Slavery and Abolitionists
New York: Firth & Hall, 1843
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Music Division
The Hutchinson Family, as a quartet and in later ensembles, were tireless campaigners and songwriters. Originally from New Hampshire, the brothers and sister developed a repertory of anthems, fiery calls to battle, and pathetic ballads based on slave narratives.
"Ho! The car Emancipation
Rides majestic thro' our nation
Bearing on its Train, the story,
Liberty! A nation's glory
Roll it along. Roll it along.
Roll it along thro' the nation
Freedom's Car Emancipation…
All true friends of Emancipation
Haste to Freedom's Railroad Station;
Quick into the Cars get seated,
All is ready, and completed.
Put on the Steam! All are crying,
And the Liberty Flags are flying."
— from "Get Off the Track," lyrics by Jesse Hutchinson, 1844