The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-03-10
MARRIAGE AND FUNERAL NOTICES
The 1sth Colored Infantrr.

CAMP l.. THOMAS NASHVILLE AND NORTHWERS K K,
February p, 1854.
1t may not be. uninteresting to the
readers of your patriotic columns to
peruse an occasional article from me
while am connected with the 18th U.
S. Colored Infantry
We hold no mean place in the great
field which treason and rebellion have
laid out for the active occupation of
the United States Army This railroad
is military necessity" The arduous
labor required for its completion is just
such as the soldiers of this regiment
can rapidly perform. They and their
compatriots of the 18th United States
Colored Infantry, and the two Engineer
Regiments, will soon rejoice that they
have finished the work; then-"how are
you" marching orders-for Mexico, or
any where else, God only knows where;
but these troops will do to 90 any
where We have too much con-
Germ for our own reputation among
the millions of Columbia, and in the
glorious Union army to extend to
our soldiers any privileges not allowed
by military law and we have gathered
them from such horrid state Of
slavery and wrong that they even now
claim to be free They cheerfully sub
nit to the rigors of military rule, say
ing, ave were never so happy before
Our old masters would get angry with
US and sometimes punish US almost to
DEATH and we not understand why; but
here if we are punished, we know why,
for the officers tell us our duty and
never punish US unless we disobey If
we disobey, we know it and when we
are punished we know what it is for.
Reader, do not be surprised when 1 tell
you that l took the above quotation
from the lips of a private soldier in this
regiment. Grant that it expresses the
common sentiment of the colored de
partment; that none but these or old
soldiers can so cheerfully submit
to military duty. 1 have seen this regi-
ment march whole day without OBJ
serving a single instance of straying or |
breaking ranks for pigs and poultry.
They are content with hard tack and
bacon, while none but those who are
used to like fare can endure it single
day without propensity to "gobble
almost anything for variety, When
white troops march through this coun-
try it must suffer for their comfort, but
colored soldiers are satisfied with their
supplies as they are furnished them
This fact the citizens give ample testi-
mony DISK them, ye who contradict
All there is a wailing in the wake Of
many white regiment, even in Middle
Tennessee, but none in thewake of this.
We have a good conscience before
General Orders No. IL, concerning
foraging in this Department. Can all |
white regiments say the same2 It's |
already known in military circles how
well we are prepared for inspections at /
any time. Our record in the army is just /
as good as any other, and better than
that of white troops on fatigue, or road I
building the Paymaster and In
spector GeReral Of this Department re-
marked in our hearing that this camp !
is nearer perfection than any they had
seen in this army; and as the authOri- .
ties know where to confer appreciation
and honor we feel very comfortable in
our present fortunes, and are willing 10
wait for the voluntary applause and
admiration, Of all the wise, and good,
and true
1t is quite satisfaction to me 70
know that while some men consider
this organization as unworthy because
the soldiers have been negro slaves,
they have shown as much bravery in
to their experience in NOR
tai combat as the white troops, and
more proficiency in the schools Of the
soldier and company Although men
tality and education are exceedingly
limited, imitation, subordination and
diligence win supply the deficiency
and win them honor and trust, and
cover with glory the names Of the brave
who shall lead them to battle. ] can
also say-we have no commissioned I
officers who have not been adjudged
competent to I'll the rank they respect
fully hold by a board Of examiners,
appointed BY Major General RosecFans.
1t is not necessary that they be laugh.
ing stock for their men while on drill
for their knowledge Of tactics commands 4
the respect Of All who witness the exc
cution Of their Office There are Brig
adler Generals in the State troops who,