The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1863-07-10
Negro Soldiers Against Irish Sc
diers.
THE CHICAGO IRISH LEGIONl
HEADQUARTERS Goth Ill. Vol,
LAFAYETTE. Tenn. Nav l8.

Lafayette, Tenn, May Is.
10 tie Editor Of the Chicago Times:
In his proselyting percgrinalions in the South
west, Adjutant General Thomas, styling hn-
self the mouthpiece of President Lincoln s>sl
the Secretary of War, has just vouchsafed Us a
very brief, but none the less mischeyous visit
this afternoon--having few minutes prior to
his arrival heralded his approach over the wires.
The LEGION" with characteristic promptituie,
and appearing admirably, were quickly on tlle
designated ground, in readiness to render to tlle
distinguished public functionary the honor due
to his exalted position.
Presently the train draws up In front of the
regiment Temporarily commanded by Maj Stew
art) who sautes the General handsomely, ac-
cording to the prescribed mode, by presenting
arms He seemed, however, to have anticipa
ted ''rapturous' welcome, and scarcely con
cealed his disappointment at the tamcness with
which he was met Indeed, he made the sug-
gestise remark that he had been received with
unbounded ''enthusiasm" where he had previ-
ously held forth He had been making great
many speeches. ESQ he said) and quite unneces-
sarily excused himself in advance for the short
ness OF his speech-which, to be candid, was its
least fault. He modestly proclaimed, iterated
and reiterated, that he was the Adiutant Gene
raj OF the United States, not only of the volun-
tcer, but of the regular forces; that he had
come to see for himself and correct abuses; that
he had organized, or authorized to be organized,
ever SO many ''colored regiments" and would
arm, clothe and feed them; that they were mod
els of bravery and fidelity; that they would re-
lieve the white soldiers in the barracks, forts,
and posts; that he had many years since seen
negro regiments in India and in other countries;
| that he had just returned from the lower regions
| q don't quote his exact words;) that he had
there placed many plantations under cultivation
| by Stree labor" that their now masters paid
the negroes for their labor; and that the former
| parties, he had demonstrated" could make
more money than if the original relations be-
tween them had remained in statu quo, &C., &C.,
and finally, that he himself. chad but recently
drilled company of negroes y ssa sissss STACY
drilled very creditably" indeed. But we obtuse
Hibernians, could not, for the lives of us, see
the subject sin that light" and remained pro-
vokingly taciturn, without the slightest evidence
of conversion, even the least manifestation
of approximating ''change," being, no doubt,
as the doughty General frankly admitted he had
once been ''prejudiced against the colored race.
But then, who knows but that our excusable
| prejudice against our free American brethren
of "African descent may YET happily vanish,
as did the Generars?-for tell you, Mr.. Edi-
tor, if we do not ere long become thoroughly
enlightened in the science of 'Niggerology," it
will not be the fault of Gen. Thomas, or for
any want of ample opportunity to become fa-
miliar with the subject in its various phases and
forms Gin real life."
He commanded that we should receive Sambo
with open arms and distinguished considera-
tion;'' that we should feed him, clothe him, and
of course, lodge him; and moreover, actually
called for cheers for the Presidents ''war poll
ry man in the regiment, for the moment, lost
the faculty of speech and the power of motion
The gallant Major, in the hope of extricating
| our brave men from their awkward dilemma,
and restoring to them the use of their tongues
and muscles, called for ''three cheers for the
Union," when 10! up 90 the caps, and loudly
burst forth from stentorian lungs, the enthusi-
astic cheers called for, with q ''tiger" to boot!
But mbub,le dcta the General flies into vio-
lent passion, declaring that this did not satisfy
him. 1t was not what he wanted! and he
would not leave here until every officer and
man signifed his determination to yield free
and unreseved support to the negro policy of
the Administration The demanded cheers were
again called for, but not cheer was heard, save
that of one single man, and will not mention
his name--sulce it to say he is not an Irshman.
Three cheers were given for the President, and
g. ..{1.a H.,
declaration that they had never yet refused, and
never would refuse, to obey any order of their
supcriors. But the naughty dictator waxed still
more wrathy, asseverating that he would imme-
dately dismiss every officer and man who con-
tumaciously dared to refuse cheering ''three
times" for the negro 'spolicy;" but still not
man moved nor a syllable was uttered, save by
the one man excepted before. This was more
than the irate General could bear, and he order
ed every man opposed to his 'policy" to step to
the front; but, as there was no exception to
the ranks, the men preserved their immobility
for moment, when out stepped Sergeant Mi
chael Meehan, OF my company, and another SER
geant, whose name do not now recollect. The
General, to be sure, reprimanded them severely
Sergeant Meehan gracefully saIuting the great
man, replied, 81 speak only for myself have
never disobeyed an order of my superior officers,
and never shall; but cannot cheer for princi-
Piles which -"
"Take them to the guard house immediately
Take them along! Take them along" and the
chivalrous general turned TO leave, vowing his
determination to put the ontire regiment under
arrest, because they would not basely stultify
themselves and renounce the honest convictions
of their hearts; in other words because six
hundred as brave men and true patriots as ever
shouldered a musket or charged bayonet, do
not voluntarily" and falsely avow that they