The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-05-27
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF Gu1F \
NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS.
OPELoUsAs, May 1. 1863. \


uHNbhAL OhDERS, NO. 4U.
The Major-General commanding the De-
partment proposes the organization of a Corps
d'Armee of colored troops, to be designated
as the Corps d'Afrique'' 1t will consist
ultimately OF eighteen regiments, represent
ing all arms-intantry, artillery, cavalry
making nine brlgades of two regiments each,
and three divisions of three brigades each,
with appropriate corps of engineers, and fly-
ing hospitals for each division. Appropriate
uniforms, and the graduation of pay to cor.
respond with the value of services will be
hereafter awarded.
In the field the efficiency of every corps
depends upon the influence of its officers up
on the troops engaged and the practical limits
OF one direct command is generally limited at
lOOO men. The most eminent military his
torlans and commanders, among others, Thi-
ers and Chambray, express the opinion upon
full review of the elements of military
power, that the valor of the soldier is rather
acquired than natural. Nations whose indi-
vidual heroism is undisputed, have failed as
soldiers in the field. The European and
American continents exhibit instances of this
character, and the military prowess of every
nation may be estimated by the centuries it
has devoted to military contest, or the tradi-
tlonal passion of its people for military glory.
With race unaccustomed to military service,
much more depends on the immediate influ-
enee OF officers upon individual members
than with those that have acquired more or
less of warlike habits and spirit by centuries
of contest. 1t is deemed best therefore. in
the organization of the Corps d'Afrique to
limit the regiment to the smallest number of
men consistent with efficient service in the
field, IN order to secure the most thorough in
structlon and discipline, and the largest infu-
ence of the officers over the troops. At first
they will be limited to five hundred men,
The average of American regiments is less
than that number
The Commanding General desires to detail
tor temporary or permanent duty the best Off
GERS of the army for the organization, in
struction and discipline of this corps. With
their aid he is confident that the corps will
render important service to the Government.
1t is not established upon any dogma of
equality or other theory, but as practical
and sensible matter of business. The Gov
eminent makes use of mules, horses, unedu-
Gated and educated white men in the defence
OF Its institutions. Why should not the ne
gro contribute whatever is in his power for
the cause in which he is as deeply interested
as other men? We may properly demand
from him whatever services he can render
~ A'oi uoi0OIIi III oiStIllAdGlOuS Vi InlS Cnar-
acter 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 discredita-
BILE. Controversies unnecessary and injurious
to the service have arisen between them and
other troops. The organization proposed
will reconcile and avoid many of these trou-
bles.
Officers and soldiers will consider the ext
gencies of the service in this Department, and
the absolute necessity of appropriating every
element of power to the support of the Gov
eminent The prejudices or opinions of men
are in no way involved. The cooperation
and active support of all officers and men,
and the nomination of fit men from the ranks.
and from the lists of non-commissioned and
commissioned officers, are respectfully solicit
ted from the Generals commanding the re-
spective divisions. By command of
Major General BANKS.
RICHARD B. IRWIN, A. A. General