The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-02-12
CAMP WIN. PENN-22d Reg. U. 8. C. T., !
Chelton Hills, Pa, Feb. Q, "a.

Mr. EDITOR THE arrival Of the Journal nj
my quarters, Tuesday, reminded me of q prom.
isc made you to communicate any items OF
interest might chance to CLEAN By the way
side.
Camp William Penn is about eight miles from
Philadelphia, accessible from the latter place
by the North Penn. R.R. We have barracks
erected to accommodate two regiments, and ut
present We have the 22d regiment, already full
and under marching orders, and the 23th,
which is about two-thirds full. occupying them.
Two regiments have already left here-the 9Th
and 9th. The officers Of these regiments hail
from all parts of the country, and oil the COM
missoned officers have seen active field service,
except the Asst Surgeons. The most of the Of.
fcers have been In the ranks and have risen to
their present position by meritorious conduct,
nil having had to pass through most rigid ex-
animation by board expressly appointed to
examine applicants for office in colored regi
ments. The fact that more than one half the
applicants have been set aside, shows that Gov.
ernment is determined to have none but the
most efficient officers in these regiments. All
nOn-commssioned officers are coored. A ma
jority of the soldiers are from New Jersey,
Pennsylvania and Ohio, the rest being contra
bands. When arrived ON the ground Friday
week, the regiment was on dress parade, and
considering the time the soldiers have been
drilling, went through II remarkably well.
Without any disparagement to white troops.
do not sec but what the c0lored drill equally
well. a captain remarked to me yesterday
that he had rather drill colored than white
company, for they would do just what you told
them.
II has occurred to me rs have witnessed
their drills, that they have two elements In their
nature which must 60 far towards making good
soldiers The first, a natural pride; the Sec
ond, an instincthe feeling Of inferiority. The
colored race is naturally proud, and when that
pride is gratiied By donning uniform and
other ct cw.eras incident to military life, |
really believe that the sergeant or corporal Is
rs proud of his chcyrons rs Major General is
Of his stars
Of course no one will pretend to deny but
what the colorcd man feels his nferiority-es-
pecaly the contraband. 1t has been beat into
him from childhood, and I really believe II Is
hereditary. Being possessed of the former feel
ing, he takes pride in obeying fully conscious
of the latter. he feels bound to obey. When a
command is given he obeys Immediately, while
the white soldier, feeling equal to his superior
officer, frequently hesitates.
Ny position among them has given me good
opportunity to ascertain their feelings. | find
them enthusiastic, determined, and, as the say
ing is, "spoiling for q fight" They are in.
structed by their officers that when they get in
to battle no quarter will be shown. and they
must give none. So think IL We get into nc
ton and they obey instructions, somebody will
be hurt. ...
We are under marching orders to report at
Fortress Monroe. and shall leave here Tuesday.
We march to Philadelphia, take steamer there
and proceed down the river to Delaware Bay,
and thence to our place Of destination. am
obliged to leave off very abruptly, as the mail
soon closes and we are busy preparingto leave.
The officers are oil overjoyed ut the idea OF re-
porting tn Butler. .I .
Yours rcspectful,y. AsTRU0ALUS.