struggle for his life on land or sea,
instinctively and almost necessarily puts forth every energy with
which he is endowed, and eagerly seizes upon every source of
strength within his grasp; and a nation battling for existence,
that does not do the same, may well be regarded as neither wise
nor obedient to that great law of self-preservation, from which
are derived our most urgent and solemn duties. That there exists
a prejudice against the employment of persons of African Descent
is undeniable; it is, however, rapidly giving way, and never had
any foundation in reason or loyalty. It originated with and has
been diligently nurtured by those in sympathy with the Rebellion,
and its utterance at this moment is necessarily in the interests
of treason.

"Should the President feel that the public interests require he
shall exert the power with which he is clothed by the 12th
section of the Act of the 17th of July, his action should be in
subordination to the Constitutional principle which exacts that
compensation shall be made for private property devoted to the
public uses. A just compensation to loyal claimants to the
service or labor of persons of African Descent enlisted in our
army, would accord with the uniform practice of the Government
and the genius of our institutions!

"Soldiers of this class, after having perilled their lives in the
defence of the Republic, could not be re-enslaved without a
national dishonor revolting and unendurable for all who are
themselves to be free. The compensation made, therefore, should
be such as entirely to exhaust the interest of claimants; so that
when soldiers of this class lay down their arms at the close of
the war, they may at once enter into the enjoyment of that
freedom symbolized by the flag which they have followed and
defended."

The Negro was now a soldier, legally, "constitutionally." He had
donned the uniform of an American soldier; was entrusted with the
honor and defence of his country, and had set before him liberty as
his exceeding great reward. Rejected at first he was at last urged
into the service--even _drafted_! He was charged with the solution of
a great problem--his fitness, his valor. History shall record his
deeds of patriotism, his marvellous achievements, his splendid
triumphs.

FOOTNOTES:

[91] Ch