Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1865-02-23

through the country and what are
your means OF knowing the sentiments
of those living in the country
Answer think the sentiments are
the same among the colored people or
the State. My opinion Is formed by
personal communication In the course
of nv ministry, and also from the thou
sands that followed the Union army,
leaving their homes and undergoing sur
ferlng. did not think there would be
80 many; the number surpassed my eX-
pectatiOn,
Elghth-If the Rebel leaders were to
arm the slaves, what would be It's ell
fectl
Answer think they would fight as
long as they were before the bayonet,
and Just as soen as they could get away
they would desert, in my opinion.
Ninth-What, in your opinion, Is the
feeling of the colored people about en-
listing and serving as soldiers of the
United States and what kind Of military
service do they prefer
Answer-A large number have gone as
soldiers to Port Royal to be drilled and
put In the service; and | think there
are thousands of the young men that
would enlist. There is something about
them that perhaps is wrong They
have suffered so long from the Rebels
that they want to shoulder the musket,
Others want to 20 into the Quarter
masters or Commissary's service.
Tenth-Do you understand the mode
of enlistment of cOlored persons in the
Rebel States by State agents under the
Act of Congress If yea, state what your
understanding Is.
Answer-My understanding is, that
colored persons enlisted by State agents
are enlisted as substitutes and give
credit to the States, and do not swell
the army, because every black man en-
listed by State agent leaves a white
man at home and, also, that larger
hounties are given or promised by State
agents than are given by the States.
The great object should be to push
through this Rebellion the shortest way,
and there seems to be something want
ing in the enlistment by State agents,
for it don't strengthen the army, but
takes one away for every colored man
enlisted.
Eleventh-State what, in your opin-
ion, il the best way to enlist COlOred
men for soldiers.
Answer think, sir, that all compul-
sorry operations should be put a stop to-.
The ministers would talk TO them, and
the young men would enlist. 1t is my
opinion that it would be far better for
the State agents to stay at home, and the
enlistments to be made for the United
States under the direction Of Gen. Sher-
man.
In the absence of Gen. Sherman, the
following question was asked;
TWelfth-State what is the feeling Of
the colored people in regard to Gen,
Sherman; and how far do they regard
his sentiments and actions as friendly
to their rights and interests, or other
wise?
.Answer-We looked upon Gen. Sher-
man prior to his arrival as a man in the
Providence Of God specially set apart to
accomplish this work, and we unani-
mously feel inexpressible gratitude to
him, looking upon him as a man that
should be honOred for the faithful per
Torrance of his duty. Some of us called
upon him Immediately upon his arrival,
and it is probable he would not meet
the Secretary with more courtesy than
he met US. His conduct and deport-
ment toward us characterized him as q
friend and gentleman We have con,
fldence in Gen. Sherman, and think that
what concerns us could not be under
better hands. This is our opinion now
from the short acquaintance and inter,
crest we have had. (Mr. Lynch states
that with his limited acquaintance with
Gen. Sherman, he is unwilling to ex-
press an opinion. All others present
declare their agreement with Mr.. Fra
zier about Gen. Sherman.)