perty, and purchase the hospital building and the accompanying six
acres in Avondale. The Ninth Street property brought $9,000; the
purchase in Avondale, refitting, etc., cost $11,000, incurring a debt
of $2,000.

During the first twenty-two years of the institution much good was
accomplished. Hundreds of children--orphans and friendless
children--found shelter in the asylum, which existed only through the
almost superhuman efforts of the intelligent Colored persons in the
community, and the unstinted charity of many generous white persons.
The asylum has been pervaded with a healthy religious atmosphere; and
many of its inmates have gone forth to the world giving large promise
of usefulness. An occasional letter from former inmates often proves
that much good has been done; and that some of these children, without
the kindly influence and care of the asylum, instead of occupying
places of usefulness and trust in society, might have drifted into
vagrancy and crime.

Amidst the struggle for temporal welfare, the Colored people of
Cincinnati were not unmindful of the interests and destinies of the
Union. A military company was formed, bearing the name of _Attucks
Guards_. On the 25th of July, 1855, an association of ladies presented
a flag to the company. The address, on the part of the ladies, was
delivered by Miss Mary A. Darnes. Among many excellent things, she
said:

"Should the love of liberty and your country ever demand your
services, may you, in imitation of that noble patriot whose name
you bear, promptly respond to the call, and fight to the last
for the great and noble principles of liberty and justice, to the
glory of your fathers and the land of your birth.

"The time is not far distant when the _slave must be free_; if
not by moral and intellectual means, it must be done by the
sword. Remember, gentlemen, should duty call, it will be yours to
obey, and strike to the last for freedom or the grave.

"But God forbid that you should be called upon to witness our
peaceful homes involved in war. May our eyes never behold this
flag in any conflict; let the quiet breeze ever play among its
folds, and the fullest peace dwell among you!"

While the great majority of the Colored people in the country were
bowing themselves cheerfully to the dreadful task of living among
wolves, some of the race were willing to brave the perils of the sea,
and find