ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

It is difficult to know where to begin in expressing my gratitude to numerous individuals and institutions that have helped bring this book to completion. Their support, advice, encouragement, and insights have sustained me in many ways in the course of researching and writing this book. I was ably and generously assisted in my research by librarians and archivists at the American Antiquarian Society, Boston Public Library, California Historical Society, California State Archives, Chicago Historical Society, Chicago Public Library, Columbia University Library, Connecticut Historical Society, Connecticut State Library, Detroit Public Library, Harvard University Library, Hayes Historical Library, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Howard University Library, Illinois State Archives, Illinois Historical Library, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana State Library, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, Michigan Historical Center, National Archives, New Jersey Historical Society, New Jersey State Library, New York Historical Library, New York Public Library, Oberlin College Library, Ohio Historical Center, Pennsylvania Historical Library, Rhode Island Historical Society, Rhode Island State Library, Southern Connecticut State University Library, Syracuse University Library, Temple University Library, and Yale University Library.

I have benefited at every stage of my research and writing from the support provided by Southern Connecticut State University. A sabbatical leave, research reassigned time, and Connecticut State University research grants greatly facilitated my research. Moreover, the university’s Faculty Development Fund paid for the typing of the manuscript. I am especially indebted to Carol Culmo, who skillfully typed the manuscript and managed to retain her sense of humor. I deeply appreciate this generous institutional support.

I have been very fortunate to draw on the vast knowledge and keen insights of a number of exceptional scholars. When I embarked on this project, which represented a departure from much of my scholarly work, Jim Stewart, Randall Miller, and Merton Dillon reassured me that the African American struggle for equal rights in the North during Reconstruction deserved treatment and that I could see this study through to a successful conclusion. Several friends in the profession gave generously of their time in the midst of very busy and productive lives. Rich Newman and Merton Dillon read the entire manuscript, and Jim Stewart, Peter Hinks, and Stacey Robertson read portions of it. By helping me to better understand the dynamics of the northern equal rights movement and how it relates to the broader context of national Reconstruction and nineteenth-century African American history, these scholars, as well as the readers for Cornell University Press, significantly improved this book. In the final analysis, any errors or misconceptions that remain in the finished work are mine, not theirs.

In addition, a number of other friends in the scholarly community—including Stan Harrold, Jim Giglio, John Quist, Don Zelman, Harriet Applewhite, Fred Blue, Doug Egerton, Jack McKivigan, and Dick Smith—were a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. I deeply appreciate their moral support. I would hasten to add to this group of scholars my friends in the history department at Southern Connecticut State University, who exemplify the essential connection between teaching and scholarship. No acknowledgment of those who have assisted me along the way would be complete without mentioning the academic forums that enabled me to test my ideas and receive valuable feedback. I especially benefited from the recommendations offered by commentators at a symposium sponsored by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, a session at the Organization of American Historians meeting in Memphis, and a session at the Mid-America Conference on History held at Oklahoma State University.

I am deeply indebted to the editors at Cornell University Press. They have been extremely helpful and supportive throughout the process of revising and editing the manuscript. I wish, above all, to thank Michael McGandy, whose editorial talents were instrumental in making this a more coherent and polished study. I also appreciate the expert assistance of Karen Laun, who deftly guided me through the copyediting and production phases of the process.

My children—Andrew, Jenny, Kate, and Mark—deserve special mention. You have been a constant source of love and inspiration and have enriched my life in countless ways. You are very special to me, and I am extremely proud of each one of you. I also wish to acknowledge my daughters-in-law, Carolina and Kiowa, and my son-in-law, Dan. You are wonderful people who embody the meaning of family—love, concern, and caring. I have also been blessed with three beautiful grandchildren—Ryan, Liam, and Fallon—who are a source of immense pride and joy.

I am most indebted to my wife, Jean, who once again put up with a book’s intrusive presence in our lives. I cherish our shared commitment to family and friends, to each other, and to a more just and equitable society. Without your love, understanding, support, and sage advice, it is difficult to imagine how I could have written this book. You are a very special person. I feel honored to dedicate this book to you.