Existing comment:
"I am for an aristocracy of labor, of intelligent, stimulating, virtuous labor; of talent, of intellect, of merit; for the elevation of each and every man, white and black, according to his talent and industry."
-- Andrew Johnson
Despite conflicts with Congress over legislation dealing with the freedmen, Johnson made several personal stances to help improve the education of former slaves. He gave $1000.00 to a freedmen's school in Charleston, SC and signed the charter for Howard University.
When Johnson's former slave, Sam, asked to purchase land for a schoolhouse, Johnson responded to a representative: "... select the lot wanted, have it surveyed, plat made, and a deed drawn up... and send the instrument to me. I will convey the land to them without charge..." |