ons of this character, the history of this day proves
conclusively to those who were in a condition to observe the
conduct of these regiments, that the Government will find in this
class of troops effective supporters and defenders.

"The severe test to which they were subjected, and the determined
manner in which they encountered the enemy, leave upon my mind no
doubt of their ultimate success. They require only good officers,
commands of limited numbers, and careful discipline, to make them
excellent soldiers.

"Our losses from the 23d to this date, in killed, wounded, and
missing, are nearly 1,000, including, I deeply regret to say,
some of the ablest officers of the corps. I am unable yet to
report them in detail.

"I have the honor to be, with much respect

"Your obedient servant,
"N. P. BANKS,
"_Major-General Commanding_."

The effect of this battle upon the country can scarcely be described.
Glowing accounts of the charge of the Black Regiments appeared in
nearly all the leading journals of the North. The hearts of orators
and poets were stirred to elegant utterance. The friends of the Negro
were encouraged, and their number multiplied. The Colored people
themselves were jubilant. Mr. George H. Boker, of Philadelphia, the
poet friend of the Negro, wrote the following elegant verses on the
gallant charge of the 1st Louisiana:

THE BLACK REGIMENT.

MAY 27, 1863.

BY GEORGE H. BOKER.

Dark as the clouds of even,
Ranked in the western heaven,
Waiting the breath that lifts
All the dread mass, and drifts
Tempest and falling brand
Over a ruined land;--
So still and orderly,
Arm to arm, knee to knee,
Waiting the great event,
Stands the black regiment.

Down the long dusky line
Teeth gleam and eyeballs shine;
And the bright bayonet,
Bristling and firmly set,
Flashed with a purpose grand,
Long ere the sharp command
Of the fierce rolling drum
Told them their time had come,
Told them what work was sent
For the black regiment.

"Now," the flag-sergeant cried,
"Though death and hell betide,
Let the whole nation see
If we are fit to be
Free in this land; or bound
Down, like the whining hound--
Bound with red stripes of pa