Such a man was chosen to put muskets into the hands of the Negroes in
the Department of the Cumberland. His rank was that of major, with the
powers of an assistant adjutant-general. He took up his headquarters
at Nashville, Tennessee. He carried into the discharge of the duties
of his important office large executive ability, excellent judgment,
and rare fidelity. He organized the best regiments that served in the
Western army. When he had placed the work in excellent condition he
committed it to the care of Capt. R. D. Mussey, who afterward was
made the Colonel of the 100th U. S. Colored Troops.

The intense and unrelenting prejudice against the Negroes, and their
ignorance of military tactics, made it necessary for the Government to
provide suitable white commissioned officers. The prospect was
pleasing to many young white men in the ranks; and ambition went far
to irradicate prejudice against Negro soldiers. Nearly every white
private and non-commissioned officer was expecting the lightning to
strike him; _every_ one expected to be promoted to be a commissioned
officer, and, therefore, had no prejudice against the men they hoped
to command as their _superior_ officers. To prepare the large number
of applicants for commissions in Colored regiments a "Free Military
School" was established at No. 1210 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Secretary Stanton gave the school the following official endorsement
in the spring of 1864.

"WAR DEPARTMENT, }
"WASHINGTON CITY, March 21, 1864. }

"THOMAS WEBSTER, ESQ., _Chairman_,
"1210 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.

"SIR: The project of establishing a free Military School for the
education of candidates for the position of commissioned officers
in the Colored Troops, received the cordial approval of this
Department. Sufficient success has already attended the workings
of the institution to afford the promise of much usefulness
hereafter in sending into the service a class of instructed and
efficient officers.

"Very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"EDWIN M. STANTON,
"_Secretary of War_."

In reply to a letter from Thomas Webster, Esq., Chairman, etc., of the
Recruiting Commi