The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1891-11-29
THE BROTHER IN BLACK.
The Touching story of Celostin Beaulieu
Born a Slave in Maryland.

The Touching story of Celostin Bsaulieu,
Born a Slave in Maryland.
New Orleans Picayune.
'Celestin Beaulieu, colored, an ex-Con-
federate soldier, one OF the bestowed negroes
in the South, is dead. He was faithful man
and brave one," said well-known gentle
man to Picdy,tne reporter. "In war and In
peace he bore a reputation which any man
might have envied. When the news of his
death was brought to me was moved almost
as deeply as If one of my own kin had gone to
'that undiscovered bourne"
The death OF this excellent old man re-
calls many curious incidents Of his career
Celestin Beauieu was born in Maryland, in
August, 1885, His birthplace was In tiny
cabin on a plantation belonging to a DR..
Pierre Prussan, to whose eldest son, Henry,
he was given at the age OF 10. When his
master came to New Orleans, he accompanied
him as body servant and confidant generally
The good qualities of head and heart which he
displayed throughout his life had already
endeared him to his young owner, and the two
lived together as nearly upon an equality as
the difference of races permitted.
But Celestin never shone forth In the full
blaze of bis dusky splendor until the civil
war commenced. When the news came from
Sumter he spent little hoard which he had
collected to purchase a flint-lock musket. and
prepared to serve his country to the best Of
his ability. He urged his master repeatedly
to join the army, and when the Tenth Regi-
ment of Louisiana Volunteers was organized
both OF them joined. .
1t was one bright, sunshiny day In mid
summer when the volunteers went to the
front. Young Prussan wore the stripes Of an
adjutant; Ce1estin, the apron of cook.
Battle proved that the gold braid covered q
heart equaled in dauntless courage by the one
that beat beneath the white cotton. When
the youthful planter was detailed on danger
GUS duty in the field black Celestin rode at his
heels, with his flint-lock on the pommel of bis
saddle. Behind the breastworks in Virginia
master and man stood side by side, fighting
for home and liberty with quiet bravery.
Once, in the desperate melee Of charge,
Celestin saw his beloved masaer fall, pierced
by bullet. His own safety was forgotten in
an instant. Despite the battle which ragged
about them, the slave lifted the wounded ad-
of a grove near by. After the battle party
found the two together, Celestin endeavoripg
to stanch the blood that ooZed from Prussan's
breast, 'hav. ng torn his own shirt into lint and
bandages.
Another incident revealed the character Of
the man in another light. He was left be-
hind on one occasion with the other camp fol-
lowers, while the army marched forward to
meet the enemy. Celestin's anger and aston
ishment was great when he found that he was
gooder'n none of dem white trash, is," was
his indignant comment and shouldering his
beloved flint lock, he marched to the front
with dogged determination to fight. And
fight he did. so well and SO bravely that the
colonel praised him before the regiment at the
close of the action.
At Spottsylvania Celestin lost his master
The enemy came upon Prussan unexpectedly
one evening while leading a scouting party
and took him prisoner. The faithful black
mourned his masters fate, but made 1t an e1-
cuse for greater gallantry in battle. In after
days he used to tell how many men fell be-
meath his weapon, but the number was con-
stantly on the increase, and, therefore, may
not be given here. Peace brought the two
together once more, and they were parted cnly
by the death of the master.
Celestin Beaulieu died painessly, sur
rounded by his friends and mourned by all
who knew him. He was typical negro and
represented race Of whom there are now but
few survivors--the loving, faithful slave,
whose attachment neither time nor change,
war or peace, could separate from the family
to whom he once belonged.