Franklin's paper the statesman., 1911-05-13
NEGRO SOLDIERS.
tBy Bruce Grit)
Col. Henry Diaz.

One OF the most remarkable men
of his age was Col Henry Diaz OF
Brazil, who signalized himself and
brought honor to his race. when at
the head OF a regiment of men OF his
own race. he captured from the Dutch
who had carried on a long and harass-
,hg war with the Brazilians. during
the reign OF John ", at that time
king OF Brazil. Cuico Pontos. which
the Dutch successfully held until diaz
went after them with his ''nigger
troops" NJ they were called.
The BrnxiliAns had become fatigued
end their rcsourccs neArfy exhausted.
while opposing the encroachments OF
the Dutch upon their territory.
In the midst of their greatest de-
spondency stout. active African
slaves named Henry Diaz presented
himself In the Brazilian camp.
With the air and tone of one whose
purpose had been deliberately formed
he proposed to the commander, John
Fernandez. to raise regiment of his
own color and bring them to the res
cue OF their common country.
Although the Portuguese and other
nations of the south OF Europe have
never indulged toward the colored
race those rancorous prejudices TO
color which exist in the United States.
yet the sudden appearance and singu-
lar proposal OF this intrepid African
slave occasioned no small surprise
among Portuguese officers. The ar
rival of Joan OF Arc in the camp OF
Charles VII could scarcely have pro-
duced more wonder. But Diaz. though
an enthusiast, made no pretension TO
miracles. He was well acquainted
with the character of his race and he
relied upon his own influence and tact
to develop the great qualities which
he well knew they possessed.
John Fernandez, with an incredu.
lous smile which plainly implied he
considered 1t no harm for the
"blackies" to try: just as n father
LOOKS and speaks to little boys when
they ask to hold the plough, granted
the request.
Henry Diaz returned triumphant TO
his companions. to communicate the
success OF his mission. He exhibited
the parchment he had received. and
though few could read the words. all
were able to appreciate the magni-
tude OF the seal. and the magnificence
of the flourishes.
Henry Diaz proceeded at once to- or
ganize. The regiment was soon full
and organized into battalions and
companies. Such was the talent and
energy of Diaz. and such effective use
had he made of the hours he was en-
abled to steal from labor and from
sleep. That In less than two months
his troops were completely equipped.
and In as perfect state of discipline
as the Oldest corps OF the army. From
miserable, ragged. servile creatures
they had suddenly started up into
brave and stout men, their faces ami
mated with intelligence and hope and
their eyes glistening like the flashing
of the sun upon their bright muskets.
BY the fierce and unyielding courage
OF this regiment and the genius and
skill of its commander. the Dutch
were repeatedly defeated, after the
most severe contests. These black
troo-ers were never but once known
to waver from the rock-like frmness
which distinguishes negro troops.
Once when struggling against vast
superiority OF numbers lnere was a
momentary relaxation Of their EFFORTS
and some symptoms of dismay. Their
colonel rushed into the midst OF their
breaking ranks and exclaiming, Are
these the brave companions of Henry
Diaz," restored their confidence and
secured the victory. BY new and
desperate charge the enemy were
completely routed.
After eight years OF almost con-
slant warfare the Dutch were driven