New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-05-21
WORD FOR COLORED TROOPS.

Gen. Grant remarks, in a letter which we published
yesteMay that while all the white volunteers have
become dissatisfied with the service and are no longer
Of any use the colored volunteers, with equal right
to claim their discharge do not desire to be mustered
out. Gen. Grant might have added that there were
good reasons for the different temper Of these two
classes of troops. The white soldier, thinking
his contract for service during the war has been
performed, is impatient to return to his usual oc-
cupatlons, and to his old life as a citizen. Why
Because he will return to more lucrative employ
ment and a more honorable position. The black
soldier equally aware that his contract has EXPIRED
prefers to remain in the service. Why? Because,
as a soldier he has protection and rights which, the
moment he dofs his uniform, he renounces, and which
he may never be able to regain.
Within the last two months great number OF col
ored troops have been discharged the service. al
though DESTROYS to remain, and considerable num-
Der of white troops are retained although, as Gen.
Grant says, they eager to go, and are useless
That strikes Us as very poor economy, 10 say lhe
least. The Government thinks it a light matter to
turn adrift hundred thousand men, who in It's hour
of peril helped to save it from destruction. Who cares
what becomes Of the black troops Who remembers
that they are for the most part dsbanded only to be
left to destution and to be exposed to the vndctye
persecution of their late masters The black men
get lectures enough from all quarters, but we are
glad to find one officer who thinks they deserve
word of thanks, and word of encouragement in the
struggle they are about to enter upon. Gen. James
s. Brisbn having just mustered out the last colored
regiment of his command issues an order from which
we make an extract or two, alike honorable to him
and to the men of the 9Th L. S. Colored Cavalry.
"Your services being no longer required by the
Government, you will be Immediately mustered out
aud disbanded. Well and faithfully have you done
your duty and in the name of the Government
thank you for the valuable services you have rem
dered. The battles of Kingsport, Marion, and Salt
ville will be forever honorable memories to You and
your children" The General proceeds to remind his
soldiers that they are legally as free as white men,
and that it is their right and duty to maintain their
freedom 4" If men beat. oppress or strive to en-
slave You. RESIST. There are two ways of
maintaining freedom, by the bayonet and with
the ballot. The Government in due time, will give
you one, or the other, or both" Since the war
closed" adds Gen. Brisbin "many white cavalry
soldiers have deserted, but notwithstanding You were
offered for labor on plantations twice as much pay as
YOU receiving from the Government, not single
black soldier deserted Surely an honorable tribute
to the fidelity Of the blacks.
There have been, we believe, few-and only
few-promotons of black soldiers from the ranks, and
those we're made in exceptional circumstances. Gen.
Brsbn is the first officer of the Regular Army who
has recommended such promotons-a fact that de-
serves to be remembered to his credit He cordially
indorses the certificate of a Board of Examiners in
favor OF Sergeant-Major Helm OF the 9th United
States Coored Cavalry, as follows:
"Sergt. Benjamin Helm having commanded credit
ably company in time Of war; aud having passed the
necessary examination to capacity the color OF his
skin, in my opinion should not bar his promotion. /
therefore earnestly recommend him to the Hon. Secre
tary of War for the position of BrevetSeeond-L
tenant and act justice to brave and deserv-
ing soldier ask that his commission may be issued as
soon rs possible
We do not know what may he the result of such an
application as matters stand at Washington but
we are certain that the Government owes II To the
black troops to recognize their services by the promo
ton of some of them to such rank white soldiers
for similar services would attain