Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-05-21
The Maior-Ge General Commanding The De.

GENERAL ORDERS 80. 80
The Maior-General commanding the De-
uartment proposes the organization Of a
Corps .d'Armee Of colored troops, to be
designated as the "Corps dAfrique. 1t
will consist ultimately Of eighteen regi-
ments, representing all arms-nfantry,
artillery, cavalry-makinR nine brigades
of two regiments each, and three divisions
OF three brigades each, with appropriate
corps of engineers, and flying hospitals
for each division. Appropriate uniforms,
and the graduation of pay 10 correspond
with the value Of services, viii be here
after awarded.
In the ield the efficiency of every corps
depends upon the influence Of its oiheers
upon the troops engaged, and the practical
limits Of one d6ect command IS generally
limited at 1000 men. The most eminent
military historians and commanders,
among others Theirs and Chambray, ex-
press the opinion upon a full review Of
the elements Of military power, that the
yalor Of the soldier is rather acquired than
natural. Nations whose individual hero
ism is undisputed, have failed as soldiers
in the field. The European and American
continents exhibit instances OF this char
acter, aud the military prOwess Of every
nation may be estimated by the centuries
it has devoted to military contest or the
traditional passion Of its people for militia
nv rlorv. With a race u-naocustomed TO
military service, much more depends on
the immediate influence Of officers upon
individual members, than with those that
ave acquired more or less Of warlike
habits and spirit by centuries Of contest,
1t is deemed best therefore, in the organ
ization- Of the Corps d Antique, to limit the
regiment TO The smallest number Of men
consistent with efficient service IN the heidl
in order TO secure the most thorough IN
struction and discipline, and the largest
influence Of the officers over the troops.
At first they vii be Unite Z tofve hundred
men. The average Of American regiments
is less than that number.
The Commanding General desires to de-
tail for temporary or permanent duty the
best officers of the army for the orgamIa-
ton. instruction and discipline Of this
CORPS. With their aid he is cOnfden; that
the corps will render important service to
the Government. It is not established up
on any dogma Of equality or other theory,
but as a practical and sensible matter OF
business. The Government makes use of
mules, horses, uneducated and educated
white men in tie defence Of its institu-
lions. Why should not the negro contrib
ute whatever is in his power for the cause
in which he is as deeply interested as other
mel? We may properly demand from him
whatever service he can render. The chief
defect in organizations of this character
has arisen from incorrect ideas Of the
officers in command. Their discipline has
been lax, and in some cases the conduct OF
their regiments unsatisfactory and dis
creditable. Controversies unnecessary
and injurious to the service have arisen
between them and other troops. The or
ganization proposed viii reconcile and
avoid many Of these troubles.
Officers and soldiers will consider the
e~xigencies of the service in this Depart
ment. aad the absolute necessity Of appro-
priating every element Of power to the
support of the Government. The preju-
dices or opinions Of men are in no way in
volved. The cooperation and active sup
port of all officers and men, and the nomi-
nation Of fit men from the ranks, and
from the lists of non commissioned and
commissioned officers, are respectfully So
lieited from the Generals commanding the
respective divisions. By command Of
Maior-G General BANKS.
RICHARD B.. IEwIS, 4. A. General.