Phillis Wheatley is America’s first Black Poet. She wrote a poem about George Washington, of which he wrote to her:
I thank you most sincerely for your polite notice of me in the elegant lines you enclosed…
… the style and manner exhibit a striking proof of your poetical talents; in honor of which, and as a tribute justly due to you, I would have published the poem had I not been apprehensive that, while I only meant to give the world this new instance of your genius, I might have incurred the imputation of vanity. This, and nothing else, determined me not to give it place in the public prints… I am, with great respect, your obedient, humble servant,
Geo. Washington
This is her poem, “On being brought from Africa to America”
Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
“Their colour is a diabolic dye.”
Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,
May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.
Enjoy a brief overview here. I highly recommend that “Poems of Phillis Wheatley” find a place on your bookshelf!
I have given her a place of honor when I teach Authentic American History, Volume 1
You may now purchase the video teaching and grading service for the first volume here.