my worthiness. In the meantime I saw her admitting other students, and that added greatly to my discomfort, for I felt, deep down in my heart, that I could do as well as they, if I could only get a chance to show what was in me.

As soon as I could after arriving at Hampton Institute, I went to the head teacher to be assigned to a class. I had gone so long without proper food, a bath, or a change of clothes that I naturally did not make a very good impression on her. I could see at once that she had doubts about admitting me as a student. I felt I could hardly blame her if she thought I was a worthless loafer or tramp. For some time, she neither refused to admit me nor decided in my favor. I stayed nearby and tried in every way I could to show her that I was worthy of admission. Meanwhile, I saw her admitting other students, which made me even more uncomfortable. Deep down, I felt I could do as well as they could, if only I had a chance to show what I could do.

After some hours had passed, the head teacher said to me: “The adjoining recitation-room needs sweeping. Take the broom and sweep it.”

After a few hours, the head teacher said to me: “The classroom next door needs sweeping. Take the broom and sweep it.”

It occurred to me at once that here was my chance. Never did I receive an order with more delight. I knew that I could sweep, for Mrs. Ruffner had thoroughly taught me how to do that when I lived with her.

I realized at once that this was my chance. I had never been happier to receive an order. I knew I could sweep because Mrs. Ruffner had taught me thoroughly when I lived with her.

I swept the recitation-room three times. Then I got a dusting-cloth and dusted it four times. All the woodwork around the walls, every bench, table, and desk, I went over four times with my dusting-cloth. Besides, every piece of furniture had been moved and every closet and corner in the room had been thoroughly cleaned. I had the feeling that in a large measure my future depended upon the impression I made upon the teacher in the cleaning of that room. When I was through, I reported to the head teacher. She was a “Yankee” woman who knew just where to look for dirt. She went into the room and inspected the floor and closets; then she took her handkerchief and rubbed it on the woodwork about the walls, and over the table and benches. When she was unable to find one bit of dirt on the floor, or a particle of dust on any of the furniture, she quietly remarked, “I guess you will do to enter this institution.”

I swept the classroom three times. Then I got a dusting cloth and dusted it four times. I went over all the woodwork along the walls, every bench, table, and desk four times with my cloth. I also moved every piece of furniture and thoroughly cleaned every closet and corner in the room. I felt that much of my future depended on the impression I made on the teacher by cleaning that room. When I finished, I reported to the head teacher. She was a “Yankee” woman who knew exactly where to look for dirt. She went into the room and inspected the floor and closets. Then she rubbed her handkerchief over the woodwork along the walls and over the table and benches. She could not find a bit of dirt on the floor or a speck of dust on any furniture. She quietly remarked, “I think you will be able to enter this school.”

I was one of the happiest souls on Earth. The sweeping of that room was my college examination, and never did any youth pass an examination for entrance into Harvard or Yale that gave him more genuine satisfaction. I have passed several examinations since then, but I have always felt that this was the best one I ever passed.

I was one of the happiest people on Earth. Sweeping that room was my college entrance exam. No young person ever felt more genuine satisfaction after passing an entrance exam for Harvard or Yale. I have passed several exams since then, but I have always felt that sweeping that room was my best one.

I have spoken of my own experience in entering the Hampton Institute. Perhaps few, if any, had anything like the same experience that I had, but about the same period there were hundreds who found their way to Hampton and other institutions after experiencing something of the same difficulties that I went through. The young men and women were determined to secure an education at any cost.

I have spoken about my own experience entering Hampton Institute. Perhaps few people, if any, had an experience like mine. But around the same time, hundreds made their way to Hampton and other schools after facing some of the same difficulties I had. These young men and women were determined to get an education at any cost.

The sweeping of the recitation-room in the manner that I did it seems to have paved the way for me to get through Hampton. Miss Mary F. Mackie, the head teacher, offered me a position as janitor. This, of course, I gladly accepted, because it was a place where I could work out nearly all the cost of my board. The work was hard and taxing but I stuck to it. I had a large number of rooms to care for, and had to work late into the night, while at the same time I had to rise by four o’clock in the morning, in order to build the fires and have a little time in which to prepare my lessons. In all my career at Hampton, and ever since I have been out in the world, Miss Mary F. Mackie, the head teacher to whom I have referred, proved one of my strongest and most helpful friends. Her advice and encouragement were always helpful in strengthening to me in the darkest hour.

The way I swept the classroom seems to have helped me make my way through Hampton. Miss Mary F. Mackie, the head teacher, offered me a job as janitor. I gladly accepted, of course, because I could work to cover nearly all the cost of my room and board. The work was hard and demanding, but I stuck with it. I had many rooms to look after and had to work late into the night. At the same time, I had to get up by four in the morning. I needed to build the fires and have a little time to prepare my lessons. Throughout my time at Hampton and ever since I left, Miss Mary F. Mackie has been one of my strongest and most helpful friends. Her advice and encouragement always helped strengthen me in my darkest hours.

I have spoken of the impression that was made upon me by the buildings and general appearance of the Hampton Institute, but I have not spoken of that which made the greatest and most lasting impression on me, and that was a great man—the noblest, rarest human being that it has ever been my privilege to meet. I refer to the late General Samuel C. Armstrong.

I have spoken about the impression made on me by the buildings and overall appearance of Hampton Institute. But I have not spoken about what made the greatest and most lasting impression on me. That was a great man, the noblest and rarest human being I have ever had the privilege of meeting. I mean the late General Samuel C. Armstrong.

It has been my fortune to meet personally many of what are called great characters, both in Europe and America, but I do not hesitate to say that I never met any man who, in my estimation, was the equal of General Armstrong. Fresh from the degrading influences of the slave plantation and the coal-mines, it was a rare privilege for me to be permitted to come into direct contact with such a character as General Armstrong. I shall always remember that the first time I went into his presence he made the impression upon me of being a perfect man: I was made to feel that there was something about him that was superhuman. It was my privilege to know the General personally from the time I entered Hampton till he died, and the more I saw of him the greater he grew in my estimation. One might have removed from Hampton all the buildings, class-rooms, teachers, and industries, and given the men and women there the opportunity of coming into daily contact with General Armstrong, and that alone would have been a liberal education. The older I grow, the more I am convinced that there is no education which one can get from books and costly apparatus that is equal to that which can be gotten from contact with great men and women. Instead of studying books so constantly, how I wish that our schools and colleges might learn to study men and things!

I have been fortunate to meet many people considered great, both in Europe and America. But I can say without hesitation that I never met anyone who, in my judgment, was General Armstrong’s equal. I had just come from the degrading influences of the slave plantation and the coal mines. It was a rare privilege to come into direct contact with a man like General Armstrong. I will always remember my first meeting with him. He struck me as a perfect man, and I felt there was something superhuman about him. I had the privilege of knowing the General personally from the time I entered Hampton until he died. The more I saw of him, the more I admired him. One could have removed all the buildings, classrooms, teachers, and industries from Hampton. If the men and women there had still been able to meet General Armstrong daily, that alone would have given them a broad education. The older I grow, the more convinced I am that no education from books and expensive equipment can equal what one gains from contact with great men and women. Instead of studying books so constantly, how I wish our schools and colleges would learn to study people and things!

General Armstrong spent two of the last six months of his life in my home at Tuskegee. At that time he was paralyzed to the extent that he had lost control of his body and voice in a very large degree. Notwithstanding his affliction, he worked almost constantly night and day for the cause to which he had given his life. I never saw a man who so completely lost sight of himself. I do not believe he ever had a selfish thought. He was just as happy in trying to assist some other institution in the South as he was when working for Hampton. Although he fought the Southern white man in the Civil War, I never heard him utter a bitter word against him afterward. On the other hand, he was constantly seeking to find ways by which he could be of service to the Southern whites.

General Armstrong spent two of the last six months of his life in my home at Tuskegee. By then, paralysis had left him with very little control over his body or voice. Despite his condition, he worked almost constantly, night and day, for the cause to which he had given his life. I never saw a man who thought so little of himself. I do not believe he ever had a selfish thought. He was just as happy trying to help another institution in the South as he was working for Hampton. Although he fought against Southern white men in the Civil War, I never heard him speak bitterly of them afterward. Instead, he was constantly looking for ways to help Southern whites.

It would be difficult to describe the hold that he had upon the students at Hampton, or the faith they had in him. In fact, he was worshipped by his students. It never occurred to me that General Armstrong could fail in anything that he undertook. There is almost no request that he could have made that would not have been complied with. When he was a guest at my home in Alabama, and was so badly paralyzed that he had to be wheeled about in an invalid’s chair, I recall that one of the General’s former students had occasion to push his chair up a long, steep hill that taxed his strength to the utmost. When the top of the hill was reached, the former pupil, with a glow of happiness on his face, exclaimed, “I am so glad that I have been permitted to do something that was real hard for the General before he dies!” While I was a student at Hampton, the dormitories became so crowded that it was impossible to find room for all who wanted to be admitted. In order to help remedy the difficulty, the General conceived the plan of putting up tents to be used as rooms. As soon as it became known that General Armstrong would be pleased if some of the older students would live in the tents during the winter, nearly every student in school volunteered to go.

It would be hard to describe General Armstrong’s influence over the students at Hampton or their faith in him. In fact, his students worshipped him. It never occurred to me that General Armstrong could fail at anything he attempted. There was almost nothing he could have asked for that his students would not have done. When he visited my home in Alabama, he was so badly paralyzed that he had to be pushed in a wheelchair. I remember that one of his former students had to push the chair up a long, steep hill. The effort taxed the former student’s strength to the utmost. When he reached the top, his face glowed with happiness. He exclaimed, “I am so glad that I have been allowed to do something really hard for the General before he dies!” While I was a student at Hampton, the dormitories became too crowded to house everyone who wanted to enroll. To help solve the problem, the General came up with a plan to put up tents as living quarters. It soon became known that General Armstrong would be pleased if some older students lived in the tents during the winter. Nearly every student at the school volunteered to go.

I was one of the volunteers. The winter that we spent in those tents was an intensely cold one, and we suffered severely—how much I am sure General Armstrong never knew, because we made no complaints. It was enough for us to know that we were pleasing General Armstrong, and that we were making it possible for an additional number of students to secure an education. More than once, during a cold night, when a stiff gale would be blowing, our tent was lifted bodily, and we would find ourselves in the open air. The General would usually pay a visit to the tents early in the morning, and his earnest, cheerful, encouraging voice would dispel any feeling of despondency.

I was one of the volunteers. The winter we spent in those tents was extremely cold, and we suffered terribly. I am sure General Armstrong never knew how much we suffered, because we did not complain. It was enough for us to know that we were pleasing General Armstrong. We were also making it possible for more students to get an education. More than once, on a cold night with a strong wind blowing, our tent was lifted completely off the ground. We would find ourselves exposed to the open air. The General would usually visit the tents early in the morning. His sincere, cheerful, encouraging voice would drive away any feelings of despair.

I have spoken of my admiration for General Armstrong, and yet he was but a type of that Christlike body of men and women who went into the Negro schools at the close of the war by the hundreds to assist in lifting up my race. The history of the world fails to show a higher, purer, and more unselfish class of men and women than those who found their way into those Negro schools.

I have spoken of my admiration for General Armstrong. Yet he was just one example of the Christlike men and women who went to Black schools after the war. They came by the hundreds to help lift up my race. World history shows no finer, purer, or more unselfish group of men and women than those who came to those schools.

Life at Hampton was a constant revelation to me; was constantly taking me into a new world. The matter of having meals at regular hours, of eating on a tablecloth, using a napkin, the use of the bath-tub and of the tooth-brush, as well as the use of sheets upon the bed, were all new to me.

Life at Hampton was a constant revelation to me. It kept taking me into a new world. All of these things were new to me: eating meals at regular hours, eating at a table with a tablecloth, using a napkin, taking baths in a bathtub, using a toothbrush, and sleeping with sheets on the bed.

I sometimes feel that almost the most valuable lesson I got at the Hampton Institute was in the use and value of the bath. I learned there for the first time some of its value, not only in keeping the body healthy, but in inspiring self-respect and promoting virtue. In all my travels in the South and elsewhere since leaving Hampton I have always in some way sought my daily bath. To get it sometimes when I have been the guest of my own people in a single-roomed cabin has not always been easy to do, except by slipping away to some stream in the woods. I have always tried to teach my people that some provision for bathing should be a part of every house.

I sometimes feel that learning how to bathe and why it matters was almost the most valuable lesson I learned at the Hampton Institute. There, for the first time, I learned some of the value of bathing. It not only keeps the body healthy, but also inspires self-respect and encourages virtue. In all my travels in the South and elsewhere since leaving Hampton, I have always found a way to bathe daily. Sometimes, when I was a guest of my own people in a one-room cabin, bathing was not easy. I often had to slip away to a stream in the woods. I have always tried to teach my people that every house should have some way to bathe.

For some time, while a student at Hampton, I possessed but a single pair of socks, but when I had worn these till they became soiled, I would wash them at night and hang them by the fire to dry, so that I might wear them again the next morning.

For some time as a student at Hampton, I had only one pair of socks. But when they got dirty, I would wash them at night and hang them by the fire to dry. That way, I could wear them again the next morning.

The charge for my board at Hampton was ten dollars per month. I was expected to pay a part of this in cash and to work out the remainder. To meet this cash payment, as I have stated, I had just fifty cents when I reached the institution. Aside from a very few dollars that my brother John was able to send me once in a while, I had no money with which to pay my board. I was determined from the first to make my work as janitor so valuable that my services would be indispensable. This I succeeded in doing to such an extent that I was soon informed that I would be allowed the full cost of my board in return for my work. The cost of tuition was seventy dollars a year. This, of course, was wholly beyond my ability to provide. If I had been compelled to pay the seventy dollars for tuition, in addition to providing for my board, I would have been compelled to leave the Hampton school. General Armstrong, however, very kindly got Mr. S. Griffitts Morgan, of New Bedford, Mass., to defray the cost of my tuition during the whole time that I was at Hampton. After I finished the course at Hampton and had entered upon my lifework at Tuskegee, I had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Morgan several times.

My room and board at Hampton cost ten dollars a month. I was expected to pay part in cash and work off the rest. As I have said, I had only fifty cents when I arrived at the school. My brother John could send me a few dollars now and then, but otherwise I had no money for board. From the start, I was determined to make my work as a janitor so valuable that the school could not do without me. I succeeded so well that I was soon told my work would cover the full cost of my board. Tuition cost seventy dollars a year. Of course, I had no way to pay that much. If I had been required to pay tuition as well as board, I would have had to leave the Hampton school. General Armstrong, however, kindly persuaded Mr. S. Griffitts Morgan of New Bedford, Massachusetts, to pay my tuition for my entire time at Hampton. After I finished my course at Hampton and began my life's work at Tuskegee, I had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Morgan several times.

After having been for a while at Hampton, I found myself in difficulty because I did not have books and clothing. Usually, however, I got around the trouble about books by borrowing from those who were more fortunate than myself. As to clothes, when I reached Hampton I had practically nothing. Everything that I possessed was in a small hand satchel. My anxiety about clothing was increased because of the fact that General Armstrong made a personal inspection of the young men in ranks, to see that their clothes were clean. Shoes had to be polished, there must be no buttons off the clothing, and no grease-spots. To wear one suit of clothes continually, while at work and in the schoolroom, and at the same time keep it clean, was rather a hard problem for me to solve. In some way I managed to get on till the teachers learned that I was in earnest and meant to succeed, and then some of them were kind enough to see that I was partly supplied with second-hand clothing that had been sent in barrels from the North. These barrels proved a blessing to hundreds of poor but deserving students. Without them I question whether I should ever have gotten through Hampton.

After I had been at Hampton for a while, I ran into difficulties because I had no books or clothes. Usually, though, I got around the problem of books by borrowing them from people who were more fortunate than I was. As for clothes, I had almost nothing when I arrived at Hampton. Everything I owned fit in a small bag. I worried even more about clothing because General Armstrong personally inspected the young men as they stood in rows. He checked to make sure their clothes were clean. Shoes had to be polished, no buttons could be missing, and there could be no grease spots. Wearing one suit all the time, both at work and in the classroom, and keeping it clean was a difficult problem for me to solve. Somehow I managed until the teachers realized that I was serious and meant to succeed. Then some of them were kind enough to see that I received some secondhand clothing sent in barrels from the North. These barrels were a blessing to hundreds of poor but deserving students. Without the clothing, I doubt I would ever have made it through Hampton.

When I first went to Hampton I do not recall that I had ever slept in a bed that had two sheets on it. In those days there were not many buildings there, and room was very precious. There were seven other boys in the same room with me; most of them, however, students who had been there for some time. The sheets were quite a puzzle to me. The first night I slept under both of them, and the second night I slept on top of them; but by watching the other boys I learned my lesson in this, and have been trying to follow it ever since and to teach it to others.

When I first went to Hampton, I do not remember ever having slept in a bed with two sheets. In those days, there were not many buildings at Hampton, and space was scarce. Seven other boys shared my room. Most of them, however, had been students there for some time. The sheets puzzled me. The first night, I slept under both sheets. The second night, I slept on top of them. But by watching the other boys, I learned how to use the sheets. I have been trying to follow that lesson ever since and to teach it to others.

I was among the youngest of the students who were in Hampton at the time. Most of the students were men and women—some as old as forty years of age. As I now recall the scene of my first year, I do not believe that one often has the opportunity of coming into contact with three or four hundred men and women who were so tremendously in earnest as these men and women were. Every hour was occupied in study or work. Nearly all had had enough actual contact with the world to teach them the need of education. Many of the older ones were, of course, too old to master the text-books very thoroughly, and it was often sad to watch their struggles; but they made up in earnest much of what they lacked in books. Many of them were as poor as I was, and, besides having to wrestle with their books, they had to struggle with a poverty which prevented their having the necessities of life. Many of them had aged parents who were dependent upon them, and some of them were men who had wives whose support in some way they had to provide for.

I was among the youngest students at Hampton at the time. Most were men and women, some as old as forty. When I look back on my first year, I doubt one often meets three or four hundred people so deeply committed. Every hour was spent studying or working. Nearly all had enough experience of the world to understand their need for education. Many of the older students were, of course, too old to master their textbooks thoroughly. Watching them struggle was often sad. But their determination made up for much of what they lacked in book learning. Many were as poor as I was. Besides struggling with their books, they faced poverty that kept them from having the necessities of life. Many had elderly parents who depended on them. Some were men who also had to find a way to support their wives.

The great and prevailing idea that seemed to take possession of every one was to prepare himself to lift up the people at his home. No one seemed to think of himself. And the officers and teachers, what a rare set of human beings they were! They worked for the students night and day, in seasons and out of season. They seemed happy only when they were helping the students in some manner. Whenever it is written—and I hope it will be—the part that the Yankee teachers played in the education of the Negroes immediately after the war will make one of the most thrilling parts of the history off this country. The time is not far distant when the whole South will appreciate this service in a way that it has not yet been able to do.

The main idea that seemed to take hold of everyone was to prepare to help the people back home. No one seemed to think of themselves. And the officers and teachers, what a remarkable group of people they were! They worked for the students night and day, at all times. They seemed happy only when they were helping the students in some way. I hope someone will write about the role Yankee teachers played in educating Black people immediately after the war. When that story is written, it will be one of the most thrilling parts of this country’s history. Before long, the whole South will appreciate this service in a way it has not yet been able to.