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Slavery and Abolitionists

 
  Published sheet music for "We are Happy and Free"
  Published sheet music for "We are Happy and Free" by James Barnett Taylor, illustrated with portraits of (left to right) Judson, Abby, John and Asa Hutchinson
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


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