A Sense of Calm

   A sense of calm was eventually restored as we settled into our new environment. We learned that the police and federal troops had finally vanquished the rioters in New York City. The plumes of black smoke over parts of the city dissipated. Our orphanage, along with many other buildings, however, was lost. The reports we heard also said that large numbers of the colored population had simply fled the city, due to their fears of resurgence in the rioting. I discovered that we would be residents at the Alms House until permanent accommodations could be found or built for us.
  

     Some of the children were delighted to be on Blackwell’s Island, as they had been able to be reunited with their dear parents. Many of the poor colored parents were employed at the various industries on the island, and their children lived at the orphanage simply because their families could not afford to provide for them. Some, too, were imprisoned there, and others were inmates of the lunatic asylum.

A father reunited with his daughter.

     The parents who worked on the island would often come and visit their children at the Colored Orphans home, with kisses and fervent hopes of eventually bringing them to a home of their own. Although we were lodged separately from the adults, the children were able to see their mothers and fathers during special visiting times. I witnessed many a happy reunion among my classmates and companions. 

     I wondered, too, about my own parents. What had happened to them? Were they among the adults on the island? Would they recognize me? 

[TO BE CONTINUED.]