I felt that the conditions were a good deal like those of an old
coloured man, during the days of slavery, who wanted to learn how to
play on the guitar. In his desire to take guitar lessons he applied
to one of his young masters to teach him, but the young man, not
having much faith in the ability of the slave to master the guitar at
his age, sought to discourage him by telling him: "Uncle Jake, I will
give you guitar lessons; but, Jake, I will have to charge you three
dollars for the first lesson, two dollars for the second lesson, and
one dollar for the third lesson. But I will charge you only twenty-
five cents for the last lesson."
Uncle Jake answered: "All right, boss, I hires you on dem terms.
But, boss! I wants yer to be sure an' give me dat las' lesson first."
Soon after my work in connection with the removal of the capital
was finished, I received an invitation which gave me great joy and
which at the same time was a very pleasant surprise. This was a
letter from General Armstrong, inviting me to return to Hampton at the
next Commencement to deliver what was called the "post-graduate
address." This was an honour which I had not dreamed of receiving.
With much care I prepared the best address that I was capable of. I
chose for my subject "The Force That Wins.
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