Q1374lb Cop :i WASHINGTON AND JACKSON ON NEGRO SOLDIERS. We are in the midst of a great war for the existence of free institu- tions. No one can be so blind as not to see that the triumph of the Con- federacy would insure the overthrow of rational liberty. In the heart of the Rebel States there exist four millions of an op- pressed race, who would gladly aid us in the war we are carrying on, but from regard to the feelings and interests of our enemies we have hitherto refused their assistance. That we should have hesitated so long to accept and secure the co- operation of these people, shows a degree of forbearance unequalled in history. There certainly does exist at this time a strong prejudice in the minds of many against employing Negroes as soldiers, but the following ex- tracts from authentic documents will show that this prejudice is un- founded, and that our wisest and best men, our bravest and most patriotic generals, our Washington, and our Jackson, did not hesitate to solicit, to employ, and to reward the military services of Negroes in the War of the Revolution, and again, within the memory of many of us, in our last war with England. If our fathers in 1812, and our grandfathers in ITT 6, did not hesitate tc put muskets into the hands of Negroes, why should we ? If Wash- ington and Jackson thought it no disgrace to lead Negroes to battle, why should any officer now hesitate to follow their example ? George Livermore, Esq., has lately published "An Historical Re search respecting the Opinions of the Founders of the Ecpublic on Negroes as Slaves, as Citizens, and as Soldiers." As its size and (1) / * scarcity prevents its general circulation, the following extracts have been taken from his work to bring fche views of our ancestors relative to the policy of Negro enlistments before the public. Bancroft in his History of the United States, vol. vii., p. 421, speaking of the Battle of Bunker Hill, says : " Nor should history forget to record, that as in the army at Cam- bridge, so also in this gallant band, the free Negroes of the colony had their representatives. For the right of free Negroes to bear arms in the public defence was at that day as little disputed in New England as their other rights. They took their places, not in a separate corps, but in the ranks with the white men ; and their names may be read on the pension-rolls of the country, side by side with those of other soldiers of the Revolution." Major Samuel Lawrence served through the war of the Revolution. " At one time he commanded a company whose rank and file were all Negroes, of whose courage, military discipline and fidelity he always snoke with respect. On one occasion, being out reconuoitering with this company, he got so far in advance of his command that he was sur- rouuded, and on the point of being made prisoner by the enemy. The men, soon discovering his peril, rushed to his rescue, and fought with the most determined bravery till that rescue was effectually secured." — Memoir of William Lawrence, by Rev. S. K. Lothrop, D.D., pp. 8, 0. On the 23d of October a Committee of Conference, "to consider the condition of the army, and to devise means for its improvement," agreed that Negro soldiers be rejected altogether. But notwithstanding this action of the Committee of Conference, Washington, on the 31st of December, 177.5, wrote from Cambridge to the President of Congress as follows : — '.' It has been represented to me that *the free Negroes who have served in this army are very much dissatisfied at being discarded. As it is to be apprehended that they may seek employ in the ministerial army, I have presumed to depart from the resolution respecting them, and have given license for their being enlisted. If this is disapproved of by Congress, I will put a stop to it." — Sparks 1 Washington, vol. iii., pp. 218, 219. On the 16th of January, 1776, Congress decided "That the free Negroes, who have served faithfully in the army at Cambridge, may be re-enlisted therein, but no others." — Journals of Congress, vol. ii., p. 26. General Thomas, in a letter to John Adams, says : "lam sorry to hear that any prejudices should take place in any southern colony with respect to the troops raised in this. I am certain the insinuations you mention are injurious, if we consider with what precipitation we were obliged to collect an army. In the regiments at Roxbury, the privates are equal to any that I served with in the last war ; very few old in«n and in the ranks very few boys. Our lifers are many of them boys. "We have some Negroes; but I look on them, in general, equally serviceable with other men for fatigue ; and in action many of them have proved themselves brave. " I would avoid all reflection, or any thing that may tend to give umbrage ; but there is in this army from the southward a number called riflemen, who are as indifferent men as I ever served with. These privates are mutinous, and often deserting to the enemy ; unwilling for duty of any kind ; exceedingly vicious ; and I think the army here would be as well without as with them. But to ■ do justice to their officers, they are, some of them, likely men." — M. S. Letter, dated 24th October, 1775. The following is an extract from the journal of a Hessian officer, dated October 23d, 1777 : " From here to Springfield, there are few habitations which have not a Negro family dwelling in a small house near by. The Negroes are here as fruitful as other cattle. The young ones are well foddered, especially while they are still calves. " Slavery is moreover very gainful. The Negro is to be considered just as the bond servant of a peasant. The Negress does all the coarse work of the house, and the little black young ones wait on the little white young ones. The Negro can lake the field instead of his master ; and, therefore, no regiment is to be seen in which there are not Negroes in abundance ; and among them are able-bodied, strong and brave fellows.'' 1 — Schloezer's Brief wechsel, vol. iv., p. 365. We next give an extract from an act of the " State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in General Assembly. February Session, 1778. "Whereas, for the preservation of the rights and liberties of the United States, it is necessary that the whole powers of Government should be exerted in recruiting the Continental battalions ; and whereas His Excellency, Gen. Washington, hath inclosed to this State a proposal made to him by Brigadier-General Yarnum, to enlist into the two bat- talions, raising by this State, such slaves as should be willing to enter into the service ; and whereas history affords us frequent precedents of the v;isest, the freest, and bravest nations having liberated their slaves and enlisted them as Soldiers to fight in defence of their country ; and also whereas, the enemy, with a great force, have taken possession of the Capital and a great part of this State ; and this State is obliged to raise a very considerable number of troops for its own immediate defence, whereby it is, in a manner, rendered impossible for this State to furnish recruits for the said two battalions without adopting the said measure so recommended : " It is Voted and Resolved, That every able-bodied Negro, Mulatto, or UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS l.'PRARY 4 Indian man slave in this State, may enlist into eifher of the said two battalions, to serve during the continuance of the present war with Great Britain ; that every slave so enlisting shall be entitled to and receive all the bounties, wages, and encouragements allowed by the Con- tinental Congress to any soldier enlisting into their service." " It is further Voted and Resolved, That every slave so enlisting, shall, upon his passing muster before Col. Christopher Green, be imme- diately discharged from the service of his master or mistress, and be absolutely FREE, as though he had never been incumbered with any kind of servitude or slavery." The Negroes enlisted under this act were the men who immortalized themselves at Red Bank. Arnold, in his "History of Rhode Island," vol. ii., pp. 427, 428, describing the "Battle of Rhode Island," fought August 29th, 1178, says: "A third time the enemy, with desperate courage and increased strength, attempted to assail the redoubt, and would have carried it, but for the timely aid of two Continental battalions despatched by Sullivan to support his almost exhausted troops. It was in repelling these furious onsets, that the newly raised black regiment, under Col. Green, distinguished itself by deeds of desperate valor. Posted behind a thicket in the valley, they three times drove back the Hessians, who charged repeatedly down the hill to dislodge them." On March 29th, 1779, we find in the Secret Journals of Congress, vol. i., pp. 107-110 : "Resolved, That it be recommended to the States of South Carolina and Georgia, if they shall think the same expedient, to take measures immediately for raising three thousand able-bodied Negroes. " That the said Negroes be formed into separate corps, as battalions, according to the arrangements adopted for the main army, to be com- manded by white commissioned and non-commissioned officers." After other provisions for their organization the last section provides, " That every Negro who shall well and faithfully serve as a soldier to the end of the present war, and shall then return his arms, be emanci- pated and receive the sum .of fifty dollars." Washington, Hamilton, General Greene, General Lincoln, and Colonel John Laurens were warm friends of this measure. That the " Mother of Statesmen" also enlisted Negroes during the War of the Revolution, and emancipated them for their services, is shown by the heading of a law passed by the General Assembly of Virginia, in 1783, entitled "An Act directing the Emancipation of certain Slaves who have served as soldiers in this State, and for the emancipation of the slave Aberdeen." — Hening's Statutes at Large of Virginia, vol. xi., pp. 308, 309. In the navy, Negroes have always been entered on the ship's books without any distinction. The following extract from a letter of Com- modore Chauncey gives his views on this subject. " I regret that you are not pleased with the men sent you by Messrs. Champlin and Forrest ; for to my knowledge a part of them are not surpassed by any seamen we have in the fleet ; and I have yet to learn that the color of the skin, or the cut and trimmings of the coat, can affect a man's qualifications or usefulness. I have nearly fifty blacks on board of this ship, and many of them are among my best men." In 1814 the State of New York passed " An Act to authorize the raising of two regiments of men of color ; passed October 24, 1814." In conclusion we offer the proclamation and address- of General Andrew Jackson to the Negroes. " Headquarters 1th Military District. Mobile, September 21, 1814. " To the Free Colored Inhabitants of Louisiana : "Through a mistaken policy you have heretofore been deprived of a participation in the glorious struggle for national rights in which our country is engaged. This no longer shall exist. " As sons of freedom, you are now called upon to defend our most inestimable blessing. As Americans, your country looks with confidence to her adopted children for a valorous support, as a faithful return for the advantages enjoyed, under her mild and equitable government. As fathers, husbands, and brothers, you are summoned to rally around the standard of the Eagle, to defend all which is dear in existence. " Tour country, although calling for your exertions, does not wish you to engage in her cause without amply remunerating you for the services rendered. Your intelligent minds are not to be led away by false repre- sentations. Your love of honor would cause you^to despise the man who should attempt to deceive you. In the sincerity of a soldier and the language of truth I address you. " To every noble-hearted, generous freeman of color, volunteering to serve during the present contest with Great Britain, and no longer, there will be paid the same bounty in money and lands, now received by the white soldiers of the United States, viz. : one hundred and twenty-four dollars in money, and one hundred and sixty acres of land. The non- commissioned officers and privates will also be entitled to the same monthly pay and daily rations, and clothes, furnished to any American soldier. " On enrolling yourselves iu companies, the major-general commanding will select officers for your government from your white fellow-citizens. Your non-commissioned officers will be appointed from among yourselves. " Due regard will be paid to the feelings of freemen and soldiers. You u will not, by being associated with white men in the same corps, be ex- posed to improper comparisons or unjust sarcasm. As a distinct, inde- pendent battalion or regiment, pursuing the path of glory, you will, undivided, receive the applause and gratitude of your countrymen. "To assure you of the sincerity of my intentions, and my anxiety to engage your invaluable services to our country, I have communicated my wishes to the Governor of Louisiana, who is fully informed as to the manner of enrolment, and will give you every necessary information on the subject of this address. "ANDREW JACKSOX, Major-General Commanding." Niles's Register, vol. vii., p. 205. At the el'ose of a review of the white and colored troops in New Orleans, on Sunday, December 18th, 1814, General Jackson's address to the troops was read by Edward Livingston, one of his aids, and the following is the portion addressed : " To the men op Color. — Soldiers! From the shores of Mobile I collected you to arms, — I invited you to share in the perils and to divide the glory of your white countrymen. I expected much from you ; for I was not uninformed of those qualities which must render you so formida- ble to an invading foe. I knew that you could endure hunger and thirst and all the hardships of war. I knew that you loved the land of your nativity, and that, like ourselves, you had to defend all that is most dear to man. But you surpass my hopes. I have found in you, united to these qualities, that noble enthusiasm which impels to great deeds. " Soldiers ! The President of the United States shall be informed of your conduct on the present occasion ; and the voice of the Representa- tives of the American Nation shall applaud your valor, as your general now praises your ardor. The enemy is near. His sails cover the lakes. But the brave are united : and if he finds us contending among ourselves, it will be for the prize of valor, and fame, its noblest reward."' — Niles's Register, vol. vii., pp. 345, 346. Such are some of the views of our ancestors in regard to the employ- meHt of Negro soldiers. Is it not the duty of every loyal man to give a careful consideration to these facts ? By utilizing this element the Government can secure the services of TOO, 000 able-bodied men, acclimated to and familiar with the seat of war, and at the same time strike the Rebels a vital blow. Will not posterity hold to a severe account the statesman who would neglect to use so powerful a force for the suppression of the Rebellion ? THE YALOR OF TEE NEGRO TROOPS IHDOBSH). Headquarters Army of tub <;tlf, | Before Port Hudson, May 30, 1863. j Major- General II. W. IlaUeclc, General-in-Chief, Washington. General: — Leaving Sommesport on the Atchafalaya, where my command was at the date of my last dispatch, I landed at Bayou Sara at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 21st. A portion of the infantry were transported in steamers, and the balance of the infantry, artillery, cavalry, and wagon train moving down on the west bank of the river, and from this to Bayou Sara. On the 23d a junction was effected with the advance of Major-General Auqur and Brigadier-General Sherman, our line occupying the Bayou Sara road at a distance five miles from Port Hudson. 31ajor-General Augur had an encounter with a portion of the enemy on the Bayou Sara road in the direction of Baton Bouge, which resulted in the re- pulse of the enemy, with heavy loss. On the 25th the enemy was compelled to abandon his first line of works. General Weitzel's brigade, which had covered our rear in the march from Alexandria, joined us on the 2Gth, and on the morning of the 27th a general assault was made upon the fortifications. The artillery opened fire between 5 and 6 o'clock, which was continued with animation during the day. At 10 o'clock Weitzel's brigade, with the division of General Grover, reduced to about two brigades, and the division of General ftNiORY, temporarily reduced by detachments to about a brigade, under com- mand of Colonel Paine, with two regiments of colored troops, made an assault upon the right of the enemy's works, crossing Sandy Creek, and driving them through the woods to their fortifications. The fight lasted on this line until 4 o'clock, and was very severely contested. On the left, the infantry did not come up until later in the day ; but at 2 o'clock au assault was opened on the centre and left of centre by the divisions under Major-General Augur and Brigadier-General Sherman. The enemy was driven into his works, and our troops moved up to the fortifi- cations, holding the opposite sides of the parapet with the enemy on the right. Our troops still hold their position on the left. After dark the main body, being exposed to a flank fire, withdrew to a belt of woods, the skirmishers re- maining close upon the fortifications. In the assault of the 27th, the behavior of the officers and men was most gallant, and left nothing to be desired. Our limited acquaintance of the ground and the character of the works, which were almost hidden from our observation until the moment of approach, alone prevented the capture of the post. On the extreme right of our line I posted the first and third regiments of negro troops. The First regiment of Louisiana Engineers, composed exclu- sively of colored men, excepting the officers, was also engaged in the operations of the day. The position occupied by these troops was one of importance, and called for the utmost steadiness and bravery in those to whom it was confided. It gives me pleasure to report that they answered every expectation. Their conduct was heroic. Xo troops could be more determined or more daring. They made, during the day, three charges upon, the batteries of the enemy, suffering very heavy losses, and holding their position at nightfall with the other troops on the right of our line. The highest commendation is bestowed upon them by all the officers in command on the right. Whatever doubt may have existed before as to the efficiency of organizations of this character, the history of this day proves conclusively to those who were in a condition to ob- serve the conduct of these regiments, that the Government will find in this class of troops effective supporters and defenders. The severe test to which they were subjected, and the determined manner in 8 which they encountered the enemy, leave upon my mind no doubt of their ulti- mate success. They require only good officers, commands of limited numbers, and careful discipline, to make them excellent soldiers. Our losses from the 23d to this date in killed, -wounded, and missing, are nearly 1000, including, I deeply regret to say, some of the ablest officers of the corps. I am unable yet to report them in detail. I have the honor to be, with much respect, Your obedient servant, N. P. Baxks, Major- General Commanding. THE SECOND LOUISIANA. MAY 27, 1863. By GEORGE H. BOKER. Dark as the clouds of even. Ranked in the western heaven, Waiting the breath that lifts All the dread mass, and drifts Tempest and falling brand Over a ruined land; — So still and orderly, Arm to arm, knee to knee, Waiting the great event, Stands the black regiment. Down the long dusky line Teeth gleam and eyeballs shine ; And the bright bayonet, Bristling and firmly set, Flashed with a purpose grand, Long ere the sharp command Of the fierce rolling drum Told them their time had come, Told them what work was sent For the black regiment. "Now," the flag-sergeant cried, "Though death and hell betide, Let the whole nation see If we are fit to be Free in this land ; or bound Down, like the whining hound — Bound with red stripes of pain In our old chains again !" Oh ! what a shout there went From the black regiment ! " Charge !" Trump and drum awoke, Onward the bondmen broke ; Bayonet and sabre-stroke Vainly opposed their rush. Through the wild battle's crush, With but one thought aflush, Driving their lords like chaff, In the guns' mouths they laugh ; I Or at the slippery brands Leaping with open hands, Down they tear man and horse, Down in their awful course; Trampling with bloody heel Over the crashing steel, All their eyes forward bent, Rushed the black regiment. " Freedom !" their battle-cry — " Freedom ! or leave to die !" Ah ! and they meant the word, Not as with us 'tis heard, Not a mere party-shout : They gave their spirits out ; Trusted the end to God, And on the gory sod Rolled in triumphant blood. Glad to strike one free blow, Whether for weal or woe ; Glad to breathe one free breath, Though on the lips of death. Praying — alas ! in vain ! — That they might fall again, So they could once more see That burst to liberty ! This was what " freedom" lent To the black regiment. Hundreds on hundreds fell ; But they are resting well ; Scourges and shackles strong Never shall do them wrong. 0, to the living few, Soldiers, be just and true ! Hail them as comrades tried ; Fight with them side by side ; Never, in field or tent, Scorn the black regiment !