uraged to come to us; they are to
be received with open arms; they are to be fed and clothed; they
are to be armed."

On the 1st of May, 1863, Gen. Banks, in an order directing the
recruiting of the "Corps d'Afrique," said:

"The prejudices or opinions of men are in no wise involved"; and
"it is not established upon any dogma of equality, or other
theory, but as a practical and sensible matter of business. The
Government makes use of mules, horses, uneducated and educated
White men, in the defense of its institutions. Why should not the
negro contribute whatever is in his power for the cause in which
he is as deeply interested as other men? We may properly demand
from him whatever service he can render," etc., etc.

In the autumn of 1863, Adjutant-General Thomas issued the following
order respecting the military employment of Negroes as soldiers:

"ENLISTMENT OF COLORED TROOPS.

"GENERAL ORDERS, No. 329.

"WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, }
"WASHINGTON, D. C., October 13, 1863. }

"WHEREAS, The exigencies of the war require that colored troops
be enlisted in the States of Maryland, Missouri, and Tennessee,
it is

"ORDERED BY THE PRESIDENT, That the Chief of the Bureau for the
Organization of Colored Troops shall establish recruiting
stations at convenient places within said States, and give public
notice thereof, and be governed by the following regulations:

"First. None but able-bodied persons shall be enlisted.

"Second. The State and county in which the enlistments are made
shall be credited with the recruits enlisted.

"Third. All persons enlisted into the military service shall
forever thereafter be FREE.

"Fourth. Free persons, and slaves with the written consent of
their owners, and slaves belonging to those who have been engaged
in or given aid or comfort to the rebellion, may now be
enlisted--the owners who have not been engaged in or given aid to
the rebellion being entitled to compensation as hereinafter
provided.

"Fifth. If within thirty days from the date of opening
enlistments, notice thereof and of the recruiting stations being
published, a sufficient number of the description of persons
aforesaid to meet the exigencies