William apess a son of the forest11/11/2023 ![]() ![]() In early American literary history, Apess was matched in his skills at argumentative and persuasive rhetoric only by Thomas Paine and Frederick Douglass. Now I ask if degradation has not been heaped long enough upon the Indians? And if so, can there not be a compromise? Is it right to hold and promote prejudices? If not, why not put them all away? Having a desire to place a few things before my fellow creatures who are traveling with me to the grave, and to that God who is the maker and preserver both of the white man and the Indian, whose abilities are the same and who are to be judged by one God, who will show no favor to outward appearances but will judge righteousness. The first sentences of “Looking-Glass” establish the conversational style and tone, pointed social and spiritual arguments, and audience engagement that are hallmarks of the essay: Perhaps most notably, Apess also published (as an addendum to his edited collection of conversion narratives The Experiences of Five Christian Indians of the Pequot Tribe) an essay that distills much of his unique life, impressive work, and potent voice into a concise, very readable form: “An Indian’s Looking-Glass for the White Man” (1833). ![]() The Pequot Indian’s contributions to American culture and history are undeniable. Apess was a strong proponent of change for the better, striving to improve the quality of life for Native Americans in the fledgling United States of America. As a passionate advocate of Native American rights, he helped the Mashpee Revolt of 1833-1834 gain traction, later documenting its legal and cultural triumphs in the book Indian Nullification of the Unconstitutional Laws of Massachusetts (1833). He was also the author of the first published Native American autobiography, A Son of the Forest (1829). We can only regret it, and flee from it, and from henceforth, let peace and righteousness be written upon our hearts and hands forever.” –William Apessīorn in 1798 in Colrain, MA, William Apess was a mixed-race man who began life as an indentured servant, served in the army during the War of 1812’s Quebec campaign, and became a traveling Methodist minister. “You and I have to rejoice that we have not to answer for our fathers’ crimes, neither shall we do right to charge them one to another. ![]()
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