The Work in Mobile, Alabama
By Sydney Scott
According to the advice of the Alabama Conference Committee, I came to Mobile to hold a series of tent-meetings. This city had a small effort three years ago; but work was not so effectual as it might have been, on account of excessive rains and other hindrances. This city has a population of forty thousand, of which half is colored. There are some wealthy negroes here. One third of the colored people own property, and live in good houses. The great negro national fair will be held here this fall. This fair will bring some of the best colored people of the South to this city. A peaceful relation exists between the two races, each respecting the other. One half of the laborers in the government service here are colored men. In the post-office, one third of the help are colored men. The dove of peace seems to spread its wings over this city for prosperity. One mile from the heart of the city the Confederate soldiers had their fort. The mound and trenches are plainly seen, as when first made. The Union soldiers camped to the south about two miles. The two camping grounds were in rifle-shot sound of each other. The influences here are all but good, especially during the Mardi Gras season. There are only a few Sabbath-keepers in the city, though at one time there were two churches. We shall begin meetings May 1 in a tent located six blocks from the Confederate fort, but our purpose on this ground is to bring peace and happiness to those who desire to do God's will. Christ is the leader, directing his soldiers, and our warfare is not carnal, but spiritual, designed to bring liberty to the slave-bound captives.
SYDNEY SCOTT.