count
of the exploits of this gallant regiment in the following explicit
language:

"ACCOUNT OF A SUCCESSFUL EXPEDITION INTO GEORGIA AND FLORIDA WITH
A FORCE OF FOUR HUNDRED AND SIXTY-TWO OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE 1ST
SOUTH CAROLINA VOLUNTEERS.

"The bravery and good conduct of the regiment more than equalled
the high anticipations of its commander. The men were repeatedly
under fire,--were opposed by infantry, cavalry, and
artillery,--fought on board a steamer exposed to heavy musketry
fire from the banks of a narrow river,--were tried in all ways,
and came off invariably with honor and success. They brought away
property to a large amount, capturing also a cannon and a flag,
which the Colonel asks leave to keep for the regiment, and which
he and they have fairly won.

"It will not need many such reports an this--and there have been
several before it--to shake our inveterate Saxon prejudice
against the capacity and courage of negro troops. Everybody knows
that they were used in the Revolution, and in the last war with
Great Britain fought side by side with white troops, and won
equal praises from Washington and Jackson. It is shown also that
black sailors employed on our men-of-war, are valued by their
commanders, and are on equal terms with their white comrades. If
on the sea, why not on the land? No officer who has commanded
black troops has yet reported against them. They are tried in the
most unfavorable and difficult circumstances, but never fail.
When shall we learn to use the full strength of the formidable
ally who is only waiting for a summons to rally under the flag of
the Union? Colonel Higginson says: 'No officer in this regiment
now doubts that the successful prosecution of this war lies in
the unlimited employment of black troops.' The remark is true in
a military sense, and it has a still deeper political
significance.

"When General Hunter has scattered 50,000 muskets among the
negroes of the Carolinas, and General Butler has organized the
100,000 or 200,000 blacks for whom he may perhaps shortly carry
arms to New Orleans, the possibility of restoring the Union as it
was, with slavery again its dormant power, will be seen to have
finally passed away. The negro is indeed the key to success."[99]

So here, in the Department