was over
Gen. Smith went to thank them, and tell them he was proud of
their courage and dash. He says they cannot be exceeded as
soldiers, and that hereafter he will send them in a difficult
place as readily as the best white troops."[104]

The "Tribune" correspondent wrote on the day of the battle:

"The charge upon the advanced works was made in splendid style;
and as the 'dusky warriors' stood shouting upon the parapet, Gen.
Smith decided that 'they would do,' and sent word to storm the
first redoubt. Steadily these troops moved on, led by officers
whose unostentatious bravery is worthy of emulation. With a shout
and rousing cheers they dashed at the redoubt. Grape and canister
were hurled at them by the infuriated rebels. They grinned and
pushed on, and with a yell that told the Southern chivalry their
doom, rolled irresistibly over and into the work. The guns were
speedily turned upon those of our 'misguided brethren,' who
forgot that discretion was the better part of valor. Another
redoubt was carried in the same splendid style, and the negroes
have established a reputation that they will surely maintain.

"Officers on Gen. Hancock's staff, as they rode by the redoubt,
surrounded by a moat with water in it, over which these negroes
charged, admitted that its capture was a most gallant affair. The
negroes bear their wounds quite as pluckily as the white
soldiers."

Here the Colored Troops remained, skirmishing, fighting, building
earthworks, and making ready for the next assault upon Petersburg,
which was to take place on the 30th proximo. In the actions of the
18th, 21st, 23d, 24th, 25th, and 28th of June, the Colored Troops had
shared a distinguished part. The following letter on the conduct of
the Colored Troops before Petersburg, written by an officer who
participated in all the actions around that city, is worth its space
it gold:

"IN THE FIELD, NEAR PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA, }
"June 27, 1864. }

"The problem is solved. The negro is a man, a soldier, a hero.
Knowing of your laudable interest in the colored troops, but
particularly those raised under the immediate auspices of the
Supervisory Committee, I have thought it proper that I should
let you know how they acquitted themselves in the late actio