Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-02-06
Negro Soldiers.

white men might as well postpone their
obi eciions till the black soldiers have
had fair trial. Gen. Foster is accep-
ting the services of negroes for garrison
duty in North Carolina, Notwithstanding
the remonstrances of Gov. Stanley
Gen. Curtis has organized one black
regiment in Arkansas, and is making
good progress with another Private
letters from the fleet of Rear-Admiral
Porter state he is filling up his crews
with the able-bodied freemen of Arkan-
sas and Mississippi, of whom great num-
bers are seeking service under the Uni
ted States. L; is thought that half the
men who man the western hotilla will
soon be of African descent. Of their
competency as sailors and gunners no
doubt is felt by our admirals on the Mis-
sissippi, rs none was experienced by
our admirals on :he Atlant ic during the
last war. So we'll satisfied is Gen. Hun
ter that the negroes in bis department
will do better service to the government
in the field than on the plantations that
he has determined TO give up the exper-
ment Of cotton raising IN bis depart
ment, and enrol all the able-bodied ne
groes, leaving the old men and women to
raise corn and be instructed by the mis-
sionaries. Gen. Saxton's high estimate
of the negro As q soldier is manifest from
his report to the war department
Beaufort, S. c., Jan. 25, 1868.
Hon. E. NJ. Staunton, Sec'y of War:
Dear Sir--I have the honor to report
that the organization of the lst regiment
of South Carolina volunteers is now com
pleted. The regiment is light infantry,
composed of ten companies of about sc
men. In organization, drill, discipline
and morale, for the length of time it has
been in service, this regiment is not sur
passed by any white regiment in this de-
partment. Should it ever be its good
fortune to get into action, have no fear
but it will win its own way to the conf
dence Of those who are willing to recog-
nize courage and manhood, and vindicate
the wise policy OF the administration, in
putting these men in the field, and Civ
ing them a chance to strike q blow for
the country and their own liberty. Ia
no regiment have l ever seen duty per-
formed with so much cheerfulness and
aacrity. As sentinels they are pecu
liarly vigilant. | have never seen in any
body of men such enthusiasm and deep
seated devotion to their officers exists
in this. They will surely go wherever
they are led. Every man is volunteer,
aud seems fully persuaded of the impor
lance o. his service to his race. In the
organization of this regiment have la
bored under difficulties which might
have discouraged one who had less faith
in the wisdom Of the measure, but | am
glad to report that the experiment is a
complete success. My belief is, that
when we get a footing on the main land,
regiments may be raised which will do
more than any now in service, to put
down this rebellion.
/ have sent regiment upon an ex-
pedition to the coast of Georgia, the re-
suit of which ] shall report for your in
formation as soon as it returns.
have the honor also to report that !
have commenced the organization of the
second regiment, which is to be com
manded BY Col. Montgomery.
am, sir, with great respect,
r. SAxToN, Brig. Gen.
The debate in the House OF Repre-
sentatiges on the bill authorizing the
raising 100000 negro volunteers was
qnite excited. The objection most siren
uously urged against it was that it puts
the negro on an equality with the white
man. Mr.. Maynard of Tennessee moved
the reference Of the bill to the military
committee. He said:
His object in moving TO refer was that
the bill might be deprived of those fea-
lures which made it odious, without any
countervailing advantage. Congress has
already provided that the President
might employ such persons of African
descent as be might deem useful. Under
this bill not only black brigadiers, but
black heterogeneous might be appoint
ed. The opposition of the border state
men was not factious. 1t was made in
seriousness, because the bill might cause
serious injury. They had submitted to
good many things which they consider
ed injudicious. He begged the gentle
men that, when they found it necessary
to adopt measures in violation of their
judgment, they would make the dose as
palatable as possible bv nildinp the Mill