of the South, where General Hunter had
displayed such admirable military judgment, first, in emancipating the
slave, and second, in arming them; here where the white Union soldiers
and their officers had felt themselves insulted; and where the
President had disarmed the 1st regiment of ex-slaves and removed the
officer who had organized it, a few companies of Negro troops had
fought rebel infantry, cavalry, artillery, and guerillas, and put them
all to flight. They had invaded the enemy's country, made prisoners,
and captured arms and flags; and without committing a single
depredation. Prejudice gave room to praise, and the exclusive, distant
spirit of white soldiers was converted into the warm and close
admiration of comradeship. The most sanguine expectations and high
opinions of the advocates of Negro soldiers were more than realized,
while the prejudice of Negro haters was disarmed by the flinty logic
and imperishable glory of Negro soldiership.[100]

Every Department had its Negro troops by this time; and everywhere the
Negro was solving the problem of his military existence. At Port
Hudson in May, 1863, he proved himself worthy of his uniform and the
object of the most extravagant eulogies from the lips of men who were,
but a few months before the battle, opposed to Negro soldiers. Mention
has been made in another chapter of the Colored regiment raised in New
Orleans under General Butler. After remaining in camp from the 7th of
September, 1862, until May, 1863, they were quite efficient in the use
of their arms. The 1st Louisiana regiment was ordered to report to
General Dwight. The regiment was at Baton Rouge. Its commanding
officer, Colonel Stafford [white], was under arrest when the regiment
was about ready to go to the front.

The line officers assembled at his quarters to assure him that the
regiment would do its duty in the day of battle, and to tender their
regrets that he could not lead them on the field. At this moment the
color-guard marched up to receive the regimental flags. Colonel
Stafford stepped into his tent and returned with the flags. He made a
speech full of patriotism and feeling, and concluded by saying:
"_Color-guard, protect, defend, die for, but do not surrender these
flags!_" Sergeant Planciancois said: "Colonel, I will bring back these
colors to you in honor, or report to God the reason why!" Noble words
these, and brave! And no more fitting epitaph could mark the
resting-place of a h